Dating back to the Great Potato Famine, Boston has long been the landing place for Irish settlers looking to make a home in the New World. To see evidence of Boston’s Irish influence, look no further than the clovers and Celtic crosses that frequent the area buildings, logos and street corners not just on St. Patrick’s day, but year round. Constituting over 15% of Boston’s population, people claiming Irish descent are the largest ethnic group in the city, almost twice the size of those with Italian heritage at just over 8%. For a taste of Irish food and flair, Boston is graced by some of the nation’s most authentic Irish pubs. Here’s a look at a few that thirsty travelers would be advised to stop by.
- Brendan Behan Pub – Perhaps the closest thing in the city to what you might find on the other side of the pond. The Brendan Behan Pub is a 4 time winner of Interview Magazine’s “Best irish Pub in Boston award”. Sticking true to old Ireland tradition, the Behan lacks the amenities most bar hoppers have come to expect, such as TV’s, pinball machines and electronic games. For entertainment, Patrons often enjoy live music with an original Irish sound.
- Corrib Pub – Named after Lough (Lake) Corrib in West Galway, Ireland, due to the Brighton neighborhood’s largely West Ireland heritage, Corrib Pub now has many locations throughout the Boston area, with the original Brighton location still reigning supreme. From its humble roots as a blue collar bar, the pub has expanded to house luxuries and amenities you might expect from a more modern watering hole, complete with TVs, function rooms, a private bar and full dining menu.
- McGann’s – The sister bar of McGann’s Pub in Doolin, Ireland, this Boston-based bar in only a walk away from the TD Garden, making it a favorite before and after game spot for Bruins and Celtics fans alike. Decorated much like the pub in the mother country, with antique lanterns and framed Celtic artwork, patrons enjoy the same authentically Irish atmosphere without trans-Atlantic commute.
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