For Tim Herlihy, Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey is more than just a drink—it’s a passion. It's also a career. As the Irish whiskey brand’s official ambassador, March is one of Herlihy’s busiest months (much like an accountant in April). In the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day, Herlihy—who is also an Irish pub historian and self-described whiskey geek—has spent 30 days touring every corner of the country, visiting all 50 states to discover some of the country’s best Irish pubs. Herlihy took time out of his nonstop travel schedule to share eight of his favorite stops on Tullamore D.E.W.'s Irish True Pub tour across the U.S.
Patrick's of Pratt Street in Baltimore, Maryland
"Patrick’s of Pratt Street is the oldest Irish pub in the U.S., dating back to 1847. Not only that, but this pub has lived at the same location since 1867, making it a historical timepiece. In keeping with Irish tradition, Patrick’s of Pratt Street only recently started opening on St. Patrick's Day. Until 1961, you couldn't drink in pubs or buy alcohol in liquor stores on St. Paddy’s Day in Ireland, as it was a holy day. That being said, 1962 was a great year for St. Patrick's Day—and thus the new tradition was born.
The Blarney Stone in O'Neill, Nebraska
"Nebraska's Irish capital, O'Neill, was founded in 1882 by Irishman General John O'Neill, and is home to the world's largest shamrock (it's painted on a road). On St. Patrick's Day, the town's population of 4,000 people more than doubles thanks to an influx of visitors itching to celebrate. At The Blarney Stone, which is more restaurant than pub, revelers can order a steak to go with their favorite Irish drink.
Tom Bergin’s in Los Angeles
"L.A.’s oldest Irish pub and Irish coffee house dates back to 1936, after a lawyer named Tom Bergin is said to have put a liquor license on the wall and opened up shop. A few years later, a visitor from who had just been to Ireland shared the recipe for Irish coffee with Bergin, who began serving it. The now-famous hot drink, which is a cup of coffee spiked with Irish whiskey and topped with cream, contains the four major food groups: alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and fat—and is a must-order for anyone who steps into Tom Bergin's.
Reilly's in Anchorage, Alaska
"Reilly's Irish Pub is housed in a log cabin and is an absolute gem. The bar captures the joy of a true Irish pub: good conversation, great drinks, and even better patrons. Don't leave without trying the Irish coffee here as well. It's one of the best I've had.
Connolly's on Fifth in Charlotte, North Carolina
"With no televisions and near pitch-black lighting, Connolly's on Fifth is a truly authentic Irish pub with friendly Irish brogues behind the bar. Connolly's is also part of the world's largest pub crawl—the Rich and Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, where 20,000-plus party-goers toast St. Patrick.
Kevin Barry's Pub in Savannah, Georgia
"Kevin Barry’s opened 35 years ago and hosts live Irish music every night. Just nine musicians have played there over the course of more than three decades, making it a pretty exclusive club for the best Irish musicians around. Savannah also hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the U.S., with one million-plus people coming out to celebrate St. Paddy's Day—this epic parade dates all the way back to 1813. Kevin Barry’s also serves fantastic Irish food: The shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and corned beef and cabbage are delicious.
Nancy Whiskey in Detroit
"Nancy Whiskey dates back to 1902, when the owner, Nancy, brought Tullamore D.E.W. back from Ireland during a period of time where it was unavailable in the U.S. For anyone that stepped into the bar for the first time, they were welcomed with a complimentary shot of Tully, and the tradition stays true to this day.
The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog in New York City
" The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog has been voted 'World's Best Bar' and 'World's Best Cocktail Menu.' Inspired by the Duke of York Pub and Merchant Hotel in Belfast, Ireland, co-founders Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon developed a bar that will absolutely stand the test of time, combining an authentic Irish pub atmosphere of no televisions and boisterous conversation with new friends. The second floor offers the very best in world-class mixology, led by Jillian Vose."
