Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Virginia

Winter holidays are the best because we desperately need reasons to celebrate when Spring seems like a distant memory. Just in time for St. Patricks’ Day, Governor Northam has extended alcohol serving hours until midnight at bars and restaurants. So put on your best green outfit and go out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of these festive places in Northern Virginia.

A Brief Primer on St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. One of the many legends surrounding St. Patrick is that he stood on a high hill and banished all snakes from the country (thanks, Obama!). Some historians note that Ireland was never known to have snakes (because St. Patrick had banished them already, duh).

The shamrock is closely associated with St. Patrick. He allegedly used the plant to explain the Holy Trinity (most people would just lift three fingers, but we’re not as clever as saints).

St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

My brother was born on St. Patrick’s Day. He was very firm on his St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and we eat corned beef and cabbage every year on his birthday (it’s easier and more festive than reenacting the potato famine). He doesn’t pinch though, but we always remember to wear green. We take our birthdays very seriously in our family.

Corned beef is closely associated with Irish-American immigrants in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, who subbed in cheaper corned beef for their beloved Irish Ham.

Celtic music was considered quite rebellious during its time because English rulers banned Irish music.

Shamrocks are a symbol of rebirth and spring. It’s no wonder that Ireland chose it as a symbol of Irish resistance against England.

Irish Pubs in Northern Virginia

The Irish spirit is alive and well in Northern Virginia. Irish pubs are very community-oriented offering live music and events on many nights.

Arlington County Irish Pubs

O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Restaurants Whiskey Bar
Arlington

Boasting 130 whiskeys, this is a locals’ bar. Come for trivia, comedy, live music, and rugby-watching.

Ireland’s Four Courts
Arlington

One of the DC area’s best soccer pubs, see all your favorite soccer games here and it’s like you’re in Ireland.

The Celtic House Irish Pub
Arlington

Boasting a signature handmade oak bar, this neighborhood favorite, this pub boasts a tremendous happy hour with Irish favorites for a great deal

Samuel Beckett’s
Arlington

Come check out the annual fall Celtic festival with traditional Irish music and dance at this Shirlington fixture. Also features trivia, board games, and corn hole events.

Fairfax County Irish Pubs

The Auld Shebeen
Fairfax

Named after Shebeens, an after-hours speakeasy in Ireland, Auld Shebeen has been a mainstay of downtown Fairfax city since 2004. This pub has a low-key main level and a more raucus cellar featuring live music and events. Traditional Irish Music is every Friday and Saturday, with Friday followed by karaoke.

Sully’s Pour House
Herndon

Sully’s stands out for offering more wine and cocktails than is typical for an Irish pub. They also offer Industry Nights every night from 10:30 to close, which include a burger, fries, and lager for $10.

The Old Brogue
Falls Church

From the Gaelic for “old shoe”, this Irish Bar has been serving continuously since St. Patrick’s Day in 1981. The bar boasts a two-page menu of bourbons (called “The Old Brogue Happiness Guide) including Eh Taylor Barrel Proof for $90/pour.

Ireland’s Four Provinces
Falls Church

For authenticity, consider that every Tuesday at Ireland’s Four Provinces is a Traditional Irish Music Session and they serve Curry Chips (cut fries with curry sauce). That being said, the menu is worldly with calamari, ahi tuna bowls, and tacos.

Ned Devine’s Irish GastroPub
Herndon

A sports bar and live music venue that serves traditional Irish and American fare, with the kitchen open until they close.

Alexandria Irish Pubs

Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant & Bar
Alexandria

Cuddle up with your friends and family in Daniel O’Connell’s “snugs” - fancy upright booths/benches.

Loudoun County Irish Pubs

Finnegan’s Grill & Irish Pub
Ashburn

With an extensive multicultural menu that includes Bavarian pretzels and banh mi tacos, Finnegan’s also brings traditional English and Irish fare. If you like your St. Patty’s day experience, come back for musical bingo on Monday nights.

Conclusion

So grab a Guinness, have some Shepher'd’s pie and get your trivia on at any of these wonderful Irish pubs.