Garavan’s Bar in Galway City was crowned one of the best in Ireland at the 2025 Irish Bar of the Year Awards this week.
Garavan’s, located on William Street in the city centre, took home City Bar of the Year at the awards, seeing off incredible competition from across the country.
“For us, this award is about much more than recognition at a national level; it’s a huge honour for our team, who work tirelessly to make Garavan’s a warm, welcoming space, and for the customers who have supported us for generations,” said Emma Dooley, Marketing Manager for Garavan’s.
“Since opening in 1937, Garavan’s has become known for its whiskey expertise, its hospitality, and its role in Galway’s cultural life, and this award really feels like a celebration of all of that.”
Galway also took home one Silver and four Bronze Medals at the awards at the Clayton Hotel on Monday night.
Blake’s Bar on Eglinton Street, Galway City, went home with the Silver in the Bar Food of the Year category.
Bronze medals went to Tigh Nora in Galway City for Gin Bar of the Year, Peggy’s Bar and Restaurant in Claregalway for Local Bar of the Year, An Púcán in Galway City for Tourist Bar of the Year, and Sonny Molloy’s in Galway City for Whiskey Bar of the Year.
Amid a stellar field of contenders, the most outstanding bars have been honoured for their remarkable impact on the hospitality scene.
These venues have redefined excellence in mixology, atmosphere, and guest service, leaving lasting impressions on all who visit.
“This year’s winners have not just excelled in mixology and service, but have done so while navigating an exceptionally challenging landscape,” said Jill Thornton, Senior Event Manager for the Irish Bar of the Year Awards.
The overall winner on the night was Bar 1661 in Dublin, which took home the Cocktail Bar of the Year, Innovative Bar of the Year, and the top prize of Bar of the Year.
