St. Patrick’s Day 2024 (Sunday March 17) is set to be a barnstormer of a day, and you’re spoiled for choice with things to do in London across St. Paddy’s weekend. You could opt for something classic like checking out the Mayor of London’s legendary St. Patrick’s Day parade, or perhaps head to Wembley to see Celtic icons B*Witched play at Boxpark. But for our money, the best way to celebrate the Emerald Isle is to don the green and gold and hole up in one of the city’s best Irish pubs for a seisiún quite unlike any other.
1. The Auld Shillelagh, Stoke Newington
You want authentic Irish pubs? You got ’em. The Auld Shillelagh was bestowed with the title of ‘most authentic Irish pub in the world outside of Ireland’ by The Irish Times, which is a pretty good starting point. One of the best reasons to visit Stoke Newington, the tiny-looking pub is deceptively spacious, and it fills to the absolute brim on St. Patrick’s Day, with traditional Irish music, plenty of drinks, and an army of balloons too. The Auld Shillelagh’s motto is ‘off the leash and on the lash’, so you know you’re in for a big one here.
📍105 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington, London, N16 0UD.
🚇 Nearest station is Stoke Newington.
2. Blyth Hill Tavern, Forest Hill
It doesn’t get more authentic than this cozy and familiar pub in southeast London, famed for its stellar selection of ales on tap and the coherent nostalgic vibes. Blyth Hull Tavern is a Victorian corner pub boasting a welcoming atmosphere, a locally-loved beer garden, and a continuous line-up of unmissable events like quiz night, live music, and more. There’s also live sport on all the tellies making it a cracking spot to watch the Six Nations.
📍319 Stanstead Road, London SE23 1JB.
🚇 Nearest stations are Catford and Forest Hill.
3. The Cow, Notting Hill
Those hoping for something a little more gastro than pub should head west. The Cow, out in Notting Hill, may not be super authentic, but it’s a lovely little spot that serves food with distinct Irish influences. Dishes like Irish stew and champ, or seafood platters from the Irish sea (including their speciality, a pint of prawns), make this a fabulously foodie spot in which to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
📍89 Westbourne Park Road, London, W2 5QH.
🚇 Nearest stations are Westbourne Park and Royal Oak.
4. The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
Of all the Irish pubs in London, this place is the biggest. In fact, it’s one of the biggest pubs in London, full stop. The Porterhouse is a behemoth bar, sprawling across no fewer than twelve different levels and a basement bar. Occupying a prime spot in Covent Garden, they are justifiably proud of their huge range of beers, ales, and stouts, all of which are hand-crafted in their Dublin brewery and shipped over for your consumption. They’ve gone to all that trouble, the least you can do is pop in for a drink…
📍21-22 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7NA.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
5. The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
This Finsbury Park pub may have come from Ireland, but it’s clearly had a gap year on the way, given the Thai-heavy menu. No need to fear full moon parties and ‘finding yourself‘, though, because the TV shows Gaelic football and there’s Guinness on tap. The Faltering Fullback also happens to be green as a shamrock, with a leafy exterior and a picturesque beer garden to boot.
📍19 Perth Road, Stroud Green, London, N4 3HB.
🚇 Nearest station is Finsbury Park.
6. Mannions Prince Arthur, Tottenham
With exteriors righteously painted green, Mannions Prince Arthur is a beloved Irish pub in Tottenham that’s undoubtedly going to be a grand spot for St. Paddy’s Day! With friendly bar staff and a welcoming atmosphere, they frequently play host to fun events and seasonal deals behind the bar. Enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness for some liquid courage on karaoke night, or gather your friends for some cheap drinks and a couple games of pool.
📍158 Broad Lane, London N15 4QJ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Tottenham Hale and Seven Sisters.
7. The Sheephaven Bay, Camden
There’s a fair few Irish pubs in Camden, but The Sheephaven Bay is probably the best of the lot. It’s also one of the best pubs with a misnomer: the place is named after Ships Haven Bay in County Donegal, but some silly English folks misheard it and the name stuck. Inside, the ceilings are hidden by memorabilia from every GAA and hurling team imaginable, and the conservatory and beer garden make it a perfect place to dodge the tourists gumming up Camden High Street.
📍2 Mornington Street, Camden Town, London, NW1 7QD.
🚇 Nearest station is Mornington Crescent.
8. The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green
Guinness may be the obvious choice for a St. Patrick’s Day drink, but The Sun Tavern will serve you something a tad stronger. Poitín (pronounced poteen) has been illegally brewed in Ireland for centuries, and was only fully legalised in 1997. This, along with the high alcohol content – some varieties top 90% ABV – earned it the nickname “Irish moonshine”, but it’s become increasingly popular in recent years. At The Sun Tavern, you’ll find a large selection of poitín to sample, along with whiskey and ales. But be warned: there’s a very good reason why the Irish word for hangover is póit…
📍441 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AN.
🚇 Nearest station is Bethnal Green.
9. Skehans, Nunhead
When a pub’s website says ‘purveyors of craic‘, you just know it’s going to be a brilliant choice for March 17. On top of the the pints and the craic, there’s great food, a pool table, live entertainment, regular music, and much more at Skehan’s. There’s even great views of the glistening skyscrapers of London Town too. All in all, a grand way to toast to the day of St. Patrick from South London.
📍1 Kitto Road, London, SE14 5TW.
🚇 Nearest station is Nunhead.
10. Waxy’s Little Sister, Soho
Eagle-eyed readers of Secret London will remember our coverage of perhaps the quirkiest Irish bar in London, that has been known to deliver drinks (read: pints of Guinness) on a mini-elevator. Waxy’s Little Sister in Soho has the lot for Paddy’s Day – kegs of booze (read.. you get the idea), plenty of Irish coffee, hearty plates of food with brilliant Irish whiskey to top it off.
