Donnelly’s in Iowa City is one of the Hawkeye State’s top Irish pubs – and is a hopping place every St. Patrick’s Day. But this historic pub in Iowa has a lot more to it than just great Irish cuisine and beer. First opened in the 1930s and standing for nearly 40 years, it was torn down due to urban renewal in the 1970s – but was rebuilt a short distance away in a new location that carried on the pub’s authentic charm. What hasn’t changed is the pub’s connection to one of the most famous institutions in Iowa – the Iowa City Writers’ Workshop. This famous program has attracted some of the most famous rising writers in the world over the decades – and many of those writers gathered at Donnelly’s Pub to drink, eat fine food, share stories, and become part of the pub’s history.

Donnelly's Pub might not be in its original location, but this old-school location still feels like it's going on close to a century.
Aaron Van Noy/Google Local
The Irish pub specializes in traditional beers, dished out by the bartender and enjoyed with good company. It's easy to feel the energy of past visitors here.
Megan Wisner/Google Local
The food is just as traditional - serving up classic pub grub like burgers and one of Iowa's best fish and chips plates.
Kyle Curry/Google Local
You'll also find more traditional Irish fare, like a hearty plate of bangers and mash covered in a rich onion gravy.
Donnelly's Pub IC/Facebook

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The Irish Stew is one of the restaurant's highlights - loaded up with meat and vegetables, and perfect for a cold winter's day.
Jonathan Covalt/Google Local
Thanks to its proximity to the Iowa City Writers' Workshop, Donnelly's has been visited by countless literary names over the years, including the famous novelist and satirist Kurt Vonnegut.
WNET-TV PBS/Wikipedia
Welsh poet Dylan Thomas reportedly had a less enjoyable time at Donnelly's back in the day - he was tossed out of the pub for bad conduct, no doubt a story he told many times after his return to Wales.
Public Domain/Wikipedia
Donnelly's is still going strong, so drop in for a pint and check out the latest specials. You never know who you'll see next to you at the bar!
Donnelly's Pub IC/Facebook

Have you visited Donnelly’s Pub in Iowa City? Let us know about your visit to this historic pub in Iowa in the comments section. To learn more about what Donnelly’s is like in the present day, make sure to visit the pub’s website and Facebook page. If you’re in the mood for Irish food after reading this, make sure to check out Waterloo’s most famous pub.

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Donnelly's Pub, 110 E College St, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA