IRL was established in 2011, with a vision to navigate, shape and grow through the community with its core values – Integrity, Reliability and Loyalty.  

Laura and William Donnellan are originally from Galway Ireland and ventured on to Vancouver in 2009, where their six months working holiday visa quickly turned into a decade of adventure and success, here in beautiful British Columbia.  

IRL Construction Ltd. was the first company they founded within only a few short years of moving to Canada. William had owned his own construction company in his early 20s back in Ireland and utilized his trade as a carpenter to build the enterprise from the ground up. Likewise, the pubs that were soon to follow, were also built by William and his hard-working IRL team.

Laura is the HR Business Partner, who had primarily been handling the logistics of the construction business, leading the company to multiple awards, including Best Immigrant Employers. They now have over 150 employees on their roster, full-time. As their construction division expanded, Laura navigated towards her natural inclination for all things creative, by managing the creative strategy and interior design behind all of their pubs.

An Excellent Kick-start to 2023

So far, in 2023, IRL Group has been extremely lucky that whilst many in the hospitality sector are closing their doors, the IRL bars and restaurants have been able to grow and expand. 

They are consistently looking at ways to retain and attract customers, and are lucky to have found their sweet spot within the Irish community here in Vancouver. However, their offer also expands to everyone living in Vancouver, with everyone welcomed into their Irish pubs and to their construction sector. 

Key Offerings

There are three core areas of IRL Group: Construction, Hospitality, and Safety. Its expertise are Investment, Partnerships, and Management in the Construction, Hospitality, and Safety industries.

Since IRL Group was established in British Columbia, the company has earned recognition for undertaking large, complex commercial projects, fostering innovation, embracing new technologies, and making a difference for its clients, employees, and community. 

Their comprehensive safety training sector, based in the heart of Vancouver, provides on site and classroom training at your convenience, with weekdays, evenings and weekends all available for your team. All training is in accordance with BC Regulations, and managed and coordinated by their qualified CSO and instructors. 

Our Irish Hospitality

Irish Hospitality is characterized by warmth, friendliness, and a willingness to help others, including strangers. Visitors to our locations often remark on the wonderful hospitality they receive. Our teams are known for their genuine interest in others and their willingness to go above and beyond to make people feel welcome. Authentic Irish bars will welcome you in with open arms, no matter who you are.

IRL Group are currently proud owners & operators of multiple classic Irish Pubs in Vancouver, BC. Their venture into the hospitality industry started with the original, Donnellan’s Irish Pub, in 2016 located in the heart of downtown on Granville Street, followed by Shamrock in the West End by English Bay Beach and Smith’s Bar & Lounge in the historic Gastown. More recently, The Raven in Deep Cove and Hynes’ Bar + Kitchen located on West Broadway have been added to the IRL Hospitality portfolio, as well as The Wandering Tap – a mobile bar perfect for community events!     

 Overcoming Hurdles

The background systems, mechanics, and operations of the pub business in BC are very different from those back in Ireland. 

For example, often there are serious supply chain issues with products coming in from Ireland- something William took for granted back home in Galway. Here, purchases are made through BC Liquor and things are more regulated. It is very different in Ireland. 

William adds, “This took us a while to wrap our heads around. With IRLC, there were different codes, terminology, and methods to get used to. Our key is training our teams.           We provide training regularly, and we’re always on the lookout for new tools and equipment to make us better and more efficient. Also, reducing our carbon footprint is something that is      extremely important to us. We currently have a fleet of electric vehicles, and at the moment we’re looking to introduce EV pickup trucks to our fleet.”

The Cornerstone of IRL Group

IRL Group business is built on the values of Integrity, Reliability, and Loyalty. It has a small business mentality and its team is like a family. Every person is as important as the next, and the company tries to make sure that all its customers are given the best possible experience. 

It provides regular training for its management, and all the company asks in return is that they treat their team the way they would like them to treat their customers. IRL Group always tries to practice positivity, service with a smile, and a drive to be better. It has a significant advantage because it is the only Irish pub group in British Columbia that has run pubs in both Ireland and Canada. With this knowledge, a good selection of drinks, and hearty pub food, allows them to bring the true Irish experience to their friends here in Vancouver.

 The Wall of Achievement

 IRL Group has won many awards and recognitions under its name for its incredible work and performance through the years. Some of them include the ICBA Gord Stewart Health & Safety Award 2021, The Award of Excellence by the VRCA, Best Immigrant Entrepreneur, Apprentice Training and Community Impact by the Small Business BC Awards, and On-Site Magazine’s 40 under 40 in Canadian Construction Award 2023.

 Cherishing a Community-Focused Approach

“Community is at the forefront of everything we do and we aim to give back to those around us at every opportunity.”

As a community-focused organization, IRL Group aims to make positive changes that benefit its community. It regularly hosts and offers free events. It initiates campaigns such as its net zero plan to reduce pollution and waste, promote sustainability, and encourage people to adopt eco-friendly practices. 

 It provides networking events, educational programs, and skill development opportunities to help people learn new trades, boost self-confidence and meet with great people. It volunteers and assists many groups in its community. Through sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising campaigns to provide much-needed support. 

 The company promotes diversity through programs that celebrate different cultures, religions, and beliefs, and always aim to foster understanding and collaboration. By focusing on these areas, its organization can make a real difference in the community and help create a brighter future for all.

Heading towards a Power-Packed Future

 IRL Group’s short-term plan is to stay on track and remain focused on achieving its specific goals. Goals like improving customer satisfaction and supporting our communities.     

 Its long-term plan is to enter new markets, open new businesses, and scale its operations. To achieve this, it clearly defines its vision and mission statement. The company develops unique selling points that make them stand apart from its competitors. Use open communication methods, and listen to and encourage feedback from its teams. It will provide necessary training, systems, and strategies and continue to hire more great people. It will implement performance and reward programs to motivate its people, such as profit sharing.