OF THE
AUGUST
24
2026
AWARDS 2026
6 2 0 2 S D R A W A R A B # on Road t g n i l r u B l e t o H Clayton
e i . r a e y e h t barof
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
SLÁINTE TO OUR SPONSORS Square BOTYA 2026_Brochure Covers_V2.indd 2
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
03 WELCOME 05 COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Maker’s Mark
07 WHISKEY BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Roe & Co
09 VISITOR
ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Excel Recruitment
11 INNOVATIVE BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Luxardo
13 BAR MANAGER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Aperol Spritz
14 GAIL COTTER
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
15 BEST LIVE
30 OUTSIDE SPACE
17 TRADITIONAL
31 47 BEST NEWCOMER TOURIST BAR OF THE YEAR 33 COCKTAIL
ENTERTAINMENT BAR
BAR OF THE YEAR
19 GASTRO BAR
OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Bunzl McLaughlin
21 BEST BAR TO
WATCH THE MATCH Sponsored by Sky Business
23 FIVE STAR HOTEL
BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by The London Essence Co.
25 HOTEL BAR OF
OF THE YEAR
BARTENDER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Edward Dillon
35 LATE BAR /
NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Red Bull
37 BEST
DESIGNED BAR / INSIDE SPACE Sponsored by Peroni
39 CITY BAR
OF THE YEAR
THE YEAR
Sponsored by Schweppes
BAR OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR
27 HOTEL COCKTAIL
41 BEST WINE BAR
Sponsored by Poachers Drinks
Sponsored by Classic Drinks
29 BAR FOOD
OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Coca-Cola
43 RESTAURANT BAR Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace
45 LOCAL BAR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Sullivan’s Brewing Company
49 CRAFT BAR OF
CONTENTS
02 MENU
THE YEAR
50 OUTSTANDING
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
51 PUB GROUP OF THE YEAR
52 STAFF
PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
53 PEOPLE’S
CHOICE AWARD
55 BAR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Square
56 SLÁINTE
TO OUR JUDGES
1
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
STARTER
MENU
Slow-Cooked Silverhill Duck Leg
with White and Flageolet Bean Salad, Caramelised Poached Pear, Truffle Custard (11)
MAIN COURSE Sirloin of Tipperary Beef
Served with Gratin Potato, Seasonal Vegetable Bundle & Crushed Black Peppercorn Sauce (7,9,11)
DESSERT Clayton Assiette
Mini Wexford Raspberry Crémeux, Glazed Key Lime Meringue Tartlet, Salted Caramel Chocolate Quenelle, Chocolate Soil (6a,7,8,11) Served with Tea & Coffee
DRINK SERVE STARTER DRINK Finlandia Vodka & Schweppes Tropical Soda
DESSERT DRINK
Tequila (provided by Diageo) & Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda
TABLE DRINKS
Peroni (provided by Richmond Marketing)
Thank you to Classic Drinks for providing all the wine and bubbly for tonight Allergen Index: 1. Crustaceans, 2. Mollusc, 3. Fish, 4. Peanuts, 5. Nuts: a) Almonds, b) Hazelnuts, c) Cashew Nuts, d) Pecan Nuts, e) Walnuts, f) Pistachio Nuts, 6. Gluten: a) Wheat, b) Rye, c) Oat, d) Barley, 7 Milk/Milk Products, 8. Soya, 9. Sulphur Dioxide, 10. Sesame Seeds, 11. Eggs, 12 Celery and Celeriac, 13. Mustard, 14. Lupin KITCHEN WORKS WITH ALL 14 ALLERGENS.
