For brothers Thomas and Patrick Walsh, the whiskey business is bringing new life to their family farm as the pair turn Larch Grove Farm in Carlow into the brand home for their whiskey brand.

The pair set up the Flying Tumbler whiskey business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was named after the iconic pigeon of the same name, known for its aerial acrobatics, adventurous spirit and ability to always return home.

With Thomas Walsh based in the US state of Massachusetts, the whiskey brand has a strong following in the US.

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Even though 2025 was a difficult year for the Irish whiskey market in the US, the pair say the brand is doing really well - having received critical acclaim in the ratings and is just outside the top 20 whiskey releases in 2025.

Now, with the help of LEADER funding, the pair are turning the family farm at Ballytarsna in Carlow into the maturation, blending, bottling and brand home for Flying Tumbler Irish Whiskey.

15 jobs

The pair have received €200,000 in funding from LEADER to convert farm buildings into appropriate storage facilities for the whiskey to mature.

In all, 15 jobs will be created at the site and works are set to be complete by September of this year.

Annette Fox, CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership said it has been a pleasure to work with the Flying Tumbler team.

“Their unique product, clear vision and strategic approach is matched only by their passion, enthusiasm and commitment to both their legacy and their future development.

“We are delighted that LEADER funding has enabled the Flying Tumbler to move forward on their journey locally, nationally and internationally,” she said.

“For us, Flying Tumbler Irish Whiskey was always about returning home. The farm at Larch Grove has been in our family for generations and we wanted to create a new farming future for generations to come,” Patrick said.