In 1936, Irish Bostonian entertainment lawyer Tom Bergin founded L.A.’s first Irish pub, the Old Horseshoe Tavern, on Wilshire Boulevard. The bar was later renamed in his honor and relocated to its current Tudor Revival-style building off Fairfax Avenue in 1949.
The tavern claims to have introduced Irish coffee to the U.S. — though some argue that San Francisco’s Buena Vista Cafe holds that title. Either way, Tom Bergin’s is one of the oldest bars in continuous operation in L.A. and boasts the second-oldest liquor license in the city. And its Irish coffee is still one of the best you’ll find.
Today, L.A.’s Irish pub tradition extends to Santa Monica, Long Beach and Woodland Hills, with many founded by Irish immigrants seeking to bring a bit of their homeland to the West Coast in the form of Guinness pints, corned beef and cabbage and traditional Irish folk music.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for somewhere to split the G, here are 13 Irish pubs to check out in L.A. — Danielle Dorsey
WE are just days away from St Patrick’s Day and the UK is full of events to celebrate.
Even though St Patrick’s Day falls on a Tuesday (March 17), this weekend there are a number of events you can head to soak up the celebration.
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There are a number of St Patrick’s Day events across the countryCredit: Alamy
Some cities are hosting parades and others have more family-orientated events – so here are some of the best.
Belfast St Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Of course, it wouldn’t be this list without the capital of Northern Ireland.
St Patrick’s Day celebrations are spread across several days in Belfast, with a Music Festival from March 13 to 17, Celebrations at St George’s Market on March 14 and 15 and a parade on March 17.
When it comes to the parade on Tuesday, the streets will come alive with performers, music, dance troupes and community groups.
Also on Tuesday, visitors will be able to enjoy the St Patrick’s Day Festival Village between 1pm and 4pm at Belfast Cathedral Car Park.
The village is free to enter and will boast music, dancing, food and family activities.
London St Patrick’s Day Parade
This Sunday, March 15, London will host one of the largest St Patrick’s Day parades in the country.
Starting at 12pm and running until 6pm, the parade will follow a 1.5 mile route and feature carnival performers, musicians, dancers and marching bands.
There will also be lots of celebrations in Trafalgar Square that are free for the public to enjoy.
For kids there will be arts and crafts sessions and if you get hungry there will be plenty of food stalls around.
Manchester Irish Festival
Manchester Irish Festival will take place across several days with Irish art, comedy, dancing, music, sport and theatre performances.
The parade will take place on Sunday, March 15, starting at 12pm.
It will follow a route into the city centre.
From March 12, there will be the Irish Festival Village at St Ann’s Square, with live music every day, Irish-themed pizza and pints, of course.
For example, London has a 1.5mile parade and Manchester has a festival across several daysCredit: Alamy
Leeds St. Patrick’s Day
Leeds‘ annual St Patrick’s Day celebration will be on March 15.
The day will be full of entertainment but there isn’t a parade this year.
In a statement on social media, the team said: “The Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade committee would like to inform you of an important change to this year’s festival day.
“Due to matters out of our control, we have had to make the decision not to have floats and walkers travel the parade this year.
“This is a decision which was not made lightly and we hope to have this aspect back next year – bigger and better than ever.
“However, we will still be celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Millennium Square.
“There will be lots of entertainment and displays in the square for all to enjoy.
“It is still set to be a brilliant day – so don’t miss out.”
There won’t be a parade in Leeds this year, but there is a day full of entertainmentCredit: Alamy
Birmingham St. Patrick’s Fun Day
On March 15, there will be a St Patrick’s Family Fun Day in Birmingham.
The event will take place at the Irish Centre, starting at 12pm.
There will be entertainment, activities, food, live bands and music.
For children, there will be a lot of fun to get stuck into including a funfair and face painting.
Meanwhile, parents can peruse stalls and have a go at the tombola.
If you want to grab a bite to eat, there will be Irish sausage baps as well as Fitzgerald’s Irish Store, which sells a range of Irish products.
Tickets to the event cost £10 per person, but children under the age of 10 go free.
In Birmingham, you can join a family fun dayCredit: Alamy
Cheltenham Festival St Patrick’s Thursday
If you happen to be at Cheltenham Festival on March 12, you will get to see St Patrick’s Thursday.
As the battle for the Prestbury Cup continues, attendees can also make the most of live music across six areas.
For example, The Tumbling Paddies will perform live in The Guinness Village.
Glasgow St Patrick’s Festival Family Fun Day
In Scotland, you can head to Glasgow‘s St Patrick’s Festival on March 14.
Running from midday to 5pm, the festival on Merchant Square will include live Irish music, face painting, a balloon artist and stalls with deals on holidays in Ireland.
There will also be a number of bars and restaurants involved in the event.
Can’t make March 14? On March 17 – actual St Patrick’s Day – head to the Grosvenor Cafe in Glasgow’s West End for live music, dancers, spice bags, pints and even a special appearance from Jedward.
