At the heart of Ireland’s most spirited city, four talented mixologists are shaking up the local cocktail scene with a dash of flair and a generous pour of camaraderie. Jack Feeney of Micil Distillery, Aileen Cunningham of Kasbah Wine Bar, Dennis O’Neill of Rúibín, and Markus Galuschin of Bierhaus aren’t just making incredible drinks—they’re redefining the West’s drinking experience, one expertly crafted cocktail at a time. So, what’s on their menu this spring? Expect innovative concoctions, bold flavours, and a touch of magic in every glass.
There’s something truly special about sipping on a perfectly crafted cocktail—the kind where flavours and textures blend effortlessly, creating a little moment of magic in every glass. And here in Galway City, where the bar scene is as lively and full of character as the streets themselves, every sip has a story to tell.
We caught up with Jack, Aileen, Markus, and Dennis to explore their signature styles, creative inspirations, and their must-try cocktail of the season.
above: Jack Feeney hard at work creating his cocktail pick for the season
For Jack Feeney, the thrill of mixology lies in the new experiences. His mission? To make you fall in love with the very flavours you think you dislike. A natural provocateur behind the bar, Jack revels in the challenge of shifting perceptions, one meticulously crafted cocktail at a time. And trust us, by the end of the night, you’ll be thanking him for it! A self-taught innovator, Jack’s journey into the world of cocktails began as an antidote to the monotony of pouring pints. Restless and endlessly curious, he experimented his way through the ranks—moving from nightclubs to hotel bars before hitting his stride at Galway’s much missed Bite Club and Caribou. There, he built a name for himself, gaining a reputation for inventive cocktails that pushed the boundaries of flavour. Nowadays, Jack continues to bring his delicious creations to Galway in his new role as Brand Ambassador and Cocktail Consultant for Micil Distillery.
Jack’s Pick; The Enzoni. “This is a drink you can enjoy at any time of the year. It’s the dryness of the Campari and the juiciness of the grapes that makes it so good. Light, refreshing, juicy - not too heavy. And that’s exactly what I love.”
above: Jack's creation, The Enzoni. It really does taste as good as it looks!
During Jack’s time at Bite Club, he became friends with Dennis O’Neill, the mastermind behind all of Rúibín’s signature cocktails. Rúibín is a firm favourite amongst foodies in Galway, and it's Dennis who is responsible for ensuring that their cocktail list elevates every visit. Having turned the practice of cocktail-making into an artform, Dennis constantly reinvents the classics, blending tradition with his own unique flair. Before joining Rúibín, he honed his craft at New Zealand’s busiest cocktail bar, Dirty Little Secret, where he played a key role in developing their innovative menus. For Dennis, the joy of mixology has always lied in discovering flavours that work together while embracing the creative challenge of working with seasonal ingredients. This interest has served him well. At Rúibín, Dennis creates four menus a year, each featuring 12 or 13 beautifully constructed cocktails. This process is highly collaborative, as he welcomes input from the entire bar and kitchen team, particularly Head Chef Alice, ensuring that every cocktail is perfectly balanced and in harmony with the restaurant’s culinary vision.
Dennis’ Pick; The Beekeeper. “It’s so good. People were raving about it last time so we had to put it back on the menu. There are certain drinks like that - ones people ask for again and again."
above: Dennis O'Neill adding the finishing touches to his cocktail The Beekeeper
No stranger to collaboration, Dennis has worked at pop-up events and designed new menus for the reopening of Electric, the city’s only nightclub, alongside fellow cocktail connoisseur Markus Galuschin. Most evenings, you’ll find Markus behind the bar at Bierhaus, where his alchemy and instinct for innovation have helped to elevate its offerings, making it a destination not just for craft beer, but for exceptional cocktails. Markus spent years living and working in bars across Asia, absorbing techniques, flavours, and inspiration along the way. He arrived in Galway armed with a world of ideas and a thirst to shake up the local scene. Since then, he’s been subtly influencing what we drink, one expertly reimagined cocktail at a time. His approach? Take a drink you like, and transform it into one you love. His playful yet precise mixology breathes new life into classic recipes, earning approving nods, clinking glasses, and devoted regulars in the process. After years of a transient lifestyle, Markus now enjoys the deep sense of community at Bierhaus, where craftsmanship, creativity, and camaraderie converge with every glass.
Markus’ Pick; The Infinity Daiquiri. Made using an ever-evolving blend of rums, inspired by the solera aging process used in Madeira wines and the concept of infinity bottles. By continuously adding different rums to a single bottle, the blend changes over time, creating a dynamic, personalised drinking experience.
above: Markus Galuschin presenting us with his cocktail, The Infinity Daiquiri.
His appreciation for the community is shared by Kasbah Wine Bar’s Aileen Cunningham, who is no stranger to making waves in the drinks industry. With a talent for transforming a single ingredient into a showstopping cocktail, Aileen’s creations don’t just dazzle the palate; they spark curiosity, igniting conversations between staff and guests, and turn each cocktail into a story worth sharing. At Kasbah Wine Bar, Aileen’s cocktail menu reflects this philosophy. Each cocktail is named after its star ingredient—steering away from playful but elusive titles in favour of a more direct approach. The result? A drinking experience that is both accessible and intriguing, inviting guests of all generations to enjoy a deeper appreciation for the craft—and maybe fall in love with something they never expected.
Aileen’s Pick; Vietnamese Pho. “What I really like about it is that savoury, almost saltiness, that you don't expect in cocktails. I think people are going to be curious. I think people are going to be curious enough to try it.”
above: We don't know how she does it! Aileen Cunningham's epic Vietnamese Pho is not to be missed.
Aileen’s passion for cocktail-making is shared by Markus, Dennis, and Jack, creating a strong bond rooted in dedication and a love for their craft. Their shared commitment fosters an environment where imagination thrives, skills are honed, and ideas flow freely. It’s more than just a networking hub—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the art of the pour.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
Published on Updated on
