D'arcy McGee's Irish Pub, Ottawa

D'arcy McGee's is an Irish Pub that pays tribute to Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a notable figure in Canadian history. McGee, a prominent Irish-Canadian politician, journalist, and poet, played a significant role in the formation of the Canadian Confederation. Having fled from Ireland to the United States due to his involvement in revolutionary activities, McGee eventually settled in Montreal and became an advocate against Irish extremism. He was regarded as "Canada's first nationalist" and sought a close alliance with Britain.

Tragically, McGee's beliefs were seen as treasonous by some Irish Republican Catholics in Canada. In 1868, he was fatally shot by Patrick J. Whelan, an Irish-born tailor, and sympathizer of the extremist cause. The assassination occurred outside McGee's boarding house on Sparks Street, near the present location of the pub.

In remembrance of this historical event, Darcy McGee's Pub was established in August 1996. The pub's design originated in Dublin, its construction took place in Wexford, and it was then shipped to Ottawa, where it was reassembled. The establishment offers a pleasant atmosphere and a menu that includes traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd's pie and bangers and mash. It is a popular spot known for its selection of beers, whiskeys, and live music, attracting a lively crowd.

Interestingly, there are claims that Patrick James Whelan, the man convicted and hanged for McGee's murder, was actually innocent. Some believe that his spirit still lingers in the hallways of the Carleton County Gaol, where he was executed on February 11, 1869. This event marked the last public hanging in the jail and one of the final public hangings in Canada. Whelan maintained his innocence until his last breath.