The best Irish pubs around the world to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Every year on the 17th of March copious pints of Guinness are poured, drunk people are adorned in shades of green and parties and parades take to the streets in cities all over the world. I’m of course talking about St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration like no other that’s enjoyed by Irish communities all over the Emerald Isle and far beyond. But you don’t have to be Irish to get in on the craic! St. Patrick’s Day festivities are to be enjoyed by everyone, so dig out your best green outfit, practise your face painting skills and find the best Irish pub wherever you are to celebrate in!
St. Patrick’s Day got us thinking about how no matter how far you travel, you can usually rely on finding an Irish pub for a warm welcome, a great time and a lively crowd. I asked the team for the best Irish pubs they’ve visited around the world… read on to find out our favourites!
1. The Pub – La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia
Chosen by me – Hope, UK Social Media and Content Executive in our London office
While wandering the charming streets of Bogota’s La Candelaria, I was surprised to find a traditional Irish pub alongside the colourful colonial buildings and winding alleyways of a typical Latin American neighbourhood. It stood out so much that I had to go in (plus drinking before lunchtime is totally acceptable when you’re backpacking). The friendly welcome I received in this cosy, homely pub was just what I needed in my disorientated, jetlagged state! There’s a sunny beer garden, great tunes from the jukebox and a cheap happy hour. They also throw a massive party on St. Patrick’s Day every year – definitely worth checking out if you’ll be in the city!
Among the vibrant street art and fantastic museums of La Candelaria is the wonderful Masaya Hostel. I stayed here and took part in a salsa lesson, a free walking tour and made some great travel buddies.
Why you should visit:
- Awesome beer garden
- Regular booze-fuelled events
- Warm vibes
Find it: Carrera 3 #12-37, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
2. Paddy’s Irish Pub – Cusco, Peru
Chosen by Jo, Blog Editor in our London office
“This pub was the place me and my fellow travellers hung out the night before we headed off to trek The Inca Trail. It was really sociable and filled with travellers either about to trek or had just survived the trek! We drank too much wine and scared ourselves with all the horror stories of ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ and the ‘Gringo Killer’! We survived 😉.”
This 100% Irish-owned pub in Peru is a slice of authenticity on the other side of the equator. They do all the staples to perfection – Guinness, Jameson’s and the heartiest Irish breakfast to replenish those weary trekkers! Cusco is a backpacker’s hotspot, so the atmosphere in Paddy’s is always buzzing with travellers from all over the world. And of course this means it’s surrounded by epic hostels. Just round the corner you’ll find Pariwana Hostel, which was recently awarded best in Peru at our 2019 HOSCARs!
Why you should visit:
- Diverse mix of guests
- Wide range of beers
- Live sports
Find it: Triunfo 124, Cusco 08000, Peru
3. The Fifth Province – Melbourne, Australia
Chosen by Sarah, German Social Media and Content Executive in our London office
“This pub just has an awesome vibe. We had many Irish friends in our hostel and we regularly went to the Fifth Province as it was only a short walk down Fitzroy Sreet. They had Irish live bands and everyone used to do Irish dancing (or try to anyway)!”
It’s easy to see why Sarah chose The Fifth Province as her favourite Irish pub in the world. It’s always a party at this Melbourne establishment, with regular events including live music several times a week and festivals showcasing Ireland’s best craft beers. The food is on-point, with a menu full of Irish classics, and their huge St. Patrick’s Day all dayer isn’t to be missed if you’ll be in the city on March 17th!
Every Melbourne backpacker knows that Fitzroy Street is the place to be for nightlife, arts and an electric atmosphere. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay close to the action, check out the super cool Base St Kilda.
Why you should visit:
- Live Irish music
- The perfect location
- Lively crowd of backpackers and locals
Find it: 3/60 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
4. Badfish – Berlin, Germany
Chosen by Heather, Senior CRM Designer in our Dublin office
“This isn’t an ‘Irish bar’ in the sense of playing trad music and having pictures of the homeland on the wall, but it is owned and run by lads from Ireland. It’s comfy and unpretentious and has an excellent selection of whiskeys, the best Guinness in Berlin (on tap!) and tons of craft beers. It has that intangible atmosphere of good craic that you can only really find in a real Irish pub – and they also make killer alcoholic slushies. It’s no wonder lots of Irish come here when they’re visiting Berlin!”
