McCafferty’s JVC Makes History with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE
Dubai has once again made its mark in the history books, with Guinness World Records™ officially recognising McCafferty’s in Jumeirah Village Circle as the Largest Irish bar in the world, featuring its brand new Guinness Garden. In partnership with Guinness and African + Eastern, this is a milestone that blends Irish culture with Dubai’s unstoppable appetite for doing things bigger, bolder, and better.
McCafferty’s new extension brings one of Dubai’s most beloved pubs up to a whopping 29,831 ft and 92 inches, now complete with an impressive 148 taps. At this staggering scale, McCafferty’s stands as a home for thousands of Irish expats, a living expression of culture and community abroad. Designed to capture the warmth, charm, and unmistakable character of an Irish bar, it brings the craic of the Isle into the heart of Dubai while setting a new benchmark for nightlife and hospitality in the region.
The official unveiling celebration took place on Monday, 1st September, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Diageo’s Chairman of the Board, Sir John Manzoni, Dayalan Nayager, President Europe, Middle East & Global Chief Commercial Officer and Antoinette Drumm, Managing Director MENA, together with Michael McBrearty, the Chief Operating Officer of McCafferty’s, and Jason Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of African + Eastern. This is a symbolic moment that underscores not just the scale of the project but the shared ambition behind it.
As part of the milestone, McCafferty’s also unveils its latest expansion. Following a major transformation, the JVC outpost has taken over the entire rooftop level of Circle Mall, a development by Dubai Holdings, doubling its footprint to 29,831 ft and 92 inches, cementing its status as the largest Irish bar worldwide. The expansion reinforces the brand’s commitment to growing its footprint in Dubai while giving the city’s Irish community and Guinness lovers even more reasons to gather together.
For McCafferty’s, this recognition is legendary; “Being recognised as the world’s largest Irish bar is more than just a record, it’s a milestone of the vision we had for McCafferty’s in Dubai,” said Michael McBrearty, Chief Operating Officer of McCafferty’s. “We’ve built a space with Dubai Holdings that honours tradition, welcomes community, and sparks even more curiosity for tourism in Dubai.”
“Partnerships like this are at the heart of what we do at African + Eastern,” said David Beattie, General Manager Sales – UAE On Trade. “Partnering with DIAGEO and McCafferty’s to bring the world’s largest Irish bar to life is about more than just records; it’s about helping to create spaces where people come together, friendships are made, and moments are shared over a pint of Guinness.”
The new venue now boasts multiple indoor and outdoor stages for traditional Irish music and live entertainment, a massive outdoor terrace for gatherings and events, state-of-the-art LED screens for an unrivalled sports viewing experience, along with pool tables and vibrant community spaces.
“Guinness has always been about bringing people together, and there’s something truly magical about seeing that spirit celebrated on such a big scale,” added Antoinette Drumm, Diageo MENA Managing Director. “McCafferty’s in Dubai doesn’t just raise the bar, it once again reflects the city’s unstoppable spirit, a place that never stops reaching new heights and setting new records. We couldn’t be happier to have the world’s largest Irish bar serving the world’s most iconic stout.”
Book a table now at McCafferty’s JVC to experience the new Guinness Garden on
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