How to Train a Bartender in Ireland

Bartending in Ireland is about more than just pouring a nice Guinness. When your staff knows their craft inside and out, magic happens. Customers feel welcomed and well-looked after. Those little conversations over the bar? They're what turn first-timers into regulars who'll brave any weather to visit "their spot."

Why Bartender Training Matters

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 Irish hospitality workers were polled about restaurant HR, staffing and training in hospitality, 59.5% of Irish hospitality workers surveyed believe ongoing training is extremely important, and nearly 4 in 10 have left jobs due to poor onboarding or training.

From boosting staff confidence to improving guest satisfaction and reducing turnover, the right training programme delivers long-term returns.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

• Bartender Training Options in Ireland

• Key Bartender Skills

• How to Apply for Bartending Jobs

• Tips for Hiring and Onboarding Bar Staff

Best Bartender Training Programmes in Ireland

Whether you’re hiring new talent or upskilling your team, here are a few formal and informal routes to explore:

1. The European Bartender School: Internationally renowned and available in Dublin, this four-week course covers everything from mixology to bar management.

2. Udemy Online Courses: Offers flexible, on-demand training for Irish bar staff, including modules on mixology and service efficiency.

3. DrinkSkool by BAR: Free online resource offering foundational bartending education and video tutorials.

The Skills That Matter Most

In Ireland, the most important training topics according to our Consumer Preferences Survey include:

• Responsible alcohol service

• Speed and accuracy

• Mixology knowledge

• Customer engagement

• Cost management

Hands-on shadowing and peer mentoring are considered the most effective training methods by Irish workers (source: Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025).

See one of Ireland’s most celebrated cocktail bars in action: In this behind-the-scenes video, you’ll see a Bar 1661 bartender expertly prepare a Belfast Coffee—their signature twist on the classic Irish Coffee. 

How Long Should Training Take?

Over 45% of Irish staff expect to be fully trained within two weeks, and the majority (82.5%) prefer in-person training formats.

To meet expectations, restaurants should:

• Offer structured onboarding with peer mentoring.

• Provide easy-to-access training materials.

• Run refresher training quarterly.

Hiring and Onboarding Bartenders

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, Irish consumers value clear hiring practices. In fact:

• 63% expect detailed employment agreements.

• 89.5% say structured onboarding is valuable.

• 77% want all staff—not just managers—to receive official agreements.

Legal Note: Alcohol Licensing in Ireland

To serve alcohol legally, staff in Ireland must complete training on responsible service. For employers, you’ll also need to ensure a Personal Licence is held by at least one staff member per premises.

Boosting Staff Retention Through Training

Employee retention remains a critical concern for restaurant owners across Ireland, as highlighted in our Voice of the Restaurant Industry in Ireland report. 

Well-designed training initiatives foster deeper loyalty among staff members who appreciate the investment in their professional development. 

Beyond just keeping your team together, good training shows your staff they have somewhere to go. When bartenders see a real future, they stick around. They can picture themselves growing with you, maybe becoming that shift manager or even running their own section someday.

Final Thoughts

When you give your people the right knowledge, foster an environment where questions are welcome, and make expectations crystal clear from their very first shift, something special happens. Your team doesn't just serve drinks—they create those "remember when" moments that bring people back time after time.

After all, customers might forget what they ordered, but they'll always remember how your staff made them feel. And that feeling is what fills your tables night after night.