PORTLAND, Ore. – For more than three decades, Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub has stood as one of Portland’s most recognizable gathering places. With its lively music, hearty fare, and authentic Irish roots, the pub has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural landmark.
An Immigrant Dream
When Gerard McAleese first arrived in the United States, he was struck by how warmly Americans embraced Irish pubs. To him, they weren’t just places to drink but spaces that embodied warmth, music, and community. Having worked in hospitality as a server, Gerard began imagining a pub of his own—one that would go beyond Irish “theme” and instead reflect genuine Irish ownership and tradition.
In 1983, he brought that vision to life in Seattle with the first Kells location. A few years later, in 1989, he expanded south, falling in love with Portland and the historic cast-iron building that would soon become home to Kells Portland.
What’s in a Name?
The name “Kells” draws from the Book of Kells, a fifth-century illuminated manuscript that today rests at Trinity College in Dublin. The word translates from Latin as “old fortress”—a fitting name for a pub designed to feel sturdy, timeless, and welcoming.
The Portland location itself echoes that sentiment. The pub is housed inside a historic 1889 cast-iron building, the last of its kind on the West Coast. Spread across three stories, the space includes a cigar bar, a traditional pub, and a versatile event venue. Together, they create an atmosphere that blends heritage with hospitality in a way few places can match.
Building a Portland Tradition
For decades, Kells established itself as a cornerstone of Portland’s social life. Its reputation grew around live Irish music, once played seven nights a week, hearty food, and a reputation for friendly service. The McAleese family leaned on their roots and hands-on approach, ensuring the pub never lost its authenticity.
“It’s authentic, Irish-owned and operated,” Gerard proudly notes, stressing that heritage and passion set Kells apart from imitators.
Of course, success didn’t come without struggle. From the long hours of startup life to weathering economic downturns, Gerard and his team faced their share of challenges. More recently, they’ve had to contend with Portland’s changing downtown landscape—issues such as extended parking restrictions, city regulations, and social struggles outside the pub’s doors. Yet through it all, Kells has endured, relying on its core strengths: food, music, and community.
A Place for People, Not Just Pints
For Gerard, the pub’s true success has always been measured in relationships. Guests became regulars, and regulars became friends. Some, like the late Bill Nato, turned into fixtures of the community themselves, remembered for their weekly lunches and stories.
These connections highlight what Gerard always believed: pubs are just as much about conversation and belonging as they are about food and drink.
Family Legacy Continues
Now in his late 60s, Gerard has begun passing the torch to the next generation. His son, Garrett McAleese, has taken on operations at the brewery location and continues to expand the business with a steady hand.
“It’s slow and steady growth,” Gerard says, reflecting on how the family intends to nurture Kells for years to come. For Garrett, it’s more than just a business—it’s carrying forward an immigrant dream that began over four decades ago.
A Menu That Speaks of Ireland
Kells is just as well known for its food as for its Guinness pours. Among its signature dishes is the Ballycastle sausage roll, a creation that perfectly reflects the pub’s philosophy: hearty, flavorful, and memorable.
The dish features two kinds of Italian sausage blended with Kells’ house spice mix, wrapped in golden puff pastry, and served with a rich demi-glace. It’s simple yet refined, capturing the heartiness of pub fare with a uniquely Irish twist.
Other favorites include shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and an array of rotating specials that keep the menu fresh while honoring tradition.
Holding On Through Changing Times
Like much of downtown Portland, Kells has had to adapt to a city in transition. Economic uncertainty, shifting nightlife trends, and social issues on the streets outside the pub have changed the rhythm of business.
Still, Kells has continued to draw loyal patrons who see it as a safe haven. Its unique blend of history, family heritage, and community spirit has helped it weather storms that closed many other long-running establishments.
More Than a Pub—A Cultural Touchstone
What keeps Kells relevant after more than 30 years is that it remains more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a space where people gather to celebrate milestones, connect with friends, listen to music, and enjoy the comfort of tradition.
For visitors, it offers a genuine taste of Ireland in the heart of Portland. For locals, it’s a symbol of endurance, authenticity, and belonging.
Quick Facts About Kells Irish Pub
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Location: Portland, Oregon – historic 1889 cast-iron building
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Founded: 1983 in Seattle; expanded to Portland in 1989
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Founder: Gerard McAleese
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Legacy: Family-run, with son Garrett carrying operations forward
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Concept: Authentic Irish-owned pub blending history, hospitality, and community
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Signature Dish: Ballycastle sausage roll – Italian sausage, Kells spice mix, puff pastry, demi-glace
Hours of Operation
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Wednesday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
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Thursday: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
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Friday: 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
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Saturday: 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Conclusion
For more than three decades, Kells Irish Pub has been a cornerstone of downtown Portland. Its story is one of immigrant vision, family legacy, and a commitment to authenticity that has set it apart in a city known for reinvention.
As the McAleese family looks to the future, Kells stands as proof that some traditions don’t just endure—they grow stronger with time. For Portlanders and visitors alike, stepping into Kells is stepping into a space where history, hospitality, and community converge—over a pint, a song, and a sense of belonging.
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