Montreal isn’t exactly known for its pub culture. Terrasse and culture 5-à-7? Oh yeah. Nightlife culture? A college town like Montreal wouldn’t be one without it, especially given how low the legal drinking age is. But pub culture as it is known across the pond as a community gathering place, a focal point where neighbors and friends converge daily to shoot the breeze? Not so much. However, a case could be made for Montreal’s Irish pub culture, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. You see, locals who like their Irish pubs love their Irish pubs.
But what are the supreme realms?
01
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Old Dublin
Direction
636 Rue Cathcart, Montreal, QC H3B 3C4, CanadaGet directions
Telephone
+1 514-861-4448
Le Vieux Dublin, also known as Old Dublin Pub, claims the title of Montreal’s oldest Irish pub, which first opened in 1978. It’s a seemingly indisputable claim that is almost hard to believe considering that Montreal has had a prominent Irish community for over 200 years. , but even if others may have come before, Old Dublin still stands, the largest among its currently operating peers.
However, it is no longer in its original University Street location as it has moved to a nearby location, right off the main thoroughfares such as Ste. Catherine Street and yet a stone’s throw from everything. the hustle, far enough away to randomly drive away the riff raff.
With an enviable selection of Scottish music and live music five days out of seven, Le Vieux Dublin is a short walk from several downtown Montreal attractions, including the Underground City, nearby shopping centers, the Redpath Museum, the McCord Museum and Mary Queen of the World.
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Hurley Irish Pub
Direction
1225 Rue Crescent, Montreal, QC H3G 2B1, CanadaGet directions
Telephone
+1 514-861-4111
Web
Visit the website
Open since 1993, Irish expats and visitors constantly insist that Hurley’s is the Irish pub and try to visit Montreal home. There is no doubt that this pub is the liveliest of the bunch. Strong, brash, and always ready for joy, don’t be surprised if some regulars start dancing to the traditional live music of the night.
And don’t be surprised if the place is packed. In any case, you should be surprised if it isn’t. So if you want a coveted spot in the main room where the band plays, get there early.
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Irish embassy
Direction
1234 Rue Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G 2E3, CanadaGet directions
Telephone
+1 514-875-8777
Web
Visit the website
Not to be confused with the Royal Irish Embassy (which, by the way, is in Ottawa), I would not be guilty of mistaking the Irish Embassy for an Irish sports bar. This place is great for catching the big game.
With friendly staff framed by a gorgeous wooden interior, the design of the downtown pub is brilliant, not only does it feel cozy despite being a fairly large room, but the flat screens are so strategically placed that you can sit anywhere and I still have a great view of the game. You have to love that.
The Irish Embassy offers solid pub food and live music almost daily too. Nice terraces too. It’s a good choice for a beer after an afternoon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or after watching a game or concert at the Bell Center, both a five- to ten-minute walk from the pub.
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McKibbin’s Irish Pub
Direction
1426 Rue Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G 2E6, CanadaGet directions
Telephone
+1 514-288-1580
Web
Visit the website
McKibbin has more than one location in and around Montreal, especially the Main, but out of them all, our favorite is the original downtown Bishop Street venue, which could also be called an Irish resort. It’s huge. Three stories high. Our favorite place? The lower deck for its smaller size and relaxed atmosphere. It feels more like an Irish pub than the rest of the place. Mind you, the main floor has its charms when a live band plays, which it often is.
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Huerto de Ye Olde
Direction
5563 Av de Monkland, Montreal, QC H4A 1E1, CanadaGet directions
Telephone
+1 514-484-1569
Web
Visit the website
McKibbin isn’t the only Irish pub in Montreal with a handful of venues. Ye Olde Orchard’s original pub in Monkland did so well, so well that you need the luck of the Irish to get a spot on their terrace, which has spread and multiplied throughout the Greater Montreal area. Two of the most central locations are just off Main on the Plateau and south of Ste. Catherine in downtown Montreal. As with most Irish pubs in Montreal, live music is on the list.