(Reuters)
Best Irish pubs
Fritz Hahn | Updated 09/20/2011
Venues include snug taverns with pints of Guinness and bars that pulse with live music.
Fado Irish Pub
Washington, DC
While Fado can feel a little contrived -- the multi-room interior was imported wholesale from Ireland -- there's an outstanding trivia night, live rock bands and a great atmosphere for viewing weekend soccer games. Located a block from Verizon Center, the pub is especially busy before Capitals games.
Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle
Bethesda, MD
Flanagan's offers live music Wednesday through Sunday, but this is one Irish pub where you're more likely to hear blues singers Mary Ann Redmond or Cathy Ponton King than acoustic guitars and penny whistles. There's a large patio for enjoying nice weather, and Irish sports on the TVs.
Galway Bay Irish Restaurant
Annapolis, MD
Lacking televisions or live music, cozy Galway Bay lets customers focus on conversation, good Irish food (available gluten-free) and an outstanding beer selection, including a pair of custom brews.
Ireland's Four Courts
Arlington, VA
The Four Courts is a neighborhood bar with live Irish music, a quiz night and friendly bartenders who pour a great pint. The pub opens early on Saturdays for English soccer, and after-work happy hours have good food and drink deals.
Murphy's of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA
A venerable two-story Old Town Alexandria pub known for its live Irish music, pints of Guinness and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends, when everyone sings along to "The Wild Rover."
O'Faolain's Irish Pub
Sterling, VA
Old world meets modern at O'Faolain's, a stylish restaurant and pub that eschews dark wood and dim lighting for a contemporary space with an interesting Irish fusion menu, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and lots of regulars.
Old Brogue Irish Pub
Great Falls, VA
Nestled in Great Falls is one of the area's best traditional Irish pubs, with loyal crowds and great beers. There's a patio for warm weather and a roaring fireplace to ward off a chill.
Ri-Ra
Arlington, VA
A spacious (chain) Irish pub, this branch of Ri Ra caters to Clarendon's young professionals with live rock bands, friendly bartenders and a weekly quiz night. The building itself is the star here -- grab a seat in the mezzanine level balcony for the best people-watching opportunities.
The Dubliner
Washington, DC
Tourists and Hill types rub shoulders over Guinness at one of the area's oldest Irish pubs, a stone's throw from the Capitol. The large space features two bars, live music and one of the area's best St. Patrick's Day parties.
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