A spirit long associated with rural Ireland has just earned a place among the world’s finest cocktails. The Bar 1661 in Dublin ranks 98th in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, on its extended list of venues ranked from 51st to 100th. For this Dublin 7 address, it is a first appearance in the international ranking.
Bar 1661, a Dublin cocktail bar in the global top 100
A first appearance for the Irish capital
The list, unveiled on 23 September 2026, features bars from 34 cities. Dublin makes its debut thanks to Bar 1661, located on Green Street. Its 98th-place ranking should be read carefully: the venue is in the global top 100, rather than the top 50 that also gives the ranking its name.
The result recognises a venue that champions a distinctly Irish approach to cocktails. While many international menus draw on the same major spirits, Bar 1661 has chosen to place poitín at the heart of its identity. The bar describes itself as an independent venue determined to introduce this spirit beyond Ireland.
Poitín, the signature spirit putting Dublin on the map
A different way to taste Ireland
If you know the country only through Guinness and whiskey, this is one discovery to add to your stay. Poitín is a traditional Irish spirit used by the bartenders at Bar 1661 in their creations. Its place on the menu gives visitors the opportunity to discover a local heritage product through contemporary cocktails, without needing to be a spirits expert.
The menu is not limited to poitín, however: it also includes house cocktails and other categories of spirits. You come here as much for the curiosity as for the team’s skill in crafting drinks. To choose, the simplest option is to consult the official menu, which may change.
The ranking also draws attention to another side of Dublin nightlife. Traditional pubs remain essential, but the city also has an inventive cocktail-bar scene that tells the story of Irish flavours in its own way.
How can you discover Bar 1661 during a stay in Dublin?
Address and booking
Bar 1661 is located at 1–5 Green Street, Dublin 7. It can easily be included in an evening out in the northern part of the city centre. The bar offers booking via its official website; it is best to check opening hours and availability before you go, especially following this new international recognition.
For more than just a drink, the venue also offers tasting experiences. These are aimed at those who want to understand the bar’s approach and the role poitín plays in its creations. As with any alcohol, tastings are for adults only and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Sources: The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking press release of 23 September 2026 and the official Bar 1661 website.
