The Laurels Clondalkin is named Irish Pub of the Year 2025
Overall Pub of the Year was awarded to The Laurels Clondalkin, Dublin. Pictured are Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Dave Kearney, head of Commercial North West, Diageo Ireland, winners from The Laurels Clondalkin, Dublin and Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
The Laurels in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 is celebrating being named National Pub of the Year at the Irish Pub Awards 2025. A cornerstone of the Clondalkin community for generations, The Laurels is renowned for its warm hospitality, quality food, and vibrant atmosphere.
Under the ownership of Louis Fitzgerald and led by an experienced team the pub has become a cherished “home from home” for locals. Its commitment to community shines through initiatives like the Laurels Cycle Crew, which has raised nearly €1.4 million for charity through events such as the Santa Cycle and Galway to Dublin Cycle.
Inside, guests enjoy freshly prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients, a global-inspired cocktail menu, and weekly specials like Steak Nights and Family Friday Meal Deals. The pub’s entertainment offering includes live music every weekend, big-screen sports, and seasonal celebrations that bring people together across generations.
The Laurels also opens its doors to local groups, hosting craft fairs, senior citizens’ afternoon teas, and outings with its long-running Golf Society. The Laurels isn’t just a pub, it’s the beating heart of Clondalkin. Winning the national title is a testament to its enduring spirit and community impact.
The Irish Pub Awards ten category winners are:
Best Food Pub sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace:
The Lobster, Waterville, Co. Kerry
Best Food Pub Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Gary Byrne, on-trade regional sales manager, Musgrave Marketplace, James Doyle from The Lobster, Waterville, Co, Kerry, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Tourist Pub sponsored by Fáilte Ireland:
Taaffes Bar, Galway City
Best Tourist Pub Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Tommy Hannan, manager, Dublin Region, Fáilte Ireland, winners from Taaffes Pub, Galway City, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Innovative Pub of the Year sponsored by BOI Payment Acceptance:
Nevins Newfield Inn, Mulranny, Co. Mayo
Innovative Pub of the Year Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Karl Douglas, strategic partner manager, BOI Payment Acceptance, winners from Nevins Newfield Inn, Mulranny, Co. Mayo, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Outdoor Space sponsored by Bulmers:
Mazlards Pub, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny
Best Outdoor Space Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Ken McIntyre-Barn, head of sales, Bulmers Ireland, winners from, Malzards, Stoneyford, Kilkenny, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Music Pub sponsored by IMRO:
4 Dame Lane, Dublin 2
Best Music Pub Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Seán Donegan, chief commercial officer, IMRO, winners from 4 Dame Lane, Dublin 2, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Digital Innovator sponsored by Heineken:
Biddy O’Dowd’s, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Best Digital Innovator Awards: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Jason Cox, on trade commercial director, Heineken Ireland, Shannon Beatty, Chris Hewitt and Saoirse Ripley, Biddy O’Dowd’s, Athlone, Co Westmeath, and Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Late-Night Bar sponsored by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard:
Dwyers of Cork, Cork City
Best Late Night Bar Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Brian Brown, on trade sales director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, winners from Dwyers of Cork, Cork City, and Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Match Day Pub, sponsored by Carling
McHughs Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Best Match Day Pub Award: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, Alison Hunter, marketing manager, Carling, winners from McHugh’s Bar, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Letrim, and Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Best Local Pub sponsored by Diageo Ireland:
The Laurels, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Best Local Pub Award: Tom Cleary, Chair, LVA, Dave Kearney, head of commercial North West, Diageo Ireland, winners from The Laurels Clondalkin, Dublin, and Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Edward Dillon:
The Blackrock, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner: Tom Cleary, chair, LVA, John Cassidy, commercial director, Edward Dillon Ireland and Northern Ireland, Noel Anderson from The Blackrock, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Michael O’Donovan, president, VFI
Speaking at the Irish Pub Awards, Michael O’Donovan, president of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), explained how The Irish Pub Awards continue to showcase the outstanding quality, creativity, and community spirit that define the trade. He said: “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, saying the 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,” he said.
Partners to The Irish Pub Awards are media partner, Irish Independent and trade media partner, Drinks Industry Ireland.