📍20 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QG.
🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
11. Waxy O’Connors, Soho
Not wanting to start any family drama, we couldn’t leave out the older sibling of Waxy’s Little Sister at this time of year, could we? This multi-level mainstay Waxy O’Connors in Soho is the perfect place to get merry this St. Patrick’s Day and, as you can see by the signs, it’s pretty hard to miss. Head central for a welll-poured Guinness and a sight of the famous Waxy’s tree. It’s truly immersive, so feel free to get lost in the fantastically-themed nooks and crannies of this legendary boozer.
📍14-16 Rupert Street, London, W1D 6DD.
🚇 Nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.
12. Connolly’s Bar & Diner, Chiswick
The only Irish pub in Chiswick happens to be one of west London’s finest. Whether you wish to head down to watch the hurling or Gaelic football, sit outside in the sunshine (we can only pray) with a well-priced pint, dance to some traditional Irish music, or munch down some hearty Irish food, Connolly’s Bar & Diner is your place.
📍450 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London, W4 5TT.
🚇 Nearest station is Chiswick Park.
13. Hardy’s Freehouse, Greenwich
Nothing beats a day out in Greenwich, and for us, it’s always perfectly concluded with a visit to Hardy’s Freehouse. Boasting cheap drinks and approachable staff, this local favourite is the epitome of a stellar Irish pub, with a drool-worthy menu of Thai food and a fantastic beer garden. They are also purveyors of stout, claiming they serve up ‘the best pint of Guinness in the south’.
📍92 Trafalgar Road, London SE10 9UW.
🚇 Nearest stations are Maze Hill and Greenwich.
14. The Lamb, Islington
The Lamb is an absolute must-visit for craft beer lovers, being one of the many home pubs for Arsenal fans across the city. Celebrating the area’s local Irish history with live music every week, you’re guaranteed a craic-ing time at this absolute gem on Holloway Road. The pub specialises in local beers, allowing you to get a taste of London’s thriving craft brewery scene this St. Patrick’s Day.
📍54 Holloway Road, London N7 8JL.
🚇 Nearest stations are Highbury & Islington and Holloway Road
15. Sir Colin Campbell, Kilburn
Beautifully blending traditional vibes with a modern flare, Sir Colin Cambell has got to be on your pub bucket list if you’ve yet to visit. Owned and managed by descendants of Irish émigrés, expect that fabulous Irish hospitality with your refreshing pint and delicious pies from Pieminster. Expect many to flock to this Kilburn local for St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to join in on the fun if you’re looking to celebrate!
📍264-266 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2BY.
🚇 Nearest station is Kilburn.
16. The Toucan, Soho
Another Soho legend makes the list and it’s none other than The Toucan, which has so much Guinness paraphernalia on display it’s bursting with Irish pride. Although small and snug inside, this adored pub is another addition renowned for their class-act Guinness pours, along with its undeniable charm. If it’s no frills and good vibes you’re after, it doesn’t get much better!
📍19 Carlisle Street, London W1D 3BY.
🚇 Nearest station is Tottenham Court Road.
17. Howl At The Moon, Hoxton
Looks like craft beer is taking over, with this fantastic pub in Hoxton having an exquisite collection that’s sure to quench your thirst this St. Patrick’s Day. Howl At The Moon is an independent pub and local hotspot that’s oozing with Irish sensibilities. From fantastic food to live sports and fun events, this is a great option beyond your St. Paddy celebrations.
📍178 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LH
🚇 Nearest station is Hoxton
18. Quinn’s, Camden
Nestled along the lovely walk between Camden Town and Kentish Town, Quinn’s stands out for its bright yellow exterior, but it’s what’s on the inside that truly matters. This laid-back boozer will take you back in time when pubs were pubs. With some excellent beers on tap and an extensive selection of bottled options available, it’s the perfect Irish pub for a merry ol’ time.
📍 65 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 8NY, United Kingdom
🚇 Nearest stations are Camden Town and Kentish Town West
19. Nancy Spains, Shoreditch
There’s an all-new Irish pub in London just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Better yet, Nancy Spains are offering £2.50 pints of stout leading up to the big day, celebrating not only Ireland’s patron saint, but the pub’s official opening. Kicking things off on March 15, celebrate St. Paddy’s weekend with cheap pints on Saturday (March 16), as well as live music on Sunday (March 17).
📍128-130 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3AQ.
🚇 Nearest stations are Old Street and Shoreditch High Street
20. The Claddaugh Ring, Hendon
Beloved by students and Hendon locals, this north London watering hole is great if you’re looking to party. The Claddaugh Ring is aptly named after the traditional Irish ring that represents love, and we do love this gem of a pub. They even have a jam-packed line-up for St. Patrick’s Day weekend including Irish dancing, live DJs, and more.
📍10 Church Road, London, NW4 4EA.
🚇 Nearest station is Hendon Central
21. Philomena’s, Covent Garden
Philomena’s Irish Sports Bar & Kitchen is a lively central pub that’s bound to be busy this St. Patrick’s Day weekend. From the traditional pub grub with an extensive selection of dishes on offer, to an unmatched selection of beers and ales, it’s one you canny miss if you’re on the hunt for London’s best Irish pubs.
📍40 Great Queen St, London, WC2B 5AD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Covent Garden and Holborn.
So there you have it – a roundup of 10 of the best Irish pubs in London for you to get celebratory this St. Patrick’s Day. So raise a glass of the black stuff and enjoy the craic!