Popular Killarney cocktail and whiskey bar named 2026 Bar of the Year
Pig's Lane in Killarney won Bar of the Year, Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space.
Killarney’s Pig's Lane emerged as the undisputed star at this year’s Bar of the Year Awards, as Kerry and Cork led a massive wave of wins for the south at this year's Bar of the Year Awards.
The Square Bar of the Year 2026 Awards took place at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin, on Monday, August 24.
Following a record-breaking year featuring more than 1,000 national entries, the industry gathered to honour the extraordinary innovation, resilience, and craftsmanship defining Irish bars, hotels, craft breweries, and hospitality venues on Monday evening.
The popular underground hot spot in Killarney was crowned the overall winner and also swept gold for Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space.
Located beneath College Street, the family-run O'Donoghue Ring Collection cocktail bar and whiskey parlour has consistently redefined the Irish bar experience.
Having been named Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 within its first year of opening, and the Best Designed Bar of the Year in 2025, alongside a bronze medal in the Cocktail Bar of the Year category, Pig’s Lane has now clinched the coveted overall prize.
The independent Kerry-based group secured a total of eight finalist nominations across three of its distinctive bars, including Café du Parc, The Kenmare Rooms at Killarney Avenue Hotel, and Pig's Lane.
Commenting on the bar's windfall of awards, Gemma Ring, Pig's Lane Founder and Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, said: “We are absolutely over the moon and so, so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026. What a journey it has been since we opened our doors in 2023, and to see that journey culminate in this award, among Best Cocktail Bar and Best Designed Bar, is an incredible feeling.
“The Irish bar industry is full of exceptional talent, and to be recognised alongside so many brilliant friends and peers makes this achievement all the more meaningful. A huge amount of work, creativity and passion goes into everything that we do so this is a hugely special moment for our incredible team.”
Pig's Lane pays homage to the historical name of its location, which was once known as Pig's Lane in the early 1800s, running from College Street through Railway Road in Killarney town centre.
In the last 12 months, the bar has held exclusive collaborations with the likes of iconic New York Irish pub The Dead Rabbit, and was among the first bars in the country to receive a coveted ‘1 PIN’ from The Pinnacle Guide.
On September 11, the bar will welcome Solas, Dingle for an exclusive evening of Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas paired with Pig’s Lane cocktails, bringing two of Kerry’s most exciting hospitality destinations together for one night only.
Neighbouring Cork also celebrated a successful night at the awards, with four city-centre bars winning awards and others winning silver and bronze.
Sin É on Coburg Street won Tourist Bar of the Year, nearby Cask on MacCurtain Street won Hotel Bar of the Year, the Woolshed Baa & Grill in the Mardyke Entertainment Complex on Sheares Street won Best Bar to Watch the Match, and Paladar's Akram Bendjeddou won Cocktail Bartender of the Year.
Cork Heritage Pubs, which includes Sin É, The Oval, Mutton Lane, Black Dog, and Crane Lane Theatre, also won Pub Group of the Year.
Other bars recognised at Monday night’s awards, included: Silken Thomas, Co Kildare, which won the People’s Choice Award; The Cellar Bar, The Merrion Hotel, Co Dublin, which won 5-Star Hotel Bar of the Year; The Dew Drop Inn & Brewhouse, Co Kildare, which won Innovative Bar of the Year; Celtic Nights at The Arlington Hotel, Co Dublin, which won Visitor Atrraction of the Year; Café en Seine, Co Dublin, which won City Bar of the Year; The Laurels Clondalkin, Co Dublin, which won Local Bar of the Year; The Stags Head, Co Dublin, which won Traditional Bar of the Year; and The Collins Club, The Leinster, Co Dublin, which won Hotel Cocktail Bar.
Whiskey Bar of the Year went to Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar, Co Galway; Best Newcomer went to The Sackville Lounge, Co Dublin; Best Late Bar went to The George, Co Dublin; Best Live Entertainment Bar went to The Kings Head, Co Galway; Outside Space of the Year went to Henehans Venue, Co Mayo; Craft Bar of the Year went to Rascals Brewing Company, Co Dublin; Bar Manager of the Year went to Joe O’Callaghan, Tom Sheridan’s Bar & Restaurant, Co Galway; Best Wine Bar went to Maddens Bridge Bar & Restaurant, Co Donegal; and Staff Personality of the Year went to The Porter House Westport, Co Mayo.
Award organisers congratulated all of this year’s winners, recognising that their dedication, creativity, and hard work continue to elevate and empower the bar community.
“We’re proud to celebrate everything you’ve achieved,” they said.