2
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
WELCOME
W
elcome to the 2026 Bar of the Year Awards, a night when we take the time to acknowledge the stars of Ireland’s licensed trade. Tonight’s winners have been carefully chosen by our judges for their innovation, expertise and dedication to the industry. Whether it’s a city bar, a traditional pub or a bar to kick back and enjoy a cocktail, we have selected the very best that Ireland has to offer. The Bar of the Year Awards give publicans an opportunity to showcase their achievements over the past few years. They serve as a reminder to the rest of the hospitality industry what the Irish pub stands for – a warm welcome,
a good pint and the highest level of hospitality. This event also acknowledges the team members that work in Ireland’s bars and pubs and the excellent service they provide to customers every day, helping to raise the profile of Ireland’s licensed trade. All of us at Ashville Media Group wish you the very best of luck. Here’s to a fantastic night and we look forward to seeing you next year! Denise Maguire Editor, Licensing World
3
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Congratulations to ALL Nominees who MADE THEIR MARK in 2026 in the Cocktail Bar of the Year Category
Celebrate with the Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned Ingredients ® Method ®
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL CO. DUBLIN
CASK CO. CORK
THE CELLAR BAR, THE MERRION HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
DWYERS OF CORK CO. CORK
THE COLLINS CLUB THE LEINSTER CO. DUBLIN
HARRY BURKES CARLOW CO. CARLOW HOUSE LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
THE OLD QUARTER PUB & TOWNHOUSE CO. LIMERICK
MCSORLEY’S KILKENNY CO. KILKENNY
THE SACKVILLE LOUNGE CO. DUBLIN
NOLITA CO. DUBLIN
THE TERRACE CO. CARLOW
PALADAR CO. CORK
UPSTAIRS CO. CORK
COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR
BAR 1661 CO. DUBLIN
PIG’S LANE CO. KERRY
SPONSORED BY
5
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
COPPER COAST INN CO. WATERFORD
TAYLOR’S BAR & BEER GARDEN CO. GALWAY
KYTELERS INN CO. KILKENNY
THE 1757 BAR AT THE MANOR HOUSE, MOUNT JULIET CO. KILKENNY
MCSWIGGANS GALWAY CO. GALWAY MOTHER MACS PUBLIC HOUSE CO. LIMERICK
THE HORSESHOE BAR CO. DUBLIN
PIG’S LANE CO. KERRY
THE KINGS HEAD CO. GALWAY
PRINCE OF WALES ASHFORD CASTLE CO. MAYO REVOLUTION CRAFT BEER & WHISKEY BAR CO. WATERFORD
THE OLD TOWN WHISKEY BAR AT BODEGA CO. CORK
WHISKEY BAR OF THE YEAR
SONNY MOLLOY’S IRISH WHISKEY BAR CO. GALWAY
37 DAWSON STREET CO. DUBLIN
THE SKEFF LATE BAR & KITCHEN CO. GALWAY
SPONSORED BY
7
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YOUR COMPLETE YOUR COMPLETE
HOSPITA HOSPITALITY H OSPIT TA AL LITY IT TY YR RECRUITMENT ECRUITMENT & TRA TRAINING R INING PARTNER RA Whether you need exceptional people or industry-leading training, Excel Recruitment has every aspect of your hospitality business covered.
HOSPITALITY RECRUITMENT EXPERTS Over 20 years of experience delivering temporary & permanent recruitment solutions across all levels of: Bar Staff Event Staff Wait Staff Chefs Baristas Management Business Support
TRAINING SOLUTIONS Bar Skills Training Barista Training Food Safety Level 2 Manual Handling Waiter & Silver Service Delivered through our specialist academies. training acad demies.
FIND OUT MORE
Looking for hospitality staff or training? Get in touch touch. Jennifer Maher Director of Hospitality
01 871 7676
Excel Recruitment_Bar of the Year Awards Brochure Square BOTYA 2026_Brochure Pages_V6.indd 8 2026.indd 1
jennifer@excelrecruitment.com
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
SIN É CO. CORK
CELTIC NIGHTS AT THE ARLINGTON HOTEL CO. DUBLIN
SOPHIE’S CORK CO. CORK
