Plan your St Patrick's Day celebrations in Northern Virginia with this round-up of Irish Pubs where you can enjoy a pint, live music, Irish dancers, and tasty Irish food. We've also collected St Patrick's Day parades and fun runs to add the luck of the Irish to your month.
Most annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Northern Virginia have returned to in-person events in 2022. However, there are still some virtual options this year, and one major parade is postponed to May.
Happily, most pubs are hosting live Irish entertainment plus food and drink specials this year. Some pubs require dinner reservations but most are open for walk-ins. Space may be limited this year, so arrive early to get a spot.
St. Patricks' Day, March 17, 2021, falls on a Thursday, and some pub celebrations start on the prior weekend. Most of the races listed below are held the weekend before St. Patrick's Day.
Of course, you don't need to wait for a special day to enjoy the luck of the Irish. We heartily encourage a visit to these cozy Northern Virginia pubs in every season.
Find more local fun: March Events in Northern Virginia: Festivals and Fun Near DC.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations at Northern Virginia Pubs
Here are the latest updates on St. Patrick's Day events at local pubs. Follow the links for more details and check back for new announcements.
The Old Brogue, Great Falls
The Old Brogue celebrates its anniversary every St. Patrick's Day with a day of Irish music, food, and a fun indoor-outdoor party. Most years, the pub serves traditional Irish beers from three bars with live concerts at dinner and lunch. Visit the Old Brogue website for details.
We frequent The Old Brogue when cold winter nights call for a hearty Guinness Beef Pie or crunchy fish and chips. The Brogue is also a favorite when warm summer days prompt a pint on the patio.
The Auld Shebeen, Fairfax
Enjoy live Irish music and dancers on St. Patrick's Day at The Auld Shebeen, located in Old Town Fairfax. The Auld Shebeen will be hopping with live music and tasty Irish food on the main level and in the cellar.
Monday nights are also a great time to visit when traditional Irish specials are only $9.95, and they host trad music sessions on Saturdays. Call ahead for reservations.
Murphy's Grand Irish Pub, Alexandria
Enjoy Irish musicians on St. Patrick's Day. The Alexandria St. Patrick's Day Parade (details below) usually kicks off several days of themed celebrations but the parade is postponed this year. Usually, the fun includes Irish Trivia, a pint-pouring competition, and “St. Practice Day” festivities (on the prior Saturday).
Daniel O'Connell's Irish Restaurant and Bar, Alexandria
Daniel O'Connell's usually opens early to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Irish music and parade specials. Irish trivia and sports lead up to special entertainment on the 17th.
O'Sullivan's Irish Pub, Arlington
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2022 all week long with live music, Irish dancers, trivia, great food, and more at O'Sullivan's. O'Sullivan's is a popular bar for watching rugby, football (the foot kind), and other sports.
Ireland's Four Courts, Arlington
The celebration starts on the prior weekend with the Four Courts Four Miler (details below). On the big day, doors open early for a day of live entertainment, an Irish menu, and Irish beers in 3 indoor rooms and a 60-seat patio.
Finnegan's Grill and Irish Pub, Ashburn
Finnegan's generally opens on St. Patrick's Day from 9:00 am to midnight with Irish music and dancers plus a special menu. No reservations needed but space is limited.
Sully's Pour House, Herndon
St. Patrick's Day celebrations begin early with Kegs & Eggs and continue with live Irish music and dancers plus food and drink specials all day long. No reservations needed but space is limited.
Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub, Sterling
Enjoy live music and Irish dancers during special performances throughout St. Patrick's Day. The pub previously hosted special activities in a 7-day countdown leading up to the big day.
More St Patrick's Day 2022 Events in Northern Virginia
Join one of the annual St. Patricks Day races in-person or race virtually. The Ballyshaners parade in Alexandria has been postponed to May, but you can still watch a fun St Patrick's Day in Manassas.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Manassas, Mar 12
Head to Manassas for a community parade featuring Irish dance groups, the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe and Drum, Washington Scottish Pipe and Drum, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Coalition Pipe and Drum, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and other area groups and organizations. Free; parade begins at 11:00.
Bluemont Shamrock 5K/10K, Bluemont, Mar 12
The 8th annual Bluemont Shamrock is a 5 or 10K run through the scenic country roads of beautiful Bluemont. All pre-registered runners receive a commemorative shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there are cash awards in four age groups.
Wherever you complete your run, you can celebrate your effort and enjoy the views at Dirt Farm Brewing. Follow the link for registration details.
Four Courts Four Miler, Arlington, Mar 12
The Four Courts Four Miler returns to Arlington in 2022. The second half of the race is uphill, so pace yourself. After the Four Miler race, reward your efforts in a heated tent at Ireland’s Four Courts with Irish dancers, live music, and adult beverages.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K, Reston, Mar 13
Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a fun 5K race at Reston Town Center or compete virtually on the route of your choice. All pre-registered runners receive a Lucky Leprechaun 5K shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. Follow the link to register and for more details.
Pot O' Gold 10K, One Loudoun, Mar 20
Find your pot o' gold at the end of this fun 10K race. All pre-registered runners receive a Pot O’ Gold 10K shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. The race is back at One Loudoun, but you can also choose to race virtually this year; follow the link to register.
The Ballyshaners Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alexandria, Postponed to Sep 17
This family-fun celebration includes a dog show and the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Northern Virginia. The Parade features over a dozen marching bands plus other groups celebrating their rich Irish heritage. Parade-goers come early for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The dog show starts at 10:30 and the parade starts at 12:30, and all events are free.
Whether your focus is a St Patrick's Day event to celebrate on March 17th, or an Irish pub to visit throughout the year, we wish you happy travels and fun times.
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