Top ‘o the mornin’, Charleston. While many choose to celebrate Irish heritage with shamrocks, leprechauns, + pots of gold – there is actually a strong Irish history here in the Lowcountry. From historical buildings to local Irish groups, here are some ways you can feel connected to the Irish in the Holy City this St. Patrick’s Day.
🇮🇪 Visit Sullivans Island | The small coastal area was named after Captain Florence O’Sullivan – who settled in the colony of Carolina back in 1670. O’Sullivan is also said to be the first one to build defenses for the Charleston Harbor.
🇮🇪 Go to Hibernian Hall | The Greek Revival building, which is still standing at 105 Meeting St., was home to the Hibernian Society of Charleston – who helped Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. The colonnade holds a piece of rock from Giant’s Causeway – one of Northern Ireland’s most visited landmarks featuring ~40,000 connecting basalt columns.
🇮🇪 Join the Charleston Irish | For those with Irish in their blood, join an active local community of other Irish Charlestonians. They hold frequent meetups and get together for big games + events. Learn more about the group here, and check out their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on Charleston Irish news + events.
🇮🇪 Find the Charleston Irish Memorial | Many are unaware that Charleston has an entire memorial dedicated to the contributions by the Irish to South Carolina. The memorial is located at the end of Charlotte St. and features a 30x34 carved granite map of Ireland – as well as plaques featuring significant quotes about Irish immigration.
🇮🇪 Attend the Charleston St. Patrick’s Day Parade | South Carolina’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place right here in the Holy City – on Sat., Mar. 16 at 10 a.m. Pro tip: Join the celebration early with mass at 8 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church; then stick around for the annual tri-color flag raising at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. Click here to learn more.
🇮🇪 Nosh on traditional Irish cuisine | Charleston’s bustling food scene has a plethora of pubs + restaurants serving up your favorite Irish fares – such as bangers + mash and corned beef + cabbage.
Below are 10 local restaurants we recommend this St. Patrick’s Day (or any day you’re feeling like you could eat the twelve apostles).
Where to get traditional Irish Fare
☘ Seanachai Whiskey & Cocktail Bar | 3157B Maybank Hwy, Johns Island | Corned beef + cabbage, bangers + mash, shepherd’s pie, + more.
☘ Dunleavy’s Pub | 2213 Middle St. # B, Sullivan’s Island | Corned beef + cabbage, Irish potato chowder, and more.
☘ Madra Rua Irish Pub | 2066 N Main St., Summerville | Offering a special St. Paddy’s Day menu of corned beef + cabbage, Reuben + Reuben rolls, Irish beer cheese soup, Irish beer, and more.
☘ The Celtic Knot Pub | 208 E 5th N St., Summerville | Loaded Irish potatoes, Irish pulled pork sandwich, shepherd’s pie, corned beef + cabbage, and more.
☘ Tommy Condon’s | 160 Church St., Downtown | St. Paddy’s Day menu in addition to their normal fares – such as Irish nachos, Dublin rolls, shepherd’s pie, corned beef + cabbage, and more.
☘ St. James Gate | 11 Center St., Folly Beach | Corned beef + cabbage, shepherd’s pie, bangers + mash, Guinness lamb stew, and more
☘ Mac’s Place | Downtown | Menu items include Irish nachos, fish + chips, Reubens, shepherd’s pie, and more.
☘ McCann’s Irish Pub | 2700 N Hwy 17 c120, Mt. Pleasant | Irish brown bread, corned beef fritters, Irish coddle, shepherd’s pie, and more.
☘ O’Brion’s Pub & Grille | 361 N Shelmore Blvd., Mt. Pleasant or 520 Folly Rd ste 120, James Island | Shepherd’s pie, fish + chips, Bailey’s cheesecake, and more.
☘ The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips | 4254 Spruill Ave., North Charleston | This weekend, they will be serving up corned beef + cabbage with Celtic beef from Ireland.