Three Irish Bars Awarded By Prestigious Global Cocktail Guide
Pig's Lane, The Sidecar, and Bar 1661 receiving their awards from The Pinnacle Guide
Three Irish bars are raising the bar for cocktail culture in Ireland with their inclusion in The Pinnacle Guide, the international recognition system for the world’s best cocktail bars. BAR 1661 in Dublin joins the exclusive list, along with The Sidecar at The Westbury in Dublin and Pig’s Lane in Killarney - all recognised for their excellence.
Ireland’s inclusion in this 2025 edition of The Pinnacle Guide demonstrates the quality of Irish cocktail culture, its potential to compliment the country’s international reputation as a food destination, and a future focused, global outlook apart from more traditional expectations.
Whether an independent concept-driven bar acting as a creative flagship for the capital’s cocktail scene, an impeccable five-star hotel bar offering a luxury experience, or an independent owner-operated bar bringing world-class cocktails to a regional destination, the island of Ireland demonstrates a collective commitment to using the best of Irish spirits and ingredients and passion for hospitality shines through on the global cocktail stage.
Pig's Lane, Killarney, Co. Kerry
“We couldn’t be happier at this result for Ireland’s bar scene in our latest announcement for The Pinnacle Guide,” commented co-founder Hannah Sharman-Cox. “Our recognition system uses a universal judging metric - this news confirms Ireland’s cocktail culture is worthy of being recognised at an international level. We hope that more bars across the country now feel encouraged to step forward and be recognised for the fantastic work they are doing.”
Bar 1661, Dublin 1
Considered to be the most comprehensive accolade for cocktail bars
globally, The Pinnacle Guide is rapidly becoming the ultimate symbol of
excellence and a trusted resource for discerning drinkers around the world. The
pioneering recognition system was created with the mission to challenge the
status quo and is the first to formally reward exemplary standards on both
sides of the bar. The
Pinnacle Guide first evaluates bars across key criteria, including their drinks
programme, staff welfare and sustainability efforts. This is followed by multiple
in-person anonymous reviews by a global network of industry enthusiasts and
experts.
With the latest additions to its revered list, there are now a total of 146 PINNED bars in 14 countries around the world since The Pinnacle Guide, which launched in May 2024. In 2024, the Merchant Hotel and Rattlebag in Belfast were both awarded PINs, and with the inclusion of BAR 1661, The Sidecar and Pig’s Lane in this edition, the Republic of Ireland joins the prestigious guide for the first time.
The Sidecar, The Westbury, Dublin 2