The Irish in Washington, DC

The nation’s capital has long been home to a proud Irish community, with ties dating back to laborers who helped build the city and later waves of immigrants who shaped its neighborhoods. Today, Irish culture thrives through institutions like the Irish American Club and pubs such as The Dubliner near Capitol Hill and Ireland’s Four Provinces in Arlington, which serve as gathering spots for music, sport, and conversation. Each March, the city celebrates with the Washington, DC St. Patrick’s Parade along Constitution Avenue, while cultural diplomacy is strengthened through events at the Embassy of Ireland, making DC a unique crossroads of Irish heritage and national life.

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Duffy’s Irish Pub

1901 C St SE

Laid-back and lively, Duffy’s Irish Pub is where D.C. goes for proper pints, unbeatable wings, and game-day energy. Whether you’re cheering with fellow fans, catching a comedy show, or just dropping by for a casual night out, Duffy’s delivers that easygoing Irish pub vibe with a local twist.

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Kelly's Irish Times

14 F St NW

Established in 1978 and located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington DC, Kelly’s Irish Times is one of the most celebrated pubs in America.

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Kirwan’s on the Wharf

749 Wharf St SW

Our intention in opening Kirwan’s was to celebrate our homeland by making your experience as authentically Irish as possible. To do this, we contracted eight carpenters from Ireland who flew over with huge containers bearing all of our interior furnishings and materials. Every bar, tile, table, chair, panel and photograph you see is from Ireland. About those photographs on our walls - each one was selected and brought over by owner Mark Kirwan’s dad from The Photography Institute in Ireland. The historical subjects of horses and GAA sportsmen are particular interests of Mark’s. He takes pride in his heritage and enthusiastically shares it with everyone who walks through the doors of Kirwan’s.

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Nanny O'Brien's Irish Pub

3319 Connecticut Ave NW

Cleveland Park’s Pub. Legendary Wings & Best Guinness Pour in DC.

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Shenanigan’s Irish Pub

2450 18Tth St.NW

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC is a lively neighborhood favorite that mixes classic Irish hospitality with the area’s vibrant nightlife. Known for its rooftop bar, hearty pub fare, and perfectly poured pints, it’s a go-to spot for live music, DJs, and big sports watch-parties. Whether you’re starting your night or settling in for craic with friends, Shenanigan’s delivers an energetic Irish welcome in the heart of Adams Morgan.

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The Dubliner

4 F St NW

The Dubliner in Washington, DC, is one of the city’s most iconic Irish pubs, located just steps from Union Station. Known for its warm, wood-paneled interior and traditional Irish hospitality, it has been a gathering spot for locals, politicians, and travelers alike since 1974. Guests enjoy hearty Irish fare like shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage, alongside perfectly poured pints of Guinness and an extensive whiskey selection. With live Irish music most nights, The Dubliner offers an authentic taste of Ireland in the heart of the nation’s capital.

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The Harp DC

3126 12th St NE

The Harp in Brookland, where Irish charm meets Capitol hospitality! We're serving up authentic craic with a side of warm welcomes since day one. With a stellar pint of Guinness, a modern twist on authentic Irish fare, live music Wednesday nights, trad session on Thursdays, and Premier League specials, it’s the perfect spot to unwind or kick off a lively night out. Come for the craic, stay for the conversation.

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The Irish Channel

500 H St NW

The Irish Channel Restaurant & Pub would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves. We are a family-owned business run by Tom Stack, who hails from County Cork, Ireland. Tom runs a friendly, fun staff and would love to welcome all of our guests, young and old. Our food is our number one priority as he is a certified chef. We serve only fresh produce, fish and meat in our restaurant and buy locally grown whenever possible. Our pub emanates a wonderful character that will make you feel just like you're in Dublin. So the next time you are in the area give us a try. We promise you won't be disappointed. We offer live entertainment four nights a week (Wednesday through Saturday) where we feature local, renowned Irish singers and musicians.

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Digital Irish DC

Digital Irish DC connects Irish and Irish-American professionals in the Washington, DC area who are shaping the future of technology, media, and entrepreneurship. Through networking events, speaker series, and community collaborations, the group fosters opportunities for innovation and cross-Atlantic connections. Whether you’re a startup founder, tech leader, or creative professional, Digital Irish DC provides a welcoming space to share ideas, grow careers, and celebrate Irish talent in the capital.

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Embassy of Ireland, DC

2234 Massachusetts Ave NW

Team Ireland in the United States of America includes the Embassy in Washington, our Consulates General in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco, and our Honorary Consuls across the country.

