Dublin's BAR 1661 Makes History on World's Best Bars List

Dublin's BAR 1661 has made history as the first Irish venue to be ranked on The 50 Best Bars 2026 list at No. 98. This recognition highlights the bar's unique dedication to championing Irish spirits, particularly poitín, and elevates Dublin's global cocktail scene.

Marco Alves

September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

Dublin's BAR 1661 has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Irish venue to be included on The 50 Best Bars 2026 list. Announced on September 29, 2026, the bar secured the No. 98 spot, marking a significant moment for Ireland's cocktail and hospitality scene. This recognition highlights BAR 1661's unique approach, particularly its dedication to showcasing Irish spirits like poitín, and positions Dublin more prominently on the global cocktail map.

The 50 Best Bars list is a highly anticipated annual ranking, compiled by an independent academy of over 800 global experts, and is considered a definitive guide for drinks professionals and cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. BAR 1661 founder Dave Mulligan expressed immense honor at the achievement, noting that despite the high standards across Ireland, no Irish bar or restaurant had previously made it onto this prestigious list. He emphasized the role of Irish poitín as a key driver in this global recognition, calling it "magic" to put the spirit on the global cocktail map.

BAR 1661's Path to Global Recognition: A Timeline

Readers can quickly trace the key milestones in BAR 1661's journey, from its founding and mission to its significant awards, understanding the context of its historic global ranking.

Date	Event	Significance
April 2019	BAR 1661 Founding	BAR 1661 opened its doors with a mission to tell the story of the Irish drinks industry and pay homage to local businesses, taking its name from the year poitín was banned in Ireland.
May 2025	Spirited Awards Recognition	BAR 1661 was recognized for having one of the top 10 cocktail menus in the world for its "We Call This Power" menu, a 28-drink celebration of Irish poitín, Irish drinks, and Irish producers. This marked a significant international accolade for its innovative approach.
September 29, 2026	World's Best Bars Ranking	BAR 1661 was ranked No. 98 on The 50 Best Bars 2026 list, making it the first Irish venue to achieve this historic global recognition. This announcement placed Dublin's Northside establishment firmly on the international stage.
October 7, 2026	Official Awards Ceremony	The official awards ceremony for The 50 Best Bars 2026 will take place in Milan, where Dave Mulligan and his team are scheduled to attend to receive their official ranking. This event will formally celebrate their achievement among the world's elite bars.

Championing Poitín: BAR 1661's Unique Cocktail Philosophy

BAR 1661 distinguishes itself through a staunchly Irish and fiercely independent approach, working with small and independent producers across Ireland. The bar, located on Green Street, opened in 2019 and is named after the year poitín was banned in Ireland. Its mission has been to not only narrate the history of the Irish drinks industry but also to honor local businesses, figures, and communities through its cocktail offerings.

A central element of BAR 1661's innovative menu is its focus on poitín, Ireland's oldest spirit. Founder Dave Mulligan, who also produces his own poitín brand, Bán, has been a committed advocate for the spirit, often discussing its history, production, and brands. The bar's "We Call This Power" cocktail menu, which earned it a spot among the world's top 10 cocktail menus at the 2025 Spirited Awards, features 28 drinks that celebrate Irish poitín, Irish drinks, and Irish producers. This dedication to a historically significant, yet often overlooked, Irish spirit has been instrumental in its global recognition, setting it apart from conventional bars by making poitín a "driver" in its cocktail creations.

This unique philosophy extends to working with the best small and independent producers across the island of Ireland, ensuring that the bar's offerings are deeply rooted in Irish heritage and craftsmanship. The bar's commitment to showcasing the "spirit of Irish hospitality – bold, rooted, and unapologetically our own" resonates through its menu, which serves as a platform for Irish spirits and local talent.