Catherine Rooney's Pub, Wilmington

Catherine Rooney’s Pub brings the warmth and sociability of a traditional Irish home into the heart of Wilmington’s Trolley Square. Opened in 2002 by the McCoy family and named after two matriarchs-Catherine McCoy and Gerry Rooney-Hudecheck-the pub honors its roots by creating a welcoming space where guests are treated like family. This sense of hospitality is central to the pub’s ethos, echoed in everything from its hearty Irish-American menu to its emphasis on good company and easy conversation.

The interior is deliberately arranged to encourage connection, featuring kitchen-style tables and a layout that facilitates face-to-face conversations. Televisions are kept to a minimum, and background music is maintained at a level that fosters dialogue rather than distracts from it. This setup reflects the Irish tradition of gathering around the table-not just to eat, but to talk, laugh, and linger. Whether it’s catching up with friends or striking up a conversation with a stranger, time seems to stretch a little longer at Catherine Rooney’s.

Evenings bring a change in rhythm, with live music, DJ sets, and karaoke lighting up the weeknights and weekends. Friday and Saturday nights often feature Irish bands, while weeknight patrons can enjoy pool tables and televised sports, including soccer and rugby matches from Setanta, Fox Soccer, and GOLTV. Drink specials run from 5 p.m. to close, and brunch is served on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The experience doesn’t end at the main bar. Just upstairs, guests can ring the bell to enter C.R. Hummingbird to Mars, a speakeasy-style lounge with its unique charm. Next door, the Trolley Tap House adds a craft beer twist to the overall offering. Together, these three venues form a cohesive, multifaceted destination that reflects the pub’s core values: hospitality, conversation, music, and community-all with an Irish soul.