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Fáilte go Shift

Fáilte go Shift. Welcome to Shift! ☘️ You’re one of the first people in the world to have the app and we couldn't be more proud to have you here. Launching an app is hard work, and we want it to be perfect... Someday it will, but for now, we ask for your help and feedback as we sqaush those pesky bugs, and build up our directory of everything Irish around the world. As we’re located in the Washington DC area, this is where we’re starting first. If you are outside DC, you can support your local Irish community by adding your favorite pubs, organizations, events and artists! We encourage you to share your best stories or memories tied to these places so others can discover them too. Most importantly, you can start inviting and connecting with Irish people near you as the community grows. So, let’s do this together. Invite your friends and family of course, and you can also add impromptu “get togethers” with these old and new friends that Shift helps you connect with. We’re so happy you’re here for the Shift app. This is going to be an adventure. Go raibh maith agaibh.

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Irish Network DC

The Irish Network DC serves as the heart of the diverse Irish and Irish-American community in Washington, D.C. We embrace all connections to Ireland and serve as a conduit to collaboration between our communities both in Ireland and the United States.

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Northern Ireland Bureau North America

13th Street NW

Northern Ireland is a dynamic, vibrant and forward-thinking region committed to promoting economic prosperity, cultural development and international growth and engagement. It is the world’s top destination for Financial Services technology investment and the number one international investment location for US cyber security firms. The success of television shows like Game of Thrones, a growing interest in Northern Ireland as a top travel destination, and its reputation as a global leader in the fields of peace, security and conflict resolution, has helped dramatically raise the profile of the region—particularly in North America. Today, Northern Ireland is widely regarded as a great place to visit, work, study, and invest.

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Solas Nua

1777 Church Street NW

Solas Nua is the leading Irish contemporary arts organization in the United States, based right in Washington, DC. With a name that means “new light” in Irish, they shine a spotlight on the freshest voices in Irish theater, film, literature, music, and visual arts. From immersive performances to film screenings and poetry nights, Solas Nua delivers bold, boundary-pushing work that celebrates modern Ireland. It’s where tradition meets innovation, and Irish culture gets a vibrant, 21st-century stage. Creative, daring, and distinctly Irish.

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians DC

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is the oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization in the United States, with a proud history dating back to the mid-19th century. It is an Irish-American Catholic men’s fraternity, complemented by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), working side by side in shared mission. The AOH is dedicated to charitable works that serve all people regardless of ethnicity, the advancement and preservation of the Catholic faith, and the celebration of Irish heritage and culture.

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The Ireland Funds Washington DC Chapter

The Ireland Funds Washington, D.C. chapter connects policymakers, diplomats, and the Irish-American community in the capital. By promoting philanthropy and heritage-driven causes, it supports education, cultural diplomacy, and social equity across Ireland.

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The Irish Dance Teachers Association of North America

IDTANA is the heartbeat of Irish dance across the continent, uniting certified teachers to preserve and promote this cherished art form. With a focus on education, competition, and cultural connection, the organization supports dancers from beginner jigs to championship reels. It hosts major events like the North American Irish Dance Championships and fosters excellence through rigorous standards. Rooted in tradition but always looking ahead, IDTANA keeps the spirit of Irish dance thriving. Graceful, global, and proudly Gaelic.

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The Washington Ireland Program

620 F Street NW Ste 747

For three decades, the Washington Ireland Program (WIP) has played an important role in post-conflict Northern Ireland and Ireland by bringing together leaders from a wide range of communities and backgrounds for outstanding leadership and skills-development programs. WIP’s aim is to support, inspire and develop leaders who are committed to building a future of peace and prosperity for Northern Ireland and Ireland.

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US Ireland Alliance

The US-Ireland Alliance is a proactive, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to consolidating existing relations between the United States and the island of Ireland and building that relationship for the future. The organization connects current and emerging Irish and American leaders in various spheres—including education, politics, business and the arts—for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Nearby Irish Cities

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Arlington’s Irish community thrives just across the river from Washington, DC, blending historic roots with a lively modern presence. The Irish Network DC connects professionals and fosters cultural ties, while the Embassy of Ireland often supports events that extend into Northern Virginia. Pubs like Ireland’s Four Courts near Courthouse and Celtic House on Columbia Pike offer authentic food, music, and camaraderie. Each March, Arlington joins the region’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, keeping Irish heritage alive in the heart of Northern Virginia.

Events

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Pubs

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