The Irish in Savannah, GA

What is McDonough’s? A neighborhood bar, sure — but it’s so much more than that. Founded in 1985 by proud Savannah native Billy Lee, McDonough’s Lounge has been a cornerstone of downtown Savannah life for over four decades. From the very beginning, it was more than just a bar — it became a hub for stories, celebrations, and late-night memories. Today, that tradition is kept alive by Billy’s children, Joseph and Deborah, who continue to welcome guests with the same hospitality and good humor their father was known for. McDonough’s isn’t just part of Savannah’s nightlife — it’s woven into the city’s social and political fabric, the setting for countless nights that started (or ended) right here at the corner of Drayton and McDonough Street. Whether you’re dropping in for the best happy hour in Savannah, catching up with friends over drinks, or setting up at the bar after a long shift, McDonough’s delivers that familiar, no-frills comfort that keeps people coming back. St. Patrick’s Day Headquarters If you know, you know. McDonough’s is the epicenter of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Perfectly positioned just off the official parade route, it’s the insider’s stop for to-go drinks, a lively crowd, and nonstop energy. Firefighters, first responders, locals, and longtime visitors have made McDonough’s their go-to for years. Don’t miss the annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Buffet — a fan-favorite tradition that kicks off the festivities bright and early with Southern breakfast staples, hot coffee, and a room full of green. Karaoke Nights That Can’t Be Beat When it comes to karaoke in Downtown Savannah, McDonough’s sets the standard. With a loyal following and an open mic most nights of the week, it’s the place where vocal legends are born (or at least celebrated). Whether you’re belting out a power ballad or getting the crowd going with a guilty pleasure hit, the McDonough’s karaoke stage is always open and always fun. Hey, Sports Fans! Game day hits different at McDonough’s. With 32 flat screens and a giant projection screen, there’s not a bad seat in the house. We show it all — NFL, college football, NBA, MLB, hockey, rugby, and soccer. Whether you’re pulling for your Premier League team or watching the Dawgs on a Saturday night, McDonough’s has you covered. Add great food, cold drinks, and a room full of fellow fans, and you’ve got the perfect match-day setup. For the Service Industry (and Everyone Else) McDonough’s has long been a favorite of Savannah’s food and beverage industry — and for good reason. Whether it’s a post-shift drink, a late-night bite, or a weekend wind-down, we’re proud to be the place where chefs, servers, bartenders, and industry regulars come to relax. Of course, you don’t have to work in hospitality to feel at home here. Everyone’s welcome — whether you’re stopping in after work or stumbling in with friends after midnight. Whatever you’re looking for — a bite, a drink, karaoke glory, or just a familiar face — McDonough’s is your neighborhood bar. Family-owned, Savannah-proud, and always ready to welcome you to a good time.

Savannah GAA is a local sports club in Savannah, Georgia, dedicated to the Irish national games of Hurling and Gaelic Football. Founded in 2020, the club focuses on bringing "Culture, Community, and Craic" to the Lowcountry and was named the Best Local Sports Club in the Connect Best of Savannah 2024 awards. The club competes in the USGAA Southeast Division against teams from cities like Atlanta, Charleston, and Charlotte.

The Savannah Irish Podcast celebrates the enduring cultural ties between Savannah and Ireland through conversations on history, heritage, music, community, and tradition. Lead meaningful discussions with distinguished guests including Edward Guinness, Lord Iveagh, Irish Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Dara Calleary, and Georgia Southern University professors Dr. Potter, Dr. Keeley, and Dr. Dwyer, helping preserve and promote Savannah’s Irish identity for new generations. Contributed to 54% audience growth between November 2025 and March 2026, with Season 4 launching Fall 2026.

Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee organizes and preserves one of the largest and most historic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. Each year, the committee coordinates the iconic Savannah parade and surrounding festivities that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. Rooted in Irish heritage and community tradition, the organization works year-round with local partners to bring the celebration to life. The event highlights Irish culture through music, marching bands, community groups, and citywide gatherings. Savannah’s celebration has become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural identity.

February 7-8, 2026

Discover the warm embrace of The Sexton Pub and Provisions, a charming Irish pub nestled in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, that serves the spirit of Ireland in every pour and bite. Founded on the ethos of hospitality and good cheer, we specialize in true Irish fare, offering a cozy haven to savor hearty dishes like shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and freshly baked sausage rolls. Indulge in a Guinness, premium whiskey and cheap beer all served with a side of genuine camaraderie. Join us for a taste of the Emerald Isle right here in the Southern comfort of Savannah and the surrounding areas. Cheers to good times and good company at The Sexton Pub and Provisions!

The Snug Irish Pub is a place to gather and enjoy drinks and great food with friends and family. We are a veteran-owned and operated company and we look forward to creating a casual, family-friendly place for you all to call home.

Wexford brings the spirit of Ireland to the heart of Savannah with a Southern twist that feels right at home. Inside, you’ll find cozy booths, exposed brick, and a bar stocked with Irish whiskey and local favorites alike. The menu is full of hearty pub staples, and the staff treats you like a regular from the start. Whether you're catching live music or just relaxing with a pint, the atmosphere is easygoing and genuine. It’s where Lowcountry charm meets Irish soul.

Savannah’s newest and most unique Irish pub was inspired by and named after County Wexford, Ireland, to which Savannah has a special connection since more than half of Georgia’s Irish emigrants traveled here from Wexford in the mid-1800s during the potato famine. In fact, most of the interior of the new establishment was crafted and shipped over from the emerald isle itself and assembled in Savannah. In addition to the brick-and-mortar authenticity of the pub, the soul of the new venue are in its culinary offerings and beverage menu. Delicious Irish meals accented by an eclectic beer and whiskey collection, live Irish music combined with sincere hospitality make Wexford Pub a jewel in the crown of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants. “Although Savannah does not have an Irish heritage museum, Wexford comes close with its architecture, interiors and menu that convey the story of Irish immigration to Georgia’s first city – driven in the mid-1800s not by potatoes but by prospects and prosperity. This narrative thread, anchored in the archives of Georgia Southern University’s Center for Irish Research and Teaching, informed every aspect of Wexford’s design by the Irish Pub Co., as well as the menu that co-owner Jennifer Strickland helped shape after a 10-day eating tour of Ireland. She then spent another 18 months working with chefs Jason Cummings and Dustin Hambrick to develop a mix of shareables, handhelds and specialties such as fish and chips and shepherd's pie, resulting in generous servings of traditional-with-a-twist pub dishes that are at once clever, comforting and deeply satisfying.” — Amy Paige Condon, Savannah Morning News