From Montreal to Dublin – Shared Love for Sports, Pubs, and Games
Montreal and Dublin both have a deep-rooted love for pubs, sports, and social gatherings. While Dublin’s pub culture dates back centuries, Montreal has embraced similar traditions, creating a lively Irish pub scene influenced by Dublin’s heritage. The city is home to around 200 pubs and bars, many inspired by classic Irish settings. In comparison, Dublin boasts approximately 750 pubs, some of which have been standing for hundreds of years.
What unites these cities isn’t just the love for beer and hearty food – it’s also the excitement of enjoying live sports, placing friendly wagers, and embracing the thrill of both traditional and online gambling. Pubs in both cities, such as Montreal’s iconic Le Vieux Dublin Pub & Restaurant, have become popular spots for sports fans and casino enthusiasts. Now, with the rise of online platforms, the excitement goes beyond pub walls, connecting fans from Montreal to Dublin and beyond.
Cultural Parallels: Dublin vs. Montreal
Both cities are famous for their vibrant pub cultures where sports, drinks, and social life come together. While different in some ways, Dublin and Montreal share a deep connection through their love of pubs, sports, and games.
Dublin: Pubs, Sports, and Betting Culture
Dublin’s pub culture has been popular for centuries. By the early 19th century, Dublin had 55 breweries, with the famous St. James’s Gate Brewery (Guinness) founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759. Traditional pubs like The Temple Bar and The Brazen Head (Ireland’s oldest pub, established in 1198) are known for their welcoming atmosphere, live music, and big sports broadcasts.
Here, watching sports in pubs is more than just entertainment – it’s a tradition. Rugby, soccer, Gaelic football, and horse racing are among the most popular events. In 2024, for instance, Ireland ranked 5th in the world for beer consumption per capita at 98 litres per person. Local pubs often broadcast big matches, drawing large crowds eager to cheer for their teams.
Sports betting has always been part of the experience. Placing bets on horse races or major rugby matches while enjoying a pint of Guinness or Murphy’s Irish Stout is a classic Dublin activity. Guinness, Beamish, and Murphy’s are the leading stout brands in Ireland, with Guinness dominating the market. Today, with online platforms, this tradition continues, but with new technology. Many fans now place bets through their phones while sitting in their favourite pub, adding a modern twist to an old tradition.
Montreal: Irish-Inspired Pubs and Online Gambling
Montreal doesn’t have the same long history of pubs as Dublin, but it has embraced Irish traditions with enthusiasm. Its Irish heritage plays a big role in its pub scene, with many spots inspired by classic Dublin pubs. This includes Le Vieux Dublin Pub & Restaurant, the oldest Irish pub in Montreal, which feels like a piece of Dublin itself.
Le Vieux Dublin Pub & Restaurant
- Location: 636 Cathcart St, Montreal, QC
- Known For: Traditional Irish setting, a wide whisky selection, and perfect Guinness pints
The Old Dublin Pub & Restaurant Montreal, or Vieux Dublin restaurant in Montreal, is known for its cosy atmosphere, impressive whisky collection, and authentic Guinness. This Irish pub in downtown Montreal has been a gathering spot for locals and tourists for over 40 years. It attracts sports fans who come to watch rugby, hockey, or soccer while enjoying drinks and food.
Menu, Drinks, and Prices
The Old Dublin Irish Pub offers a diverse menu featuring traditional Irish dishes and pub classics. Popular options include fish and chips, Irish stew, and hearty sandwiches. The pub also serves comfort foods like poutine and burgers, catering to a wide range of tastes. Prices are moderate, with most dishes ranging from $15 to $25.
When it comes to drinks, the Old Dublin Montreal is famous for its Guinness pints and an extensive selection of whisky vieux. The bar boasts a range of Irish whiskies, craft beers, and classic cocktails. Beer lovers can enjoy local and imported draughts, with pints priced around $8 to $12. Whisky enthusiasts will find top-quality pours ranging from $10 to $20.