DURTY NELLYS CO. CLARE FRANCISCAN WELL BREWPUB CO. CORK NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO RISING SONS BREWERY CO. CORK
THE MUTTON LANE INN CO. CORK THE PADDOCKS CO. DUBLIN TREATY CITY BREWERY CO. LIMERICK
VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
AN POITIN STIL CO. DUBLIN
SPONSORED BY
9
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
OLD BRENNANS CO. CORK
BOTANIC DUBLIN CO. DUBLIN
PIG’S LANE CO. KERRY
CASK CO. CORK
RASCALS BREWING COMPANY CO. DUBLIN
CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE
SEVENTY SEVEN CO. CORK
FLIGHT CLUB CO. DUBLIN
THE COLLINS CLUB THE LEINSTER CO. DUBLIN
LOCK 13 BREWPUB CO. KILDARE
THE DEW DROP INN & BREWHOUSE CO. KILDARE
MO CHARA CO. LOUTH MOTHER MACS PUBLIC HOUSE CO. LIMERICK
THE OLD QUARTER PUB & TOWNHOUSE CO. LIMERICK
INNOVATIVE BAR OF THE YEAR
BAR 1661 CO. DUBLIN
NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO
SPONSORED BY
11
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OF THE
JUDY WILKINS THE PAVILION/ INTERMISSION LOUNGE/ RISING SONS BREWERY/ THE PARK BAR CO. CORK
COLM SHEARMAN DURTY NELLYS CO. CLARE
KAJA TOMCZAK THE LIBERTY BAR X RESISTANCE COCKTAIL BAR AND O’ SÚILLEABHÁIN PUB CO. CORK
DAVE MCCORMACK MCSORLEY’S KILKENNY CO. KILKENNY DAVID BARRY CRANE LANE THEATRE CO. CORK
KASSIE CONNEELY DISNDAT CO. DUBLIN
DYLAN NAUGHTON THE OLD QUARTER PUB & TOWNHOUSE, CO. LIMERICK
KATELIN VAUGHAN MONKS BALLYVAUGHAN CO. CLARE
JAREK PADUCH MOODY CAFE VIN CO. CORK
MARTY MCKAY DONNELLYS OF BARNA CO. GALWAY
JIM GORDON REVOLUTION CRAFT BEER & WHISKEY BAR CO. WATERFORD
MICHAEL BRADLEY THE THOLSEL BAR CO. KILKENNY
JOE O’CALLAGHAN TOM SHERIDAN’S BAR & RESTAURANT CO. GALWAY
AWARDS 2026
BAR MANAGER OF THE YEAR
CAROLINE KELLY SILKEN THOMAS CO. KILDARE
OISIN KELLY THE SIDECAR, THE WESTBURY CO. DUBLIN SAMANTHA BRAUER R.I.O.T. CO. DUBLIN
SPONSORED BY
13
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
GAIL COTTER SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
VIVIAN CARROLL JUDGE ROY BEANS REST IN PEACE
14
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
McHUGHS BAR CO. LEITRIM
BACKSTAGE BAR GLENEAGLE CO. KERRY
SEVENTY SEVEN CO. CORK
CANTY’S BAR CO. CORK CASEY’S BAR AND RESTAURANT CO. CORK CRANE LANE THEATRE CO. CORK CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE DINN RÍ BAR CO. CARLOW DISNDAT CO. DUBLIN
THE AULD DUBLINER CO. DUBLIN THE BARRACKS BAR CO. CARLOW THE CREAMERY PUB AND FOOD BARN CO. CLARE THE KINGS HEAD CO. GALWAY THE LANDMARK CO. DUBLIN THE OLD QUARTER PUB & TOWNHOUSE CO. LIMERICK
BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BAR
4 DAME LANE CO. DUBLIN
15
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Advertiswieth us Trish Murphy, Sales & Sponsorship Director, Ashville Media Group +353 (1) 432 2231 +353 (0)86 837 9246 Trish.Murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com
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AWARDS 2026
BLAIR’S BAR CO. CLARE
PEADARS BAR MOATE CO. WESTMEATH
COSTIGAN’S PUB CO. CORK
PEGGYS BAR CO. GALWAY
FORTY FOUR MAIN STREET CO. DUBLIN
THE CREAMERY PUB AND FOOD BARN CO. CLARE
GERTIE BROWNES BAR AND BISTRO CO. WESTMEATH
THE HAIRY LEMON CO. DUBLIN
KEHOES CO. DUBLIN
THE LOCKE BAR CO. LIMERICK
M FITZGERALD’S CO. GALWAY
THE MAKE & MARK CO. LAOIS
MOTHER MACS PUBLIC HOUSE CO. LIMERICK
THE PORTER HOUSE WESTPORT CO. MAYO
MURPHY’S BAR CO. GALWAY
THE STAGS HEAD CO. DUBLIN
TRADITIONAL BAR OF THE YEAR
6 11:54
OF THE
17
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RAISING THE
BAR
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E B E ST G AST R O BA R We are proud to sponsor the Gastro Bar of the Year award at this year’s Bar of the Year Awards. Congratulations to all the finalists for your outstanding commitment to hospitality excellence, innovation and unforgettable guest experiences.
