Irish Artifacts
The Currans first burst on to the downtown bar and restaurant scene in November 1997 with the opening of the James Joyce Irish Pub on 8th Avenue. Named after one of Ireland's most celebrated authors, the James Joyce is no ordinary Irish-styled pub. Located in the old Molson's (TD) bank building, the Currans poured all kinds of Irish artifacts, features, fixtures, traditions, as well as their hearts and souls, into making the Joyce distinctive, as well as distinguished. Due to the 8th Avenue locations popularity, it soon became obvious another location was necessary, hence the birth of the 4th Street address, which has all the amenities of the first Joyce, but it’s easier to park nearby.

Intricate Irish Ambiance
Ornate stained glass, hand-crafted tiles and mirrors, and elaborate light fixtures complement the rich mahogany Victorian bar of the 4th Street Joyce. Separate rooms, seating from 10 to 50 people, an Irish menu, Irish music, Irish festivals and Irish displays, and of course Irish drinks (Guinness and whiskeys) all add to the authentic ambience. Huge peacock patterned couches, a cozy fireplace, and plethora of private and intimate corners to relax in directs your attention to the life-sized portraits of James Joyce, W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde. Reproduced by Calgary artist Reno Friio, these images decorate the north side of the main bar and loom over the one-step stage like invited guests looking for a room in which to perform.

Irish Offerings
Combining Old World charm with modern-day comforts, the Joyce on 4th offers a great place to sit back and enjoy the charm, culture and traditions of Ireland with the food, music and friendliness of the Gaelic experience. If you do nothing else this year, take at least one night out, to relax, kick back, and enjoy the best of what Ireland has to offer.