We travelled to Colmar in the heart of Alsace to visit Jacky Barthelmé of Domaine Albert Mann—a winemaker whose work we admire deeply and who joined us at Daróg back in April for one of our Turas Fíona Wine Talk & Tasting events.

Jacky welcomed us into his world with open arms. We walked his vineyards, took in the landscape that shapes his wines, and spent time talking through his process—his philosophies in the cellar, his connection to the land, and the family legacy behind it all.

We were honoured to receive a Gradam in the Tourism Category of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2025. The awards ceremony took place on Monday 24th May at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill

Daróg Wine Bar has been named Best Wine Bar in Connaught at the Irish Restaurant Awards — for the second year in a row.

Our next Le Chéile evening takes place on Monday 9th June and features Galway-based artist Emer Whelan and her powerful series Lignis. Through sculptural drawings made with salvaged wood, wax, and graphite, Emer explores the deep emotional and symbolic connection between trees and the human body. Her work evokes both resilience and fragility—strength rooted in vulnerability.

On the night, Emer will speak in conversation with owner Edel Lukács, about her creative process and the ideas behind the work, offering guests a rare glimpse into her world.

We’re proud to be finalists for Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh 2025. Now in our second year entering the Gradam, we’ve continued to build on our use of Irish throughout Daróg.

Galway-based artist Emer Whelan presents her latest body of work, Lignis, a solo exhibition that reimagines the tradition of woodcraft through the lens of digital precision and contemporary design. Using a CO₂ laser cutter, Whelan transforms wood into finely detailed geometric compositions, blending structure with softness and craftsmanship with innovation.

Earlier this month, Zsolt travelled to the village of Kog in Slovenia for Kog25 — a wine event unlike any other. Hosted by the brilliant team at Roka Winery and Miro Vino, this gathering brought together wines from across the globe for a unique, variety-led tasting experience.

At Daróg, our menu is built around seasonal, locally sourced small plates. Our wine list showcases the craftsmanship of small artisan producers who share our passion for organic, natural, biodynamic, and sustainable practices.

May in Galway is a time to celebrate great food, exceptional wine, and the people who bring them to life. As part of Blas na Bealtaine – A Taste of May, Daróg Wine Bar presents a special Turas Fíona series, featuring two intimate Wine Talk & Tasting events with winemakers who embody craft, sustainability, and storytelling.

Our next Turas Fíona, Wine Talk & Tasting will take place on Wednesday, 23rd April with Mathieu Paquet from Famille Paquet in Burgundy, France.

Famille Paquet, located in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, France, was founded in 1980 by Jocelyne and Michel Paquet under the name Domaine des Valanges. The estate is now managed by their three sons, Jean-Baptiste, Mathieu, and Camille, who oversee the vineyards and winemaking with an emphasis on minimal intervention and sustainable practices. Farming organically and biodynamically, the estate achieved full organic certification in 2021.

Echoes of the Coast
A new exhibition in Daróg by Tiffani Love.

Originally from Northern New York and now based in the west of Ireland, Tiffani Love’s painting process is deeply rooted in movement, observation, and connection to place. She begins by walking the landscape, building a relationship with it before translating her experience onto canvas. Her work captures moments of stillness in a constantly shifting world, balancing between the known and the unknown. Layers of paint reflect the ever-changing nature of the land, revealing how past and present intertwine beneath the surface.

For our next Fíon Focus, we’re diving into the wines of South Africa—a land of breathtaking landscapes, old vines, and a winemaking heritage that blends tradition with innovation. These wines are bold, fresh, and full of character, each bottle telling a story of place, passion, and craftsmanship.

The Michelin Guide 2025 has recognised Daróg Wine Bar with a coveted Bib Gourmand, while co-owner and sommelier Zsolt Lukács has been honoured with the prestigious Sommelier Award.

On Wednesday, 12th February 2025, Daróg Wine Bar will host its next Turas Fíona event (Irish for "Wine Journey"), offering an evening dedicated to the exceptional wines and sustainable practices of Italy’s Rosanna Sandri winery. The event will feature Roberto Prandi, winemaker and second-generation custodian of the family-run estate in the Langhe region.

We’re delighted to kick off the New Year with "No Small Stones", the first exhibition of 2025 on the gallery wall at Daróg Wine Bar, featuring the extraordinary work of Aideen Monaghan.

We’re thrilled to kick off our Turas Fíona series – an exclusive wine journey at Daróg Wine Bar. Join us for an evening of stories, flavours, and discoveries with the legendary Dorli Muhr from Weingut Dorli Muhr, Austria.

‘Colourful Whispers’  – A vibrant new exhibition on our gallery wall in Daróg by Carol Kelly.

Carol is a professional Irish artist hailing from the West of Ireland, her work radiates positivity and energy. Carol’s contemporary abstract paintings are alive with bold hues, dynamic brushstrokes, and luxurious touches of gold leaf, all sealed with a clear varnish for a striking finish.

For our next Fíon Focus, we journey into the captivating world of Island Wines, with selections from islands where diverse landscapes and ancient winemaking traditions create unique expressions. Each bottle tells a story of resilience, crafted in regions with distinct microclimates and unique terroirs. These wines are as captivating and diverse as the islands themselves.

Daróg Wine Bar Celebrates Four Major Wins at the Food & Wine Awards

 Galway, Ireland – Daróg Wine Bar celebrated a night of exceptional recognition at the prestigious Food & Wine Awards held at the Shelbourne Hotel. This Westend favourite was honoured with four major awards, highlighting its dedication to excellence in wine and cuisine.