We wish you the very best of luck PROUD SPONSORS OF G AST R O BA R O F T H E Y E A R
Shop online at www.bunzlmclaughlin.com
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO
BOBBY BYRNES GASTRO BAR CO. LIMERICK
THE BRASS FOX CO. WICKLOW
BRICKYARD DUNDRUM CO. DUBLIN
THE CREAMERY PUB AND FOOD BARN CO. CLARE
GERTIE BROWNES BAR AND BISTRO CO. WESTMEATH
THE DEW DROP INN & BREWHOUSE CO. KILDARE
LEFT BANK CO. KILKENNY
THE EAGLE GLASTHULE CO. DUBLIN
LOCK 13 BREWPUB CO. KILDARE
THE KINGS HEAD CO. GALWAY
MIKEY RYAN’S BAR & KITCHEN, CASHEL PALACE CO. TIPPERARY
GASTRO BAR OF THE YEAR
ARTHUR MAYNES PHARMACY CO. CORK
THE OLD SPOT CO. DUBLIN THE QUEENS DALKEY CO. DUBLIN
MJ O’CONNOR CO. LEITRIM
SPONSORED BY
19
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
SOUTHS PUB CO. LIMERICK
HENEHANS VENUE CO. MAYO
TAYLOR’S BAR & BEER GARDEN CO. GALWAY
McHUGHS BAR CO. LEITRIM
THE BATH PUB CO. DUBLIN
MCCAFFERTY’S AT THE BARGE CO. DUBLIN
THE CENTRAL - MRS. O’s, BALBRIGGAN CO. DUBLIN
O’CONNELL’S BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY PADDY MACS CO. MAYO
THE CREAMERY PUB AND FOOD BARN CO. CLARE
PEADARS BAR MOATE CO. WESTMEATH
THE HIDEOUT KILCULLEN CO. KILDARE
RISING SONS BREWERY CO. CORK
WOOLSHED BAA & GRILL CORK CO. CORK
SLATTERY’S OF BEGGARS BUSH CO. DUBLIN
BEST BAR TO WATCH THE MATCH
AN PUCAN CO. GALWAY
SPONSORED BY
21
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#2
BEST SELLING
#2
TOP TRENDING
London BOTYA Essence_Bar of the YearPages_V6.indd Awards Brochure Square 2026_Brochure 222026.indd 1
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
THE GUINNESS BAR AT CASHEL PALACE CO. TIPPERARY
NO. 23 COCKTAIL BAR THE MERRION HOTEL DUBLIN, CO. DUBLIN
THE LOUNGE AT FITZWILLIAM HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
NO. 27 BAR & LOUNGE SHELBOURNE HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
THE MINT BAR THE COLLEGE GREEN HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
PRINCE OF WALES ASHFORD CASTLE, CO. MAYO
THE ROOFTOP BAR & TERRACE MARKER HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
THE 1757 BAR AT THE MANOR HOUSE MOUNT JULIET, CO. KILKENNY
THE SAVOY BAR AT THE SAVOY HOTEL, CO. LIMERICK
THE CELLAR BAR THE MERRION HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
THE SIDECAR THE WESTBURY, CO. DUBLIN
FIVE STAR HOTEL BAR OF THE YEAR
LEMUEL’S AT CONRAD DUBLIN, CO. DUBLIN
SPONSORED BY
23
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Hotel
Entries 26*01:*27
Open : : Date
Venue
Entry Deadline
The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway
28*08*26
visit www.goldmedal.ie #GMA2026
For more information visit: www.goldmedal.ie or contact Jill Thornton, Senior Event Manager Phone: 01 640 1700 | Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Limited number of Category Sponsorships remaining, for more information contact Trish Murphy, Sponsorship Director Phone: 086 837 9246 | Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
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AWARDS 2026
CAFÉ DU PARC CO. KERRY
MCGRORY’S HOTEL CO. DONEGAL
CASK CO. CORK
NORTH AT THE ADDRESS CONNOLLY CO. DUBLIN
CLASH BAR & BITES CO. DUBLIN DUNES PUB & BISTRO AT INCHYDONEY ISLAND LODGE & SPA CO. CORK FITZGERALD’S BAR AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL CO. CORK HYDE BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY LENA’S ROOFTOP BAR AND RESTAURANT, RADISSON RED CO. GALWAY
