Montréal à la Dublin

Dublin’s connection to the Liffey River that runs through it is a similar love story to that between Montréal and the St. Lawrence. And these waterside cities share an equally energetic appreciation of music, community and good times throughout the year.

The fighting Irish spirit lives on in the Griffintown neighbourhood, centred on the arching St. Patrick’s Basilica, upgraded to a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II. Founded by Mary Griffin in 1804, Griffintown’s streets have long been home to an industrious working and creative class, and are now home to some of Montréal’s most modern living spaces, restaurants and contemporary art spaces (including the former shipyard Arsenal Contemporary Art Montréal and reworked foundry the Fonderie Darling). And while Griffintown is currently experiencing one of Montréal’s quickest growth spurts, monuments to its Irish past are still clearly seen at the outlined ruins of St. Ann’s Parish in Parc du Faubourg-Sainte-Anne and the Montréal Irish Monument (lovingly referred to as the Black Rock) at the foot of the Victoria Bridge, largely built by Irish hands.

The city turns green with shamrocks and traditional garb every St. Patrick’s Day, climaxing with the massive parade featuring hundreds of floats, musicians and dancers held annually since 1824. Municipal buildings glow emerald throughout the night, keeping the celebration alight until way past bedtime.

Named in homage to the 19th-century innkeeper Charles “Joe-Beef” McKiernan, Joe Beef is the ideal stop for hearty fare, followed by a pub crawl through popular favourites like McKibbins, Hurleys, Le Vieux Dublin Pub & Restaurant, and Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill. Sláinte!