Our Expertise
Investment, Partnerships and Management in the Construction, Hospitality & Safety 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 the Irish community abroad, in Vancouver, 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 continue to establish.
Laura & William Donnellan
Founders of IRLG
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 William and his 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, 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 creative strategy and 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.
Aaron Lacey
Director of Operations
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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Mike Roche,
VP of Construction
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.
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Jennifer Rafer,
Senior Bookkeeper
I love the people I work with and the people I work for. Everyone genuinely cares, supports and learns from each other everyday. Lots of love and laughter as well. What more can a gal ask for? Beautiful head office with a great view? IRL Group has that too!
In my spare time I'm out enjoying the outdoors with my family. You'll often find us camping, swimming, hiking, etc..
I also like trying different restaurants and different cuisines.
Greg McKeon,
Senior Project Manager
There’s a couple reasons why I came back to work for IRL again, it’s because there are massive and exciting plans in place for the company and I’m excited to be along for the ride and to be part of the team that help achieve those goals! Also, you get a real sense of worth at IRL, everyone here is an important cog in the system!
Having two young kids, I’m usually in a park or at a pool. And when I have time, I love to golf!
Naibhla Neary,
Accounting Assistant
I am delighted to say I am part of the IRL Group which is like a big family. We all help each other out and always have a laugh together. The group is constantly expanding which means we're always learning more, whilst meeting new friends along the way.
While not working, I am normally with my friends playing football, going on hikes and travelling around to visit new places.
Beth Jardine,
Marketing Coordinator
I love coming into work and not knowing what crazy idea we'll be rolling with today! It's incredible to be around people who are constantly coming up with new ideas and genuinely love what they do. We really do have the best team.
Outside of work you can find me singing in one of our bars, or exploring everything Vancouver has to offer! Some days that's climbing a mountain, other days that's sitting in a pub with a glass (or 2) of wine. It's called balance, right?
Steve Cummins,
Health & Safety Manager
I love the variety in my role. No two days are the same. One day I could be out swinging a hammer with the lads on site, and the next I could be standing at the top of a classroom teaching a course on telehandlers. Also the whole team at IRL are a bunch of legends. I consider every work colleague a great friend, so what's not to like about working with your pals every day?
I'm a dummer at heart and play multiple instruments. I love listening to and collecting vinyl - keep an eye out for me in one of our pubs around the city gigging or spinning a few records.
Haruka Nagamatsu,
Bookkeeper
I appreciate the strong sense of team that IRL has. It’s wonderful to know I can count on everyone when I am stuck on something, and the learning that comes along with that.
I take advantage of the beautiful nature that Vancouver offers with my friends, whether that's taking an easy walk on the seawall or hiking etc! I love to read books and do some baking/cooking as well.
Gráinne Fitzgerald,
Operations Assistant
IRL has given me the opportunity to be creative and put my passions into use; marketing and events. It's always exciting to collaborate and generate new ideas with the team. The culture at IRL means we have the freedom to share our thoughts and support each other with whatever we're working on that week.
When I’m not at the office, I’ll usually be discovering somewhere new. Whistler has been the highlight for me so far, definitely one for the bucket list!
Ciara Flood,
Executive Assistant
I love how committed IRL Group is to their customers and employees. They have honed their abilities on creating positive working relationships and they truly stick to their values of Integrity, Reliability and Loyalty.
In my spare time I love being in the outdoors, whether it is cycling along the Sea Wall, camping in the mountains or skiing in Whistler, I love it!
Ciara O' Neill,
HR & Marketing Assistant
The people on the team here at IRL are the reason I love my job. Working in such a warming, friendly environment truly is a reflection of the company’s values.
In my spare time I can often be found playing music with my band or out socialising with my friends.
James Browne,
General Manager of
The Raven
IRL has given me a great opportunity to progress in my career. They see potential in everyone and are not afraid to take a chance on any individual. The company understands the importance of family values and they bring that to each of their employees.
I enjoy meeting up with friends and I love taking in the beautiful scenery Vancouver has to offer. Every weekend I catch up on the soccer and play a bit myself every now and again! You'd often see me at a Whitecaps game too!
Tom Young,
General Manager of Smith's of Gastown
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!
Nef Villanueva,
Executive Chef
I love IRL for the people and comradery. No one is afraid to get hands dirty from from top to bottom - everyone gets stuck in no matter what! No one person is better than the rest. It's a proper team/family in and outside of work.
I enjoy being beside the water as I've always lived beside water and nature. I have a massive love for all things rugby and MMA, but my favorite thing to do is develop new recipes and dishes.
Doireann Walsh,
General Manager of Donnellan's
I love working for a company with such a strong sense of community. The rate with which you can progress within this company is unmatched. I started in Donnellan’s as a part time bartender and less than four years later I signed on as General Manager of the same bar. William and Laura believe in the people they hire, they trust in us to carry their vision and they’re always there to help whenever you need it.
In my spare time you can find me walking my dog, hosting one of our monthly pop up Gaeltacht events in Donnellans, on stage singing or doing some “quality control” in any of our locations