Kells Irish Pub

Posted: 10.15.2025 | Updated: 10.13.2025

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, Kells Irish Pub is more than just a beloved local spot for a pint and live music; it’s a place steeped in legend and a touch of the supernatural.

Beneath the pub’s cozy charm and clinking glasses lies a history that runs deep, quite literally. Built over the city’s infamous Shanghai Tunnels, a significant part of Portland’s history, Kells has long been whispered about as one of Portland’s most haunted locations. 

From ghostly figures glimpsed in the bar’s cellar to eerie sounds that echo after closing time, the pub’s friendly atmosphere hides a darker past that refuses to stay buried. So, is Kell’s Irish Pub truly haunted? Uncover the truth and experience the thrill with Portland Ghosts.

Is Kells Irish Pub Haunted?

Visitors and workers of Kells Irish Pub, convinced by their own experiences, believe it is haunted. They have reported apparitions, cold spots, and flickering lights, especially in the basement. 

While some may dismiss these as mere atmosphere and imagination, those who’ve felt a ghostly presence say there’s no doubt that something lingers beneath the pints and laughter at Kells.

The History of Kells Irish Pub 

Kells Irish Pub opened its doors in 1990. It was founded by Gerard and Lucille McAleese, Irish immigrants who wanted to bring the warmth and community spirit of an authentic Irish pub to Portland. 

Located in the historic Glisan Building, which dates back to the late 19th century, the pub quickly became a local favorite for its authentic food, live Irish music, and welcoming atmosphere.

But Kells is built on a ground rich with history and mystery. Beneath it lie the Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages once used to move goods and, allegedly, people between the waterfront and the city’s old bars and hotels. This connection to Portland’s darker past has made Kells not only a cultural landmark but also a magnet for ghost stories and paranormal investigations.

Today, Kells remains a family-run establishment known for celebrating Irish heritage year-round, especially during its famous St. Patrick’s Day Festival, while quietly carrying the weight of Portland’s haunted history beneath its floorboards.

Kells Irish Pub Hauntings 

It’s no surprise that Kells Irish Pub is haunted. Hundreds of individuals saw the doors of death here, and loved ones said goodbye to their loved ones for the last time since the early 1900s.

As a result, those who have visited and worked here have reported eerie footsteps and feelings of being watched, and many have even seen lifeless faces within the mirrors hanging on the walls. 

The strangest and most common hauntings happen in the basement near the Shanghai tunnels. It’s here that visitors have felt the touch of hands sweeping their backs and neck, while others have reported seeing the grand piano playing itself. However, the eeriest tales are of those of particular ghosts who tend to make frequent appearances. 

The Firefighter

One of the most frequently seen spirits at Kells Irish Pub is known simply as the Firefighter. Witnesses describe him as a tall man dressed in an old-fashioned fireman’s uniform. He often appears near the basement bar, a place once used for storage when the building served different purposes long before it became a pub.

Some say it’s actually David Campbell, a firefighter who died responding to one of Portland’s devastating fires in the early 1900s, his spirit lingering as a quiet guardian over the building.

Staff have reported feeling a sudden chill or catching the faint scent of smoke just before he appears. Unlike some of Kells’ other spirits, the Firefighter is believed to be a protective presence, watching over guests and ensuring the pub stays safe.

Haunted Portland 

If you’re ready to experience Seattle’s haunts for yourself, there’s no better way than to take a tour and step into Portland’s haunted history with Portland Ghosts.

Wander through the pub’s dimly lit rooms, descend toward the old Shanghai Tunnels, and listen as your guide shares eerie tales of the Firefighter who still keeps watch.

You’ll feel the blend of warmth and unease that makes Kells one of the city’s most unforgettable haunts, a place where the past truly never left. So come join us, raise a pint, and discover for yourself whether these spirits are just stories… or something more.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real Portland hauntings.

Sources:

• https://portlandghosts.com/
• https://www.pdxirishfest.com/
• https://www.hauntedrooms.com/oregon/portland/haunted-places 
• https://www.kellsportland.com/copy-of-home#:~:text=Established%20in%201990.,in%20the%20kitchen%20and%20hosted.
• https://www.kellsbrewpub.com/about
• https://www.oregonlive.com/beer/2019/08/kells-once-just-a-famous-irish-pub-now-a-flourishing-beer-maker-portland-breweries-series.html
• https://www.myhauntedlifepodcast.com/e/oregon-s-kell-s-irish-restaurant-and-pub/