WEALTH July 5, 2026 0 Comments

How a Forgotten Irish Hero of FC Barcelona Sparked the Birth of Don Patricio’s Unstoppable Brand Empire

Ever wondered what happens when Dublin’s grit meets Barcelona’s vibrant soul over a pint? Well, Don Patricio’s Irish bar isn’t just your average watering hole—it’s a lively homage brewed from the passion of two Dublin lads who dared to blend the best of both worlds. Nestled in the bustling heart of Poble Sec, this isn’t merely a spot for cracking open a cold Guinness (though, they claim it’s the best pint this side of St James’s Gate!). It’s a story on tap—a tribute to Patrick ‘Don Patricio’ O’Connell, a man whose football legacy stretched from captaining Manchester United to saving FC Barcelona during its darkest days. If you ever thought tapas and tales couldn’t mix, think again. These guys serve up a unique menu spiced with history, culture, and a whole lot of Irish charm. Curious how a toasted sandwich can tell the tale of two cities—or how a bar becomes a beacon of resilience? Pull up a stool. This isn’t just a pub; it’s a celebration of heritage, hustle, and hearty pints. LEARN MORE

Don Patricio’s, a new Irish bar in Barcelona, owned and run by two lads from Dublin, is generating plenty of interest in the city because of the buzz, the music and the unique tapas menu – but also because of the story behind it, writes Joe Breathnach.

The bar is called after Patrick ‘Don Patricio’ O’Connell, whose journey from the streets of Dublin to the dugouts of one of the most famous football clubs in the world is a remarkable tale.

O’Connell played for football teams in Dublin and Belfast and he captained both Manchester United and Ireland; and later on, through his bravery and cleverness, he saved FC Barcelona from being wiped out during the reign of Francisco Franco in Spain.

Don Patricio’s Irish bar was set up by, Eamon Walsh and Keith Murphy, both in their 20s.

Set in the lively restaurant area of Poble Sec, in the centre of the city but close to the path to the Montjuic mountain, the lads boast that the bar provides the best pint of Guinness this side of St James’s Gate, along with delicious and unique local tapas with an Irish twist.

Before they set up Don Patricio’s Irish bar, Eamon, from Clondalkin, and Keith, from Balbriggan, were well known in Barcelona, having been working in bars there for a number of years, before branching out for themselves.

They felt the city needed a pub that would celebrate some of the distinctive characteristics that they themselves and the people of Barcelona have in common.

To that end, Don Patricio’s also celebrates the links between the Irish and Catalan languages and cultures, with examples of both cultures visible inside the bar’s long, cozy interior.

They quickly established themselves among locals and visitors because of the festive atmosphere, lively music and their delightful tapas menu including:

The Don.

The Don is a toasted sandwich that embraces both food cultures; it’s a tale of two cities. The baked Irish ham and Dubliner cheese matches the Serrano Ham and the Mato Catalonian cheese and it is enhanced with roast vegetables and Guinness onion marmalade.

And here are some mouthwatering samples of their tapas:

Beef & Guinness Empanada

Bacon and Cabbage Croquetts

Black Pudding Pinxos with Onion Marmalade

Don Patricio’s is the perfect place to gather with your pals in one of the quiet corners, meet new people – or just sit at the bar and watch the match on one of the big screens, while chatting to Eamon and Keith and their friendly staff as they pull your pint.

And the memory of the Dubliner who made it all possible is never too far away because Patrick ‘Don Patricio’ O’Connell’s impact went beyond finances.

He instilled discipline, resilience and a sense of identity in a team struggling to survive.

The story of Don Patricio

Patrick O’Connell, who was born in Dublin in March 1887, was Christened ‘Don Patricio’ by the players and fans in the Spanish clubs where he was revered. However, he holds a very special place in the history of FC Barcelona and of the city itself.

It was his managerial legacy in Spain that truly defined him. In 1935, O’Connell took charge of FC Barcelona during one of the most turbulent periods in Spanish history, the Spanish Civil War.

Franco’s forces shot the pro-Catalan president of the football club and froze their bank accounts leaving them unable to pay their debts.

Don Patricio’s Irish bar in Barcelona.

FC Barcelona was on the brink of collapse but amid this chaos, O’Connell’s leadership became a beacon of hope. In 1937, he orchestrated a crucial tour of Mexico and the United States, a bold move that raised vital funds keep the club secure.

Fergus Dowd, who organised a campaign to keep the memory of Don Patricio alive, said: “Remember, without him there would be no Barcelona – no Messi, no Cruyff, no Maradona. It was O’Connell who saved Barcelona from extinction.”

O’Connell’s efforts not only preserved the club but also reinforced its role as a symbol of Catalan pride and resistance during a time of national upheaval.

Don Patricio’s Irish bar

Carrer de Margarit, 18

08004 Barcelona

Spain