20 great wine bars and wine restaurants in Ireland 2023
The hidden gems and the must-visits, the classic spots and the newcomers – here is the guide to the best wine bars and restaurants in Ireland, selected by Star Wine List's ambassador Morgan VanderKamer. (Plus one in Northern Ireland!)
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Phone: +353 (95) 30863
Address: Market Street, Clifden
The dramatic drive through Connemara, will lead you to the quaint village of Clifden and the light of the Lamplight Wine Bar. Anke has a wonderful, albeit petit, wine shop where you can watch the bustle of summer tourism and the falling rain of the autumn with a glass of something special. Oregon Pinot Noir, Barolo and Rose of all shades are to be found here, and there are always lovely snacks – from truffle crisps to Irish ‘pintxos’ – to sample.
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Phone: +353 (91) 374 154
Address: Druid Lane, Galway
Ean Wine Bar is the sister establishment to the one-Michelin star Loam, also in Galway. Ean is a bakery by day and a wine bar by night. The wine list features gems from Austria, Spain, Portugal, and other pockets of Europe from producers who focus on organic and bio-dynamics. The wine list reflects the food ethos with everything from charcuterie to monkfish in a laid-back atmosphere. When visiting Galway, Ean is definitely worth a stop.
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Phone: +353 (21) 477 4101
Address: 66 Lower O'Connell Street, Kinsale
The rustic back terrace of The Black Pig is like a miniature enchanted water garden. Before you know it, you are sipping Champagne, eating oysters, prawns with garlic butter, and fresh sourdough and moving swiftly on to Jean Folliard Côte du Py. The Black Pig is all things welcoming, eclectic and knowledgeable. You’ll always find something special on their list or back for an old favourite. A jewel in Kinsale’s crown.
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Phone: +353 (21) 455 1533
Address: 11 MacCurtain Street, Victorian Quarter, Cork
MacCurtain Wine cellar is the addition Cork City wine lovers needed. Sean and Trudy have joined a bustling street of establishments bringing a great vibe to the Cork hospitality scene. MWC doesn’t have a kitchen, but they are still serving up great plates from Burrata to Braesola. They are new on the scene in Cork but have a resume that will take them from strength to strength. Don’t miss out on a stool in the window to watch Cork City's happenings with a great glass of wine.
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Phone: +353 (51) 574 519
Address: 11 The Mall, Waterford, Co Waterford
UNioN Wine, Bar & Restaurant is a new addition to the restaurant scene in Waterford city. The wine list is broad, from Grower Champagne to Sherry, skin contact wines, and Vin Jaune by the glass, through to the classics of Burgundy and old vintages of Rioja and wine on tap. The wine list is destined to be in constant evolution, and the menu will change with the seasons. Union will also have a wine club called “Somm on the Mall”, with a focus on wine education. (Editor's note: Star Wine List's ambassador Morgan VanderKamer also is a co-owner of UNioN.)
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Phone: +353 (53) 912 2975
Address: 2 Lower george's Street, Wexford
Green Acres has a renowned cellar. Located in Wexford, Green Acres has a restaurant serving robust dishes alongside its extensive wine list; From En Primeur to Champagne, an extensive collection of large format bottles, and more. Green Acres is well established in Wexford and Ireland and specialises in all areas of the wine industry, from tastings to wine cellar valuation.
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Phone: +353 87 437 4278
Address: Cliff at Lyons, Lyons Road, Kearneystown Lower, Celbridge
Aimsir (Aimsir translates to ‘weather’ in Irish) came into the dining scene in Ireland with a giant splash. Within months of opening, they earned two Michelin stars and are all things Irish produce-driven. Their beverage program is focused and has all the right touches of prestige. Starting with the finest grower Champagnes through to bar beverages made with homemade syrups and endless creativity. There is an experience to be had here at Aimsir, from start to finish down to the last detail.
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Phone: +353 (01) 802 9486
Address: 7 Church Street, Townparks, Skerries
Potager is the gem of Skerries, with a dinner and Sunday lunch menu on offer where you can explore the success Maire McHugh has had with her wine list. Few places have six sparkling wines by the glass and also feature wine produced here on the island of Ireland and Gravner. Local and sparkling aside, there is a precise, however broad range of enticing wine offerings from Baga to Assyrtiko. It is a wine list with no shortages of thrilling wines to drink.
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Phone: +353 (01) 278 8516
Address: 22 Newtown Park, Newtownpark, Blackrock
Volpe Nera, located in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, offers a food menu and wine list that will keep you coming back for more. The range is broad, and there are knowledgeable people to guide you with their passion for wine. Dishes are inventive and flavoursome and lend themselves to the likes of Kumeu River, Lopez de Heredia, and, if you are lucky, Domaine Huet. Blackrock is a must outside of the city centre, and Volpe Nera is a great place to start.
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Phone: +353 (01) 670 4911
Address: 28 Eustace Street, Dublin 2
Monty’s of Kathmandu in Dublin has a wow factor wine list. It is Champagne hefty, and you can have a Krug experience if you want to splash out. There is a Santa Rita-sponsored private room where you can experience a bit of everything, from flights to the underground caves of the best Champagne has to offer. It doesn’t stop there; you can get from Alsace to China and many vineyards in between. All these wines can be paired with ‘Nepal’, Nepalese tapas.
