IMRO is delighted to congratulate The Laurels Pub in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, which has been crowned Irish Pub of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Irish Pub Awards. The win marks a proud moment not only for the venue and its local community, but also for the wider Dublin hospitality scene, which celebrates The Laurels as a model of excellence, community spirit, and tradition.
A cornerstone of Clondalkin for generations, The Laurels is celebrated for its warm hospitality, quality food, vibrant atmosphere, and deep commitment to the community. Under the ownership of Louis Fitzgerald, the pub has long served as a “home from home” for locals, supporting charitable initiatives like the Laurels Cycle Crew—which has raised nearly €1.4 million—while offering fresh, locally sourced meals, a global cocktail menu, weekly specials, live weekend music, big-screen sports, and seasonal events. The venue also hosts craft fairs, senior citizens’ teas, and activities with its longstanding Golf Society, reinforcing its role as the beating heart of Clondalkin and making this national recognition truly well deserved.
Celebrating Excellence: Irish Pub Awards 2025 Category Winners
This year’s Irish Pub Awards honoured ten category winners across eight counties, recognising outstanding pubs that exemplify quality, innovation, and community commitment.
- 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)
Celebrating the Heart of Irish Hospitality
Speaking at the Irish Pub Awards, Michael O’Donovan, President of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), 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.”
Tom Cleary, Chair of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), praised the continued success of the Irish Pub Awards, stating: “The Irish Pub Awards have become the benchmark for excellence in the pub industry, with participation increasing steadily each year. Beyond the recognition, the programme offers finalists invaluable business support through tailored management training, helping them strengthen their operations. The awards enjoy widespread media coverage at both national and local levels, and have grown into a powerful platform that celebrates the essential role pubs play in Irish business, community life, and tourism. We’re proud to see how the initiative continues to elevate and showcase the very best of Irish hospitality.”