Offaly hotspot receives 'Tourist Pub of the Year' award

Renowned Shannonbridge hotspot JJ Killeen's has been named as 'Tourist Pub of the Year' for the east region by the National Irish Pub Awards.

Located in the heart of Shannonbridge, JJ Killeen's is one of 70 regional winners announced by the organisers, with the contest now into its eighth year of 'celebrating excellence and innovation across the pub sector'.

Announcing the news to its followers on social media, JJ Killeen's said: 'We have added another award to our growing collection, and are delighted to be awarded with Tourist Pub of the Year in the east region by the Irish Pub Awards. We’ve had one of our busiest years yet for tourism and Shannonbridge is certainly becoming a hotspot in the midlands. We’re glad we can give them an authentic Irish experience - from live music to the food and drink. Thanks to our amazing staff who make each visitors experience a special one'.

The ten categories in the Irish Pub Awards are 'Best Food Pub'; 'Best Tourist Pub'; 'Innovative Pub of the Year'; 'Best Local Pub'; 'Outstanding Customer Service'; 'Best Music Pub'; 'Best Cocktail Experience'; 'Best Outdoor Space'; 'Best Digital Innovator', and 'Best Match Day Pub'.

The organisers said that the 70 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region and will receive a prize package to the value of €20,000, comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their business. The media coverage will include a profile piece in an Irish Independent awards supplement on the day of the awards presentation on November 18, organisers said.