Columbus, Ohio, has a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration scene, with plenty of Irish pubs and bars offering a festive atmosphere, delicious food, and of course, green beer! Whether you're looking to celebrate with traditional Irish fare, live music, or a cozy pint of Guinness, here’s a list of the best Irish pubs and bars in Columbus to help you get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
1. The Dublin Pub-231 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH
The Dublin Pub is one of Columbus' best-known Irish pubs, offering a fantastic blend of Irish tradition and a lively pub atmosphere. For St. Patrick’s Day, this place goes all out with live music, dancing, and an extensive menu of Irish staples like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Expect a packed house and a true Irish pub experience in the heart of downtown.
2. Fadó Irish Pub-4022 The Strand West, Columbus, OH
Fadó has a great mix of Irish authenticity and modern flair, making it an excellent spot for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. With a full menu of traditional Irish dishes and an extensive whiskey selection, it’s perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Irish culture. The Fadó Guinness Pouring Challenge and live music are big draws during St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
3. The Three-Legged Mare-401 N. Front St., Columbus, OH
Known for its relaxed, casual atmosphere, The Three-Legged Mare is a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without the huge crowds. It offers a nice balance of Irish pub vibe with plenty of space to relax. This bar has an impressive selection of Irish beers and whiskey, along with great Irish-inspired comfort food like Guinness stew and corned beef sandwiches.
4. Claddagh Irish Pub-585 S. Front St., Columbus, OH
Claddagh Irish Pub is known for its traditional Irish hospitality and excellent pub fare. It's a great choice for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration if you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of drinks, live Irish music, and fantastic Irish dishes like bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and a pint of Guinness.
5. The Shamrock Tavern-4936 Sinclair Rd, Columbus, OH
For a more intimate St. Patrick’s Day celebration, head to The Shamrock Tavern. This classic Irish pub serves up a cozy atmosphere with great food and drinks. It's a local favorite known for its good-natured crowd, affordable prices, and a killer Irish coffee.
6. Brazenhead Irish Pub-103 E. Whittier St., Columbus, OH
Brazenhead is one of the oldest and most iconic Irish pubs in Columbus. With a great selection of beers, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a fantastic outdoor patio for warmer days, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Irish beer and some classic pub fare. For St. Patrick’s Day, they feature live Irish music, and their fish and chips are a crowd favorite.
7. O’Reilly’s Irish Pub-1200 N. High St., Columbus, OH
O'Reilly's is a classic pub with an extensive selection of Irish beers and a cozy, welcoming vibe. They’re known for their great Guinness pours and delicious Irish breakfast options. For St. Patrick’s Day, the pub hosts lively Irish folk bands, and the place fills with fun-loving people looking to enjoy traditional Irish music and food.
8. J. Gumbo's-1194 N. High St., Columbus, OH
J. Gumbo’s offers a different vibe than traditional Irish pubs, but it’s perfect if you want to mix things up while still celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Their Creole and Cajun-inspired menu is unique, but they still embrace the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with great drinks and a lively atmosphere. Plus, their po'boys and gumbos are something to write home about!
Bonus Tips for St. Patrick’s Day in Columbus:
- Arrive early: St. Patrick's Day is one of the most popular times to visit these pubs, so arriving early to grab a seat is a good idea.
- Wear green: It’s a St. Patrick's Day tradition, and you’ll want to blend in with the festive crowd.
- Take public transportation: Parking can be tricky in downtown Columbus, so consider taking the COTA bus or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Irish music, delicious food, or the perfect pint of Guinness, Columbus has some fantastic Irish pubs and bars to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations unforgettable. From lively atmospheres to cozy corners for a quiet drink, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy the holiday in style.
**Don’t forget to see the Annual The St. Patrick's Day Parade**
Hosted by the Shamrock Club, come out to enjoy a lively celebration with marching bands, floats, Irish dancers, bagpipes and more. The parade starts around 11 a.m. and steps off from the St. Patrick’s Church, 280 N. Grant Ave. What a great way to kick off the festivities with family friendly fun.