The pub named best in NI for second year in a row by CAMRA

One to add to your list of pubs to check out!

This is the pub named best in Northern Ireland for a second year in a row by the Campaign for Real Ale branch.

CAMRA is a voluntary consumer organisation campaigning for great beer and great pubs across the country and has crowned its 16 regional winners in its Pub of the Year 2025 competition.

The annual competition considers factors such as value for money, atmosphere and customer service and welcome when selecting a winner.

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The Dog & Duck Inn in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, has once again been crowned Pub of the Year for Northern Ireland.

Having beaten thousands of entries to be crowned the best in NI, The Dog & Duck Inn will now battle it out for the chance to be named CAMRA’s overall Pub of the Year.

The final four pubs in the running for the overall title will be announced in October, with the winner revealed in January 2026.

The Dog & Duck Inn specialises in independent beers, ciders and spirits with fourteen guest taps including four traditional cask beer pumps usually serving two cask ale and two real ciders.

CAMRA said: “Locally brewed ales such as Inishmacsaint, Rough Brothers, Lacada and Bullhouse frequently appear, along with their house ales Paxton IPA and Sprocker Pale Ale.

“A food menu offering freshly prepared traditional recipes using locally sourced and seasonal produce is also available.

“The pub is also home to the Glenwinny distillery, producing small batch Irish Whisky.”

In choosing the top pub in each county or region, judges were looking for great atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.

A spokesperson said: “The 16 pubs have been recognised as the best of the best in the UK and their shortlisting for the competition is testament to their quality and commitment to their communities.

“This year’s contest comes as many pubs across the UK face their toughest year yet.

“They face high costs, high costs, heavy tax burdens and crippling business rates.

“Pubs need sector specific support, including the reform of the business rates system, an extension of the draught beer and cider duty and a reduction in Employer National Insurance to help with staffing costs.”

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