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There were celebrations in Ballybofey recently as Gallen’s Bar was named Best Cocktail at the prestigious Highland Radio Hospitality Awards, held at Jackson’s Hotel.
The award recognises excellence in hospitality across the North West and celebrates venues that consistently deliver outstanding experiences for their customers.
Situated in the heart of Ballybofey, Gallen’s Bar has become one of Donegal’s most popular nightlife destinations. Known as a premium cocktail and live music venue, the bar features four distinct spaces including two cocktail bars and a dedicated wine bar, creating a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors alike.
The secret to the bar’s success lies in its commitment to quality. From the ingredients used to the presentation of each drink, the team places a strong emphasis on delivering consistently high standards.
Kyle Connolly Group Bar Manager Gallen Hospitality pictured with the Gallen Hospitality award winning team at the Highland Radio Hospitality Awards on 1st March
Gallens Bar Ballybofey
“We believe in quality drinks served in a quality atmosphere,” explains Kyle Connolly, Group Bar Manager, Gallen Hospitality. “Whether someone calls in at two in the afternoon on a Monday or ten at night on a busy Saturday, they should receive the same standard of cocktail every time.”
While the menu includes many classic favourites, it is the bar’s signature creations that truly set it apart. Bartenders are encouraged to experiment and develop new recipes, allowing creativity to flourish behind the bar.
“Freedom of creativity breeds success,” the team says. “Sometimes we might get twenty cocktails wrong before we find one that really works, but when we do, we refine it until it’s ready for the menu.”
Gallens Bar French Martini
To maintain consistency even during busy periods, Gallen’s Bar operates two state-of-the-art cocktail stations designed specifically to streamline the cocktail-making process while maintaining the highest standards.
Presentation also plays a key role in the experience. The team dehydrates its own fruit in-house and uses carefully chosen garnishes such as edible flowers, butterfly pea tea powder, freeze-dried raspberry grit and blue matcha to ensure each drink looks as impressive as it tastes.
Among the bar’s most popular creations are the Peach & Lychee Bramble, the Spicy Cucumber Margarita, and the standout favourite — the Solero.
Inspired by the nostalgic ice-lolly of the 1990s, the Solero cocktail has become the bar’s best-selling drink of 2025 and is believed to have helped secure the Best Cocktail award.
Cocktails at Gallens Bar
Gallens Bar
The vibrant cocktail blends vanilla vodka, triple sec, limoncello, pineapple juice, mango syrup, passionfruit purée and fresh cream, alongside two closely guarded secret ingredients.
The award formed part of a major night for the wider Gallen Hospitality, which celebrated four wins in total.
Alongside Gallen’s Bar receiving Best Cocktail, An Chúirt Hotel was named Wedding Venue of the Year, the luxurious V-Spa at the Villa Rose Hotel & Spa received Hotel Spa of the Year, and Emma Browne of the Villa Rose Hotel & Spa and Jackson’s Hotel was honoured with Wedding Coordinator of the Year.
For the team at Gallen’s Bar, the recognition is a proud moment that reflects the creativity and dedication that goes into every cocktail served.
As the venue continues to grow in popularity, guests can expect the same winning formula — expertly crafted drinks, a lively atmosphere, and a commitment to quality that ensures every visit is a memorable one.
For more information, follow on Instagram @gallensbar or Facebook Gallen’s Bar, Email: [email protected] or call 074 971 5064.
Gallen’s Bar Ballybofey raises a glass to best cocktail award was last modified: March 10th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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