If you’re feeling the siren’s song of Irish fiddles and singalongs pulling you toward good food, camaraderie, and St. Patrick celebrations, but unsure where to go, we have a list of super spots to fulfill your Emerald Isle dreams.
The following restaurants and pubs span Greater Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, so if you’re planning to make one or several spots your destination for a celebratory time (and a couple Guinness pints), we encourage you to plan ahead, make ride arrangements, and/or book adjacent lodging. In Downtown Annapolis, for example, there are excellent accommodations available and easy ride-hailing options (Uber, Lyft), making a night on the town that much safer.
So, for some Irish-themed fun, we might go to…
Galway Bay Irish Restaurant & Pub
63 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis • 410-263-8333 • galwaybaymd.com. An Irish staple in Annapolis since 1998, Galway Bay delivers a true Irish pub experience built on traditional hospitality. Step inside and you’ll feel as though you’ve landed in Ireland, surrounded by warm ambiance and a menu packed with classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and a legendary corned beef Reuben. Its reputation speaks for itself, voted Best Irish Pub year after year, featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and recognized globally for its Irish whiskey program. Not hungry? No problem. Galway Bay’s Irish Whiskey Bar Experience boasts Maryland’s largest selection of Irish whiskeys, making it a must-visit this March and beyond.
Castlebay Irish Pub
193A Main Street, Annapolis • 410-626-0165 • castlebayirishpub.com. If you’re looking for classic Irish food and a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, Castlebay is the spot. With moss-green walls, dark mahogany tables, and a warm, welcoming ambiance, it feels like stepping into a local Irish pub straight off the streets of Dublin. The traditional Irish fare delivers, while an attentive and friendly wait staff adds to the charm that makes Castlebay so inviting. And if Irish-style meals aren’t your thing, no worries, Castlebay also offers American cuisine to fit the tastes of every guest. It’s a cozy, authentic dining experience that brings a true taste of Ireland to Annapolis.
O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern
113 Main Street, Annapolis • 410-268-6288 • obriensoysterbar.com. Historically known as a place to grab a few beers, O’Brien’s has evolved since into one of Annapolis’ go-to spots for seafood. A classic Irish pub at heart, it’s especially known for its crabcakes, rockfish, and crowd-pleasing seafood favorites that keep locals coming back. By day, O’Brien’s offers a family-friendly atmosphere with great service and a menu that delivers. By night, its pub roots take over. Once the clock strikes 10:30 p.m., a line forms outside as patrons gather to unwind, grab a drink from the wide selection, and dance the night away. That balance is what makes O’Brien’s a favorite for everyone.
McGarvey’s Saloon & Oyster Bar
8 Market Space, Annapolis • 410-263-5700 • mcgarveysannapolis.com. Since 1975, McGarvey’s has been one of Annapolis’ most beloved spots, equal parts Irish pub, raw bar, and late-night refuge. By day, locals gather over oysters and Maryland seafood favorites beneath stained-glass chandeliers and walls steeped in history. By night, the doors keep swinging as friends and sailors alike filter in for pints long after the kitchen closes. The laughter never fades, and neither does the sense of camaraderie. With hearty pub fare, a standout raw bar, and an atmosphere that feels timeless, McGarvey’s isn’t just a place to eat or drink—it’s an Annapolitan rite of passage. The atmosphere never changes, whether it’s lunchtime or last call.
Davis’ Pub
400 Chester Avenue, Annapolis • 410-268-7432 • davispub.com. An Eastport neighborhood staple with lounge roots dating back to the ’40s, Davis’ Pub remains true to its decades-old reputation as a watering hole with A-plus fare in the heart of the maritime community. Serving cold pints and warm grub, Davis’ isn’t pretentious or fancy—the corner pub with an Irish twist welcomes patrons to pull up a stool to the well-worn bar or grab a picnic table outdoors, weather abiding. Indoors or out, you’ll enjoy wetting your whistle at Davis’ “where there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met.”
Rams Head Tavern
33 West Street, Annapolis • 410-268-4545 • ramsheadtavern.com. A walk along the first block of West Street in Annapolis inevitably puts you in front of the esteemed Rams Head Tavern—a can’t miss gastronomic and entertainment experience. While the main floor of the restaurant offers a lively atmosphere that’s equal parts happening bar scene and sit-down, delicious dining, locals tend to find refuge in either the tucked-away downstairs pub—with a speakeasy vibe—or the outdoor wisteria-covered patio, where pints can be heard clanking the night away.
Killarney House Irish Restaurant
Killarney House Irish Restaurant
584 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville • 410-798-8700 • killarneyhousepub.com. Like an oasis in the glens of Ireland, Killarney House stands out as one of the few restaurants in the Davidsonville zip code. And it’s a very good one. Purely Irish, the restaurant has a menu replete with staples like lamb shepherd’s pie, pot roast, cabbage wraps, corned beef, meatloaf, and traditional Irish boxty, along with creative takes on seafood, sandwiches, and more. The spirits menu continues to grow, and now boasts 50-plus Irish whiskeys, including rare and exclusive releases. Killarney House is as authentic an Irish restaurant could be on this side of the Atlantic.
Brian Boru Irish Restaurant
489 Ritchie Highway #103, Severna Park • 410-975-2678 • brianborupub.com. A jaunt along Route 2 north into Severna Park will take you to Brian Boru, a community hotspot for a very active atmosphere with live Irish music and entertainment Thursdays on through the weekend, plus an authentic menu of Irish favorites and signature drinks. The décor is warm and inviting with lots of wood finishes from foot to ceiling and Irish memorabilia adorning every wall. Brian Boru is a feel-good restaurant that embodies Irish culture.
Molloy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
1053 Route 3 N., Gambrills • 410-451-4222 • molloysirishpub.com. In the heart of the Route 3 corridor that runs through Gambrills and Crofton sits Molloy’s, a shining emerald of an Irish restaurant within a vast landscape of fast food chains. Step inside and you’ll be transported from the bustle of traffic into an energic atmosphere where live music, pub darts, hearty fare (the fish and chips are done very well here!), and go-to libations (try a Molloy’s Irish Ale) keep the party going into the wee hours (open ’til 2 a.m. every night).
