Irish Canadians make up an astonishing 20 percent of the population in Nova Scotia—the highest per capita in Canada aside from neighbouring Newfoundland—so it should come as no surprise that the province is brimming with great watering holes for grabbing a pint or listening to live traditional Irish (and maritime) music.
You don’t have to look very far to find a friendly pub in Halifax—but if you’re looking for something that’ll evoke a feeling of being transported straight to Temple Bar in Dublin, you’ll want to check out the following.
Here are the best Irish pubs in the Halifax Regional Municipality (including some standout spots in Dartmouth and Bedford).
Durty Nelly’s is by far the most Irish of the Irish pubs on the list—it was physically built in Ireland before being shipped over piece by piece and reassembled in Halifax! The well-loved bar has been the go-to spot for a pour of Guinness since it first opened in 2009 and continues to offer a cozy atmosphere for unwinding in the city center.
There are a lot of pubs that offer the occasional live band but the thing about The Old Triangle is that there’s live music every single night—so you won’t have to worry about walking into a quiet bar. The cozy bar is right off the waterfront and offers an outdoor patio in the summer which makes it a great spot to stop for a refresher after a walk along the harbour.
Celtic Corner in Downtown Dartmouth has all the makings of a great Irish pub—but it also has the benefit of a terrasse and rooftop patio come summertime. Grab a pint and head up to the roof for unbeatable views of the Halifax harbour and city skyline.
You don’t have to be downtown just to find a well-poured pint of Guinness and a cozy snug to unwind in. Finbar’s Irish Pub in Bedford is one of the best in the province thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and Irish-inspired bar snacks and meals (including a tasty brunch menu).
The Split Crow is one of the oldest pubs in Atlantic Canada; the heritage spot first opened its doors shortly after Governor Cornwallis granted the first-ever license to sell beer and liquor to a Mr. John Shippey in 1749. The bar was originally called The Spread Eagle before earning the nickname of The Split Crow. The bar might have changed addresses over the years but continues to be a go-to spot for locals and travelers alike looking for well-poured pints and great live music.
Located in the South Village of Dartmouth Crossing, Seamus Davids Pub first opened its doors in 2012 and has become a fan favorite for shoppers looking for a watering hole to refuel after navigating the boutiques. The cozy pub offers a selection of fun Irish-inspired dishes including the infamous Guinness Burger.
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There is something about tucking into a well-crafted latte in a cozy cafe that is unmatched in the dopamine department—and Downtown Dartmouth has a handful of excellent spots well-worth taking the ferry over to check out. The following cafes are all walking distance from the ferry terminal and each offer something special—whether its a baked-to-perfection croissant, books and vinyl, or the perfect corner booth for a casual first date.
Mobile is one of our Best Places to Go in the North America for 2024, part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2024—find more travel inspiration here.
The gateway to Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia is set to host The Congrès Mondial Acadien 2024. Taking place in the South West of the province, from 10 – 18 August 2024, the international event will celebrate over 400 years of Acadian culture over nine days of festivities featuring outdoor concerts, culinary experiences, family reunions, music, and heritage. Discover opportunities to celebrate Acadian joie de vivre. Enjoy a bonfire overlooking the beach or a lively kitchen party where everyone is not just welcome but encouraged to join in the celebration. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the area by exploring local museums, join a walking tour, or savour the authentic flavors of the region featuring lobster and traditional Acadian dishes. Come discover the warm and welcoming people of this rural corner of Nova Scotia, as well as the tastes and traditions of the region.
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's greenest provinces—from championing eating and shopping locally to being the first province in Canada to implement a province-wide compost program—so it should come as no surprise that there’s excellent second-hand shopping to be had in and around the capital city.
Halifax is known for its seafood more so than its plant-based cuisine—but that doesn’t mean finding vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants will be difficult. Nova Scotia is ahead of the curve when it comes to championing local- and seasonal cuisine in Canada and as such the quality of plant-based dining tends to be pretty high.
Nothing says summer quite like a cold adult beverage on a breezy rooftop—and the capital of Nova Scotia does rooftop drinking and dining extremely well. It helps that Downtown Halifax is nestled along the Halifax Harbour; the city gets a decent sea breeze come summertime that is best experienced on an open-air patio that overlooks the city and sea.
Greece inspires our dreams – we dream about its azure seas, its charming island villages and its myriad beaches, both broad and minute. We dream about the Acropolis, shining on a hill over fascinating Athens. This grand country, from mountaintop to city street, lives up to those dreams. Greece satisfies travelers looking for adventure, the great outdoors, relaxing seaside vacations and immersive cultural experiences.
Thanks to oft-sweltering temperatures, wild animals and various Florida Man tales, people have a lot of feelings about the Sunshine State. But there's one thing everyone can agree on: Florida is undisputedly a year-round vacation destination, mostly due to an abundance of postcard-perfect beaches on 12 distinct and nicknamed coasts, mild winters and an average of 230 to 250 days a year of sunshine. It's even home to what many consider America's first true resort destination, Palm Beach.
It might be surprising but Nova Scotia is one of the only destinations in Canada with its own wine appellation. Tidal Bay—a briny and refreshing white wine blend—has become one of the distinct flavors of the East Coast of Canada, not unlike lobster rolls or donairs, and although it’s easy to find a bottle of the stuff in most liquor stores in the province, tasting Tidal Bay straight from the source is way more fun.