Find a Pint of Gold at These 6 Irish Pubs in Delco

Delaware County is home to many cultures and ethnicities, but perhaps none is so well-represented as our Irish heritage! With so many families of Irish ancestry living here (did you know Havertown is sometimes referred to as the “33rd county of Ireland”?), it comes as no surprise that there are great Irish restaurants, cafes and pubs everywhere in Delco.

If you’re looking for an unpretentious atmosphere, great bar food, and live music and entertainment in your own backyard, check out one of these six Delco Irish pubs:

 

Dolan’s Bar 

This welcoming dive bar is steeped in local history! Open since 1954, Dolan’s Bar is a third-generation, family-owned establishment that’s been a cornerstone of the Ridley Park community for almost as long as anyone can remember.

Though it’s proud of its roots, and its two “Most Delco Bar” awards from Delco Live, Dolan’s has definitely evolved into the 21st century. There’s a large selection of craft and domestic beers enjoyed by a diverse multi-generational crowd, 7 television screens, a great happy hour and fun weekly theme nights and events, like Monday Bingo and Wednesday Open Mic Night.  

Dolan’s bar is open every day from 10:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. (it never closes early!).  

24 E. Sellers Ave, Ridley Park, (484) 430-1354.

 

Monaghan’s Irish Pub 

There are always new friends to be made at Monaghan’s, a convivial Irish pub in Essington. Pull up a stool to the u-shaped granite bar, or grab a patch of sunshine on its newly renovated outdoor patio for a cold beer and something tasty from the food menu, like a Big Mouth Burger, shepherd’s pie or a Pulled Pork Griller on Texas toast. If you’re around for lunch, try one of the super-affordable daily lunch specials, like $7 cheesesteaks on Wednesdays.

A packed calendar of events, including Quizzo, “Tappy Hour,” no-pay bingo, and live music keep the regulars coming back!

Monaghan’s is open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.

414 Powhattan Ave., Essington, (610) 595-0303.

 

O’Connell’s Tavern

Behind an unassuming stone facade, find O’Connell’s Tavern, a relaxed, casual spot that’s one of those real “everyone knows your name” kind of places. Formerly known as Duke’s, O’Connell’s came under new ownership in 2020, and carries on the tavern’s tradition of warm hospitality and a nice neighborly feel. The menu keeps things simple and familiar, with pub grub like wings, jalapeno poppers, cheesesteak egg rolls and burgers. 

One of the things O’Connell’s has become known for is live music; you can find solo artists and bands performing there almost every Friday and Saturday night and some Sunday afternoons.

O’Connell’s Tavern is open Monday and Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m. 

144 Saxer Ave., Springfield, (610) 543-9601.

 

Sligo Irish Pub

Named after the rugged, coastal county in Northwest Ireland, Sligo is the place to go in downtown Media for an authentic Irish pub experience. Since 1989, it’s been serving up beer  and food with plenty of warm, hospitable vibes. Pair your pint with well-crafted bar classics, like sauteed mussels, Irish beef stew and bangers and mash.

In addition to a happening happy hour, there are lots of reasons each week to swing into Sligo, including Irish music sessions and $5 Irish pints every Monday, Quizzo every Tuesday, and burger-and-a-pint night every Wednesday. Indoor and outdoor dining are both offered.

Sligo Irish Pub is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to midnight.

113 W. State St., Media, (610) 566-5707.

The Yard Pub

Some Irish pubs are dark and dim, but not The Yard Pub! Though its inside bar and dining room are nice (gotta love the Delco flag!), the real appeal of this pub is its expansive, jumping outdoor patio. There is so much space to unwind and meet up with friends, complete with an outdoor bar, games, umbrellas, twinkly lights and firepits. It’s the perfect place to meet up with large groups and enjoy food and drinks. Speaking of food, there are a lot of options on The Yard’s menu, from its $10 lunch specials, to brew-friendly apps to chicken parm dinner specials.   

There’s always something going on at The Yard, including sports on the TVs, DJs and live music, karaoke, bingo and more. Check out the events calendar for more info. 

The Yard Pub is open Sunday and Monday from noon to 11 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from noon to 2 a..m. Closed Tuesdays.

300 West Chester Pike, Havertown, (610) 789-1414.  

 

Hanrahan’s Irish Pub

Sports are the top draw at this comfy, family-friendly pub with plenty of TVs in Drexel Hill, so there’s not a bad seat in the house to catch the big game! The beer selection offers a variety of both craft and domestic beers, and the food options range from familiar bar food, like cheesesteaks and burgers, to mouthwatering Irish specialties, such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. Don’t miss the Guinness gravy fries.

In addition to sports, there’s plenty going on at Hanrahan’s, like live music most Friday and Saturday nights, music bingo, movie nights and Quizzo.

Hanrahan’s Irish Pub is open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

690 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill, (484) 462-3533.

•  •  •

 

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

– Emily Kovach