Our Expertise
Investment, Partnerships and Management in the Construction, Hospitality & Real Estate industries.
Our Commitment to Results
Having built our own companies from scratch, we are familiar with the hard work required to succeed and are committed to and prepared to create new opportunities with the right partnerships.
Our Philosophy
We are committed to the culture in everything that we do. We want to create opportunity and experience based on shared values, to explore our potential network and to ensure that we are always giving back.
Our Experience
Bringing back a genuine and immersive experience for the locals and for new immigrants abroad, by creating spaces, networks and employment opportunities. Our goal has always been to put people first and we continue to reflect that in the warm, inviting and simply fun entities that we have and will continue to establish.
Laura & William Donnellan
Founders of IRL Group
Laura & William Donnellan are originally from Galway Ireland and ventured on to Vancouver in 2009, where their 6 month working holiday visa quickly turned into a decade of adventure and success, here in beautiful British Columbia.
IRL Construction Ltd. was the first company they founded within only a few short years of moving to Canada. William had owned his own construction company in his early 20's back in Ireland and utilized his trade as a carpenter to build the enterprise from the ground up. Likewise, the pubs that were soon to follow, were also built by Laura, William and their hard-working IRL team.
Laura is the HR Business Partner, who had primarily been handling the logistics of the construction business, leading the company to multiple awards & acheivements, including Best Immigrant Employers. They now have over 150 employees on their roster, full time. As their construction division expanded, Laura navigated towards her natural inclination for all things creative, by managing the interior design behind all of their pubs.
Both have proudly established multiple companies across Canada and have continued to grow their portfolio in Canada and internationally.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the talented individuals who drive the success of IRL Group.
IRL Advisory Board
James D. Vilvang
James has been a distinguished and recognized trial lawyer for over 40 years and is highly regarded by all sectors of the bar for his work ethic, insight, and love of the legal profession.
IRL Advisory Board
Patrick E Parker
Pat is President of Parker & Associates and was part of the founding management team for McDonald's Canada and Keg Restaurants! He was also VP of Operations and the VP of Marketing & Corporate services for McDonald's.
IRL Advisory Board
Deb Paulsen
Deb is a seasoned professional and devoted employee advocate with lots of experience leveraging HR and operations to develop winning teams. She has built multiple market leading organizations and effective strategies that support and sustain business growth.
IRL Advisory Board
Stan W. Lee
With over 35 years of public practice experience, Stan has extensive experience with owner managed businesses & expertise in research & development tax incentives & government funding. Stan has written numerous business articles including articles for the Vancouver Sun.
Director of Operations
Aaron Lacey
IRL Group has 3 things; People, Passion & Variety. We are so lucky that we get to work with such dedicated, hard working and fun people. 'Do what you love, and love what you do' is evident here! No one day is the same, working here will definitely see you develop skills you may never have thought you needed before!
Through Summer I'll be on the Hurling field, camping, paddle boarding, riding my motorcycle or at the golf course. In the Winter you will most likely find me skiing or enjoying a beverage with friends in our local pubs!
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VP of Construction
Mike Roche
The scope of the projects that IRL takes on means that no two days are ever the same. This diversity keeps me engaged, while also presenting me with new challenges and opportunities for continued growth in my field.
Outside of work I'll be spending time with my family. I am a proud dad of 2 boys, and bike rides through Vancouver’s beautiful trails are top of the list at the moment.
Project Coordinator
Bibi Perez
I am passionate about design and construction, and enjoy being part of project development. Working at IRL gives me the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects while being part of a great family. From day one, I felt welcomed and genuinely appreciated.
I am interested in the arts in all forms, so I enjoy dancing, attending concerts, and visiting museums. I also love hiking, staying active, and spending time reading
Graphic Designer & Content Creator
Thomas McCloskey
IRL Group gives me the space to be creative and flexible in my work, and no two days ever feel the same. The projects, people, and experiences along the way have made this a place where I’ve grown both professionally and personally. Being part of a team that values quality, collaboration, and new ideas keeps the work exciting and constantly evolving.
Off the clock, I’m either snowboarding the mountains, surfing at the beach, or skating in the city — whatever gets me moving and outdoors!
