From the oldest Irish pubs in New York like McSorley’s to award-winning bars like The Dead Rabbit, discover the best spots for Guinness, live music and St Patrick’s Day events across NYCPeople outside McSorley's Old Ale House on St. Patrick's Day

(Image: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

New York City boasts an incredible array of Irish pubs perfect for celebrating St Patrick’s Day. From historic watering holes to contemporary establishments, the Big Apple offers countless opportunities to mark the occasion.

Still undecided about your St Patrick’s Day plans in NYC?

We’ve got you covered. The annual parade marches through the streets on Saturday, March 16, whilst St Patrick’s Day itself lands on March 17.

This means you can soak up the parade atmosphere one day and then explore an authentic Irish pub the following day to honor the Irish celebration. Here are our handpicked selections for the finest Irish pubs in New York to experience on St Patrick’s Day.

READ MORE: Irish people tell ‘dumb Americans’ they’re pronouncing St Patrick’s Day wrongREAD MORE: One surprising city named top place to travel for St Patricks Day – here’s whereIrish Haven

5721 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220.

Irish Haven stands as a beloved Brooklyn institution. This traditional establishment is hosting an entire weekend of festivities for St Patrick’s Day.

On Saturday, March 16, catch the parade and rugby coverage whilst enjoying tributes to the late Shane MacGowan and The Pogues. Then on Sunday, March 17, take advantage of $5 Guinness pints alongside DJ entertainment running from 6pm through 11pm.

Drinkers enjoy Live Irish trad music at Irish Haven in Brooklyn as a man plays guitar and sings

Live Irish trad music at Irish Haven in Brooklyn(Image: instagram.com/irish.haven)

Throughout both days, Irish Haven will be dishing out delicious corned beef sandwiches.

The Dead Rabbit.

30 Water St, New York, NY 10004.

The Dead Rabbit consistently ranks among North America’s premier bars and has collected numerous accolades over the years. The establishment has already launched its ‘Paddy’s Not Patty’s’ event series building up to St Patrick’s Day.

People drinking in The Dead Rabbit in New York

The Dead Rabbit in NYC(Image: Nicholas Ruiz)

On Saturday, March 16, the band Wolfhound will be performing live. The venue will also be broadcasting all Six Nations rugby matches.

Then on Sunday, March 17, there will be a Double Sunday Seisiún, with musicians performing from 1pm to 5pm, and again from 6pm to 10pm.

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Hartley’s.

14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238.

Hartley’s in Brooklyn is recognized as a cozy but vibrant Irish pub that has repeatedly been crowned the top Irish establishment in the city. It’s a destination for live traditional music, contemporary Irish sounds, and authentic Irish cuisine.

Visitors to Hartley's in Brooklyn enjoy a lively trad session inside the small pub

Trad session in Hartley’s, Brooklyn(Image: instagram.com/hartleysnyc)

It’s a perfect spot for a St Patrick’s Day drink for those looking to skip the stereotypical over-the-top green festivities throughout New York.

Jackdaw.

213 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003.

The Irish-owned and operated Jackdaw guarantees guests will experience genuine St Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York City. The establishment will host a full day of Irish festivities beginning with a complete Irish breakfast.

Following that, guests can enjoy a traditional bagpipe and drum performance by County Cork’s Pipes and Drums, live Irish traditional music from a local group, the bar’s signature Jackdaw Crock of Gold cocktails, and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.

Wild Goose.

5420 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside, NY 11377.

It’s hardly surprising that Queens would host some stellar St Patrick’s Day festivities. The Wild Goose stands out as a must-visit destination on March 17.

The owners of The Wild Goose outside the bar in Woodside. Exterior of the bar in background and street in foreground.

L-R: Jason Darby, Eóiny Martin, and Joe Byrne outside The Wild Goose in Queens, New York(Image: Jane Corscadden/Irish Star)

Run by Joe Byrne from Co Dublin, Eóiny Martin from Co Meath, and Jason Darby from Co Offaly, visitors can anticipate an authentic Irish pub experience on St Patrick’s Day and throughout the entire year.

The Clonard.

506 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211.

The Clonard has become a beloved spot for Williamsburg locals. With extensive preparations underway for St Patrick’s Day, expect the venue to be buzzing with energy.

McSorley’s Old Ale House.

15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003.

McSorley’s Old Ale House holds the distinction of being New York’s oldest Irish pub, tracing its roots back to 1854. Yet despite its lengthy history, McSorley’s continues to thrive as a premier Irish establishment in the city.

It’s consistently one of the liveliest destinations on St Patrick’s Day. Whether you stop by following the parade on Saturday, March 16, or drop in on Sunday, March 17, you’re virtually assured of having a great time – this establishment has earned its reputation for excellent reasons.

The Perfect Pint.

Operating locations in Times Square and Midtown, The Perfect Pint Irish pub sits in the heart of New York. This prime positioning means it becomes a bustling hotspot during the New York St Patrick’s Day parade and the holiday itself the next day, as history has shown.

Bar staff pour pints while wearing green t-shirts to celebrate St Patrick's Day. The dimly lit pub is full of customers and there is green bunting hanging from the ceiling.

People drink at the Perfect Pint Irish Pub in the morning ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York(Image: Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

Anticipate delicious pub fare and plenty of pints to celebrate the festivities.

The Wolfhound.

38-14 30th Ave. , Astoria, NY 11103.

Situated in Astoria, Queens – among New York’s most Irish communities – The Wolfhound serves as a gathering place for traditional Irish music and good times, whilst pouring an excellent pint of Guinness.

Whilst St Patrick’s Day itself promises excitement, the following weekend brings the main event. On Saturday, March 23, the Astoria St Patrick’s Bar Crawl will wind through Murphy’s Bar, Jack Jones, Sissy McGinty’s, The Irish Rover, and The Wolfhound.

An Beal Bocht.

445 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463.

Heading to The Bronx, we find one of the borough’s finest Irish pubs and cultural centers, An Beal Bocht. On Sunday, March 17, the venue will host the ‘world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade with Grand Marshal Edna Birmingham’.

Following that, John Walsh and the Shamrock Sheiks will take the stage for live entertainment. The establishment has lined up a full week of festivities, which you can view here.

Grace’s.

252 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011.

Grace’s comes from the same folks behind Brooklyn’s Hartley’s. On Saturday, March 16, they’ll be broadcasting the Ireland v Scotland Six Nations clash.

A blurred image shows people sitting at a dimly lit bar. There are retro lampshades hanging above

The front bar in Grace’s(Image: Tadgh Ennis)

Then, on St Patrick’s Day, a live music session will run from 1pm to 4pm.

The Rambling House.

4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY 10470.

The Rambling House in The Bronx has an extensive schedule to honor St Patrick’s Day. Live entertainment will fill the entire weekend in celebration.

On Saturday, the establishment will screen the rugby match, followed by an Irish session at 6pm. On St Patrick’s Day, The Wooden Nickels will perform live starting at 6pm.

Swift Hibernian Lounge.

34 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003.

Beginning Monday, March 11, Swift Hibernia Lounge has an impressive roster of activities scheduled. All week long, there will be drink promotions and live performances building up to the main weekend.

On Saturday, ‘pre-parade fuel’ will be available with two-for-one Irish coffees from 8am to 11am. On St Patrick’s Day, The Cure Literary Readings will feature Lost Irish Whiskey.

Which Irish pubs in New York do you visit on St Patrick’s Day?

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