Irish Pubs in Melbourne | St Patrick's Day

Irish Pubs in Melbourne | St Patrick's DayIrish Pubs in Melbourne | St Patrick's Day

Melbourne's Best Irish Pubs to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

It's not about the beer. Although there will, of course, be beer. It's not about the food either, though chances are you will consume something hearty. And it's not even about the venue, despite the charm of those dark-wood fittings and the long bar polished smooth by a million thirsty elbows. An Irish pub - a proper Irish pub, in Ireland, filled with Irish people - is all about one thing: the craic.

The craic is a beautifully nebulous concept, a word with a million meanings, something like "mate " in the Australian vernacular. ("Mate ? Maaate.") You can enjoy the craic. You can ask how the craic is. You, your good self, can be great craic.

The craic is fun. It's good times. It's banter with witty individuals. It's pints of thick, black beer drunk with friends. It's things that go a little awry, that get slightly out of hand, that cause you to wake up the next morning not entirely sure you did the right thing but convinced it was a good idea anyway.

And that is the art of the Irish pub: to find good craic. To have a good time.

Fortunately, it's not difficult. Ireland is filled with pubs, everywhere from its busiest city streets to its quietest country lanes, and in all of these you are highly likely to find good craic.

What you want to look for is somewhere old, somewhere with a bit of crumble to it. Don't wander into a neon-lit cocktail bar. Don't find yourself somewhere trendy with small-batch craft beer. You want traditional, relaxed, friendly.

I'm thinking somewhere like Smyth's of Ranelagh, a no-frills pub in Dublin where the crowd is happy and the drinks are cheap. Or maybe Sin e in Cork City, an absolute classic where pints have been pulled and locals have gathered since 1889. Or Foxy John's in Dingle, part pub, part hardware store, all character.

Pubs like these function as proxy loungerooms for the local populace - they're places people come to relax, to have dinner and a pint and chat to strangers and play pool and maybe watch some TV. They're music venues too, where people bring their instruments and strike up a tune.

Perhaps the best thing about any Irish pub, in Ireland, is the organic nature of all of these activities, of the craic, the fact it can't be planned or intentionally created. You just have to sit back and let it happen.

Or, even better, you have to make it happen. Chat to strangers - they'll be up for some banter. Listen to the music, even if every song starts to sound the same. Order another pint or a whisky. Make bad decisions. Go with the flow.

Enjoy the craic.

Top 10 Irish Pubs in Melbourne




❊ When ❊


Date: Monday 17th March 2025

Times: 9am - Midnight
Melbourne
VirtualLocationhttps://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/st-patricks-day
Bridie O'Reilly's | South Yarra
Bridie O'Reilly's | South Yarra
Bridie O'Reilly's is Melbourne's original Irish Pub. Bridie's prides itself on great customer service, a wide range of beers, traditional Irish meals and live entertainment in a co.. Show More..

Celtic Club
Celtic Club
The Celtic Club is Australia's first Irish Club and has a reputation for providing a warm and hearty welcome since 1887. Melbourne's Celtic Club has a proud and turbulent histor.. Show More..

Limerick Arms Hotel
Limerick Arms Hotel
The Limerick Arms Hotel is the oldest Irish Pub in Melbourne. Established in 1855, The Limerick Arms is a well-established icon within the South Melbourne precinct - popular wi.. Show More..

P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub
P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub
P.J.O'Brien's is a beloved destination nestled in the heart of Southgate, perfect for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to unwind with a quiet drink in a co.. Show More..

The Dubliner
The Dubliner
The Dubliner in Mornington is an authentic Irish Bar, serving Guinness & Kilkenny on tap Outdoor courtyard. Trivia on Wednesday, Live Irish Music Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunda.. Show More..

The Irish Times Pub
The Irish Times Pub
Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD and spread over two floors, The Irish Times Pub offers a warm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The ambience - genuine Irish style wrap-around.. Show More..

The Last Jar
The Last Jar
The Last Jar is an authentic Irish Pub in Melbourne's CBD, serving comforting and traditional Irish food. With Irish beers on tap like Guinness, Kilkenny and a few of their fri.. Show More..

The Quiet Man Irish Pub
The Quiet Man Irish Pub
The Quiet Man Irish Pub is Flemington is simply Melbourne's Best Irish Pub. The Quiet Man Irish Pub opened its doors to the public in 1998 and has since established itself as on.. Show More..

St Patrick's Day | Melbourne 2025
St Patrick's Day | Melbourne 2025
Melbourne
Monday 17th March 2025 - Irish brewer Guinness has created their Green List to help guide St Patrick's Day revellers to Irish Pubs to enjoy festivities with their mates. .. Show More..





❊ Web Links ❊

Irish Pubs in Melbourne | St Patrick's Day

www.guinness.com.au

❊ Also See.. ❊


St Patrick's Day | Melbourne 2025

This article is from the March 4 issue of The Age Digital Edition. To subscribe, visit "https://www.theage.com.au". By Ben Groundwater |


Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.

Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.



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