Wandering along the Broadway Food Street opposite Galaxy Macau, it’s hard to miss the emerald green façade of Duffy’s Irish Pub, one of the few, and arguably the most authentic, Irish pub in Macau.
And as you approach the bar for a cold pint of Guinness, that authenticity is enhanced by the fact that it’s served to you by a barman who has a genuine Irish accent! Sean, who comes complete with a Guinness logo tattooed on his forearm, is the nephew of one of the owners of the pub, adding to the very family-oriented charm of this cozy little drinking hole.
Celebrating its third anniversary this December, Duffy’s is named after the owner’s mother, Ethel Duffy. And scattered all around the bar are fascinating black and white photographs of Ethel, as well as other family members, back in their more youthful days in Dublin.
Another subtle nod to the family history can be found in the Duffy’s Pub logo, which states that the bar was established in 1947… wait…what? Actually, 1947 is the year Ethel was born. And why the slightly smaller font for the number ‘9’? 147 was the number of the family home in Dublin where Ethel grew up with her parents and 13 siblings!!
Located just across from the very popular and lively Roadhouse Macau (and run by the same owners), Duffy’s Irish Pub is a somewhat more relaxed place where family and friends can gather for a quiet pint of dark ale and a long chat in its very cozy surrounds.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that the interior of the pub is themed as a brewery, and in fact, everything inside, from the bar, to the tables, chairs and fixtures was built entirely in Ireland and shipped out to Macau, to give Duffy’s guests a very real Irish pub experience.
That experience wouldn’t be complete without a pint of Guinness of course. Or if whiskey is more your thing, Duffy’s has a great range of Irish whiskies, including the favourite Jameson’s, or for something a bit more rare, a glass of The Quiet Man or Pearse whiskey, or even a 26-year-vintage reserve Teeling whiskey. They also offer a wide range of other drinks including gins, beers, wines, cocktails and shooters.
Duffy’s is available for parties and corporate events, and is always packed during major sporting events like football matches and the recent Rugby World Cup, with patrons enjoying ample outdoor seating and watching on the big TV screens. The biggest celebration of the year is of course St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), when there’s great live Irish music and lots of good cheer and revelry, as only the Irish know how.
For a more private occasion, you can always try sitting in Barney’s Snug at the end of the bar, named after the owner’s grandfather. Traditionally, a Snug used to be where the women had to drink because they weren’t allowed in the bar. They would order their drinks by ringing a little bell, and the glasses would be passed through a small window. Eventually, the men realized the women had the best place to drink while they were standing outside, so nowadays all are welcome!
And if you’re planning on making it a big night out, Duffy’s even offers a very convenient limo service to pick you up and drive you home, so there’s no messing about with taxis and buses.
