St. Patrick's Day in San Diego splits two ways: the real Irish pubs and the big block-party crowd. For the genuine article, The Field is an actual Irish pub shipped over from Ireland in the Gaslamp; The Ould Sod is the old-school neighborhood pub in Normal Heights; Hooley's anchors Liberty Station; and Rosie O'Grady's keeps it Irish in North Park. For the party, the Gaslamp throws a daylong block party and the Tipsy Crow runs all day. Either way, it starts early and the pours don't stop.
The St. Paddy's picks.
How to use the live map.
St. Patrick's Day is an all-day affair, and the good pubs hit capacity by early afternoon. The Jellyfish live map shows which Irish pubs and Gaslamp bars are already packed versus which still have room, so you find the craic without spending the day in line.
Frequently asked questions.
Where are the best Irish pubs in San Diego for St. Patrick's Day?
The Field in the Gaslamp is an authentic Irish pub imported from Ireland and the marquee St. Patrick's stop. The Ould Sod in Normal Heights, Hooley's at Liberty Station, and Rosie O'Grady's in North Park are the other go-to Irish pubs around the city.
Does the Gaslamp have a St. Patrick's Day party?
Yes — the Gaslamp Quarter hosts a big daylong St. Patrick's celebration, and Fifth Avenue bars like the Tipsy Crow run all day. It's the center of the party crowd, separate from the quieter, more traditional Irish pubs in the neighborhoods.
What time should I go out on St. Patrick's Day in San Diego?
Early — the popular Irish pubs and Gaslamp bars fill up by early afternoon and stay packed into the night. Starting at one of the traditional pubs and reading the live map before moving is the easiest way to avoid the longest lines.