Irish food and drink lovers have a new destination to add to their list, as Pig’s Lane in Killarney, County Kerry, has been named Overall Bar of the Year for 2026.
The Kerry venue claimed the top prize at The Square Bar of the Year Awards, beating more than 1,000 entries from across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Its success is a major moment for the local hospitality scene and a welcome spotlight on Killarney’s lively bar culture.
Pig’s Lane takes three major awards
The awards ceremony took place at the Clayton Hotel, with Anton Savage hosting the evening. Pig’s Lane enjoyed one of the standout performances of the night, winning the overall title alongside awards for Best Designed Bar/Inside Space and Best Cocktail Bar of the Year.
Known for its distinctive atmosphere and speakeasy-style setting, the Killarney venue impressed the judges across design, drinks and overall experience. Its wins underline the growing reputation of Kerry as a destination for memorable nights out, creative cocktails and quality hospitality.
For anyone researching places to eat Ireland or planning a trip through the Kingdom, Pig’s Lane now offers another compelling reason to explore Killarney’s food and drink scene. The town’s pubs, restaurants and bars are popular with both visitors to Killarney National Park and local residents.
Read more: Ireland’s food and hospitality scene
- Discover more Irish food news and dining stories at Daily Digest
- Explore the latest entertainment and lifestyle coverage at Media Digest
Dublin and regional venues also celebrate
Dublin once again collected a large share of the major honours. Café en Seine was named City Bar of the Year, while The Merrion Hotel won Five Star Hotel Bar of the Year and The Sackville Lounge took Best Newcomer.
Other Dublin winners included Rascals Brewing Company for Craft Bar of the Year, The Old Spot for Gastro Bar of the Year, The George for Late Bar/Nightclub of the Year and The Stag’s Head for Traditional Bar of the Year. SOLE Seafood & Grill was recognised in the Restaurant Bar category, while 37 Dawson Street won Outstanding Customer Service.
Across the regions, The Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse in Kildare won Innovative Bar of the Year. Silken Thomas, also in Kildare, received both the People’s Choice Leinster and People’s Choice Overall awards.
Galway venues performed strongly in Connacht and Ulster. Tom Sheridan’s Bar & Restaurant won for Bar Manager of the Year, The King’s Head was recognised for live entertainment and Sonny Molloy’s Whiskey Bar took the whiskey category. Donegal’s Maddens Bridge Bar & Restaurant won Best Wine Bar, while The Porter House in Westport was celebrated for Staff Personality of the Year.
Explore more Irish dining inspiration
- Find luxury travel, hospitality and restaurant inspiration at Luxe Digest
- Read more guides to the best restaurants Ireland has to offer
Munster’s winning food and drink talent
Munster had plenty to celebrate beyond Pig’s Lane. Paladar in County Cork was named Bar of the Year, while its bartender Akram Bendjeddou won Bartender of the Year. Woolshed Baa & Grill took Best Bar to Watch the Match, Sin É won Tourist Bar of the Year and Cork Heritage Pubs was named Pub Group of the Year.
Together, the results reflect the variety of Ireland’s modern hospitality industry, from traditional pubs and whiskey bars to cocktail lounges, breweries, hotel bars and restaurant-led venues. They also show why regional towns continue to play an important role in the country’s evolving food and drink scene.
For anyone following food Ireland and Ireland restaurant reviews, Pig’s Lane’s triple win is the clear headline: Killarney has produced the country’s overall bar champion for 2026, combining striking design, cocktails and a distinctive visitor experience.
Article/Image Courtesy: EVOKE