Madrid is a city that is famous for its hospitality. Yet despite that, anyone coming to live in the city, especially for the first time, will still hanker after a chance to speak their native language, and meet people who share something like the same culture until they get the chance to settle in. That’s the reason why Madrid has its fair share of expatriate bars, and for obvious reasons, many of them are based on an Irish theme. Well worth investigating as well as a place to make some interesting new friends and acquaintances in your new city.
Before starting any form of social life in Madrid, it is always a good idea to find somewhere to live. Somewhere pleasant, well situated, not too expensive – a place where you can feel comfortable living as well as entertain your new found friends.
And speaking of friends, there are none friendlier than the highly trained and professional staff at ShMadrid, experts in helping new arrivals to find the ideal solution for accommodation problems in the city. Solutions that will meet every requirement, from the wide selection of apartments that ShMadrid always have on offer.
With the accommodation issue having been taken care of, then it’s time to hit the town and investigate some of these excellent expatriate bars and restaurants spread out throughout the city.
One of the first port of call should be the exotically named Finnegan’s Bar, situated on the Plaza de las Salesas, just a few minutes walk away from the las Salesas square and Alonso Martínez Metro. Finnegan’s has a genuine Irish theme and tracks newcomers and veterans from all over the city. If you’re feeling it hard to break the ice, then you can depend on one of the Finnegan’s friendly Anglo-Saxon waiters to help break it for you. If you still have not withdrawn from English Premier league football, a glass of Guinness or Murphy’s Red, or traditional British fare you will find it at Finnegan’s.
Another bar with an Irish theme is Finbar, situated at number ten Marqués de Urquijo a short stroll away from the Argüelles Metro. Those who miss rugby will be able to watch games there are as well discuss them after, as the Finbar is regarded as a regular meeting place for the Madrid Emerald Supporters Club. Needless to say Irish beers are on offer as well as some light snacks, coffee and a glass of local wines.
Another bar that today wear’s an Irish coat of colors is Kitty O’Hara’s on Calle Alcalá , close to the Cibeles fountain, the Paseo de Prado, the Retiro Gardens and the Banco de España metro station. Kitty O’Shea’s has a long tradition of being a meeting place for expatriates in Madrid going back to the 1940s, when it was known as the Café Lion. With very little changed in the way of decor, this friendly and spacious meeting place offers some very pleasant European style as well as all the major UK beers.
These are just a few examples of the many expatriate bars you will find in Madrid and it shouldn’t be too long before you find one that you like the best and begin to get to know people in the city, expatriates or otherwise.
