4 minute read
SHAMROCK STOREHOUSE
Shamrock Storehouse is the newest arrival on Dunbar’s restaurant scene. The Irish-themed pub opened in December 2024 and is proving to be a lively addition to the neighbourhood.
The pub underwent a major renovation, and the transformation is remarkable. The dark green interior features plenty of Irish décor. The long bar is a great vantage point for watching sporting events on the large-screen TVs. An assortment of other seating areas is also available, and the outdoor patio is open year-round thanks to outdoor heaters. It will certainly be a popular spot when the weather warms up!
Owners Laura and William Donnellan are originally from Co. Galway, Ireland. In 2019, they opened The Shamrock Bar & Grill on Denman Street, which was subsequently renamed Shamrock Storehouse. The two locations share many similarities, including live music, a hearty menu featuring Irish favourites, a good selection of draft beers and of course, Guinness, Ireland’s most famous stout.
In 2009, in pursuit of a new adventure, Laura and William travelled to Vancouver on a oneyear work visa. They knew they were in for a challenge as they had no contacts in the city. Sixteen years later, they established themselves as successful entrepreneurs with multiple companies within their thriving IRL Group, which is comprised of seven food and beverage bars and some mobile bars for special events.
The couple loves Dunbar and lives close by. Another of their businesses’, Hynes’ Irish Pub, is located in Kitsilano.
William says, “Dunbar’s Shamrock Storehouse will play a crucial role in fostering community spirit, preserving cultural traditions, and supporting local organizations. It will be a gathering place where all are welcome to socialize and connect.”
We are trying to keep this experience as authentic as possible for our customers.
He adds, “You can expect to feel at home with friendly locals chatting, music playing, and a relaxed setting perfect to enjoy a pint of Guinness, a whiskey, or a hearty Irish dish. So far, the feedback has been extremely positive, and our customers feel like they are in an Irish bar back in Ireland. We love hearing this.”
The menus at the two locations differ because they have different kitchens and equipment. At the Dunbar pub, they want to avoid methods like deep fat frying to provide healthier food choices.
The Irish Stew, Beef and Guinness Pie, and Stuffed Yorkies are some of their most popular dishes.
William’s personal favourite is curry fries, an Irish curry staple that is only available at Shamrock Storehouse locations.
The pub typically hosts a wide range of local musicians who perform traditional Irish and folk music, including songs by Irish legends like Van Morrison, The Cranberries, and The Waterboys. Performances normally start at 7:00 p.m. on weekend nights. On days that live music is not scheduled, they also feature a wonderful Irish playlist.
St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest celebration of the year at Irish pubs.
William says, “It will be a ‘great craic,’ meaning fun, as we say in Ireland. There will be entertainment all week long, and people will be talking about it for a long time afterwards.”
Philanthropy is a large part of our business.
Community is at the forefront of everything William and Laura do, from sponsoring sports teams to donating to charities and creating inviting pubs that feel like a home away from home. They plan to be very involved in Dunbar’s community and events. IRL Group has won awards in B.C. for its community impact, which they are passionate about. The company donates a large percentage of its profits to charities and organizations each year and will continue to do so.
“Shamrock Storehouse is the first ever franchise of its kind in the world. We are a small, familyrun, Vancouver-based business steeped in the hospitality industry. We have big plans to expand across Canada and beyond! We are both proud and excited about what we have created and the journey that lies ahead.”
Shamrock Storehouse
4497 Dunbar Street Vancouver, BC V6S 2G4
Phone 604-620-1322
Story by Sarah Gordon (Feb 2025) @PALLAMEDIA
