The Old Quarter wins Innovative Bar of the Year for the Southwest Region

It’s celebration time in Limerick as The Old Quarter Pub, Café & Townhouse, a mainstay of Limerick’s hospitality scene for three decades, has just been named Innovative Bar of the Year for the Southwest region at the 2025 Irish Pub Awards.

It’s a fitting accolade for a venue that has never been content to rest on its laurels.

Since opening in 1995, The Old Quarter has been a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife, known for its blend of classic Irish warmth and forward-thinking flair. Long before mixology became a buzzword, it was one of Limerick’s first cocktail bars, and today, its creative drinks menu still leads the way.

With two modern bars, a lively courtyard hosting weekend music, and a 43 room Townhouse hotel, The Old Quarter is far more than a pub; it’s an experience rooted in local spirit and continuous reinvention.

But what truly sets it apart is its innovative approach to people. Behind the polished bar and proficient service is an ethos of innovation that starts with its team.

The Old Quarter has helped pioneer Ireland’s first BA in Bar Management in partnership with Griffith College and the VFI, ensuring that bartending here is seen as a career, not just a job.

From its in-house training videos to its mentorship “buddy system” and digital management tools like Alkimii, every process has been carefully designed to support staff from day one, and improve the guest experience.

Locally grounded yet globally minded, The Old Quarter’s success is a win not just for the business, but for Limerick itself. As the team prepares for the Irish Bar of the Year finals on November 12th, there’s a sense that this recognition is more than a trophy, it’s a testament to what happens when tradition meets innovation, and community comes first.

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