Killarney’s was voted best place for a pub night in Cochrane in the Eagle’s Best of Cochrane awards.
The pub, which is located next to the Cochrane Golf Club, and recently celebrated its first anniversary in Cochrane, also won best beer selection, and best bartender (Ian Burns).
“It feels good,” said Burns, on receiving the honours. “It’s always nice to be recognized.”
The Middlesbrough, England native who has been a bartender for 14 years, feels that the opening year has been a positive one overall for himself and the establishment.
“It’s been great, the opening weekend was fantastic, so was New Year’s Eve, and St. Patrick’s Day,” said Burns when discussing the best moments of the year.
“Summer’s been very good so far as well. We have a regular crowd that comes in now.”
The fact that the pub is located next to a golf course has been a blessing during the summer season, as it attracts not only the regular crowd, but also golfers out for the day from Calgary and surrounding areas.
However, the off-season winter months have proven to be the biggest challenge faced by the fledgling pub.
“A lot of people don’t know that we’re open year round,” Burns said.
“Just getting people to realize that we’re open for the whole year has been the main challenge we have faced.”
“We still get calls from people saying, ‘oh you’re open?’”
Killarney’s beer selection has also won the establishment praise from locals, and will certainly attract more clientele as word spreads.
“(The management) are responsible for picking the types and brands of beer we have,” said Burns.
“We have 19 on tap (and numerous others available in bottle), it’s a pretty good selection.”
The most popular brands?
“Guinness, Kokanee Gold, Kilkenny and Stella Artois.”
