Every year, the National Pub & Bar Awards choose around 100 County Winners from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These winners go forward to compete for the title of finest in the United Kingdom.

Six bars from each of the six counties in Northern Ireland were selected as the finest in the nation in April, and this week's final will see them compete for the title of NI Pub and Bar of the Year.

The Dirty Duck Alehouse took first place in the 2024 Northern Ireland Beer Awards, defeating Hearth, Keegan's, Charlie's Bar, Blackbird, and Tomneys, who took first place in 2023.

What defines a winner, Pub and Bar Magazine stated: "From perfect service and product range to aesthetic design and entertainment schedules, a National Pub & Bar Award winner delivers all of the aspects required to provide ultimate hospitality within the modern on-trade."

In Holywood, the Dirty Duck is a classic pub that serves local fare. It has two levels: an upper restaurant with sweeping views of Belfast Lough and a basement bar with real log fires where you can enjoy exquisite dining and a pint of cask-conditioned ale.


Following their victory, The Dirty Duck posted on social media, saying, "We are grateful to The National Pub& Bar Awards for naming us the finest pub in Northern Ireland!

"Winning the title of the finest pub in Northern Ireland is an amazing honour for us.

"Our devoted clientele and our staff's tireless efforts to uphold our stellar reputation are what truly distinguish the Dirty Duck. I appreciate you, everyone.

When it won Best Gastro Pub on both sides of the border at the Irish Restaurant Awards in 2023, it became the only location in Northern Ireland to win an All-Ireland award.