St. Patrick’s Day may be only one day, but the wonders of Irish culture resonate throughout the year. Across the province, there are many ways to celebrate Ireland. This list captures some fun and informative ways to explore the best of what the Emerald Isle has to offer in Alberta.
INNISFAIL, ALBERTA
The town of Innisfail, nestled between Calgary and Edmonton, is a beacon of Irish pride. Innisfail’s name comes from an Irish epithet for Ireland, meaning “Isle of Destiny.” And perhaps at one time, it did exist as a place of destiny for many early Irish settlers in Canada. The Double Tree Village Museum allows visitors to explore these early days of Innisfail and the Irish immigrant interactions with First Nations people in Alberta. The Innisfail Historical Village offers a similar but more immersive experience.
If you’re hungry, check out the Irish Ivy Kitchen food truck for comfort food crafted by passionate staff. Check the truck’s route online so you don’t miss out on their selection of Irish cuisine, as well as Canadian staples like poutine.
JAMES JOYCE IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
Established in 1997, the James Joyce Irish Pub is an award-winning establishment that sits in the heart of downtown Calgary. Named after the prolific writer of Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, this pub delivers an authentic Irish experience. You can order staples like Kilkenny Chicken, Bangers & Mash, Donegal’s Seafood Chowder and Shepherd’s pie. Follow up dinner with a tasty dessert ranging from Berry Tartlet to Irish Bread Pudding. Wash it all down with the typical pint of Guinness or choose from their collection of fine Irish whiskeys. And if you can’t get enough, you can also go home with a loaf of ready-to-bake McCaffrey’s Irish wheaten bread. The James Joyce is also home to a mini museum containing artifacts and antiques from several counties in Ireland.
SAVE WITH AMA
Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? AMA members can save 15% on food and beverages at Edmonton’s Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group. This includes The Sherlock Holmes Pub and Duggan Boundary Irish Pub.
AMA members can also save 15% on all regular priced food and beverages at Hudsons Canada’s Pub. Members can also earn 5% cash back when purchasing a Hudsons Canada’s Pub gift card online or from your nearby AMA centre.
LEGAL, ALBERTA
North of Edmonton, you’ll find the bustling town of Legal that holds a hidden gem for tourists, historians and art lovers. Legal proudly displays more than 35 beautifully painted murals dedicated to Alberta history. Some of these murals highlight early Irish immigrants who travelled to Canada due to the potato famine in Ireland. The mural walk is as informative as it is awe-inspiring, and a can’t miss for those curious about how these settlers imprinted their culture in the early Alberta landscape.
IRELAND IN IMAX
For a limited time in Edmonton, TELUS World of Science proudly hosts the IMAX experience of Ireland; it’s a film showcasing the scenic beauty and rich culture of the Emerald Isle. The movie follows writer Manchán Magan as he helps Irish people from around the world reconnect with their heritage. Some of the stops include locations like the Giant’s Causeway, Skellig Michael, the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone, which are made more eye-popping on the massive IMAX screen. Ireland captures a well-rounded perspective of life between busy cities like Dublin and Belfast and the famous Irish coastline. The film runs until the end of March. You can find more information on the TELUS World of Science Edmonton website. AMA members can save 10% on admission at TELUS World of Science Edmonton.
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