The best Irish Pubs in the DC area are getting ready for you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17! Are you ready to party? Green beer and corned beef and cabbage! Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the United States with parades, parties, festivals, and cultural events. It has become a day not only to honor Ireland’s patron saint but also to celebrate Irish culture and heritage in general, regardless of one’s ancestry. Here are some popular Irish pubs in the DC area known for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day:
The Dubliner – One of the best Irish Pubs in the DC area
The Dubliner: Located near Union Station, the Dubliner is 42 years old, making it one of the oldest Irish pubs in DC. It’s known for its
authentic Irish atmosphere, live music, and traditional Irish food and drinks, March 11-17 is known as Paddy’s week with Brian Gaffney, John McGrath and Morris Minor as the musicians who will be performing. The Dubliner is proud to be one of America’s largest purveyors of Guiness Stout and the only purveyor of Auld Dubliner Amber Ale, a wonderful brew made exclusively for The Dubliner. Don’t miss their legendary Smithwick’s Ale and the Killkenny Irish Cream Ale. Recently, the Dubliner partnered with a historic distillery in Ireland to produce The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, a smooth drinking blended whiskey aged in American Oak bourbon casks – in addition to their impressive whiskey collection with over100 other Irish whiskies. This is not only one of the oldest Irish pubs in DC but it is clearly one of the best Irish pubs in the DC area!
Nanny O’Brien’s
Nanny O’Brien’s Irish Pub is located in Cleveland Park on Connecticut Avenue. Nanny O’Brien’s is a cozy, neighborhood pub known for its welcoming atmosphere and extensive selection of Irish beers and whiskies. It has a pub menu with lots of hamburgers and wings. You can count on finding a frothy dark Guinness here.
Kelly’s Irish Times
Situated near Union Station at 14 F St NW, Kelly’s Irish Times is one of the best Irish pubs in the DC area for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Like the Dubliner, it has been here for over 40 years, celebrating the green hills of Ireland. They often have live music, Irish dancers, and a festive atmosphere. Offering patrons the perfect balance of quaint Irish hospitality and a fun atmosphere, Kelly’s was named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine in 2014 has been named one of the country’s top 10 Irish pubs by USA Today, MSN.com and Gayot. If you want to choose from a wide selection of draft beers, some Guinness stew or corned beef and cabbage, Kelly’s Irish Times may be your place. Don’t miss the whiskey bar with 23 Irish whiskeys, 29 Kentucky Bourbons, and lots of scotch and rye.
The Irish Inn at Glen Echo – One of the Best Irish Pubs in the DC area
Located in Glen Echo, this historic inn features an authentic Irish pub with traditional Irish fare and a popular neighborhood restaurant. The Irish Inn at Glen Echo has plenty of history – from a family home in the 1930’s to a biker bar in the 1980’s. (I remember that!) The Inn at Glen Echo came in the 1990’s and then it became the Irish Inn at Glen Echo in 2003. The Irish Inn has good food and even better Guinness. It’s cozy and warm in the bar in the winter with great music in the evenings and it’s a wonderful place to eat in the summer on the covered patios. This is a great place to visit after visiting the Clara Barton House, a walk on the canal or kayaking on the Potomac River.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub
Located in Old Town Alexandria, Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub also qualifies as one of the best Irish pubs in the DC area. It has offered a traditional Irish pub experience with a cozy atmosphere, hearty Irish fare, and a wide selection of beers and whiskeys since 1978. You can find all the traditional Irish fare you expect at your favorite pub food: Irish Stew, corned beef and cabbage, meat and potato pie, bangers and mash, Jameson’s strip steak, and fish and chips. Don’t forget to finish off your dinner with a hot Irish coffee and a Guinness chocolate cupcake!
Ireland’s Four Courts
Located in Arlington, Ireland’s Four Courts is a popular Irish pub known for its extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, beer, and traditional Irish dishes. They often have live music and sports screenings. This is the pub that knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – for a whole week! There will be trivia nights and a fun run in addition to lots of live music and even Guinness pint engraving. (I am curious!) Remember to check each pub’s website or social media pages closer to St. Patrick’s Day for any special events or promotions they may have planned. Additionally, considering the fluid nature of businesses and events, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm their St. Patrick’s Day plans for 2024.