Badfish is an Irish pub with a rebellious streak – so it’s not surprising that you’ll find it in Prenzlauer Berg, a neighbourhood that has anti-establishment values woven into its history. Nowadays it’s an artsy, bohemian area full of trendy bars, quirky brunching spots and cool hostels. The superbly rated Eastseven Berlin Hostel is just down the road and has free BBQs, walking tours and bikes to rent for exploring the city!
Why you should visit:
- It’s an Irish pub with a cool twist
- 2 for 1 craft beers during ‘angry hour’
- Outdoor seating to enjoy cool Prenzlauer Berg
Find it: Stargarder Street 14, 10437 Berlin, Germany
5. McSorley’s – New York City, USA
Chosen by Andy from our Dublin based e-commerce team
“This pub is one of the oldest pubs in NYC. If my memory serves they only have two options… a light ale or a dark ale. I think you generally order three at time, too – although that might be just me and my friends.”
New Yorkers and travellers from around the world visit McSorley’s for a piece of history and some no-frills, great beer. It’s been around since 1854 and has served everyone from Abraham Lincoln to John Lennon, so its credentials as one of the best Irish pubs in the world have been well tested. There’s only one rule here, “be good or be gone”, and it’s done the trick for over 150 years. And we can confirm it’s not just Andy and his friends who order three drinks at a time. Now that’s a tradition we could get on board with!
For somewhere to rest your head after a few too many ales, Manhattan’s HI NYC Hostel is chic, sociable and well connected to the city’s hottest spots.
Why you should visit:
- It’s a historic institution
- The bartenders are legendary
- Authentic atmosphere you only find in true Irish pubs!
Find it: 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA
6. The Fiddler’s Elbow – Rome, Italy
Chosen by Julie, SEO Executive in our London office
“This is one of the best Irish pubs I know. It’s Irish owned and run and I try to visit every time I’m in Rome as it holds a special place in my heart – it’s where my mum and dad first met!”
When it opened its doors in 1976, The Fiddler’s Elbow was the only Irish pub in the whole of Italy. This historic institution has since gained quite a following and become a well-known spot for good fun and even better Guinness in central Rome, as well as opening a sister pub in Florence. It may be small but it’s overflowing with character and does its best to squeeze in everyone who wants to visit – it’s usually packed every night of the week!
Alessandro Downtown Hostel is nearby, and their FREE aperitivo hour is guaranteed to help you break the ice before you drag your new mates to the pub!
Why you should visit:
- Warm, welcoming staff
- Top-notch Guinness
- It’s 10 minutes’ walk from The Colosseum!
Find it: Via dell’Olmata, 43, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
7. James Joyce Irish Pub – Madrid, Spain
Chosen by Jo, Blog Editor in our London office
“Always a great atmosphere, with regular live music. When I lived in Madrid in 2017 I spent St Patrick’s day here with my roomies from around the world. I’m not sure we had any Guinness converts but everyone had a good time!”
There’s never a dull moment at this Madrid Irish pub, where rowdy concerts and live sports matches are on the cards almost every night of the week. They have ridiculous drinks offers throughout March to celebrate Paddy’s Day, and it goes without saying that on the day itself the celebrations will be wild, kicking off early with an Irish trad session. From inside you’ll feel like you could be in Ireland, but the glorious sunshine over the patio might not be totally authentic… hey, we’re willing to let that one slide!
Looking for an awesome nearby hostel? Room 007 Ventura Hostel offers boutique style on a budget, and its on-site gastro-bar is one of the neighbourhood’s most Instagrammed brunch spots.
Why you should visit:
- Live music
- Huge screens for live sports
- To explore the glamourous Salamanca neighbourhood
Find it: Calle de Alcalá, 59, 28014 Madrid, Spain
8. The Cobblestone – Dublin, Ireland
Chosen by Heather, Senior CRM designer in our Dublin office
“Self-described as ‘a drinking pub with a music problem’, this is one of the best spots in Dublin to catch trad music without hordes of loud tourists and the same old cheesy singalongs. This is the real deal. Locals whose family have been playing the fiddle and uilleann pipes for generations pop in to play, teach and dance in this cosy, friendly pub. And of course, The Cobblestone’s proximity to the Guinness brewery means it has some of the best pints of black stuff in town.”
