Celebrating St. Patty's Day in Portland: The Best Irish Bars & Some Family-Friendly Fun, Too!
Saint Patrick’s Day in the City of Roses
What American cities come to mind when you think of strong Irish communities? If you answered Boston or New York, or even Chicago, you’d be in good company. Portland may not be known for the size of its Irish population, but the Rose City still knows how to celebrate Saint Patrick and commemorate the driving of the snakes from Ireland with the best of them.
We have a collection of terrific Irish pubs in this city, where you can sit and sip a pint of locally made or imported Irish stout, enjoy an Irish whiskey, and tap your foot or get up and dance to one of the city’s traditional Irish bands as you enjoy a bit of good “craic.” And if you’re looking for something a little more family-friendly, Portland has many fantastic events for you to choose from, too.
The Best Irish Pubs in the City and How They Celebrate Saint Patrick
Portland is home to several Irish pubs and Irish-themed bars. If you’re idea of celebrating St. Patty’s Day goes beyond swilling green-dyed beer, and you’re looking for something a bit more authentic in terms of food, drink, and entertainment, give one of these Irish pubs a try on March 17th.
Kells
We might as well dispense with the obvious choice right off the bat. Kells has been a fixture of the downtown Portland bar scene for more than twenty-five years. This Portland bar celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day in grand style, erecting a pavilion that extends their footprint out into the parking lot behind the bar. Their St. Patrick’s Festival benefits Providence Child Center and lasts for three days, culminating on the day itself, with traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance performances, and a special menu.
Paddy’s
Also in downtown, Paddy’s Irish Pub will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year with a two-day tent festival featuring Irish dancers, bagpipers, live music, and traditional Irish food and drink. If Kells is overflowing, this ten-year fixture of downtown will make a great alternative.
Dublin Pub
If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday a little farther to the west than downtown, the Dublin Pub, at the intersection of Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Oleson Road, and Scholls Ferry Road, will be celebrating the big day with multiple Irish bands and drink and food specials, too.
T.C. O’Leary’s
If you’re looking for something more neighborhood in feel, or just something on the eastside, try out T.C. O’Leary’s pub on Northeast Alberta. From Thursday through Sunday the 17th this March, they will be celebrating with live music, Irish dancing, and “great craic.”
St. Patty’s Day Activities for the Whole Family
Though the festival at Kells is billed as family-friendly, not every parent is looking to bring their children to a pub to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. For family-friendly fun, however, Portlanders still have their choice of events.
Shamrock Run
For the last four decades, Portland has hosted a series of costumed races for everyone from serious long-distance runners down to more casual walkers. The Shamrock Run even has a 1k option just for kids called the Leprechaun Lap.
Another great option for families looking to celebrate St. Patrick comes in the form of various festivals, which are hosted by multiple organizations and churches throughout the Portland area. The All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon hosts a festival on NE MLK Jr. Boulevard, St. Agatha’s in Sellwood hosts a parade and festival, and Murphy’s Furniture out in Hillsboro hosts a parade of their own.
Erin Go Bragh in Portlandia!
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the Rose City means you have options. Whether you’re looking to down a few pints and dance a reel, go for a 15k run, or watch a parade with the whole family, you can do so in style in Portland. Enjoy the holiday that marks the end of winter in the Rose City!