The Old Quarter wins Innovative Bar of the Year
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.
- External Walls: Up to €8,000 Grant
- Attic: Up to €1,500 Grant
- Cavity Walls: Up to €1,700 Grant
- Internal Dry Lining: Up to €4,500 Grant
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 12, 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.
Fordes Courtyard is southwest’s Best Digital Innovator
In a climate where the Irish pub landscape too often makes headlines for closures and challenges, it’s heartening, and genuinely exciting, to see Limerick’s newest venue not only thrive but shine.
Fordes Courtyard, located on Little Ellen Street, has been named Best Digital Innovator in the Southwest at the 2025 Irish Pub Awards, a remarkable achievement for one of the city’s newest pubs.
Since opening its door in April 2025, Fordes Courtyard has quickly established itself as a modern trailblazer in the Irish hospitality scene.
The team has embraced digital innovation as a way to tell their story, connect with their community, and enhance every guest’s experience. Every online post, campaign, and event reflects the warmth, creativity, and personality that define this unique space.
From social media storytelling to immersive digital experiences, Fordes Courtyard has found fresh ways to bridge the gap between the online and real-world pub community.
Their “Behind the Bar” and “Out & About” series have brought followers closer to the faces and spirit behind the venue, while collaborations with local creators have amplified Limerick’s voice in an authentic, community-driven way.
Their use of smart booking systems and integrated communication tools shows a forward-thinking approach, where customer engagement continues long after last orders are called.
A major highlight of their journey came with their win at the regional stage, which earned Fordes Courtyard the opportunity to send one of their team members to a Management Masterclass in Tullamore, where they proudly accepted their award plaque.
There, the team represented Limerick and stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in Irish hospitality from across the country.
For such a young venue to compete, and triumph, against some of the Southwest’s most established pubs is a testament to Fordes Courtyard’s vision and drive.
As the team heads to the national finals on November 12th, this win marks not just a proud moment for the bar, but a beacon of optimism for the future of Limerick’s pub scene.