You didn’t think we’d make this list without including a Dublin pub, did you? And since Heather’s a local, you know this one’s legit. The pub is built on family traditions that have been passed down five generations, and regularly hosts music lessons, gigs, classes and talks to keep the heritage alive. Heather also recommends this pub to anyone visiting Dublin for Pride, as it’s the closest to the main celebrations and is great craic on the day!
📷William Murphy on Flickr
Generator Dublin is just across the square, a 24-hour hostel with a bar, games room and pool tables where you can continue the party after closing time!
Why you should visit:
- To experience true Irish traditions
- To learn an instrument
- For a laid-back, friendly, welcoming feel
Find it: 77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP22, Ireland
Hostels with Irish pubs
It’s no secret that great Irish pubs can be found all over the world, but did you know that you can even find them in hostels?! Yep, sometimes two of our favourite things come together and create a backpacker’s dream combo – imagine social vibes, cheap beer and a bed that’s just steps from the bar. Just take my money now!
9. Wild Rover Hostel – La Paz, Bolivia
Wild Rover brings a touch of Irish hospitality to Bolivia in the form of the world’s highest Irish pub. It’s 3,600 metres above sea level, so you can blame it on more than the Guinness making you dizzy. There are themed parties every night, international sports on the big screens, bar games, cheap drinks, live music…. I could go on, but instead I’ll hand it over to this review from one of our guests who found it tricky to leave:
“I warn you, you might get stuck! Wild Rover is a real party hostel, if you’re looking for this the atmosphere is great! Every night there’s a big party in the bar with a lot of free shots. The food is great as well!”
Why you should visit:
- Bragging rights – not everyone can say they’ve visited the highest Irish pub on earth!
- Wild parties
- Unique setting (it’s in an ex presidential mansion!)
Find it: Calle Comercio 1476, Esquina Bueno, Ruta Nacional 2, La Paz, Bolivia
10. Durty Nelly’s Inn – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Durty Nelly’s houses one of the best Irish pubs in Amsterdam that’s not only a top backpacker’s hangout, but is loved by locals too. However it’s only hostel guests that benefit from a sweet 20% off food and drink 😉. It’s right in the middle of the city, so it’s the perfect spot to start the night out and meet new friends, plus it couldn’t be easier to stumble back to in the early hours… just make sure you’re back in time for an Irish breakfast in the morning!
One of our guests got us right in the feels with this heartfelt, perfect 10 review: “This hostel has a bar downstairs, what could be more perfect than that? They prepare lots of discounts if you stay there. And they have lots of fun things! I don’t have the right words to explain, I think only if you stay there can you understand this feeling!”
Why you should visit:
- Live DJs at weekends
- Pub crawls
- Amazing location
Find it: Warmoesstraat 115, 1012 JA Amsterdam, Netherlands
11. Ned Kelly Hotel & Irish Pub – Mandalay, Myanmar
This hostel boasts Myanmar’s only rooftop Irish pub (we’re getting more and more niche here), and it’s one of Mandalay’s hottest nightlife spots for backpackers. They have a huge screen for live sports events – the biggest in the city in fact – so as you can imagine things tend to get loud. The views from the roof are incredible, and during happy hour from 4-6 you can get two beers for less than £1.50! But don’t take my word for it – listen to this very happy guest:
“One of the best places I have stayed at in South East Asia… The staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcomed, helping with everything you need. The rooftop bar has great food, atmosphere and reasonable prices with great happy hour deals.”
Why you should visit:
- It’s a backpacker fave
- Insanely cheap drinks
- Beautiful views
Find it: 28th Street (74th Street x, 75th St, Mandalay, Myanmar
So, these are the best Irish pubs visited by the Hostelworld team, but have you got a favourite we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments! Oh, and…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Keep reading ⬇️
🌟 Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day around the world
🌟 15 best places to visit in Ireland
🌟 Best bars and pubs in Dublin for the ultimate pub crawl
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