Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle
2329 Penn Ave., Strip District
Arguably the city’s most famous Irish pub, Mullaney’s has been a hub for traditional music, dance, and Guinness-fueled camaraderie for over 30 years.
Cork Harbour Pub
181 43rd St., Lawrenceville
A newer addition, Cork Harbour has quickly built a reputation as one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the city. With its dark wood interiors, well-poured pints, and regular live music, it’s a solid pick for an old-world atmosphere.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Clubs
Lawrenceville & Monroeville
These private fraternal organizations promote Irish heritage, charity, and community. They host social events, fundraisers, and gatherings that keep the Irish spirit alive in Pittsburgh.
Monterey Pub
1227 Monterey St., North Side
This cozy neighborhood spot in the Mexican War Streets isn’t strictly Irish, but it has an unmistakable charm that Jim Lamb, president of the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh, tells Pittsburgh City Paper reminds him of home. The warm, inviting tavern makes it a favorite for those looking for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
The Pub On Wheels
And if you’re looking for something different? “My favorite Irish pub in the city is the Pub on Wheels!” Mairin Petrone, Executive Director and President of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, tells City Paper. “I love it because of its creativity, authenticity, and that you never know where it is going to pop up!”
The Irish Design Center
303 S. Craig St., Oakland
The center stocks everything from hand-knit Aran sweaters to Celtic jewelry, making it a must-visit for lovers of Irish heritage.
The Priory & Grand Hall
614 Pressley St., North Side
Without a dedicated Irish cultural center in Pittsburgh, The Priory has become the go-to venue for large Irish events, including concerts, fundraisers, and celebrations.
The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh
1601 Marys St., Sharpsburg
A cornerstone of Irish-American relations in Pittsburgh, this nonprofit fosters cultural and business ties between Ireland and Western Pennsylvania. “We’ll host the Donnybrook fights there on Friday, March 14 — Pittsburgh vs. Ireland. Amateur boxing,” Lamb says.
The Perfect Irish-Inspired Day in Pittsburgh
Want to celebrate like a true Pittsburgh Irish? Lamb lays out two distinct itineraries — one for Parade Day, one for March 17th itself.
March 15th (Parade Day)
- Start with the St. Patrick’s Parade 5K (register here), then head to Old St. Patrick’s Mass in the Strip.
- Walk down Liberty Avenue to the parade’s start to meet leaders of the festival and special guests from Ireland. Walk, wave, cheer, and finish the parade strong at the grandstand at the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street.
- Post-parade, grab lunch at Café Fifth Avenue, where Guaranteed Irish is playing from noon to 3 p.m.
- Check out various Irish events across the city and look for a nice plate of Irish stew, ham and cabbage, maybe a whiskey.
- End the night at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, where the real ceol agus craic happens. Expect another stellar performance by Lamb and Guaranteed Irish.
March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day)
- Attend a catholic mass near you.
- Catch Lamb performing a solo set at Cork Harbour Pub (1-4 p.m.).
- Cocktail hour at the Pittsburgh Ireland Fund Gala at Acrisure Stadium.
- Back to Mullaney’s for a final, whiskey-soaked night of music.
And with that, another St. Patrick’s Day in Pittsburgh will be in the books. But as Lamb reminds us, Irish identity here doesn’t begin and end in March. So, as the Irish say, Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís. May we be alive at this time next year. And may we always raise a glass to the past, while keeping an eye on the future.
See also: It took more than luck to cultivate Pittsburgh’s Irish traditions
This article appears in Mar 12-18, 2025.