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Phone: +353 (01) 559 4234
Address: 3 Terenure Road North, Terenure, Dublin 6W
David Gallagher created Green Man wines and has had continued success over the years, bringing great wines to the residents of Terenure and the Dublin trade. Dave has a solid team in place and has a broad wine business at Green Man. Starting with the retail shop through to a wine club, numerous events each year, and a walk-ins-only wine bar from Thursday to Saturday. When you walk into Green Man, you are in good hands and there is never a shortage of fine wines, quirky wines, and boundless knowledge.
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Phone: + 353 (01) 557 1473
Address: 76 Benburb Street, Dublin
Fish Shop is tucked away on Benburb Street on the North Side city centre of Dublin. A small space with a bustling atmosphere, Fish Shop has a concise wine list with a glass of something for everyone. Ranging from Sherry to California Pinot and a growing interest in skin contact wines, there’s your perfect match to cockles and fish and chips.
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Phone: +353-(0)1-548-6255
Address: Drury Street, Dublin 2
A buzzy wine bar in the city centre, located in a small space outside of one of Dublin's busiest parking establishments! Loud music sets the tone, and the wine list offers glasses from Beaujolais to California. Wine on tap is a focus here and you can find Matthiasson Sauvignon Blanc from Napa to organic Trepat & Xarel-lo Vermel. A small but hip place that you'll miss if you blink and, without a doubt, an energetic space where you can enjoy dishes from bone marrow to tuna tartare. (Editor's note: Star Wine List's ambassador Morgan VanderKamer consulted on the list for Amy Austin.)
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Phone: +353 (01) 660 2480
Address: 126 Leeson Street Upper, Dublin
Forest Avenue draws you in from its name alone. John and Sandy’s restaurant was an immediate icon in Dublin and has always had a focused wine list to pair with its contemporary menu. From Austria to Spain you’ll find a special glass or bottle. In its original identity, Forest Avenue was an open-plan restaurant with full views of the kitchen. In pandemic times, they evolved and became a grocer with a broad range of wines, including their own label. Since restaurant life has returned, Forest Avenue has evolved into a wine bar. The atmosphere, food and wine list reflect the talented team leadin...
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Phone: +353 (01) 475 8538
Address: 6 Aungier Street, Dublin
Etta is the sister restaurant and led the way for Uno Mas on Aungier Street in Dublin. Uno Mas is a must-try when in the city. Spain is the focus of both the menu and the wine list at Uno Mas. From Fino Sherry, Raventos Cava and Vermouth by the glass all the way through to some of Spain’s finest bottles. Uno Mas delivers on atmosphere, food and service. The wine is the icing on the cake, and the overall experience is always memorable.
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Phone: +353 (01) 244 7344
Address: 26 Fenian Street, Dublin
Note was a welcome establishment to the natural wine scene in Dublin in 2022. An unassuming exterior leads you into a bustling wine bar, simply decorated with an engaging wine list, starting with Bugey Cerdon by the glass through to skin contact Palomino and more. There are a few bar seats where you can watch the action happen, but you just want to get a seat and have a bite to eat and start exploring the range of small producers and wines with a lot of heart.
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Phone: +353 (01) 676 8986
Address: 22 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Ely Wine Bar is the original wine bar in Ireland. Established in 1999, Ely offers an extensive range of wines from across the globe. The wine program is led by Ian Brosnan, who delivers a wine list that accommodates no matter what you might seek for your wine glass. You’ll find iconic wines from Henschke to ArPePe and everything in between. Located in the heart of Dublin and thriving, Ely is a must for wine drinkers, but you’ll also find clever cocktails and Whiskeys on the menu.
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Phone: +353 (01) 707 9786
Address: Piglet Wine Bar, 5 Cow's Lane, Dublin
Piglet Wine Bar, located in Temple Bar, has a broad range of wines with a particular focus on Italy and European wines. Start with a glass of Pineau des Charentes or a glass of German Riesling while you browse the extensive list of Italian gems, some with a solid few years of bottle age or large format Le Pergole Torte. Thibault is always forthcoming with a recommendation or a surprise of something worth trying. You can enjoy small plates or have your dinner while sitting outside on their terrace.
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Address: 29 Drury Street, Dublin
Want to people-watch while sipping something orange, natural or off the beaten track? Then the window seat at Loose Canon is the perfect match. You can snack on a delicious toastie, which Loose Canon is known for, or a cheeseboard. To finish, you can buy a bottle to go. Loose Canon is the perfect stop while taking a city centre stroll.
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Phone: +44 28 9023 2567
Address: 3 Oxford Street, Belfast
OX in Belfast is a gem. When you enter the dining room, you are met with a menu and pairing that will transcend your experience. From Savennières to Emilio Hidalgo Sherry, you will, from start to finish, be left wanting more. The menu is as intriguing as the wine and the service is superb. You will find yourself next door at Cave by Ox having shavings of cheese and Port to finish. No matter where you are in Ireland, you'll want to go to OX; it's miles ahead, all around.