NORTH AT THE ADDRESS CORK CO. CORK THE BLUE HAVEN CO. CORK THE CONNACHT HOTEL CO. GALWAY THE GRACIE BLUE @ THE SCHULL HARBOUR HOTEL CO. CORK
HOTEL BAR OF THE YEAR
2026 09:56
OF THE
THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN THE OLD LODGE GASTRO PUB AT SHANNON SPRINGS HOTEL CO. CLARE VOCO THE CLUB CO. KILDARE
25
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OF THE
CASK CO. CORK
THE HOXTON CO. DUBLIN
FITZGERALD’S BAR AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL CO. CORK
THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN THE MINT BAR THE COLLEGE GREEN HOTEL CO. DUBLIN
HYDE BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY NO.27 BAR & LOUNGE SHELBOURNE HOTEL CO. DUBLIN PEN & PLAYER COCKTAIL BAR THE GREEN HOTEL CO. DUBLIN
THE RESIDENTS COCKTAIL BAR CASHEL PALACE CO. TIPPERARY
SOPHIE’S CORK CO. CORK
THE SAVOY BAR AT THE SAVOY HOTEL CO. LIMERICK THE SIDECAR THE WESTBURY CO. DUBLIN
THE CELLAR BAR THE MERRION HOTEL, CO. DUBLIN
VINCENZO BAR AT THE GEORGE HOTEL CO. LIMERICK
AWARDS 2026
HOTEL COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR
THE COLLINS CLUB THE LEINSTER CO. DUBLIN
CAFÉ DU PARC CO. KERRY
SPONSORED BY
27
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
THE BLUE HAVEN CO. CORK
DONNELLYS OF BARNA CO. GALWAY
THE GRACIE BLUE @ THE SCHULL HARBOUR HOTEL CO. CORK
HOLE IN THE WALL BAR CO. GALWAY JUDGE ROY BEANS CO. KILDARE MCGOWANS OF PHIBSBORO CO. DUBLIN PALADAR CO. CORK
THE KENMARE ROOMS AT KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL CO. KERRY THE MONKS WELL CO. CLARE THE TOP HOUSE CO. LIMERICK
THE BAILEY BAR & EATERY ENNISCORTHY CO. WEXFORD
THE WHITE HOUSE CO. CORK
THE BARREL AND CASTLE CO. MAYO
TOWN LEIXLIP CO. KILDARE
BAR FOOD OF THE YEAR
BLAKE’S BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY
THE BLACK DOG CO. CORK SPONSORED BY
29
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
OUTSIDE SPACE OF THE YEAR
AN POITIN STIL CO. LEITRIM
MONKS BALLYVAUGHAN CO. CLARE
CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE
O’CONNELL’S BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY
HENEHANS VENUE CO. MAYO
OPIUM CO. DUBLIN
HOUSE DUBLIN CO. DUBLIN
PEADARS BAR MOATE CO. WESTMEATH
MADDENS BRIDGE BAR & RESTAURANT CO. DONEGAL
THE BARREL AND CASTLE CO. MAYO
MARY MULLENS CO. GALWAY McHUGHS BAR CO. LEITRIM MCSORLEY’S KILKENNY CO. KILKENNY
THE GLASSHOUSE CO. DUBLIN THE MONKS WELL CO. CLARE THE TERRACE CO. CARLOW
30
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
FORDES COURTYARD CO. LIMERICK HENEHANS VENUE CO. MAYO M J WRIGHT PUB CO. DUBLIN MCSORLEY’S KILKENNY CO. KILKENNY MONROE HOLYWOOD CO. DOWN Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN CO. CORK RYAN’S PUB DUBLIN AIRPORT CO. DUBLIN
SOUL CO. CORK THE ANVIL CO. DUBLIN THE FOUNTAIN BAR CO. CORK THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN
BEST NEWCOMER
CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE
THE SACKVILLE LOUNGE CO. DUBLIN THE STAPLETON CO. DUBLIN THE THOLSEL BAR CO. KILKENNY
31
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Congratulations to every finalist at this year’s Bar of the Year Awards. For over 150 years, Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd has been proud to support the people and venues that make Irish hospitality exceptional.
