Irish Embassy announces anniversary celebration events
DURANGO, Colo. – The Irish Embassy Pub will celebrate its one-year anniversary with special events July 17, 18 and 19, including performances by the Irish bands Anish and the Muck Brothers, plus various food and drink specials.
The idea for an Irish pub in Durango originally germinated from partnership between local Durangoan Mick Ward, and an Irishman, Jim Shannon. Ward was traveling Europe in the late 70s when he saw an advertisement for the Lisdoonvarna Music Festival. Intrigued, he altered his plans and headed over to Ireland to catch in on the fun. There he ran into Shannon, who was head of the festival. The two became great friends and spent many years visiting and traveling. When the building at the corner of Main Ave. and 9th Street in Downtown Durango became available, Ward contacted Shannon about transforming it into an Irish pub along with Jerry Hembury and Michael Graham.
The pub is fully authentic, and designed by award-winning Irish Pub designer Angela Murphy. The furniture, pictures on the wall, wood trim, dishes, silverware, glasses – even some of the servers were imported from Ireland. The renovation cost $1 million and took 10 months to complete.
Since opening, the Irish Embassy Pub has proven active in the community, with the owners regularly supporting the Durango Independent Film Festival, Fort Lewis College, Mercy Regional Medical Center and more.
Shortly following the pub’s opening, co-owner Mick Ward passed away while hiking in the San Juan Mountains.
Additional information regarding the pub and aniversary festivities is available by calling 403.1200.
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