(The Triangle Trend) — The first step to snagging the luck of the Irish? Dine like one. March may be national Irish American month, but every day is a great day to don some green and chow down on some boxty, coddle, colcannon, and fish & chips. Fortunately for you, Irish cuisine is a very frequent occurrence around the NC Triangle, with many Irish pubs known for their live music and great beers. Consider this list your on-the-go guide for local Irish eats.
Tra’Li Irish Pub & Restaurant
10370 Moncreiffe Rd, Suite 109, Raleigh, NC 27617
Tra’Li has such a cool, authentic Irish pub vibe. They have a great beer selection and a full bar with some pretty awesome Irish whiskeys. Service is always spot on no matter how crowded they get. It’s a fun atmosphere. They also have a great menu of quality food. From burgers, to fish and chips, to corned beef and cabbage, this place has it going on. They have a nice outdoor seating area too.
O’Malley’s Pub & Restaurant
5228 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh, NC 27612
O’Malley’s is a well-established source for deliciously consistent pub grub and Irish favorites. There is live music nightly from full bands to single artists, great local beers on tap, and daily drink specials keep it fun and affordable. The staff is top-notch with fast and friendly service and most have been here for years. They have a nice patio if you want to sit outside and breathe in some fresh air, or you can choose to sit on one of two sides inside the joint.
Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub
2108 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Pat Murnane’s is the prime eatery for “delicious Irish-American comfort food alongside a full bar in tavern digs with live music and karaoke.” It’s a great local hangout with awesome food, plenty of variety to choose from, and hearty portions.
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27519
5490 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC 27502
Doherty’s is a “comfy bar with top tier Irish cuisine, multiple beers on tap, live music, and big TV’s.” They offer a menu of reasonably priced items that’ll ensure a high-value experience for you and your party. Visit their Apex or Cary location for a timely business lunch, date, family-friendly outing, to catch the game, or to listen to live music.
Hibernian Pub
311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
8021 Falls of Neuse Rd, North Raleigh, NC 27615
Hibernian delivers in all facets that you would look for in an Irish pub. Filling food. Soft lighting. Great deals. The bartenders are attentive and there is typically a beer special. We recommend their $5 burger Mondays, their Reuben, and any of their homemade dressings. Get the fries extra crispy and a Guinness and you’re set.
Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub
427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
A “traditional Irish bar with burgers and pub-grub staples, TV sports, 20 beers on tap & sidewalk tables. They offer a great outdoor seating area for spacing yourself out from others during COVID.” Bull McCabe’s is very cozy and exactly what you’d think an Irish pub should be. Their burgers and fries have been described by consumers to have just the right amount of crunch, salt, and seasoning.
Saints & Scholars Pub
909 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Saints offers a “full menu daily, alongside rotating draft craft beer, mixed cocktails, and old-fashioned socializing. With some of the best live music around, you can enjoy your drink in style while bopping to some of the top local musicians.”
James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant
912 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Traditional Irish food favorites, Irish music, Irish beer, and whiskey specials. They’re currently open for patio and dine-in eating, with take-out and curbside also available. The atmosphere is incredibly approachable and the fish and chips are absolutely stunning.
McKinley’s Restaurant & Pub
11751 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520
Great Drinks and Homemade Specials every day. McKinley’s has been described by diners to have a chill and laid back, dark Irish pub atmosphere. They have all the essential bar food—wings, chicken tenders, quesadillas, and several kinds of burgers plus some bonus Irish options like Reuben, Irish Dip, and Shepherd’s Pie.
London Bridge Pub
110 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
London Bridge Pub serves a diverse assortment of beers and mixed drinks as well as a very comfortable outdoor seating area. Expect an environment filled with chill vibes, interesting people, and soccer viewing areas in downtown Raleigh. Dogs are welcome too, but only on their back patio. They invite guests to “drink, watch TV, and maybe even dance; always promising a bloody good time.”
