HOME IS WHERE THE HARP IS
Welcome To
THE IRISH HARP PUB
In 2005, the heritage building that is now ours was a neglected and vacant wreck. However, I decided to take on the restoration of the site and lovingly reproduce an authentic Irish Pub in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. This fourteen-month project involved shipping the entire pub and restaurant contents from Ireland. What you see today is the award-winning "Irish Harp Pub".
Our mission is to bring you not only the true "Irish Experience" which is great food and beer, but most of all that unique Irish atmosphere and friendliness. All my staff is committed to making your visit to "The Harp" really special. Our extensive menu of home-style cooked food and a wide selection of beers and whiskies will hopefully make your visit memorable.
The Irish Harp is proud to have been awarded many accolades over the years, and our constant objective is to improve our services to you on a daily basis. From my General Manager to my kitchen staff, we constantly strive to bring you a "wee bit of Ireland" here in the prettiest town in Canada - Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Enjoy your visit - and as we say in Ireland, "May the wind always be at your back and the road ahead be straight and narrow".
Trevor Smyth - Founder of the Irish Harp Pub
From County Derry, N. Ireland
1949-2013
A Brief History with jovie
FOUNDER TREVOR SMYTH'S STORY (1949-2013)
Trevor grew up in Portstewart, County Derry, N. Ireland. As a boy, he received very little formal schooling and was always up to a bit of friendly mischief. He played "football" throughout his growing years and played guitar, in a band, as a teenager. His love for "football" offered him opportunities to later coach youth soccer. His favourite team was Coleraine EC, and he travelled extensively in support of them.
At 18, he moved to Belfast working in Sales & Marketing as a self-taught entrepreneur at the Belfast Telegraph. At the age of 20 Trevor opened a successful driving school enabling him to fulfill his passion for music. Another passion he fulfilled was being an avid classic "Jaguar" rebuilder & collector; and later he ran the Classic Car Show at the Antrim Forum for 3 years.
Trevor opened his first record shop in Ballymoney, County Antrim and named it the Music Box, selling vinyl records and music paraphernalia. Trevor opened seven stores in N. Ireland, along with starting his own record label, Trevor Smyth Productions. He worked as a music promoter and toured with various local musicians.
Trevor was also actively involved with charity and community events in Ballymoney. Along with his closest friend Richard, they organized the famous Yellow Rubber Duck Races each summer, and the "Out & About" holiday guide of the Causeway Coast. He promoted several Christmas events each year including a procession down the main street after the lights were switched on. The procession involved a real live CAMEL accompanied by 3 wise men! UTV & BBC NI even featured that one in their news program. Getting the camel was no bother but finding 3 wise men in Ballymoney was a bit more challenging.
With the increasingly changing technology in the music industry Trevor decided to retire. Always an entrepreneur at heart, he couldn't remain on the bench for long. His prowess as a raconteur/joke teller, and the life and soul of the party always had him searching for new audiences and adventures. Never happier than when he was telling stories and jokes among an adoring crowd.
Trevor's many lifelong friends at home and abroad, eventually brought him here, the beautiful town of Niagara on the Lake. He was quite taken with the area, and when he came upon this neglected location, he was instantly inspired. Always thinking up new ways and ideas to challenge himself, Trevor decided to restore the building and bring a little piece of Ireland to the quaint town of NOTL. Trevor moved to Canada and created the authentic Irish Harp Pub, for all to enjoy and experience a small part of his homeland that he dearly loved.
MEET RALPH + STEFF
THE IRISH HARP PUB AS A GROCERY STORE
"When I was a small boy I used to walk past here every morning. Back then this Pub was a grocery store. The day after Halloween, when I was 10 years old, I was on my way to school and the store owner stopped me. He said his windows had been soaped and accused me of doing it. As punishment he made me stay and wash the windows.
Back then you respected your elders, so I did as he asked. Unfortunately, I arrived late for school and received a detention. Of course, I was upset since it was something I didn't do, so when I finally got to go home, I decided to let off some steam. As I was kicking a can through the park, I saw the most beautiful girl on the swings, so I went over and sat next to her & introduced myself. We talked for a little bit and that was the start of our friendship.
We were best friends for the next 7 years, and when I was seventeen I asked if I could take her to the dance, and two years later I asked her to marry me. Lucky for me she said yes to both, so I wanted to bring my beautiful wife of 72 years back to where it all started.
I wish I could thank the Grocery Store owner, if it wasn't for him and the events of that day, I may never have met my wife. The Irish Harp Pub will always be special to us. We were blessed with a beautiful life."
