Brian JonesYou see, the perfect pint of Guinness isn’t something you can get at a random chain – you need a real, authentic Irish bar to really score that perfect pour.
Sadly, there are many places that parade themselves as Irish pubs, only to disappoint with their pretentious vibe and food you won’t even find in Dublin.
Luckily for you, we have a few favorites up our sleeves. These are awesome spots where the beer flows like liquid gold and the vibes are just as rich as the Emerald Isle.
Check them out now for the ultimate experience!
1. Duggan’s Boundary Irish Pub
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Website: http://duggansboundary.ca/
Address: 9013 88 Avenue, Edmonton
Contact Details: +1 780-465-4834
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Price: $$
Duggan’s Boundary is the place to go if you want to experience a quintessential Irish pub. If you love music, the best time to visit is on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:00 PM. These days they host live music nights so you can see a rotating roster of local talent for entertainment.
If you’re a dog lover, their patio is the ultimate spot. Not only is it dog-friendly, but the staff provides them with their own water bowls. If you’re not a fan of mingling with dogs though (uh, why?), there’s also a no-dog side at the patio.
As for food, their menu offers a mix of hearty Irish classics –think beef-stuffed Yorkshire puddings or a melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank. For appetizer lovers, Duggan’s beer cheese and pretzels are absolute must-haves.
By the way, they have gluten-free dishes too, so don’t forget to ask if you have food restrictions!
2. O’Byrne’s Irish Pub
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Website: https://obyrnes.com/
Address: 10616 82 Avenue NW
Contact Details: +1 780-41-46766
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Price: $$
Guinness fan? O’Byrne is the best to be! The pub is famous for its Guinness, which regulars swear is the best. They’re poured into proper British pints which really gives you that full experience.
Apart from this, you’ll also find a solid variety of Irish beers on tap, including Kilkenny cream ale and Harp Irish lager. They’re all priced at $9.29 per pint so if you want to spoil yourself with drink after drink, you can do it here.
This place also wins when it comes to fun offerings. For instance, on Tuesdays, you can enjoy endless fish and chips. Plus, they have an all-day Irish breakfast that’s served until 2:00 PM.
Finally, they host live music, so no second is ever boring. Just stay in the loop via their website to see future lineups!
3. Dicey Reilly’s
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Website: http://www.diceyreillys.ca/
Address: 398 St Albert Trl unit 104
Contact Details: +17805694774
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday-Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Price: $
I might end up saying this for every pub on this list, but Dicey Reilly’s is the real deal. With their traditional Irish decor and the sound of authentic Irish music playing in the background, you’ll really feel like you’re in Emerald Isle!
The food menu at Dicey Reilly’s may be small, but it has everything you need. Most popular options include their classic fish and chips that come with a side of coleslaw. For something heartier though, the deluxe burger with cheese and bacon is my best reco.
Though it’s a bit pricier than some might expect, with pints of Irish beer going for around $8, the experience really feels authentic. They even have this nice patio where you can enjoy a sunny day, and surprisingly – it’s often not too packed!
4. Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub
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Website: https://www.fionnmaccools.com/
Address: 261055 Crossiron Blvd #512, Rocky View
Contact Details: +1 403-51-46033
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price: $$
Fionn MacCool’s is one of my favorite stops when it comes to food. They have a variety of pub favorites, with some delicious Irish-inspired options.
Whenever I want something hearty, I always go for their Guinness steak and mushroom stew, and a side of Caesar salad. But for something light the crispy chicken sandwich is a nice start. Wide a side of fries and drinks it becomes a nice full meal.
And of course, true to drinking culture, Fionn MacCool has this Oktoberfest beer special which is a great starter to any meal. Make sure to request one before diving into your feast!
5. Ashford House Pub & Kitchen
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Website: https://ashfordhousepub.com/
Address: 12026 107 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 0W7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 587-400-3204
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
While Ashford House Pub & Kitchen doesn’t fully embrace the stereotypical Irish pub aesthetic, its charm lies in its authenticity. Owned by an individual from just outside Dublin, the pub serves up a genuine taste of Ireland.
The menu is packed with flavorful options. The pork belly bites are my favorite with their perfectly tender and savory profile. The Reuben sandwich, which includes their house-made corned beef, is another great option for a heavy meal.
As for drinks, they have various beers on tap – nothing too special but everything is familiar to the average pub-hopper. Even non-drinkers can enjoy a selection of non-alcoholic beers, so there’s something for everyone.
Pro tip: If you’re stopping by on a Friday evening, aim to arrive around 6:00 PM, as it gets busier later. Reservations are available, but if you’re spontaneous, just take note of the time.
6. Kelly’s Pub
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Website: https://kellyspubedmonton.com/
Address: 10156 104 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-451-8825
Operating Hours: Monday -Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Price: $$
Kelly’s Pub in downtown has that charm of a small-town Irish bar where everyone feels like a regular, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth! If you want something that doesn’t try too hard, then this place is a great start.
Their menu features pub favorites done right, with the pizza being a surprising hit among visitors. It’s not often you hear about stellar pizza at an Irish pub, but Kelly’s delivers!
Pair that with their fish and chips or a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo!
Game nights are also a special treat here, with Oilers fans often flocking to the bar in jerseys whenever there’s a match.
If you want something a bit more chill though, the outdoor patio is also a nice touch with its big-screen TVs for catching the action while enjoying the downtown buzz.
