A few months ago, I craved a pint of Guinness and some hearty stew. I ended up in a so-called Irish pub, but it was a nightmare—sticky floors, a jukebox blasting generic pop, and a menu that wouldn’t pass muster in a Dublin back alley.
It left me feeling robbed of the true Irish pub experience.
That disappointment pushed me to search for the real deal—places where the music is authentic and the Guinness flows.
With that in mind, here are my favorite Irish pubs in Calgary. These are the ones that will make you forget those lackluster imitations.
How much does it cost to go to an Irish pub in Calgary?
It costs at least 20 CAD to go to an Irish pub in Calgary. This cost is just an estimate. The final price will depend on what you order, the pub you go to, and more.
Table of Contents
1. Ceili’s Royal Oak
Address: 8650 112 Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 587-352-0800
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Ceili’s is a great spot to enjoy a drink. It’s a bit worn-in, but I think that’s part of its charm.
When I stopped by, the place was packed with people of all ages enjoying the live music. The staff was friendly and attentive and made sure everyone was having a good time.
I was surprised to see that the food portions here were generous. The prices were totally fair too, especially during happy hour. It’s the kind of spot where you can enjoy a solid meal without feeling guilty about your wallet.
I ended up trying the Mini Yorkies—yeah, these were a letdown. The beef was a little cold and chewy. The horseradish aioli and grainy dijon au jus just didn’t do enough to save it.
But the Guinness brownies made up for it. It was warm and fudgy, topped with cold vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Jameson caramel. I was so happy with this order.
Good food, good beer
“This is my favourite pub. Good food, good beer. The menu has a good variety with something for everyone. Owner is super nice!”
– Jennifer Audet, Google Reviews
A good Irish Pub would be the best description
“A good Irish Pub would be the best description. Their flat breads are good, and the Thai cashew bowl is good as well. The chicken pot pie was pretty good as well. Their beer cocktails like the crown float is a must try.The best part about them would be the dry tube. Probably one of the best dry ribs I’ve had from Calgary. Definitely a good place to hang with family or friends!”
– Ajay Sankar, Google Reviews
2. James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant
Address: 114 8 Ave SW
Contact Details: +1 403-262-0708
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Monday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
James Joyce has all these artifacts and antiques from different parts of Ireland. When you walk in, you’re practically stepping into a classic Irish pub straight out of a movie.
I’m all about their menu, which nails the Irish classics. But the real standout for me was the boxty—the curry was rich and flavorful, and the pancake was crispy on the outside.
Their Irish lamb stew was another winner. The lamb was fork-tender, and when paired with the rosemary garlic mashed potatoes, it was pure comfort food.
And let’s not forget their homemade Irish wheat bread, which was equally tasty. It was fresh and nicely textured—just the way I like it.
On top of the food, their whisky selection is impressive. They’ve got familiar classics like Jameson, Bushmills, and more premium options like Red Breast and Glendalough. These are great for casual sippers and whisky enthusiasts.
If you have kids, consider hiring a sitter—children under 10 aren’t allowed here.
A good selection of Irish and international beers
“Great Irish Pub!It’s located in a beautiful old bank building. Very nice to sit outside, because it’s located in Calgary’s car-free street. Inside it’s decorated like an old beautiful Irish Pub. It’s not cheap, but they have a good selection of Irish and international beers.”
– Fabian Riemann, Google Reviews
Delicious food and comfortable space
“The food was delicious. Outdoor seating during the Stampede was comfortable and entertaining. Portions are perfect. The Bread Pudding is worth saving room for and the Traditional Big Rock Ale is very tastey.”
– Jennifer Mayper-Theller, Google Reviews
3. Lennox Irish Pub
Address: 5909 Signal Hill Centre S W
Contact Details: +1 587-391-7470
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
- Monday & Tuesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
The vibe at Lennox is top-notch—casual, laid-back, and the kind of spot where everyone knows everyone. It’s got that real “Cheers” feel. Plus, there are pool tables, slot machines, and TVs for catching the game.
