France has its Eiffel Tower, the U.S. its Statue of Liberty, but arguably the most iconic attraction in Ireland is that cathedral of conviviality, the Irish pub. The unique thing that this Irish institution has is that, unlike the others, itโs exportable, if you donโt count plaster-of-Paris imitations of Lady Liberty and the Eiffel Tower that really donโt do it for anyone.
Since Irish pubs have found their way to all corners of the globe, I thought it might be helpful to provide a guide to some of the members of the genre in various countries. I wonโt even bother talking about the U.S. or Australia, where youโll have no difficulty finding an Irish emporium in a ten-minute walk in most cities. But Irish pubs have sprung up in many countries without large Irish populations as well, and following are some fine examples.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia โ A country that calls itself โtruly Asiaโ has one of the warmest Irish pubs in the globe, Delaneyโs in Kuala Lumpur, located in the Federal Hotel. When I visited, a singer of mostly East Indian extraction named Sheila Isaac (her grandfather was Jewish) sang Irish ballads in a perfect brogue. At the bar you can chat about the experience of living abroad with Irish and Scottish ex-pats, who are mostly in the oil business. There are other Irish pubs in KL, including Finneganโs which is more well-known. But if you find Delanyโs, just a few blocks from the Shangri-La Hotel, you need go no further.
Beijing, China โ known as Beijingโs first Irish pub, Paddy OโSheaโs, in the Dong Cheng District near the New World Courtyard Marriott, has been serving up Guinness to Irish ex-pats doing business in Beijing for many years.
Manila, The Philippines โ Almost making up for the demise of The Craic, which was a victim of urban redevelopment, are Irish pubs that have three of Metro Manilaโs busiest sections covered. Murphyโs serves an Irish ex-pat clientele in Makati, which is Manilaโs financial district; Mulliganโs Authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant holds sway in the Paranaque, where the international airport is located; and Molly Maloneโs keeps the fires burning in Ermita, Manilaโs entertainment district.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands โ The city is more famous for other forms of entertainment, but youโll find a traditional Irish welcome and, even a session of Irish music, at Mulliganโs. Thereโs no โpub grubโ here, but as the owner slyly states, thereโs hundreds of good restaurants within walking (crawling?) distance. There are actually dozens of Irish pubs in the Netherlands, but Mulliganโs, celebrating its 25th year, claims to be the oldest. And why would ye argue?
Zurich, Switzerland – There are more than a dozen Irish pubs in Switzerlandโs financial capital. Probably the most famous is the James Joyce Pub, paying tribute to the immortal Irish writer who spent much of his self-imposed exile in Zurich and is buried there. The interior of the pub was shipped from Dublin to replicate a Joycean atmosphere.
Barcelona, Spain – There are reportedly some 20 Irish pubs in Barcelona, not surprising considering the cityโs reputation for nightlife. An attractive pub in a quiet section is Paddyโs Lane, a small edition with an outdoor patio in the cityโs Barri Gothic quarter. A lively place just off Barcelonaโs rollicking Las Ramblas is Flahertyโs.
Rio de Janiero, Brazil โ If youโre planning to attend the Olympics in Rio in 2016, sure anโ ye should have a pub available for savoring the dayโs events. One of the most popular in Rio is Shenanigans. Enough said.