Best Auckland Irish Pubs

Many of us like to paint the town green on St. Patrick’s Day, whether we’ve got Irish ancestry or not, so the Menus team has put together a list of some of the best Auckland pubs and bars for a hooley – a proper Irish knees-up.

The Muddy Farmer 

The Muddy Farmer is the real deal – always the first port of call on my St Patrick’s Day pub crawl – packed with proper Irish memorabilia to capture charm and intimacy of an Emerald Isle tavern. They carry a full complement of favourite Irish stouts and really get into the spirit of St. Pat’s, closing off Wyndham Street from Nelson to Hobson Streets for a big street party. If you’re an early starter, get along for breakfast from 7:00am – $20 will buy you a pint and a cooked brekkie.

O’Carrolls Irish Bar

Located at the heart of Vulcan Lane, O’Carrolls is hard to beat for that full on party vibe. The Guinness flows in abundance and this pub packs out with revellers spilling out onto the street and mingling with drinkers from the neighbouring Belgian Beer Café and Queens Ferry bar. O’Carrolls is extremely popular, so it pays to get there early to secure your posse.

Father Ted’s

You’re guaranteed a good craic at Wellesley Street’s Father Ted’s and the adjoining Munster Inn. For starters, they both open early, and they’re also something of a home away from home for Irish expats, young and old. No chance of a quiet pint here…but then that’s not really what you want on St. Patrick’s Day!

McCarthy’s

Maybe better known by its old name, The Bog, McCarthy’s on Parnell Rise is a firm favourite. With plenty of seating, a good sized outdoor area, a good selection of proper Irish beers and hearty food McCarthy’s is a great place to observe St. Patrick’s Day

O’Hagans

My personal favourite – with its Viaduct location, large menu featuring classics like Beef & Guinness Pie, excellent range of tap beers – you can’t go past O’Hagans. I’ll probably see you there!

Editorial by Nicholas Chidley
24 February 2012