Looking for genuine Irish pubs in Vancouver? Well, we have you covered! These 10 Irish pubs, Irish sports bars, and Irish restaurants in Vancouver serve authentic Irish comfort food and pints. In fact, some have snugs (semi-private rooms), and most have live music and show soccer, rugby, Gaelic football, and even hurling on-screen! Sláinte!
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St. Patrick’s Day in Vancouver
The Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. As a result, in cities across Canada, the Irish diaspora and Irish food fans will be wearing green and lifting a pint to the homeland.
More than 275,000 Irish now live in Metro Vancouver; they celebrate St. Paddy’s Day Parade on the Sunday closest to March 17.
Most years it is at Howe Street and Georgia in downtown Vancouver. So, get ready to sing “Whiskey in the Jar,” a favorite at Irish celebrations!
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Where to Eat Irish Food in Vancouver
To be clear, many of the Emerald Isle pubs recommended here are in Downtown Vancouver, while others are in the much larger area called Metro Vancouver. However, they all serve traditional Irish favorites as well as the usual pub grub. They are not Irish by name only!
So get ready to enjoy a Full Irish Breakfast, some Dublin Chippies, Stuffed Yorkshire Puddings, Bangers N’ Mash, or a steaming Irish Stew or Cottage Pie.
Indeed, you will be sated while the fiddle music drifts over you or the cheers from the game invigorate you. At these cheerful pubs, you are guaranteed good craic (Irish for fun times).
Some Irish pubs are open until 3 am on weekends; many have special events and menus. Of course, St. Patrick’s Day is a big one! So, whether you are one of the 20,000 Irish immigrants in Metro Vancouver, or love Irish food and fun, you are in the right place.
If you’re an ice hockey fan, check out : Top 15 Vancouver Canucks Sports Bars!
Best Irish Pubs in Vancouver
For the most current information or to make a reservation, click the link above the photos for direct access to each Irish pub’s website. Remember, you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy Irish culture and traditional food in Vancouver.
The Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone is one of Vancouver’s oldest, most recognized pubs and has been voted Best Irish Pub. It opened in the iconic Gastown district in 1972. At that time, Gastown was reminiscent of the famous Temple Bar District in Ireland; the familiarity resulted in many Irish pubs opening in the area.
Named after the iconic Blarney Stone in Ireland, which reputedly endows whoever kisses it with the gift of eloquence, the eponymous pub occupies a historic 1888 building.
Initially, the Klondike Hotel, a nod to the gold rush days, it later became Vancouver’s first government liquor store. Today, The Blarney Stone is the only pub from that era that still survives.
All their food is made fresh daily. Starts and Shares include Guinness Sausage Rolls, Dublin Chippies, Irish Hand Pies and a Blarney Picnic. Irish Mains include an all-day Irish Breakfast, Kerry Mac and Cheese with Guinness cheese sauce, Sheppard’s Pie, and Irish Stew. Plus, they are also open until 3 am Friday and Saturday nights, so expect some rambunctious fun!
The Blarney Stone – 216 Carral Street, Vancouver, BC
The Irish Heather Shebeen
This Irish-owned and managed pub has received commendations since it first opened in Vancouver in 1997 in Gastown. Now located in historic Chinatown (just a quick walk from the Chinatown SkyTrain), it glows with warm Irish hospitality.
In fact, the authentic red-bricked Irish décor includes a dark polished bar, themed snugs, and a 40-person communal long table. Indeed, in such a cozy setting, you might make a new friend here.
Take a tour of their extensive bar menu. In truth, it will be challenging to choose a whiskey from one of the best lists in Vancouver. Or try mixed beer drink like a Black Velvet: half a pint of Guinness poured over half a pint of cider! Wow!
And yes, their Guinness IS popular, and they have been known to serve over 1,000 pints on St. Paddy’s Day! What’s more, with their unique Irish sense of humor, they offer the East Georgia Penicillin as an ode to the colorful neighborhood they reside in.
While enjoying your drink, you can choose Fish and Chips with a lime-dressed coleslaw, Bangers N’ Mash, Pot Pie, or the Irish-American favorite, Stacked Corn Beef.
They offer Songbird Sessions, which keep old songs alive. Alternatively, during the Vinyl Club hours, have the in-house DJ spin your own vinyl.
This Irish pub has hosted the King and Queen of Sweden and is sought out by celebrities, tourists, and locals alike. And while síbín (pronounced shebeen) is an original Irish term for a bar that sold alcohol without a license, rest assured that is not the case at Heather Shebeen!
The Irish Heather Shebeen – 248 East Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC
Dublin Crossing Irish Pub
Enjoy the welcoming Irish ambiance with a polished carved wood bar, tapestry furniture, and dimmed lighting in this delightful pub just 26 miles (43 km) from downtown Vancouver. This charming pub offers delicious food, live music, events, and patio seating.
