St. Patrick’s Day is always synonymous with a good time, but if you are looking for someplace a little bit special to celebrate your Irish heritage – or celebrate your Irish friends – Northern Virginia has no shortage of traditional Irish brews, music, and even dancing. Here are several Irish bars in NoVA and one in Baltimore that know how to celebrate. “Sláinte!”
The Auld Shebeen Irish Pub & Restaurant
Celebrated as Best Irish Pub year after year by Northern Virginia Magazine, this local Fairfax watering hole is as authentic as it gets. The Auld Shebeen offers a wide range of Irish ales and stouts as well as an extensive traditional menu. St. Patrick’s Day brings performers, Conor Malone and The Flying Cows of Ventry, to the pub. 3971 Chain Bridge Rd., Fairfax
The Old Brogue
Celebrating its 42nd year in business, The Old Brogue knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right. Start your day with an Irish breakfast at sister venue, Katie’s Coffee House, or come later in the day to enjoy a pint and a traditional Irish prix-fixe lunch for $45 or dinner for $60. Musical entertainment includes Tam McGeady and the Mostly Irish Band, and Will Baskin. 760 Walker Rd., Great Falls
Ireland’s Four Provinces Irish Pub
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with “K’eggs” breakfast fare from 8 to 10 a.m. or make a reservation for one of the three-course lunch or dinner seatings and enjoy hearty Irish cuisine. Live music with Gerry Timlin and Brook Yoder throughout the day andevening. Reservations required. 105 West Broad St., Falls Church
Murphy’s: a Grand Irish Pub
Celebrating since 1978, Murphy’s menu extends well beyond classic Irish dishes and offers a robust beverage list. Live entertainment on St. Patrick’s Day includes Pat Garvey, Colby Sard, and Pat Caroll. Tickets required. 713 King St., Alexandria
Ned Devines
Touted as an “Irish Gastro Pub & Restaurant,” Ned Devine’s is the place to be if you like to do St. Paddy’s Day big. With themed menus and entertainment each night leading up to a jam-packed day-of event schedule, there is something for everyone. On St. Patrick’s Day, there will be Irish step dancers, bag pipers and food specials. 2465 Centreville Rd., Herndon
Guinness Open Gate Brewery
This Baltimore brewery is hosting celebratory events and an “Irish village” throughout March. Not to be missed, the brewery has live traditional music and food and beer pairings. On St. Patrick’s Day, there is a full Irish breakfast for $50. Reservations required. 5001 Washington Blvd., Halethorpe, Maryland
Feature image courtesy The Auld Sheeban
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