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The Irish are known for their love of pubs, beer and whiskey, plus folklore, inspirational stories and songs that have helped this ethnic group through many difficult times. These lyrics are often recited while enjoying merriment at the bar. To truly get into the Irish mood, impress your friends on Saint Patrick’s Day by wearing something green, (Irish tradition is to pinch those who don’t) don a shamrock and learn a colorful Irish phrase.The following is a list of the best Irish Pubs in Orange County and with an Irish quote or historical fact thrown in for good measure. So grab a bar stool, order some corned beef hash, raise a glass to your friends and shout, “Let’s all put on our dancin’ shoes , wear our shamrocks green and toast our friends both here and there and everywhere between.”

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Top of the mornin’ to ya! Start your celebration with an Irish breakfast at Malarky’s, a staple in Newport Beach with a long, rich history of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Under new ownership and a freshened-up interior, including an traditional copper top bar, the festivities at this traditional Irish Pub are expected to last from morning to night. At 1:00 p.m. bag-pipers will play Irish music while guests raise their glasses of Guinness, Irish Coffee, Whiskey, Old Fashions and green beer.
When at Malarky’s toast your neighbor with their motto, “There are no strangers here, only friends you’ve not yet met.”

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“Here’s to me, and here’s to you, and here’s to love and laughter. I’ll be true as long as you, and not one moment after.” What a great Irish quote to toast your friends at Molly Bloom’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in San Clemente this Saint Patrick’s Day.At Molly Bloom’s the Irish always feel at home, but on March 17, friends and loved ones drink their pints and celebrate their Irish lads and lassies. Make sure to try a glass of the hard-to-find Smithwick’s Irish Ale, a plate of shepherd’s pie or traditional Irish curry chips. The folks at Molly Bloom’s are very excited for Saint Patrick’s Day – they even added a countdown clock on their website.

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If you love music, make plans to stop at Gallagher’s this St. Patrick’s Day. Gallagher’s is a small pub that takes you back to Dublin before you take a seat. It’s easy to settle in and forget you’re in downtown Huntington Beach. Plan to get here early and stay awhile.While having a whiskey with your bangers and mash, say to your friends, “Saint Patrick was a gentleman, who through strategy and stealth, drove all the snakes from Ireland, here’s a toasting to his health.”

Located on Walnut between Main & 3rd.

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In the 1840’s thousands of Irish fled to the United States to escape the great potato famine and they stayed – becoming part of the fabric of everyday America. The Irish brought with them many great recipes that have been passed down through the generations.Muldoon’s is more than a Irish pub. This Saint Patrick’s Day, stop in to their country kitchen, slow down and enjoy some of authentic homemade, warm, rustic, comforting foods brought over from Ireland.

Come raise a pint and toast, “May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold. And at the end of all your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.”

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According to the 2009 U.S. Census Bureau there are 39.9 million U.S. residents that claim Irish ancestry, which could explain the popularity of Saint Patrick’s Day. This March 17, celebrate the Irish heritage at Branagan’s Irish restaurant in heart of Downtown Fullerton. The restaurant offers Irish and American cuisine in an old style pub that serves up a large selection of Irish beer.If beer doesn’t wet your whistle, try an Irish coffee or whiskey after dinner and say, “In all this world, why I do think there are five reasons why we drink: Good friends, good wine, lest we be dry and any other reason why.”

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Bangers Beans and Mash, Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, oh my!!! Make sure you have a hearty appetite this St. Paddy’s Day, pull up a chair and make new friends. Start your day you way and have an Irish breakfast served anytime any day, all day.Music lovers will enjoy the Harp Inn for their band selection and energetic atmosphere. An Irish Pub is not a pub without a large selection of beer and whiskey. The Harp Inn is stocked full of festive spirits fit to please any Irishman or woman.

Raise and glass and cheers to your Irish friends, “Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold pint — and another one!”

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Silky Sullivan’s has been voted best Irish Pub in Orange County by CitySearch. This Irish Restaurant has been serving traditional Irish food and spirits in the Fountain Valley community for 26 years. Owners Dan Madden, Bill Madden, and Rob Robertson dedicated their venue to “Silky Sullivan” (1955-1977), the greatest “come-from-behind” stretch runner in horse racing history. Just like a true Irishman who doesn’t give up when going gets tough, Silky Sullivan is a symbol to all the competitors in sports, as in life, who against heavy odds, have come from behind to finish in the winner’s circle.This St. Patrick’s Day raise your glass to the underdogs who beat the odds and come out winning with the toast, “May the luck of the Irish lead to happiest heights and the highway you travel be lined with green lights. Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you.”