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.
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.
π 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
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:
Live Music
Various venues throughout the weekend
Makers Market
Special shopping events
Food Specials
Restaurant week-style Irish menus
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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Romantic Activities
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! πΊβοΈ
Experience Long Branch's authentic Irish pub scene and Pier Village festivities.