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Best Irish Bars In Orange County

beer guinness 610 header
(credit: Shutterstock)

While Irish bars are certainly great places to celebrate St. Patricks Day, they are also great for any other day of the year. After all, how can you go wrong with a place that offers a host of Irish beers and whiskeys for your enjoyment? No matter the occasion, if you're looking for an Irish bar for your revelry, try these places for a great experience.

Malarky's Irish Pub/Irish Coffee
(credit: Malarky's Irish Pub/Irish Coffee)

Malarky's
3011 Newport Blvd.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 675-2340
www.malarkysirishpub.com

Like any good Irish bar, Malarky's offers a terrific selection of Irish beers and whiskeys. The greatest advantage this Newport Beach Irish bar has is its location. Plus, the windows not only let some sunlight in, but also provide views of the traffic on Newport Boulevard. You'll also find a full menu of favorites like beef stew and corned beef sandwiches. If you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day here, you'll have to arrive early because Malarky's gets very crowded. The bar offers a myriad of beers, and other cocktails to choose from. And, of course, you can order a nice pint of Guinness, too.

molly blooms
(credit: Allison C./Yelp)

Molly Bloom's
2391 S. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 218-0120

The epitome of a cozy neighborhood bar, at Molly Bloom's the walls are adorned with a lot of wood paneling that gives the place a certain charm. Also part of the charm is the selection of Irish ales (Kilkenny, Smithwicks, Guiness) and Irish whiskey including Redbreast, which is not one you'll find everywhere. Featuring live music, great drinks, a great setting and more, when you walk into this place, you might feel like you're visiting Cheers - where everybody knows your name.

patsy's irish pub -verified
(credit: Kimmy W./Yelp)

Patsy's Irish Pub
28971 Golden Lantern St., Suite 108
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 249-2604
www.patsysirishpub.net

Patsy's feels very much like a bar where everyone literally knows your name. As the epitome of a neighborhood bar, it's a perfect bar for whatever occasion it is. So, whether you want to watch sports, sing karaoke, play trivia or just enjoy a few drinks, you will be very pleased. You'll find a good selection of Irish whiskeys as well as a good selection of draft beers. Also, if you're looking for a place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, you won't find many places better than Patsy's.

Related: Best St. Patrick's Day bars in Orange County

the shamrock FB
(credit: The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery)

Shamrock Bar & Grill
2633 W. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 631-5633
www.facebook.com/The-Shamrock-Bar-Grill

Recently there has been some backlash against "plastic Paddy" bars. These are places that serve Guinness, put an Irish flag on the wall, and call it an Irish pub. The Shamrock is nothing like that. Newport Beach's Shamrock Bar & Grill is a true Irish bar. It's also a very no-frills kind of place where you can get your favorite Irish beers and whiskeys while you enjoy the atmosphere or maybe a soccer game on the television. For a real Irish bar experience in Orange County, Shamrock is tough to beat.

6-silky-sullivans
(credit: silkysullivans.com)

Silky Sullivan's
10201 Slater Ave.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-2718
www.silkysullivans.com

If a bar has been around for over 30 years, you know it must be doing something right. Silky Sullivan's has been a friendly neighborhood bar since 1984. In addition to all your favorite Irish beverages, you'll also find a full menu here - including a late-night menu that is served until 1 a.m. Live bands play at Silky Sullivan's every Friday and Saturday night. This is a great place to visit for St. Patrick's Day or any other occasion.

Related: Best places for whiskey in Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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