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Local Resident
LOCAL MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS
Lend A Helping Hand
THE IRISH HARP PUB
Community Growth Initiatives
At The Irish Harp Pub, we believe in the power of community and the spirit of giving back. Our roots run deep in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and we're committed to nurturing the town that has embraced us since 2005. Through partnerships with local businesses, charities, and community leaders, we actively invest in programs, infrastructure, safety initiatives, and efforts to enhance the warmth and comfort of both our citizens and visitors - especially children and animals.
Our goal is to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of those around us, embodying the true Irish spirit of hospitality and camaraderie beyond our pub walls.
At the heart of our business lies a deep commitment to community enrichment. We're passionate about reinvesting in the places we call home. Whether it's supporting local initiatives or contributing to meaningful causes, we're always eager to make a positive impact. If you have partnership ideas or event fundraising opportunities, we'd love to hear from you. Let's work together to create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
| FEATURED PARTNER
Red Roof Retreat
The Red Roof Retreat is a remarkable organization that's making a profound impact on the lives of individuals with special needs in the Niagara Region. This exceptional facility offers a wide range of services tailored to support children, youth, and young adults with special needs, as well as their families.
At The Irish Harp, we're proud to support Red Roof Retreat's incredible work. We've hosted numerous events to raise awareness and funds for their cause, recognizing the invaluable services they provide to our community. Their dedication to shaping lives and offering a "Home away from home" for individuals with special needs resonates deeply with our values.
We encourage our patrons and the wider community to learn more about Red Roof Retreat and consider supporting their mission. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps this amazing organization continue its vital work in the Niagara Region.
CHARITY PARTNERS + COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Community fundraiser
The cenotaph, designed by Charles McKay Wilmot from Toronto, served as a memorial to the residents who gave their lives fighting in the First World War. Over the years the names of local residents who served in the Second World War and Korean War have also had their names inscribed onto the memorial.
Pawsitive Patio
R.E.B.E.L Dog Rescue operates as an all-breed rescue, with a specific focus on dogs facing the threat of euthanasia or enduring dire circumstances. We aim to provide a lifeline to dogs in need, offering them a chance for a brighter and secure future.
ANNUAL 5K SANTA RUN
NOTL Youth Collective is a group of volunteer parents and other community stakeholders who are committed to providing a safe place for our youth to gather, have fun, and be inspired. Our goal is to help NOTL families raise happy, well-connected, and successful children with a strong sense of community.
Kekoo Gatta has touched the lives of so many people; his children, his neices and nephews, and countless young athletes. He dedicated his life to creating space where everyone near him thrived and felt his support. The "Keeko Gatta Get 'Em On The Mat" Fund continues to support youth in Niagara today.
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
Many people are surprised to learn that there are people in Niagara-on-the-Lake who rely on the services of our food bank to increase their food security. We are the only food bank serving NOTL and have been operating since 1971.
PAWSITIVE PATIO
Niagara Dog Rescue is a non-profit registered charity, dedicated to helping homeless and unwanted dogs find a new home. We focus on dogs at immediate risk of being put down at high kill shelters. Any potential dogs are fully screened through vet, reference and home checks.
BINGO NIGHT
Donations to Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. enables you to make a profound impact locally and around the world. They are a multinational organization that supports humanitarian efforts, family matters, scholarships, and more through faith in action.
Pawsitive Patio
A compassionate sanctuary in Niagara-on-the-Lake dedicated to providing loving care for senior small dogs. We shelter, feed, and provide essential medical support to our beloved furry friends in their golden years, ensuring they live out their days with dignity and comfort.
50/50 Draws
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum preserves local history through its impressive collection of over 40,000 artifacts, including national treasures like General Brock's hat. Currently embarking on an expansion project to create a fully accessible space that will welcome all visitors and ensure the preservation of the region's rich heritage.
MORE GREAT COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
St. Michael Elementary School Trivia Night NOTL
Mistletoe Bride - In Support of Gillian's Place
Niagara Woodcarvers Association
NOTL Care Packages for Hernder Fire Support
Chamber of Commerce
Guitar Strings and Kidney Things Charity Concert Auction
Donation to Heritage Trail
Jasper Benefit Night Committee
In-Kind Donation for Niagara Charity Cycling Event
The Animal Assistance Society of the Niagara Region
Multiple Myeloma Hamilton-Niagara Cancer March committee
Niagara Worship Centre
Niagara Charity Cycling Event
The Meagan Bebenek Foundation
Epilepsy Niagara's Up, Up and Away Gala
Firemen's Park, Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen's association (SCVFA)
The Niagara Acro Cats is a local non-profit organization
The Oak Centre
Crossroads Public School Raffle - Home Show
February is Heart & Stroke Month, Add a Toonie to Your Tab
Positive Living Niagara
LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
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