The best bars and pubs in Ireland have been revealed

The best bars and pubs in Ireland have been announced and they include something for everybody from cosy local pubs to fancy cocktail bars.

The winners were revealed at the 12th annual Sky Bar of the Year ceremony – which acknowledges outstanding work in the Irish licensed trade.

The winner of the big prize – the overall best bar – wasn’t actually from the capital but was situated in Kilkenny, just a short walk from the castle.

The Left Bank Bar was given the prestigious honour thanks to its winning combination of being located in the purpose designed former Bank of Ireland HQ, the luxurious interior and the quality food and drinks on offer as well as the lively atmosphere and regular events.

Dublin needn’t be too disappointed though as it provided several winners on the night including the best city bar, best contemporary bar, best craft beer bar, best gastro bar food, best nightclub, best local bar, best restaurant bar and best traditional bar.

The best live entertainment can be found at the Quays in Galway.

The winners were announced at a black-tie event hosted by Newstalk’s Tom Dunne in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.

There were hundreds of nominations across 25 categories so the winners really had to go the extra mile.

David Rey, Managing Director of Sky Business, said: “These days the perfect pint does not the bar make, it is a multitude of things from ambience, customer service, to the overall experience.

“The diversity of categories and the quality of nominations received this year highlights that the licensing trade is thriving in Ireland, with no shortage of fantastic venues to enjoy the perfect tipple.

“We’re delighted to be once again sponsoring the Sky Bar of the Year Awards and rewarding the people that are making the Irish bar industry such a success.

“Great venues are supported by hard-working and innovative individuals and it’s important to take the time to recognise their efforts in helping the on-trade to flourish.”

“A big congratulations to all the finalists.”

Here is a list of all the winners

Bar Food: Weavers Bar & Venue Drogheda, Co Louth
Best Bar to Watch the Match: Woolshed Bar & Grill, Cork
Best Designed / Inside Space: Left Bank, Kilkenny
City Bar: P.Mac’s, Dublin
Cocktail Bar: Cask. Cork
Contemporary Bar: Blackbird, Dublin
Craft Beer Bar: P.Macs, Dublin
Gastro Bar Food: The Chop House, Dublin
Gin Bar: Tribeton, Galway
Hotel Bar: Panorama Bistro & Terrace @ The Montenotte Hotel, Cork
5* Hotel Bar: The Sidecar @ The Westbury Hotel, Dublin
Late Bar/ Nightclub: Highline @ Sophie’s, Dublin
Live Entertainment Venue: The Quays, Galway
Local Bar: The Penny Hill, Dublin
Newcomer: Warehouse Bar & Kitchen, Letterkenny, Donegal
Outside Space: Filthy McNastys, Belfast, Antrim
Outstanding Customer Service: The Oarsman, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim
Restaurant Bar: Candlelight Bar @ Siam Thai Restaurant, Dublin
Tourist Bar: Fitzpatrick’s Bar and Restaurant, Dundalk, Co Louth
Traditional Bar: Kehoe’s, Dublin
Whiskey Bar: Revolution Craft Bar, Waterford
Bar Manager: Tony Newell – Clayton Hotel Galway
Staff Personality: Elizabeth Brown, The Draft House Pub, Strandhill, Sligo
Judges Choice: Caribou, Galway
Bushmills Cocktail Bartender: Luke O’Meara – The Liquor Rooms, Dublin
Southern Comfort People’s Choice: Dublin – Molloy’s Bar & Grill, (Public Vote) Dublin
Southern Comfort People’s Choice: Leinster – Langtons House Hotel, (Public Vote) Kilkenny
Southern Comfort People’s Choice: Munster – JJ Coppingers (Public Vote) Midleton, Co Cork
Southern Comfort People’s Choice: Connacht / Ulster – An Púcán, Galway (Public Vote)
Overall Southern Comfort People’s Choice: An Púcán, Galway (Public Vote)
Overall Sky Bar of the Year: Left Bank, Kilkenny

The best bars and pubs in Ireland revealed at award ceremony

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