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Pig’s Lane in Killarney was named the overall Bar of the Year at this year’s Square Bar Of The Year Awards, taking several top honours at a ceremony in Dublin. The event at the Clayton Hotel — hosted by Anton Savage — attracted more than 1,000 entries across 31 categories covering the Republic and Northern Ireland.
A big night for Killarney
Pig’s Lane emerged as the evening’s standout, winning the overall prize plus awards for **Best Designed Bar/Inside Space** and **Best Cocktail Bar**. The multi-category success underlined the venue’s strong showing against a crowded field.
Dublin venues collected many of the remaining major prizes, but the top accolade ultimately went to the Kerry bar. The contrast highlighted the geographic spread of the country’s best drinking spots.
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Dublin highlights
Several high-profile Dublin addresses picked up gold. Among them were The Merrion Hotel (Five Star Hotel Bar), The Sackville Lounge (Best Newcomer) and Café en Seine, recognised as a leading city bar. Staff at Café en Seine thanked their customers and team for the support behind the win.
Other Dublin winners included Rascals Brewing Company (Craft Bar), The Old Spot (Gastro Bar), and The Collins Club at The Leinster (Hotel Cocktail Bar). Late-night and local categories went to The George and The Laurels Clondalkin respectively, while 37 Dawson Street was honoured for outstanding customer service.
Leinster, Connacht and Ulster winners
In Leinster, The Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse in Co. Kildare won Innovative Bar of the Year. Silken Thomas, also in Kildare, took the People’s Choice award for Leinster and was named the overall People’s Choice winner.
Across Connacht and Ulster, Galway venues collected several awards. Tom Sheridan’s Bar & Restaurant was linked with Joe O’Callaghan being named Bar Manager of the Year. The King’s Head earned Best Live Entertainment Bar, while Sonny Molloy’s Whiskey Bar won Whiskey Bar of the Year.
Further regional accolades included Maddens Bridge Bar & Restaurant in Donegal for Best Wine Bar, Henehans Venue in Mayo for Outside Space of the Year, and The Porter House in Westport for Staff Personality of the Year.
Munster spotlight
Aside from Pig’s Lane’s top honours, Munster winners featured prominently. Paladar in County Cork was named Bar of the Year for the county, while Woolshed Baa & Grill claimed Best Bar to Watch the Match. Akram Bendjeddou of Paladar was recognised as Bartender of the Year.
Tourist Bar of the Year went to Sin É in Cork, and the Cork Heritage Pubs group received Pub Group of the Year.
The Square Bar Of The Year Awards continue to spotlight a wide range of venues and operators across Ireland, celebrating design, hospitality, drinks craft and local atmosphere throughout the sector.
