The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have launched the Irish Pub Awards 2026.
The launch took place in The Laurels Bar & Restaurant, Clondalkin, who are the reigning Irish Pub of the Year for 2025.
Pubs are now free to enter up to ten categories with judging set to take place over the summer. The Irish Pub Awards Gala night, where the overall National Pub of the Year will be revealed, along with all category awards, will take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 18th November 2026.
This is the eighth year of the Irish Pub Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across various categories in the pub sector. Previous ‘Pub of the Year’ winners include, The Laurels, Clondalkin, Malzard’s Pub, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny, Aunty Lena’s, Adare, Co. Limerick, Gleeson’s of Booterstown, Co. Dublin, Paris Texas, Kilkenny City, The Gylde Inn, Annagassan, Louth and The Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford, while the individual category winners reflect the extraordinarily high standard of pubs around the country.
The Irish Pub Awards 2026 are open to all members of the LVA and VFI. Entry to the awards is free – any members interested in entering can do so via the dedicated website: www.irishpubawards.ie.
The ten categories are:
- Best Food Pub, sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace;
- Best Tourist Pub, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland;
- Innovative Pub of the Year, sponsored by Bank of Ireland Payment Acceptance;
- Best Local Pub, sponsored by Diageo;
- Best Match Day Pub, sponsored by HEINEKEN
- Best Outdoor Space, sponsored by Bulmers;
- Best Music Pub, sponsored by IMRO
- Outstanding Customer Service, sponsored by Edward Dillon;
- Best Cocktail Experience, sponsored by Irish Distillers –Pernod Ricard;
- Best Digital Innovator, sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Media Partners include the Irish Independent, and Trade Media Partner, Drinks Industry Ireland.
The 70 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region and will receive a prize package to the value of €20,000, comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their business. The media coverage will include a profile piece in an Irish Independent awards supplement on the day of the awards presentation on 18th November.
Addressing the launch of the Irish Pub Awards 2026 VFI President Michael O’Donovan said: “The Irish Pub Awards are a vital opportunity to recognise the exceptional standards that define our pub trade—from hospitality and service to creativity and community spirit. As we continue to face real challenges in the sector, these awards remind us of what makes the Irish pub world-renowned: its people. I encourage every publican to get involved and help us showcase the very best of our industry.”
“We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, whose continued support makes these awards possible. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the value and future of the Irish pub. I look forward to the judging process ahead, which shines a light on excellence across the country, and to celebrating with all our finalists at the gala awards night in November.”
Chair of LVA, Tom Cleary, announced: “Irish pubs play a very important part in Irish social culture. They are at the heart of our communities and a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors. Pubs are hubs that allow people to come together. At a time where conditions are becoming increasingly challenging for Irish hospitality, it is important to note the positive contribution being made by our pubs to the economic and social life of Ireland. We look forward to seeing the cream of Dublin pubs and those from around the rest of the country recognised through this year’s award programme.”