The staff and regulars are genuinely friendly, which I really appreciate. It’s a spot where it’s easy to strike up a conversation over a pint.
On the food side, the daily specials are worth a try. Mondays mean 88-cent wing night. It sounds great on paper, but the wings can be hit or miss—they’re crispy and flavorful, but they’re dry at times.
Besides that, their Irish Saturday special always won me over. A pint of Guinness with a full prime rib dinner and Yorkshire pudding was a combo that just worked. The rib was tender, and the potatoes were soft.
But I’ve had a few hiccups with the service. A couple of orders have come out wrong, and the wait for food was longer than I’d like.
Staff are kind and attentive
“My husband and I always look forward to eating at the Lennox, it’s one of our go to places when we come to Calgary. On one of our recent visits we had the best service and food to date. Lexi was our server and she was superb. Not only did she have great suggestions for food and bevy’s, her attention and kindness were above and beyond! My husband had the Nashville chicken and I had a steak sandwich- both were done to perfection. I highly recommend you visit the Lennox and ask to sit in Lexi’s section.”
– Heather Pickard, Google Reviews
10/10 would recommend this establishment
“Our overall experience at the Lennox Irish Pub was amazing from start to finish. Thank you Lexi for going above and beyond to ensure that our dinner experience was exceptional. Her sincere welcome and top-notch service made all the difference. 10/10 would recommend this establishment! Will definitely be back thanks to our wonderful server, Lexi and the amazing food/atmosphere!”
– Jordyn Kuzyk, Google Reviews
4. Kilkenny Irish Pub
Address: 3630 Brentwood Rd NW #500
Contact Details: +1 403-284-4404
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Monday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
The minute you step into Kilkenny Irish Pub, it feels like you’ve been transported straight to Dublin. The warm lighting and buzz of conversation give it an old-school charm.
I found their beer selection impressive. There’s a whole wall of taps with imported Irish draughts, including classics like Guinness and Smithwick’s. I was happy to see it poured properly—cold, smooth, and right to the rim of the glass.
However, I was disappointed with their service. I had to wait longer than I’d like for my next pint. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it did stick out.
Even so, their food options made up for that awful experience. They’ve got all the classics like cottage pie, stuffed Yorkshire puddings, and steak sandwiches.
I went for the cottage pie. The filling was rich and savory, with seasoned ground meat—just everything I hoped for.
Good portion sizes and decent prices
“Cozey pub. The service was excellent, as was the food! Good portion sizes and decent prices. Will definitely be back! (The horse radish with the Yorkie….was fantastic)”
– Kooch, Google Reviews
Best prices for draught drinks
“This is a go to pub to hang out or get some food! Has maybe the best prices of draught drinks especially with the daily special. It’s my favorite branch of this company and is very consistent with my experience there.”
– Izehar Montanez, Google Reviews
5. St. James Corner Restaurant & Irish Pub
Address: 1219 1 St SW
Contact Details: +1 403-262-1157
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
I’m someone who really appreciates a good Irish pub. The kind with the right ambiance, a decent pint, and maybe a bit of live music. I like that St. James Corner almost hits the mark.
I was pleased to see the dark wood walls, stained glass, and antique pieces (imported, no less). They made it feel like I just walked into a cozy pub somewhere in Ireland. It was warm, inviting, and exactly what I was looking for.
However, I found their menu disappointing—it lacked truly Irish options. There was no shepherd’s pie nor a hearty Irish stew. If you’re looking for authentic pub fare, you might feel a bit let down.
Regardless, the portions are generous, so at least you’re getting your money’s worth.
What keeps me coming back, though, are the pints. St. James Corner is Guinness-certified, and every pint is poured to the brim with just the right amount of creamy head.
Excellent place with excellent food
“This place was excellent. The food was excellent. The fish and chips were the best I have had except in Newfoundland. The server had was a gem. Super sweet girl. Definitely go back!”
– Adrienne Paul, Google Reviews
Excellent live music on a Saturday night
“Just stopped in for a few drinks. Great service, Guinness poured properly. Excellent live Music on a Saturday night.”
– Alan Connor, Google Reviews