Office & Operations Coordinator
Niamh O'Dwyer
As Office & Operations Coordinator at IRL Group, I enjoy being part of a team that brings people together through hospitality, entertainment, and great venues across Vancouver. Having previously worked for seven years in a hotel office in my hometown in Ireland, I’ve built a strong background in the behind-the-scenes side of hospitality and enjoy helping operations run smoothly day to day. I really enjoy being part of the IRL team and contributing to its success. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, catching up with friends, travelling, and exploring Vancouver.
Accounts Payable Clerk
Daniel Larkin
Right from the start of my journey with IRL Group I have been made to feel at home and it is great to be able to utilize my skills on their behalf. The sense of community William & Laura have built around the company and the city can be seen everyday be it in the office, the pubs or beyond. Contributing to this is a huge motivator for me everyday.
Outside of work you'll usually find me watching any and all kinds of sport, up on a mountain snowboarding and socialising with friends around the city or elsewhere!
Junior Accountant
Anushya Arokiaswamy
Being a part of IRL group and its finance team has already been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The people here, along with the diverse projects we work on, offer continuous learning opportunities and tremendous room for growth.
When I’m not crunching numbers, you’ll find me by the beach chasing sunsets in summer. All other days, I’m at home in full comfy mode, binge-watching movies and series.
Marketing Coordinator
Aaron O'Brien
You might be in Vancouver but at IRL home is never too far away. You'll find the Irish working all over the world but as a newcomer to both Canada and IRL, it helps having a familiar accent to get settled in a new place.
Outside of work, You can catch me by the beach, winter or summer it doesn't matter!
HR & Payroll Assistant
Gabriela Chinarelli
I’ve loved IRL since day one! The team is friendly, kind, and generous, and I feel lucky to be part of it, especially in such a great office. I’m passionate about HR and payroll and enjoy supporting people behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.
In my free time, I explore Vancouver with my husband and daughter. You’ll usually find me by the sea, travelling, and discovering new places.
Accounts Payable Clerk
Oisin Rafferty
Since joining the IRL Group, I’ve been struck by how welcoming and supportive everyone is. Working in finance lets me blend my bar experience from Ireland with my Accounting and Finance degree, making the role feel like a natural fit. With the strong Irish influence here, some days it even feels like I’m back home in Galway.
Outside of work, I’m usually playing music, hiking, or watching sports with friends.
General Manager of Shamrock Storehouse Granville
Tom Young
I've known Willie and Laura since arriving in Vancouver in 2014. They're a major part of the Irish community & I jumped on the opportunity to work with them in an amazing location in Gastown.
I enjoy spending time with my wife when I'm off and having some social time with friends!
General Manager of Shamrock Storehouse Denman & Stadium
David Hynes
I have worked in the hospitality industry all my life. Starting back in my hometown, Galway and now in here in Vancouver. I love every minute of it and it never feels like 'work'.
Joining IRL has been such a great experience and has opened so many doors professionally and personally. Being part of such a great supportive group that keeps growing everyday has been a blessing.
In my spare time I love to run, play the drums and watch a lot of sports.
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General Manager of Hynes' Irish Pub & Shamrock Storehouse Dunbar
Jack Dobson
I've worked with IRL Group for a few years now and have worked my way up from bartender to General Manager. I love the people in Vancouver and the Irish community, especially in Kitsilano where Hynes' is located.
In my spare time I enjoy travelling and meeting up with friends.
General Manager of Smiths & The Cordova Room
Jason Kenny
When I joined IRL, I started out as the Bar Manager at Donnellan’s, working with a fantastic team there. Now, I’m excited to have moved up to Britannia Beach as the General Manager of Copper Beach Bar. It’s an incredible spot, and I’m proud to be part of creating a welcoming place for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
Outside of work, I'll be meeting up with friends or discovering new places around BC!
Learning & Development Specialist
Ryan Worden
The IRL Group is all about opportunity — the opportunity to work with fantastic people, to constantly learn, and to be part of really ambitious, exciting projects. In Learning & Development, I get to build the systems and training that ultimately empower people.
Outside of work, you can find me playing guitar, listening to records, attending live events or exploring Vancouver’s amazing food scene with my partner.
Accounts Payable Clerk
Faye Bohanna
As an AP Clerk at IRL, I’m gaining hands-on experience with the accounts side of the business while studying towards my ACCA qualification. I enjoy putting what I’m learning into practice, although I’m still waiting for spreadsheets to become exciting!
As a newcomer to IRL, I’ve really enjoyed becoming part of the team and seeing the company grow.
Outside of work, I enjoy music, downtime, and exploring the outdoors and Vancouver.
