NJShore Guide

St. Patrick's Day in Long Branch

Celebrate Irish heritage at Pier Village and Long Branch's legendary Celtic Cottage. No parade, but excellent Irish pubs, festive events, and easy NJ Transit access make it a great alternative or addition to Belmar.

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PierVillage Scene
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Mar 1+All Week
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St Patricks Day Weekend at a Glance

All Week

Celebrations

Celtic Cottage

Irish Pub HQ

Pier Village

Events

NJ Transit

Easy Access

Why Long Branch for St. Patrick's Day?

Long Branch may not have its own parade, but its Irish pub scene and Pier Village festivities make it a fantastic St. Patrick's Day destination. The Celtic Cottage Pub in the West End is one of the Jersey Shore's most authentic Irish pubs, with a red door reminiscent of Dublin.

Pier Village transforms with live music, food specials, and festive activities. Plus, Long Branch has excellent NJ Transit access - catch the Belmar parade and hop on the train back to celebrate in Long Branch, or make it your base for the weekend with Pier Village's oceanfront hotels.

πŸ’• Sample Romantic Weekend

Option 1: Parade Day

Take NJ Transit to Belmar for the parade (12:30 PM). After, train back to Long Branch for evening celebrations at Celtic Cottage and Pier Village.

Option 2: Skip the Parade

Start at Celtic Cottage for Irish brunch and Guinness. Explore Pier Village events in the afternoon. Evening: live music and Irish specials.

St. Patrick's Week

Both Celtic Cottage and Pier Village venues have specials all week. Less crowded than parade day but still festive.

Romantic Restaurants

Reserve 2-3 weeks early for st patricks day weekend. Many offer special prix-fixe menus.

Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio

$$

Irish Pub

West End, red door, Dublin vibes

McLoone's Pier House

$$$

American

Pier Village oceanfront, festive specials

Rooney's Oceanfront

$$$

American

Ocean views, live music potential

Avenue

$$$

American

Pier Village, upscale casual

Sirena Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Fine dining, Pier Village

Turning Point

$$

Breakfast/Brunch

Great for morning fuel

Irish Pubs & Bars

Long Branch has excellent Irish pub options:

🍺

Celtic Cottage Pub + Patio

THE spot - authentic Irish pub in West End

🍺

McLoone's Pier House

Oceanfront bar with festive atmosphere

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Jack's Goal Line Stand

Sports bar with St. Pat's specials

Celtic Cottage is worth the trip alone - it's like stepping into a Dublin neighborhood pub.

Pier Village Events

Check Pier Village calendar for St. Patrick's weekend events:

πŸŽ‰

Live Music

Various venues throughout the weekend

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Makers Market

Special shopping events

πŸŽ‰

Food Specials

Restaurant week-style Irish menus

πŸŽ‰

Carousel Rides

Fun for families

Romantic B&Bs & Hotels

Long Branch's accommodations offer the perfect romantic retreat. Many offer special packages.

Ocean Place Resort

Premier oceanfront

Full resort, Pier Village access

Bungalow Hotel

Boutique

Modern, stylish

West End hotels

Budget options

Near Celtic Cottage

Nearby Asbury Park

Alternative

Music scene access

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Book Romantic Experiences

Romantic Activities

All day
Celtic Cottage Sessionβ€” Guinness, live music, Irish fare
Afternoon
Pier Village Eventsβ€” Shopping, dining, entertainment
Any time
Beach Walkβ€” Seven Presidents Park nearby
Morning (parade day)
Train to Belmarβ€” Easy NJ Transit access

st patricks day Weekend Tips

Getting There

  • β€’ NJ Transit: Long Branch station on North Jersey Coast Line
  • β€’ Easy train access to/from Belmar parade
  • β€’ Uber/Lyft available
  • β€’ Street parking and Pier Village lots

Strategy

  • β€’ Consider Long Branch as parade weekend base
  • β€’ Train to Belmar, celebrate back in Long Branch
  • β€’ Celtic Cottage: arrive early for good seats
  • β€’ Week before St. Pat's can be less crowded

Other Romantic Shore Getaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Celtic Cottage Awaits! 🍺☘️

Experience Long Branch's authentic Irish pub scene and Pier Village festivities.