This month (April) marks a year since I moved from the small town of Tuam, Co. Galway, Ireland, to the massive city of Toronto.
While it was a scary step to leave my friends and family behind, I’m absolutely delighted I made the decision, as this is such a special city. And I’m saying all that after braving my first Toronto winter!
What I love most about Toronto is that despite its vastness, it’s a welcoming city to newcomers like me.
There’s always so much going on, but there’s still a real sense of community. That can particularly be said for the large Irish community here in Toronto, which comes with some fantastic Irish pubs and food spots spread throughout the city.
While I adore being in Ontario, I do sometimes miss an ol’ sense of home. So when I’m craving it the most, here’s where I like to go in Toronto with my friends for a little taste of Ireland.
The West Cork Irish Pub
Location: 701 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Despite only being open since September 2024, the West Cork has already made an indelible mark on the east side of the city. Located on the Riverside, it’s a fantastic place to go for a food and drinks and a little taste of Irish hospitality.
Last weekend, I watched Rory McIlroy finally win the Masters and the atmosphere was incredible.
However, the winner from the West Cork is its Irish spice bag. If you don’t know what that is, head over there to find out!
The West Cork Irish Pub Website
P.J. O’Brien Irish Pub & Restaurant
Location: 39 Colborne St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: P.J.’s is possibly one of the most popular Irish bars in Toronto, in large part due to its location in the heart of downtown. However, as far as I’m concerned, it’s the atmosphere and authenticity that makes it special.
With a pint of Guinness that can rival many from back home in Ireland, P.J.’s is very busy on the weekends, with live music performances to boot. Last year, The Script even had an impromptu acoustic session in the pub — it’s just a pity I wasn’t around for it!
P.J. O’Brien Irish Pub & Restaurant Website
The George Street Diner
The ultimate Irish breakfast The George Street Diner is a Irishman’s dream.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
Location: 129 George St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This little restaurant on George and Richmond is an absolute favourite of mine. While lines can be long, it’s certainly worth the wait once you’re in.
With proper Irish sausages, rashers and pudding, the ultimate Irish breakfast is a belly-buster. They even sell Tayto, an Irish treasure, Club Orange and Lucozade. Irish readers will know how special that is!
You’d know this cozy Toronto spot is actually owned by an Irish woman, Ash Farrelly, as it is like stepping back into the Emerald Isle itself.
The George Street Diner Website
The Galway Arms Irish Pub and Restaurant
A pint of Guinness from the Galway Arms in Etobicoke.
Tomás Keating | Narcity
Located: 838 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON
Why You Need To Go: Being a Galway man, I was always going to warm to an establishment that’s named after my home county. In fact, I nearly fell over when I walked into the pub and saw a big picture of my hometown of Tuam in the early 1900s on the wall!
The Galway Arms was a well-earned pitstop for me last summer after Toronto Senior Football (Gaelic) Championship matches in Centennial Park.
The Guinness is gorgeous, but the grub is even better. The curry poutine goes down a treat.
The Galway Arms Irish Pub and Restaurant Website
Dublin Calling
Located: 250 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: While it’s not your traditional Irish bar, Dublin Calling is such a fun spot to go with a group of friends, especially as it’s packed with plenty of TVs to watch sport, a pool table and a large section of dartboards.
The food is really good here too, and the poutine is particularly tasty.
Dublin Calling Website
The Wheatsheaf Tavern
Located: 667 King St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: First opened in 1849, The Wheatsheaf proclaims itself as Toronto’s oldest bar. With a location on King and Bathurst, it is an unbelievably popular destination, particularly at the weekends when it’s jam-packed.
Perhaps more notably though, this pub shows the All-Ireland hurling and football finals, which is the equivalent to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals or Grey Cup game for Irish people.
However, my personal favourite aspect of the Wheatsheaf is their karaoke night on Thursdays. You pick a song and a live band plays behind you as you sing! It’s genuinely great fun, but the singing from yours truly? Not so much.
The Wheatsheaf Tavern Website
Grace O’Malley’s
Located: 14 Duncan St., Toronto, ON.
Why You Need To Go: Gracie’s is one of the most trendy Irish bars in the city, and its atmosphere is brilliant.
With live music and tasty food, it is a great spot to go for a good night out — and it’s an ideal place to have a boogie!
Grace O’Malley’s Website
This list just shows that no matter how far you travel, you’re never too far away from home. Thank you, Toronto!
The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