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
HARRY BROADHURST CASK CO. CORK
AUSRINE KIKILYTE PIGS LANE CO. KERRY
MAROJE MILOSEVIC THE SIDECAR, THE WESTBURY CO. DUBLIN
DANIEL CHELSAU ELY WINE BAR CO. DUBLIN
SIMONE SPADA COLLINS CLUB CO. DUBLIN
DARRAGH BOYLAN HAWKSMOOR CO. DUBLIN
STEFI FLETCHER BAR 1661 CO. DUBLIN
DEAN PHELAN BAR 1661 CO. DUBLIN
COCKTAIL BARTENDER OF THE YEAR
AKRAM BENDJEDDOU PALADAR CO. CORK
SPONSORED BY
33
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CRAIC TURNED UP TO NINETY?
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AWARDS 2026
101 LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
NOLITA CO. DUBLIN
37 DAWSON STREET CO. DUBLIN
R.I.O.T. CO. DUBLIN
4 DAME LANE CO. DUBLIN
REARDENS CO. CORK
BAD BOBS TEMPLE BAR CO. DUBLIN
SEVENTY SEVEN CO. CORK
BRUXELLES CO. DUBLIN
THE BARREL AND CASTLE CO. MAYO
CRANE LANE THEATRE CO. CORK
THE FOUNDRY CARLOW CO. CARLOW
ELECTRIC GALWAY CO. GALWAY
THE FRONT DOOR PUB CO. GALWAY
HOUSE LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
THE GEORGE CO. DUBLIN
LATE BAR/NIGHTCLUB OF THE YEAR
16:30
OF THE
SPONSORED BY
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CHOOSE A BEER LIKE NO OTHER
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OF THE
PIG’S LANE CO. KERRY
CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE
SEVENTY SEVEN CO. CORK
FITZGERALD’S BAR AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL CO. CORK
SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL CO. DUBLIN
FLIGHT CLUB CO. DUBLIN
STELLA COCKTAIL CLUB CO. DUBLIN
GERTIE BROWNES BAR AND BISTRO CO. WESTMEATH
THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN
HARRY BURKES CARLOW CO. CARLOW
THE OVAL BAR CO. CORK
LA MAISON CO. DUBLIN
VI’S RESTAURANT AT LAWLOR’S OF NAAS CO. KILDARE
MACNEILLS PUB CO. GALWAY
AWARDS 2026
BEST DESIGNED BAR/INSIDE SPACE
OLD FASHIONED SAM’S CO. DUBLIN
CASEY’S BAR AND RESTAURANT CO. CORK
SPONSORED BY
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OF THE
THE KINGS HEAD CO. GALWAY
CAFÉ EN SEINE CO. DUBLIN
THE LANDMARK CO. DUBLIN
DISNDAT CO. DUBLIN
THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN
HOUSE LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
THE MUTTON LANE INN CO. CORK
LEFT BANK CO. KILKENNY
THE NORSEMAN CO. DUBLIN
NOLITA CO. DUBLIN
THE OLIVER PLUNKETT CO. CORK
R.I.O.T. CO. DUBLIN
THE OVAL BAR CO. CORK
THE FRONT DOOR PUB CO. GALWAY
THE STAGS HEAD CO. DUBLIN
AWARDS 2026
CITY BAR OF THE YEAR
4 DAME LANE CO. DUBLIN
SPONSORED BY
39
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Proud sponsors of
Of The Year
2026
Wine Bar
visit order.classicdrinks.com 021 451 0066 Classic Drinks_Bar of the Year Awards Brochure 2026.indd 1 Square BOTYA 2026_Brochure Pages_V6.indd 40
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
OLD BRENNANS CO. CORK
ELY WINE BAR CO. DUBLIN
OLD TOWN WINE BAR CO. DUBLIN
FIRE STEAKHOUSE & BAR CO. DUBLIN
SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL CO. DUBLIN
FLANNERYS BISTRO CO. MAYO
THE GRAYSON CO. DUBLIN
MADDENS BRIDGE BAR & RESTAURANT CO. DONEGAL
THE OLD SPOT CO. DUBLIN
MOODY CAFE VIN CO. CORK NOLITA CO. DUBLIN
THE SAVOY BAR AT THE SAVOY HOTEL CO. LIMERICK
BEST WINE BAR OF THE YEAR
ARTHUR MAYNES PHARMACY CO. CORK
SPONSORED BY
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
O’SHEAS CORNER CO. WICKLOW
DOOLALLY CO. DUBLIN
SOLE SEAFOOD & GRILL CO. DUBLIN
FLANNERYS BISTRO CO. MAYO
SOUL CO. CORK
HOUSE DUBLIN CO. DUBLIN
THE BROOKLYN CO. DUBLIN
HOUSE LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
THE GABLES FOXROCK CO. DUBLIN
LA MAISON CO. DUBLIN
THE GRAYSON CO. DUBLIN
MAMA YO CO. DUBLIN
THE MERCANTILE CO. DUBLIN
MCSWIGGANS GALWAY CO. GALWAY
RESTAURANT BAR OF THE YEAR
MOODY CAFE VIN CO. CORK
DÍON DUBLIN RESTAURANT & BAR CO. DUBLIN
SPONSORED BY
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#FamBiz26
The Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath 5 November
Deadline to Enter Friday 11 September
ENTER NOW
“Launched in 2019, The Irish Family Business Awards showcases the best of Irish family businesses throughout Ireland. From SME to multinational, every family business starts with the investment of a family who has a passion for delivering quality products and services to their communities.”
