You may have had a pint in these places...

Paris Texas in Kilkenny is celebrating after it was named National Pub of the Year at the Irish Pub Awards 2019. The pub also had another reason to celebrate because they also won the innovation award. More than 1,700 pubs were in contention for the awards, which are now in their third year and are jointly run by the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association. https://twitter.com/IrishPub_Awards/status/1197583169912033283 The Kilkenny pub was crowned national champion after winning the Innovative Pub of the Year, one of nine categories announced at the Gala Awards that were recently held. Paris Texas was opened in 1996 by Pat Crotty and it has consistently aimed to be different from its competitors. The press release states that the pub, "offers a new concept in food, along with entertainment most evenings and serves an extensive range of beer and spirits to challenge its customers’ taste buds. Since 2006, continuous development of Paris Texas has included redevelopment of the premises, the introduction of innovative new products, technology systems and significant investment to ensure environmental sustainability." In total, there were nine categories at the Irish Pub Awards and here are the winners. Congratulations to all. Best Food Pub sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace: Murph’s Gastro Pub at Derragarra Inn, Butlers Bridge, Cavan. Best Tourist Pub sponsored by Molson Coors: Malzards Pub, Stoneyford, Kilkenny. Innovative Pub of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland Payment Acceptance: Paris Texas, Kilkenny. Best Local Pub sponsored by Diageo: Harry Byrne’s Pub, Clontarf, Dublin. Outstanding Customer Service sponsored by Heineken:  Aunty Lena’s and Adare Court House, Adare, Limerick. Best Music Pub sponsored by IMRO: Kavanagh’s Bar and Venue, Portlaoise, Laois. Best Outdoor Space sponsored by Bulmers:  The Courtyard on Sober Lane, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork. Best Newcomer sponsored by Edward Dillon: The Rusty Mackerel, Teelin, Donegal. Best Late Night Bar sponsored by Irish Distillers – Pernod Ricard: Café en Seine, Dublin. Main image via Paris Texas