Limerick pub lands prestigious title of whiskey bar of the year

STAFF at a city centre pub are toasting success after it landed a major award.

Mother Mac’s Pub, located at High Street, was named Whiskey Bar of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Bar of the Year awards.

It’s the first time a bar in Limerick has claimed the award, with the accolade highlighting the importance of whiskey tourism to Ireland, which continues to grow year on year.

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Mike McMahon, the co-owner of Mother Mac’s, which is located in the landmark former Roundhouse Pub building, said: “This award is about more than just one bar. It shows that Limerick has the character, quality, and passion to compete with the best in the country. We are proud to have won this award and to welcome the world to discover Limerick through whiskey.”

The whiskey shelves at Mother Mac’s feature both Irish brands and rare bottles, curated to suit enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The Bar of the Year awards celebrate excellence across Ireland’s hospitality industry, with categories recognising innovation, service, and specialist offerings.

One other local bar won a top prize: 101 in O’Connell Street was named Ireland’s gin bar of the year.

Elsewhere, Durty Nelly’s in Bunratty won a silver award in the category of visitor attraction of the year.

Its neighbour in the village, JP Clarke's took second place in the gastro-bar category.

And the Locke Bar, located at George's Quay in Limerick city centre, won the silver medal category in the contest for tourist bar of the year.

The overall title of Bar of the Year was given to Bar 1661, located at Rotunda in Dublin 7.

The ceremony also took place in the capital - at Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.