Ireland's Best Bars Revealed as 2026 The Square Bar of the Year Awards Finalists Announced

Leinster leads the nation with 182 finalist places as bars from every province prepare to compete for Ireland's most prestigious hospitality awards.

The prestigious awards celebrate excellence across Ireland's licensed trade, recognising outstanding bars, bartenders, hotel venues, hospitality teams and pub groups across more than 30 award categories. From traditional pubs and neighbourhood locals to internationally recognised five-star hotel bars, innovative cocktail venues and thriving gastropubs, this year's finalists showcase the very best of Irish hospitality.

With over 1000 entries, this year’s The Square Bar of the Year Awards has attracted more submissions than ever before, making the judges’ task incredibly challenging as the competition reached new heights. After thorough and intense deliberations, only the finest bars have earned their place as finalists. Following months of meticulous evaluation and an exhaustive search for the most outstanding venues, we are delighted to present the very best, the crème de la crème of the bar industry.

LOCAL BAR OF THE YEAR

Bobby Byrnes Gastro Bar, Co. Limerick
Brickyard Dundrum, Co. Dublin
Casey's Bar and Restaurant, Co. Cork
Deery's Bar & Lounge, Co. Monaghan
Donnellys of Barna, Co. Galway
MJ O'Connor, Co. Leitrim
mo chara, Co. Louth
Molloy's Pub and Early House, Co. Dublin
Peadars Bar Moate, Co. Westmeath
Peggys Bar, Co. Galway
Rascals Brewing Company, Co. Dublin
The Bailey Bar & Eatery, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
The Bath Pub, Co. Dublin
The Eagle Glasthule, Co. Dublin
The Laurels Clondalkin, Co. Dublin