March 17 marks one of Ottawa’s most beloved holidays: St. Patrick’s Day. All around the city, pubs, restaurants and bars are getting ready to celebrate. For an authentically Irish experience, look no further than these popular Irish pubs in Ottawa.
Aulde Dubliner & Pour House
This two-storey pub oozes Irish culture, from the vast selection of draught beer and Irish whiskey to the traditional pub grub served at tables and chairs imported straight from Ireland. Ideally situated at the gateway to the ByWard Market neighbourhood, the Aulde Dubliner & Pour House a sure bet for a true St. Paddy’s experience.
Heart & Crown
Head to one of the Heart & Crown’s three locations (Barrhaven, ByWard Market, and Preston Street) for a cozy and welcoming pub ambience that’s as authentic as can be. Owned and operated by two Irish immigrants, the Heart & Crown takes special pride in its decor which has been imported and installed by Irish workers to ensure that every detail holds true to its Irish character.
At the Heart & Crown’s flagship ByWard Market location, you’ll find an entire Irish Village—five pubs under one roof, each with their own personality. It’s your St. Paddy’s Day pub crawl, all in one spot!
D’Arcy McGee’s
A mainstay in the city’s Irish pub scene, D’Arcy McGee’s (Sparks Street and Kanata) will surely be full of St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans for your enjoyment. Traditional pub fare, live music and your favourite beverages make this a true Irish pub experience.
O'Connell's Irish Pub
Known for their live Irish music, this quaint and charming spot features traditional pub fare in a cozy and welcoming environment in the heart of Westboro. Stop by O’Connell’s Irish Pub on March 17 for some St. Paddy’s Day fun!
Patty’s Pub
A classic pub experience, Patty’s Pub is a popular Bank Street watering hole is perfect for St. Paddy’s Day. Featuring local Ashton Brewing Company beers as well as a wide selection of imports (Guinness, anyone?).
Pub Italia
An Irish pub in Ottawa’s Little Italy neighbourhod? You bet! Despite its name, Pub Italia has proud Irish roots. Established in 1994, this popular Preston Street destination is a marriage between an Italian trattoria and an Irish pub with its combination of wonderful pizza and pasta dishes, and an incredible selection of over 200 beers.
Brigid’s Well Pub
Stop at Brigid’s Well Pub on your way to the ByWard Market or spend your evening here! This cozy bar offers a true, unique Irish pub experience. With plenty of beer options on tap and live music from time to time, you can’t go wrong with this option.
Honorary Irish Pubs
It’s often said that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s certainly true here in Ottawa. You won’t need the luck of the Irish to find a fun place to celebrate. Green beer will be flowing all over the city as many of our city’s pubs, restaurants, and bars host St. Paddy’s Day festivities.
Watch for St. Patrick’s Day parties and specials at spots like the Royal Oak (multiple locations), Barley Mow (multiple locations), Cheshire Cat Pub in Carp and The Laff in the ByWard Market neighbourhood.
Ottawa’s many craft breweries are also good bets for St. Patrick’s partiers. Overflow Brewing is featuring live music by East Coast Experience at its St. Paddy’s Day bash.
Whether you stick with your favourite watering hole or decide to try a new spot, one thing is clear; you won’t need to go far to embrace Irish culture on March 17. Slainte!