For appies you can try their Stuffed Mini Yorkies with Kilkenny jus and horseradish sour cream. Or try their Irish Spice Bag – Ireland’s favorite takeaway. This adaptation consists of chips, chicken, and peppers mixed with spices and curry gravy.
Although the menu has plenty of tasty pub food, including hot soup, healthy salads, and loaded burgers, there is an excellent offering of traditional Irish fare.
For example, try the St. Patrick’s Irish Stew with meat, vegetables, and hearty potato dumplings served with warm cheddar caraway soda bread.
Alternatively, indulge in their Fish and Chips with two wild cod fillets in beer batter. In fact, the Cottage Pie, Bangers and Mash, and Stuffed Yorkshire Puddings all offer the comfort of home-styled Irish food.
Of course, the drinks menu offers plenty of choices. But try the Irish Flights, local wines, and cocktails. Actually, the Dublin Shaft with Bailey’s Irish Cream sounds perfect for breakfast or dinner!
So, if you crave comfort food in charming surroundings, this is an Irish Pub to put on your list! Multiple sports are available to watch, but this is not considered a sports bar.
Check out their second location at 466 SW Marine Drive, which has a similar aesthetic and menu.
Dublin Crossing Pub – 18789 Fraser Highway, Surrey, BC
St James Well Pub
Located in the heart of Newport Village in Port Moody, only 14 miles (23 km) from Vancouver, this Irish pub has a hearty Celtic menu. In fact, beyond Bangers and Mash, you will find a Steak and Guinness Pie with flakey puff pastry, a Cottage Pie, the Dublin Dip with roasted beef, Liver, and Onions, and more.
Brunch is offered from 10 am to 2 pm on weekends and holidays. Try The Dubliner, a loaded plate of three eggs, a banger, three bacon strips, black pudding, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomato, and hash browns! It will fuel you for the entire day.
Add a Wired Irish Man: a pint of Guinness with Van Gogh espresso for the ultimate Irish experience.
Trivia nights, football on multiple screens, live music, a raffle, and giveaways mean there is something for everyone at St James Well Pub.
St James Well Pub – 248 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC
Carlos O’Bryan’ Kitsilano
Carlos’ offers some Irish favorites among regular pub grub in the tony district of Kitsilano. It is within walking distance of parks, beaches, shopping, and theatres. This area is affectionately called Country Kits because so many Irish reside here.
All the regulars like Irish Yorkie, Irish Battered Fish N’ with sustainable, Alaskan white fish, and St. Patrick’s Stew with Yorkshire Pudding are on the menu.
But also consider the Mckraken Rolls filled with crab and bistro shrimp, Irish Onion Soup with mozza, or Butter Chicken Curry. Their Pachos™ made from seasoned lattice fries topped with spiced beef, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and spicy jalapenos served with their signature Emerald Isle dip™.
Order a cold brew or unique cocktail off their 13-page drinks list for a perfect meal!
Carlos is known for its sports action. They always show the current sports, including the NFL, NHL, MLB, PGA, 6 Nations, and World Cup. Plus, there are Thursday Night Football pools, prizes, and a jersey draw at the end of the game! Go and cheer for your favorite team!
Carlos also has Trivia Night on Tuesdays, Sunday Karaoke, a free pool all Sunday, and a dart board with house darts.
Carlos has a sister, Kelly, and between the two of them, they own ten brick-and-mortar pubs and restaurants around British Columbia. The different locations have unique menus and offer their own unique entertainment.
Carlos O’Bryan’s Kitsilano – 1774 West 7th, Vancouver, BC
The Wolf and the Hound
Established in 2002, this downtown Irish pub opened and was named in honor of the late Danny Burns, an accomplished Irish musician and member of the Belfast band The Wolfhound.
Featuring live Irish music sessions, sing-alongs, bar games, sports, and trivia, something is always coming up! So sit before the fire and order a craft brew, Irish whiskey, Single Malt Scotch, and much more.
Generous pub grub servings include Corned Beef Hash, Irish Breakfast, Irish Potato Soup, Beer Battered Cod and Chips, the popular Irish Spice Bag, and iconic Irish Sausage Rolls.
The Wolf and the Hound -3617 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
IRL Irish Pubs – Creating an Immersive Experience in Vancouver
Laura and William Donnellan arrived from Galway in 2009 on a work-holiday visa. They never left and have since been awarded Best Immigrant Employers.
William used his carpentry background to develop IRL Group. And now many of the Irish pubs in Vancouver belong to Vancouver’s IRL Group.
