Alex Lawes Death: Dublin Bar & Brewery Founder Remembered
- The Dublin craft beer scene is mourning the loss of Alex Lawes, co-founder of the acclaimed Whiplash Brewery and Fidelity bar, who passed away on March 25, 2026.
- Lawes, originally a homebrewer from Inchicore, Dublin, co-founded Whiplash in 2016 with Alan Wolfe.
- Whiplash’s commitment to innovation and experimentation played a key role in its success.
The Dublin craft beer scene is mourning the loss of Alex Lawes, co-founder of the acclaimed Whiplash Brewery and Fidelity bar, who passed away on . The news, confirmed by Fidelity on Wednesday, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the industry and the wider Dublin community.
A Homebrewer’s Rise
Lawes, originally a homebrewer from Inchicore, Dublin, co-founded Whiplash in with Alan Wolfe. What began as a weekend project, brewing one-off beers, quickly gained momentum, forcing the pair to dedicate themselves to Whiplash full-time by to meet growing demand. This rapid ascent reflects a broader trend within Ireland – a rising consumer appetite for locally produced, high-quality craft beverages.
Whiplash’s commitment to innovation and experimentation played a key role in its success. The brewery expanded its operations, initially utilizing facilities across Ireland and Europe before investing in a custom-designed brewery in Ballyfermot in . This strategic scaling demonstrates a keen understanding of navigating a competitive market, a lesson applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout Ireland.
From Brewery to Bar: The Fidelity Experience
In , Lawes further cemented his influence on Dublin’s nightlife with the opening of Fidelity, a bar established in collaboration with The Big Romance, on Queen Street in Smithfield. Fidelity quickly became known not only for its curated selection of craft beers, including those from Whiplash, but also for its custom-designed sound system, creating a unique and immersive experience for patrons.
Lawes’s impact extended beyond the products and spaces he created. He was described by Fidelity as “infectious, brilliantly funny and a genius in all senses of the word,” and as “part of the heart of both businesses.” His magnetic personality touched many, both locally and internationally, fostering a strong sense of community around Whiplash and Fidelity.
A Voice for Dublin’s Craft Scene
Lawes’s prominence within the Dublin craft beer scene was recently highlighted by a feature in The New York Times earlier this month, showcasing his insights into the city’s evolving pub culture. This recognition underscores the growing international attention being paid to Dublin’s vibrant and innovative beverage industry.
The passing of Alex Lawes represents a significant loss for the Irish brewing community and the city of Dublin. While the coming weeks will be dedicated to mourning and remembering Lawes, his legacy of innovation, community building, and dedication to quality will undoubtedly continue to inspire those within the industry. The team at Whiplash and Fidelity, including Alan Wolfe, Dave, and Steve, expressed their grief and commitment to honoring Lawes’s memory, stating they will “digest this news…and understand how People can honour the man that gave us so many smiles and good times.”