Five Irish bars have been awarded coveted pin status by The Pinnacle Guide – described as the Michelin guide for bars.

Only 61 bars from across the globe were included in the latest cohort of venues announced to be added to the prestigious guide on 24th September with venues in Ireland making their first appearance.

Using a global 1, 2 & 3 PIN recognition system for the world’s best cocktail bars, the Pinnacle Guide rates and ranks the venues lucky enough to have made the list using a strict set of criteria. Bars awarded ‘1 PIN’ receive an ‘excellent rating’, ‘2 PINS’ means ‘outstanding’ and the maximum ‘3 PINS’ is presented to venues deemed ‘exceptional’ by contest judges.

1 Pin: Excellent

Pig’s Lane, Killarney, Co. Kerry

“Pig’s Lane is Killarney’s subterranean haven where heritage, storytelling, and innovation merge through myth-inspired cocktails, reclaimed design, and a world-class whisky parlour.”

The Sidecar at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin

“A refined Dublin hotel bar where Art Deco elegance, tableside Martinis, and story-driven cocktails celebrate the city’s heritage with modern hospitality.”

Rattlebag, Belfast

“Bringing big-city energy to Belfast, Rattlebag is a spirit-forward innovative cocktail bar that is plush, cosy and dark.”

2 Pins: Outstanding

Bar 1661, Dublin

“An independent Dublin cocktail bar leading the renaissance of poitín while redefining Irish hospitality and community-driven drinks culture.”

The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

A beacon of historical opulence, The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel promises a warm Irish welcome and classic cocktails with a local twist.”

You can see the full list of the Pinnacle Guide’s best bars here.