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Denver claims to hold the largest St. Paddy’s parade west of the Mississippi, and legend has it that the modern-day merriment started when pub goers at the now-defunct Duffy’s Shamrock Bar (or Sullivan’s Grill, depending on who you ask) took to the streets in 1962. So what better way to kick off a weekend of green than by visiting one of the metro area’s most authentic Irish pubs?
Here, five of our favorite spots for saying sláinte—with a glass of Guinness in hand.
1. Nallen’s Irish Pub
- Where: 1429 Market St., Denver
You won’t find green beer at Denver proper’s oldest Irish pub. John and Una Nallen immigrated from County Mayo in 1972, opening their namesake establishment 20 years later and eventually relocating to this cozy jewel of a space in LoDo. Quiet and convivial, the establishment is still a family affair, with the Nallens’ relatives running the bar, proper two-part pours of Guinness, and an impressive selection of Irish whiskeys including Redbreast 27 Year and Writers’ Tears.
Nallen’s typically doesn’t serve food (instead, guests can order takeaway from nearby restaurants), but on March 15 and 17, they’ll open at 9 a.m., dishing up hearty potato soup and corned-beef sandwiches to accompany free performances by dance troupe the Celtic Steps and classic and contemporary bagpipe tunes from the Mile Highlanders.
2. The Irish Rover
- Where: 54 S. Broadway, Denver
Céad míle fáilte (“a hundred thousand welcomes” in Irish Gaelic) is the motto at this South Broadway institution, and you’ll feel every one of them when you walk through the door. Operating since 2005, the Irish Rover has everything you expect (a great selection of Irish beers and whiskey and a warm atmosphere with a dark-wood bar and floors and exposed brick walls), with the bonus of a heated rooftop patio with fire pits and mountain views, as well as a pup-friendly back patio on the ground floor.
Regulars show up for the rotating daily specials ($1 tacos? Yes, please!), while $12 mimosas and proper Irish fry-ups (eggs, Irish sausage, rashers, black and white puddings, mushrooms and tomatoes, baked beans) make it a worthy brunch destination on weekends.
On both Parade Day and St. Patty’s, the Rover will serve corned beef and cabbage and discounted drinks to the tune of live Irish bagpipes and Celtic dancers.
3. The Abbey Tavern
- Where: 5151 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
The Abbey Tavern has been a Park Hill neighborhood favorite since its opening in 2013. Dublin native Glen Eastwood drew on years of experience running Casey’s and Fadó Irish Pub in downtown Denver before opening his own spot. He’s fashioned this former flower shop into a cozy haven that relies more on traditional Irish hospitality and less on shamrock decorations for its welcoming, homey vibe.
Parade Day and Monday, the Abbey will offer a full Irish menu, with corned beef and cabbage, Guinness beef stew, and until 3 p.m., a full Irish breakfast. Performers include the McTeggart Irish Dancers and the Colorado Youth Pipe Band. There’s no cover charge.
4. Clancy’s Irish Pub
- Where: 7000 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
Founded in 1973, Clancy’s bills itself as the oldest Irish pub in Colorado. The Wheat Ridge standby moved from its original location at 38th and Kipling in 2015 and now boasts two patios, four bars, and multiple dining spaces in a maze-like building that’s covered—even the ceilings—with Irish-themed signs and memorabilia.
Clancy’s scratch kitchen turns out modern iterations of classic, stick-to-your-ribs fare, such as corned-beef-stuffed spring rolls and loaded Irish nachos on a bed of crispy house-made potato chips. Or for more traditional grub, stop in on Fridays for plates of slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage.
This year, the pub’s St. Paddy’s celebration—one of the largest in the state—kicks off Thursday evening and runs through Monday, with local acts including the harmonica-led Delta Sonics, Queen City Pipe Band, and Red Rocks alum DJ Abilities performing on multiple stages. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday there will be a $5 cover for adults. Kids enjoy the festivities for free, but Clancy’s goes 16 and up at 6 p.m. for those three evenings.
5. Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub
- Where: 5686 S. Sycamore St., Littleton
At Ned Kelly’s, the vibe is cozy, the beer is cold, the staff is welcoming, and on Wednesdays, they wear kilts. Or they at least award $2.50 well drinks and draft beers to patrons who sport the traditional Irish garb (or any skirt or dress) every hump day.
Located just off the corner of Main Street in Littleton’s historic downtown, you can’t miss Ned Kelly’s bright-red, painted-brick exterior. Inside, the owner proudly displays his country’s flag over a gleaming wood bar. There’s a scruffy, dive bar charm to the space, and the limited menu (pizza and pretzels) can be augmented by takeout reuben sandwiches and fish and chips from neighboring Grande Station.
This Saturday and Monday, you’ll find a stage set up on Sycamore Street, with a full bar, pipe music, and Irish dancing. But there’s big, bald action on Sunday as well: Ned Kelly’s raised more than $100,000 last year for St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which funds research to fight children’s cancer, and will be shaving noggins to support saving lives again on the 16th.
