6 Irish Pubs To Visit This St. Patrick's Day

Katie Burke

St. Patrick’s Day is the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, or more commonly known on college campuses as a day to skip class and pretend to be Irish for a day. However, if you’re traveling abroad in Europe this March, you have the opportunity to celebrate this boisterous day with the Irish themselves. If you’re able to make it to the Fair City this St. Patrick’s Day, here are six pubs (and some useful Irish slang) that will help you get two sheets to the wind. 

Mulligan's

The self-proclaimed “home of the pint” can be found just off of O’Connell Street, the main thoroughfare of Dublin. Mulligan’s is one of the oldest pubs in the city, operating for almost 300 years (it has gone through some renovations from when it first opened).  As a prime spot in the city, the pub is a mix of friendly regulars and travelers ready for an Irish good time.  In a pub with such a long history, the bartenders will have plenty of stories to share.

Notable visitors: James Joyce, JFK, Charlize Theron

O'Connell's

For cheap drinks and a warm atmosphere, O’Connell’s is the place to relax in between the rowdier celebrations.  The pub isn’t frequented by many tourists, so if you’re looking for a more authentic Ireland experience, O’Connell’s is it.  The clientele is eclectic but friendly, and the kitchen serves soup and sandwiches if you’ve a mouth you.

The Long Hall 

If you need a break from downing the black stuff, the Long Hall has a wide variety of pints and Irish whiskeys, however it has also been praised for its Guinness if you’re on a roll.  Like most of the traditional pubs on this list, the Long Hall is without television screens, making it a great place to enjoy the company of new and old friends. 

Notable visitors: Rihanna

L. Mulligan Grocer

L. Mulligan is a great spot for a quality substantial meal with an extensive domestic and international craft beer list.  The atmosphere is livelier than the average pub, and similar to The Last Word cocktail bar in Ann Arbor, the menus are bound in old book covers. If you’re planning on making a stop during your St. Patrick’s Day adventures, reserve a table ahead of time, L. Mulligan’s fills up quickly.

The Lord Edward

For a quieter atmosphere in a more tourist-popular area, the Lord Edward offers history and a good pint. Dubbed “the oldest seafood restaurant in Dublin,” the pub serves quality seafood in the neighborhood of the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Fun fact: Lord Edward Fitzgerald, the pub’s namesake, is buried right across the street in St. Werburgh’s Church.

The Stag's Head

Located in the heart of Dublin in the historic Temple Bar area, The Stag’s Head is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The pub has been around since the 18th century, and has seen its share of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With bars on the main level, upstairs, and in the basement, there is enough variety to stay in one place for a major part of the day. 

Notable visitors: According to The Guardian, Quentin Tarantino was rumored to have been kicked out.

An aspiring journalist, Katie enjoys learning about the world firsthand through travel. Her main area of interest is Spain and Spanish culture, however, she is open to going anywhere and everywhere she has the chance. To Katie, the most important part of the travel experience is documenting it.

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