Atmosphere and Experience
Unlike most other pubs, the Old Dublin Irish Pub maintains a classic Irish feel. The dark wood interior, traditional decor, and lively atmosphere make it popular among those looking for an authentic experience. This spot remains a favourite among locals who appreciate a genuine pub atmosphere.
The Vieux Dublin pub restaurant offers a traditional experience and is often compared to other classic Irish pubs. Its well-curated whisky vieux selection adds to its appeal, especially for those seeking a taste of authentic Dublin culture. Whether enjoying a game or a relaxed evening, this pub is a go-to spot for those craving the charm of an Irish pub in Montreal.
Betting and Online Gambling in Montreal’s Pubs
Montreal’s pub culture thrives on frothy pints, rowdy cheers, and a growing passion for gambling, with online casinos and sports betting adding a modern twist. At joints like the Old Dublin Pub, patrons huddle over their phones, placing bets as the game’s intensity spikes. Right at the heart of this scene, you can dive into a vibrant line-up of shamrock-kissed pro-approved list of Irish online casinos, brimming with chances to test your luck and find out about online gambling legality, their rating and top games. These virtual hotspots let you bet on hockey, soccer, or rugby, blending seamlessly with the pub’s lively pulse.
Popular Pub Betting Activities
- Hockey action: Wagering on the Canadians’ next play while clinking glasses.
- Soccer fever: Betting on a goal during a Premier League showdown.
- Rugby thrills: Backing a team in a Six Nations clash as the crowd erupts.
- Slot spins: Trying your luck on digital reels between pub games.
Just like in Dublin, betting is part of the social experience. People gather, share predictions, and celebrate wins together. The combination of traditional pub culture and modern online gambling is becoming increasingly popular in Montreal.
Top Irish Pubs in Montreal That Feel Like Dublin
While the Old Dublin Pub stands out as a classic Irish experience, other Montreal pubs also offer lively atmospheres, good drinks, and plenty of sports entertainment.
- Hurley’s Irish Pub – Located at 1225 Crescent Street, it’s known for its live music every night, 19 beers on tap, and a welcoming vibe. Hurley’s is famous for serving the most Guinness in North America. As a bustling pub, it attracts tourists and locals, especially sports fans looking for a welcoming place.
- McKibbin’s Irish Pub – A popular chain with several locations across the city. Known for live music, comedy shows, sports broadcasts, and hearty meals. The Bishop Street location is especially famous for its historic setting and lively entertainment.
- Le Trèfle – With locations in Hochelaga, Verdun, and Limoilou, this pub blends classic Irish culture with modern touches. Known for craft beers, whiskey flights, and creative poutine dishes.
- Pub McCarold – Located at 5400 Côte-des-neiges near the University of Montreal, this relaxed pub offers 26 draught beers, affordable drinks, and a laid-back vibe.
Dublin’s Pubs and Sports Tradition
Dublin’s rich pub culture goes hand in hand with sports. The city’s pubs are social hubs where locals gather to enjoy games, celebrate wins, or discuss losses. Watching sports in a pub is part of daily life, especially during big events like the Six Nations Rugby Championship or major horse racing events.
Traditional Betting Culture
Sports betting has been part of Dublin’s pub culture for generations. Whether it’s rugby, soccer, or horse racing, locals enjoy placing bets and sharing predictions while enjoying a pint. In 2023, the online betting market in Ireland was worth over €1.3 billion, showing how popular this tradition has become.
Cultural Bond Beyond Borders
Montreal and Dublin share a deep connection through their love of pubs, sports, and social life. The Old Dublin Pub in Montreal plays a big role in this connection. By offering a classic Irish experience, it bridges the gap between Montreal’s Irish pubs and Dublin’s traditional sports and gambling culture.
Online gambling platforms have only strengthened this connection, making the excitement of Dublin’s pubs accessible to fans around the world. Today, fans of Guinness, Murphy’s, and craft stouts can share their experiences online while enjoying games, whether in Dublin or Montreal.