The Biggest Irish Party in Town
During the 2010 Winter Olympics
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
 A COMPOSITE DRAWING showing how the completed Irish House Pavilion will appear when it is finally unveiled to the world. |
 UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Jay Mangan, the general manager at Doolin’s Irish Pub, is pictured in front of the Irish House Pavilion located at Nelson and Seymour in Vancouver. Standing beside him are (L-R) Tania Richards, director of Sales Marketing and Promotions, and Megan Storie. |
VANCOUVER – At the end of January downtown Vancouver is a jaw-dropping hive of activity in preparation for the Winter Olympics.
One of the most exciting developments for the Irish community is the construction of a huge pavilion at 620 Nelson Street. This will be the home of Irish House throughout the 2010 Games.
Fully funded by Granville Entertainment – owners of Doolin’s Irish Pub – the pavilion will feature family-friendly entertainment with music and cultural exhibits, while multiple televisions and projection screens will run highlights of the Olympic Games.
I recently met with Doolin’s General Manager Jay Mangan to learn more about Irish House which will be hosted by Doolin’s in co-operation with the Olympic Council of Ireland and the Irish Heritage Society of Vancouver.
Irish House will be a welcoming gathering place with a boisterous traditional Celtic atmosphere. The 9,000 square-foot site will house 750 visitors at a time and will facilitate Doolin’s trademark ‘Irish family feel’ in ambience, culture and music.
Jay Mangan – along with all the other staff and owners at Doolin’s – has been in overdrive working long days and nights as the clock ticks down to opening day for the Olympics on February 12.
He said, “Irish House will be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Families will be welcome up until 7 PM and then it will be restricted to 19 and over.
“There will be wonderful Irish landscapes on the walls of Irish House with a huge stage which will feature entertainment day and night. There will be food and all kinds of vendors.
We not only anticipate line-ups at Irish House, but also at Doolin’s Irish Pub.”
Beginning February 8 until the end of the Olympics, Doolin’s will be open from 9 AM until 3 AM daily with food available until 11:00 PM. Irish House hours are from 11 AM until 3 AM with food available.
The grand opening of Irish House will take place on February 11 when doors open at noon.
Ceremonies will begin when the Most Reverend J. Michael Millar (CSB), the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic diocese in Vancouver, will ring in the Olympic eve with a blessing of Irish House at 4:30 PM.
His Grace will anoint each room with holy water and prayers to the melodious music of the Irish Pipes and Drums.
Dave Abbott, a well-known radio personality and columnist with The Celtic Connection, will be the official Irish House Ambassador.
He will host a spectacular opening evening which will include traditional Irish entertainment by the De Danaan Irish Dancers and Murphy’s Lagh Band. Minors accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome to attend until 7 PM.
After the opening ceremony, The Roxy’s House band Joe’s Garage will open the throttle and raise the rafters until the wee hours of the morning. No doubt with all the Irish personalities on hand for the opening of Irish House the ‘craic’ will be mighty.
For more information about the biggest Irish party in town during the Oympics, visit: www.irishhouse2010.com.
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