There was also a big win for a famous Kerry spot

12:49, 29 Nov 2025Updated 12:54, 29 Nov 2025

Dwyers – Best Nightlife in the country (Image: Dwyers)

If you are looking for the best late-night bar in Ireland, you will find it right here in Cork City.

That’s according to the Irish Pub of the Year awards and the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, which has named Dwyers of Washington Street the Best Late-Night Bar for 2025. The Cork venue is a relatively new addition to the city, having opened just before Christmas in 2018, in what was once a garment factory run by the Dywer family, a Cork business founded in the 1820s.

They now go until 2.30am in the morning and feature live music most nights of the week, one of the reasons why they have been named Best Late Bar in the Irish Pub Awards.

There was also success for a Kerry venue – the famous Lobster Bar in Waterville was named Best Food Pub, with their legendary fish pies and chowder getting the praise of the judges.

Cork publican and VFI president Michael O’Donovan, of the famous Cork City heritage pub The Castle Inn, said the awards seek to recognise outstanding achievement, at a time when the pub sector is fighting to overcome strong economic headwinds.

Speaking at the Irish Pub Awards, Michael O’Donovan said: “The Irish Pub Awards continue to showcase the outstanding quality, creativity, and community spirit that define our trade. This year’s winners represent the very best of Irish hospitality, pubs that combine tradition with innovation while remaining at the heart of their communities. At a time when trading conditions are challenging, these awards are a timely reminder of the resilience, professionalism and passion that make our pubs world-renowned. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists who exemplify what makes our sector so special.”

The full list of winners looks like:

  • Best Food Pub – The Lobster, Waterville, Co. Kerry (sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace)
  • Best Tourist Pub – Taaffes Bar, Galway City (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland)
  • Innovative Pub of the Year – Nevins Newfield Inn, Mulranny, Co. Mayo (sponsored by BOI Payment Acceptance)
  • Best Local Pub – The Laurels, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 (sponsored by Diageo Ireland)
  • Outstanding Customer Service – The Blackrock, Blackrock, Co. Dublin (sponsored by Edward Dillon)
  • Best Music Pub – 4 Dame Lane, Dublin 2 (sponsored by IMRO)
  • Best Outdoor Space – Mazlards Pub, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny (sponsored by Bulmers)
  • Best Digital Innovator – Biddy O’Dowd’s, Athlone, Co. Westmeath (sponsored by Heineken)
  • Best Late-Night Bar – Dwyers of Cork, Cork City (sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard)
  • Best Match Day Pub – McHughs Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim (sponsored by Carling)

Dwyer’s pub has several claims to fame – including being home to Ireland’s biggest and most expensive burger – a monster munch that will cost you €130 euros.

The best pub of the year was judged to be the Laurels, in Clondalkin in Dublin.