Hall of Fame

Oliver Hughes was the lawyer turned pioneering drinks entrepreneur whose fame stretched worldwide, and can be credited as being at the forefront of the craft beer movement in Ireland.

Together with his cousin Liam Lahart, he founded a chain of pub-breweries in Dublin, Wicklow, London and New York under the Porterhouse banner. They concentrated on selling craft beers which were mostly brewed on the premises on which they were sold. Having tackled the craft brewery end of the business, Oliver turned his attention to premium spirits. The big multinationals may have had world selling brands, but Oliver saw a niche for smaller “artisan” spirits. A former sawmill in Dingle, Co Kerry was converted for whiskey production in 2012. It was also set up for the production of gin and vodka. This became the Dingle Distillery – the first purpose built facility in Ireland for 200 years.

Oliver Hughes was a genial gentleman to share a few pints with and his opinions were as strong as his business convictions, which made him a very engaging and passionate speaker at various events over the years.

The measure of his influence can not only be measured by the popularity of craft beer and spirits, especially in Ireland, these days, but also by the glowing accolades and kind words from writers in many notable publications on both sides of the Irish sea on his sad passing in July 2016. An industry may have mourned but his legacy and passion lives on in those he inspired.