familybusinessawards.ie Proudly sponsored by
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2026 16:02
AWARDS 2026
BOBBY BYRNES GASTRO BAR CO. LIMERICK
PEADARS BAR MOATE CO. WESTMEATH
BRICKYARD DUNDRUM CO. DUBLIN
PEGGYS BAR CO. GALWAY
CASEY’S BAR AND RESTAURANT CO. CORK
RASCALS BREWING COMPANY CO. DUBLIN
DEERY’S BAR & LOUNGE CO. MONAGHAN
THE BAILEY BAR & EATERY ENNISCORTHY CO. WEXFORD
DONNELLYS OF BARNA CO. GALWAY
THE BATH PUB CO. DUBLIN
MJ O’CONNOR CO. LEITRIM
THE EAGLE GLASTHULE CO. DUBLIN
MO CHARA CO. LOUTH
THE LAURELS CLONDALKIN CO. DUBLIN
LOCAL BAR OF THE YEAR
s
OF THE
MOLLOY’S PUB AND EARLY HOUSE CO. DUBLIN
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AWARDS 2026
AN PUCAN CO. GALWAY
THE BRAZEN HEAD CO. DUBLIN
BAR 1661 CO. DUBLIN
THE KILLARNEY GRAND CO. KERRY
CRUISES BAR ENNIS CO. CLARE
THE LANDMARK CO. DUBLIN
GERTIE BROWNES BAR AND BISTRO CO. WESTMEATH
THE LOCKE BAR CO. LIMERICK
NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO
THE PORTER HOUSE WESTPORT CO. MAYO
O’CONNELL’S BAR GALWAY CO. GALWAY
THE QUAY’S, TEMPLE BAR CO. DUBLIN
PEADARS BAR MOATE CO. WESTMEATH
THE STAGS HEAD CO. DUBLIN
TOURIST BAR OF THE YEAR
16:21
OF THE
SIN É CO. CORK
SPONSORED BY
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
RASCALS BREWING COMPANY CO. DUBLIN
FRANCISCAN WELL BREWPUB CO. CORK
REVOLUTION CRAFT BEER & WHISKEY BAR CO. WATERFORD
HARTES OF KILDARE CO. KILDARE LOCK 13 BREWPUB CO. KILDARE MO CHARA CO. LOUTH MOTHER MACS PUBLIC HOUSE CO. LIMERICK
RISING SONS BREWERY CO. CORK THE DEW DROP INN & BREWHOUSE CO. KILDARE TREATY CITY BREWERY CO. LIMERICK
CRAFT BAR OF THE YEAR
BRICKYARD DUNDRUM CO. DUBLIN
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
37 DAWSON STREET CO. DUBLIN
LOCK 13 BREWPUB CO. KILDARE
ARCADIA CO. DUBLIN
MOODY CAFE VIN CO. CORK
BAR SQUARE & TIME SQUARE NIGHT CLUB CO. MAYO
NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO
BLAIR’S BAR CO. CLARE COLLINS BAR DOORADOYLE CO. LIMERICK GEARY’S BAR CHARLEVILLE CO. CORK HOLE IN THE WALL BAR CO. GALWAY HOUSE LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
PARTERRE AT THE JOHNSTOWN ESTATE CO. MEATH THE CREAMERY PUB AND FOOD BARN CO. CLARE THE DEW DROP INN & BREWHOUSE CO. KILDARE THE GEORGE CO. DUBLIN THE MAKE & MARK CO. LAOIS
50
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
CORK HERITAGE PUBS DWYERS OF CORK ECLECTIVE HOSPITALITY GROUP FITZGERALDS GROUP LEONARD CATERING LTD LOYOLA GROUP MCCAFFERTY’S AT THE BARGE
MCGOWANS GROUP NHANCE GROUP RESISTANCE VENTURES LIMITED RHK BARS THE FRONT DOOR PUB GROUP THE KINSALE COLLECTIVE THE MERCANTILE GROUP THE WRIGHT GROUP WEST COAST HOSPITALITY
PUB GROUP OF THE YEAR
CONNACHT HOSPITALITY GROUP
51
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
STAFF PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
101 LIMERICK CO. LIMERICK
OLD BRENNANS CO. CORK
37 DAWSON STREET CO. DUBLIN
ROWLEYS GASTRO BAR CUSACKS HOTEL CO. MEATH
BLAIR’S BAR CO. CLARE CARROLL’S BAR CO. GALWAY
SOHO BAR VENUE & SPACE CO. DUBLIN
DONNELLYS OF BARNA CO. GALWAY
THE 1757 BAR AT THE MANOR HOUSE MOUNT JULIET CO. KILKENNY
