One of the biggest hooleys in the Irish calendar is fast approaching. That’s right folks; it is St Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Did you know that it is customary to put a shamrock worn on a hat or lapel into the last drink of the evening? The custom is known as ‘drowning the shamrock’. The first St Patrick’s Day celebration was actually held in Boston, Massachusetts, but we know that plenty of our fellow Essex friends enjoy a good St Patrick’s Day knees up too. To help you make sure you spend the evening having a great craic, we have put together this blog featuring some of the best Irish pubs and bars in Essex.
O’Neill’s
Southend on Sea, SS1 1LH
Brentwood, CM14 4AP
O’Neill’s is one of the most popular chains of Irish pub in the UK and we are lucky enough to have two in Essex.
You can start the day as you mean to go on by joining them for breakfast, which is served until 12 noon. With continental, classic Irish, stateside style and butty breakfasts, you really can feast like a King. The day menu is served right up until 10pm and there is even a separate menu for any little leprechauns you have to take with you!
Of course it wouldn’t be a fantastic Irish pub without a great selection of drink. As well as traditional Guinness, there are plenty of world beers and ciders. You can try Smithwick’s; one of Ireland’s oldest ales, or choose from one of the Irish whiskies on offer. If you prefer something non-alcoholic or are the designated driver, why not try a cup of classic Bewley’s tea or coffee?
Both the Southend and Brentwood branches of O’Neill’s have live music most weekends, with Irish folk, Indie and more ready to entertain you.
In support of our armed forces and emergency services, O’Neill’s offers a 10% discount* off of the food bill for active and veteran servicemen and women, and all emergency service crews. *with a valid Defences Discount Service card or Blue Light card.
If you are looking to #painthetowngreen on St Patrick’s Day in Essex, look no further than O’Neill’s. Facilities and menu’s vary from pub to pub, so be sure to check out the website of the branch nearest you for more information. For Southend click here, and for Brentwood click here.
O’Connor’s
Chelmsford, CM2 0HG
A traditional Irish pub in the heart of Chelmsford, O’Connor’s has fantastic, friendly environment that appeals to everyone.
They are renowned for offering a top quality breakfast with their popular full Irish – 2 sausage, 2 bacon, 2 eggs, black pudding, grilled tomato, beans and a slice of toast setting you back just £4.95. The day menu includes a range of tasty, traditional and great value main courses to help soak up the Guinness!
A good selection of beers, ciders, lagers and ales can be enjoyed next to the large log burning fire, with Sky Sports available all day. There is also free wifi so you can get check in social media and get your squad down to enjoy the craic with you!
Make O’Connor’s your choice for a St Patrick’s Day in Chelmsford.
Molloy’s
Colchester, CO1 1PX
There is always a grand time to be had at Molloy’s, an Irish pub with a buzzing atmosphere in the centre of Colchester.
If you love your grub then this is the Irish pub for you. Enjoy a breakfast of champions with options such as a full cooked brekkie and American style pancakes on offer. If you prefer something healthy there is even porridge or fruit and yoghurt on the menu. The day menu is extensive, with special offers on every day of the week including their popular “Pie and Pint Wednesday” for just £5.99, and 2for1 desserts. The separate kids menu caters for even the fussiest eater and main dishes are priced at just £2.49.
The special offers extend into the drinks list, which ranges from great quality wines through to pitchers of Tequila Sunrise. With the added music of live music most Saturdays and Sky/BT Sport showing live coverage all day, Molloy’s really does have something for everyone.
For a rip roaring St Patrick’s Day in a proper Irish boozer, head on down to Molloy’s Colchester.
O’Grady’s
Ilford, IG3 8RH
Right on the border of London and Essex you can find O’Grady’s Irish bar, which prides itself on being a ‘sporting, drinking Irishman’s home away from home’!
With its own restaurant on site; O’Grady’s Kitchen, you can expect hearty homemade food using traditional recipes for their popular Irish dishes, as well as a variety of different world foods ranging from Curry to Carbonara! If you pop by on a Sunday you can also join them for their delicious carvery roast.
With enough booze on offer to keep even the most hardened drinker happy, and regular entertainment including live music, tribute acts and a variety of screened sport, we are pretty sure that O’Grady’s lives up to its tag line! Check it out for yourself this St Patrick’s Day.
Whether you intend to drown the shamrock in a pint of the black stuff this St Patrick’s Day, or you are just looking for a great Irish pub in Essex at any time of the year, we hope that this blog has given you some great inspiration! See you soon!