One of the biggest attractions for tourists visiting Ireland is the experience of a traditional Irish pub.
Whether you are looking for a nice meal and quiet drink, a lively sing-song or a night on the dancefloor, you can bet that Ireland will have the right pub for you. Several pubs across the country were honoured at the Sky Bar of the Year Awards.
There were various awards handed out, with different pubs being recognised for excelling in their own aspect of what makes a great pub.
The winner of the prestigious Sky Bar of the Year was Bow Lane Social in Dublin.
They say on their website: “Our focus is on providing craft-made quality cocktails, unique and mainline beers and spirits along-side value menus of modern Irish dishes in the bar and the restaurant. Bow Lane is open every night until very late with class DJ’s playing cool tracks. Bow Lane does ‘sophistication in a gritty location’ so come on in to ‘Socialise, Imbibe, Eat’.”
Other winners this year included Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant in Louth who were awarded the Bar Food of the Year award.
The Best Bar to Watch the Match was named as The Living Room in Dublin. Zozimus Bar, also in Dublin, won the Best Newcomer Bar while the City Bar of the Year award was won by The Quays in Galway.
Other notable winners were Brewery Corner in Kilkenny who were named the Craft Beer Bar of the Year, the Local Bar of the Year was The Strand Tavern in Wexford and the famous Temple Bar in Dublin was named Tourist Bar of the Year.
Here are some of the other pubs that have received awards in previous years.
Bar Food of the Year – Brady’s of Shankill, Co Dublin
Customer reviews:
“Brady’s has a lot to offer a lot of people. Mickey Byrne’s is a nice, large bar. The lounge provides comfortable surroundings and a much-acclaimed carvery. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, Brady’s of Shankill in a well-rounded pub.” (Shane, Dublin)
“Very nice staff, great food and drink, plenty of space too. Recommended.” (Gerry, Bray)
“Went to Brady’s recently for Sunday lunch. First time there and initial impression was good. The layout and feel of the place was nice, the kind of pub I like for relaxed pints or food. Not too fussy, with a nice old feeling but not aged. The carvery was very good, food was tasty and hot while the portion/price was standard. The staff were friendly and the car park out the back is a plus too. Would definitely go again.” (Peter, Dublin)
Visit the website
Music Venue of the Year – The Porter House, Westport, Co Mayo
The Porter House has live music on every night with local musicians and singers performing traditional Irish music. Visit the website
Best Use of Social Media – An Púcán, Galway
An Púcán has more than 6,000 followers on Twitter and more than 37,000 likes on Facebook. They regualarly use the outlets to inform customers of upcoming events and offers and to support other businesses and organisations in their local community. Visit the website
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Cocktail Bar of the Year – Vintage Cocktail Club, Dublin
Vintage Cocktail Club describes itself as a throwback to the golden age of speakeasies, aviators and silent movie starlets. They offer an extensive range of cocktails and food making it the ideal venue for a catch up with friends and family. Visit the website
Tourist Bar of the Year – Mickey Finn’s Pub at the Wicklow Brewery, Wicklow
The pub is the ideal setting to relax and unwind after taking a tour of the brewery. It features several rooms with open fires and comfy seating. There are also Irish music and dancing performances and story telling evenings to keep customers entertained. Visit the website
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