FORDES COURTYARD CO. LIMERICK
THE HUDDLE BAR CO. KERRY
HOLE IN THE WALL BAR CO. GALWAY
THE LOUNGE AT FITZWILLIAM HOTEL CO. DUBLIN
MJ O’CONNOR CO. LEITRIM NEVINS NEWFIELD INN CO. MAYO
THE PORTER HOUSE WESTPORT CO. MAYO
52
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OF THE
The People’s Choice winner is a bar that has received the most votes across all the provinces.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
T
he People’s Choice Award recognises the most popular bars in Ireland as voted for by the public.All finalists were voted for regionally across Dublin, Leinster, Munster, Connacht/Ulster and we will announce the regional winners throughout the night, with the overall winner announced later in the evening.
AWARDS 2026
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
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OF THE
T
AWARDS 2026
he Bar of the Year is chosen by the judging panel from a review of this year’s Category winners.
SPONSORED BY
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OF THE
AWARDS 2026
SLÁINTE TO OUR JUDGES
F
rom all of us here at the Bar of the Year Awards, we would like to extend a huge thank you to our judging panel that took time out of their busy schedules to help make these awards possible. They meticulously reviewed every entry, site inspected every property, and discussed in incredible detail each and every entrant. They undertook the near impossible task of cutting down the list to our current finalists and, indeed, choosing our winners which, as you can imagine, was no easy job and wasn’t go without a few heated debates!
ALI DUNWORTH Food, Drink & Travel Journalist
COLIN GILLIGAN Lecturer in Hospitality ATU
DR JOHN CARTY
LAURENCE ROGERS Senior Recruitment Consultant at Excel Recruitment
MARIA MURPHY
Lecturer at the Galway International Hotel School, ATU
Lecturer & Researcher, Galway International Hotel School, ATU
MIKE HUSSEY
JIM DEMPSEY
Owner of Gallaghers Cork
Founder, Managing Director, Lead Guide
JOHN RANDLES
Senior Manager Bord Bia
NOREEN GANNON Owner of Moody Cafe Vin Cork
Marketing Manager at Master Chefs Hospitality
OISIN DAVIS
KAREN MURPHY
PATRICK MCARDLE
Director of Great Irish Beverages
Co-founder, Ember Irish Whiskey, and Consultant
Food and Beverage Consultant
KARL FLOOD
Head of Sales & Marketing, Newpark Hotel
Sovereign Brands Brand Ambassador, Ireland
KEITH McGANN
Business Support Manager Q Cafe, former General Manager in several licensed properties
PHILIP KELLY
SHARON O’DONOGHUE
Managing Director, Media Life
WILL LYNCH
Luxury Spirits Ambassador For Diageo
56
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OF THE
AUGUST
24
OF THE
AWARDS 2026
E C N E I R E P EX NG 2026 AWARDS
2026
I T S A T GE A L VIL
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Advertiswieth us To get your message in front of the hospitality sector, please contact
Trish Murphy, Sales & Sponsorship Director, Ashville Media Group +353 (1) 432 2231 +353 (0)86 837 9246 Trish.Murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com
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