Their desire to create an immersive Irish experience for immigrants and locals meant Laura carefully curated the décor to reflect the authentic Irish pub experience.
To clarify, all their pubs are Irish-owned and Irish-managed; the menus, service, songs, and sports will leave no doubt. In fact, everything about their pubs is so genuine that you might just spot a leprechaun!
Shamrock Storehouse
After William and Laura Donnellan arrived in Vancouver from Galway, Ireland, they established their first Shamrock pub on Denman Street in 2009. They now have two locations. The second is located on Dunbar Street.
Like all IRL pubs, both pubs have a strong sense of community. William and Laura sponsor sports teams, donate to charities and create pubs where people feel included and at home.
The cozy first pub on Denman Street and offers traditional Irish pub fare, outdoor seating, live music, great cocktails, and cold beer.
With its warm atmosphere and great service, it’s the perfect place to watch sports or catch up with friends. They also offer an all-day Full Irish breakfast, a Sunday Roast, and multiple Irish main dishes every day.
Shamrock Bar & Grill – 102 – 1184 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC
Located on Dunbar Street, the second pub offers live music, authentic Irish food, and a covered, heated outdoor patio year-round. With stuffed roast yorkies appies, traditional Irish stew, and three choices of pies baked in buttery pastry for mains, you won’t go hungry here.
Shamrock Storehouse – 4497 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC
Smith’s Irish Pub
Located in the renowned Gastown District, this welcoming Irish-owned bar offers a taste of the Emerald Isle with its menu filled with Irish comfort food.
The menu includes an all-day breakfast offering the Smith’s Full Irish or Breakfast Bap, a large crusty white roll that originated in Belfast and is filled with bacon, eggs, and more!
Try stuffed roast yorkies for appies, or mains of crisply-battered Catch of the Day, Bangers and Mash with crisp onion, Beef and Guinness Stew, or the Irish Spice Bag with crispy chicken. Additionally, a child’s menu keeps the whole family happy.
However, the Sunday Roast Dinner has two roast choices and includes all the fixings: creamy mash, roast potatoes, bread stuffing, mixed root vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and house gravy. Along with your favorite drink, this will be the week’s highlight!
Smith’s Irish Pub – 208 & 212 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC
Hynes’ Irish Pub
At Hynes’, there is a saying: “A drink precedes a story.” So get ready to share something funny – or profound and meaningful – with old and new friends at this popular gathering place.
Dedicated to the hardworking Irish Haynes family, it is a popular sports pub. In fact, it shows a variety of games, especially Gaelic football and Irish hurling, a team sport of Gaelic origin played by men and women. The volume is up on games day, and the Guinness comes perfectly poured.
Hynes’ has a menu similar to Smith’s Irish Pub – the same Full Irish for breakfast to the Sunday Roast Dinner. And you might hear musicians playing fiddles, bodhrans (considered the heartbeat of Irish music), banjos, and guitars. You’ll have great craic at Hynes’.
Hynes’ Irish Pub – 3468 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Donnellan’s Irish Pub
Situated in the Gastown entertainment district, this authentically styled Irish pub has a bar open until 3 am and a stage for live singers.
With a creative chip menu, a Potato Pie originating from Cork, Battered Sausage, and plenty of tasty pub grub, all you have to do is choose the perfect drink.
Consider Guinness, Donnellan’s house draft, or a Bucket of Bottles. Then, settle in and listen to some live music. Of course, they have wine, cocktails, and alcohol-free drinks, too!
If you are in town with a group, you can book The Balcony on the second floor. It has a private bar and a full view of the main bar and stage. Private party, anyone?
Donnellan’ Irish Pub – 1082 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC
If you like Barbecue, check out: Carolina BBQ in Vancouver’s Trendy Gastown District!
Irish Presence in Vancouver
The Irish are the fourth largest ethnic group in Canada. In fact, more than 4,600,000 Canadians have full or partial Irish descent.
The Great Famine in the 1840s caused many Irish to immigrate to the east coast of Canada. Later, the Gold Rush saw many come to the West Coast to try to stake their claim.
So, while the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal is one of the oldest, the parade in Vancouver is too much fun to miss! Sláinte!
How Did Vancouver Get Its Name?
The largest city in Western Canada – and also its largest island – is named after someone all but forgotten in Canadian history.
George Vancouver (1757 – 1798), a British explorer, spent five years (1791 – 1795) exploring the Northwest Coast of North America.
Was it the longest voyage in European history?
His voyage confirmed that the Northwest Passage did not exist. He not only mapped the Puget Sound. In his wake, he left behind the names of close to 400 geographical features from as far south as Oregon to as far North as Alaska, including islands, sounds, and mountains. Source: Amazon.com
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