The Shamrock Bar in Barcelona is one of those long-standing institutions that definitely deserves another look-in of late. Nestled in between a bunch of Barcelona’s trendy establishments, such as the Flax&Kale restaurant or the Holala Plaza vintage mecca, The Shamrock has stuck to its roots while Barcelona’s hipster movement has grown up all around it. Whereas before this plaza was pretty much ignored, the human traffic nowadays indicates the true strength of its location, below central Universitat metro and the beginning of bustling Tallers street.
With all the ensuing fuss, it is comforting to know that The Shamrock still remains as the fifth oldest Irish bar in Barcelona and probably the only one that retains its authenticity, right down to señor Pedro, the original owner. Himself a singer with his own blues rock band, it’s easy to see where the bar gets its inspiration, as guitars and music stars adorn the walls unpretentiously. Pedro explains that this bar, its staff and punters, are Shamrock family, greeting newcomers like old friends in true Irish bar fashion. A bar where literally everybody knows your name, there is a level of relaxed comfort here gained only through the years. Or perhaps it’s a sense of easy confidence, derived from the Guinness Seal of Approval up on the wall. This is like an honour badge for any discerning Irish bar and it’s pleasing to know that the Guinness will always be good here (especially for Barcelona).
The Shamrock shows football games as standard, but more interestingly, there is a large barn-sized room at the back; fit for a game of pool, and on occasion jam sessions by Pedro’s band and other locals. Coming in January, The Shamrock Bar is joining forces to present the first ever comedy show live in the venue. Fans of the cult Irish TV series Father Ted will be thrilled to see Joe Rooney aka “Father Damo” from the hit show perform a night of hilarious stand-up comedy, on Friday January 8th. In unwaivering Shamrock style, there will also be a jam session afterwards and new musicians are very welcome. The bar is so well stocked with musical equipment that there’s even an organ! With seating for about 100 people and a night that’s certain to be the best of Irish craic, mark January 8th as the start of your new year and time to turn over a new leaf with Shamrock Bar Barcelona.
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