Irish Pubs
The Jersey Shore has an authentic Irish pub scene, especially in Wildwood where generations of Irish families have made it their summer home. Slainte!
Wildwood: The Irish Riviera
Since the 1960s, Wildwood has been a beloved destination for Irish and Irish-American families from Philadelphia and beyond. Each summer, workers from Ireland join the seasonal staff, bringing authentic Irish culture and music to the shore.
The result is a pub scene unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. Traditional music sessions, friendly craic, and the feeling that you might have stumbled into Dublin by the sea.
Keenan's Irish Pub
Legendary beachfront pub with live Irish music, traditional sessions, and a party atmosphere that's been going for decades.
Owen's Pub
Authentic Irish atmosphere with live music and a loyal following. A true taste of Ireland on the Jersey Shore.
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Irish Pubs
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Locations
60+
Years of Tradition
Live
Irish Music
Wildwood
All Wildwood Nightlife →Keenan's Irish Pub
Irish Pub
The heart of Wildwood's legendary Irish pub scene. Traditional Irish music sessions, Guinness on tap, and an authentic pub atmosphere that draws crowds all summer long.
- +Traditional Irish sessions
- +Authentic pub feel
- +Legendary in Wildwood
Best For
Tip: Arrive early on weekends - fills up fast. Traditional session Sundays are special.
Murphy's Irish Pub
Irish Pub
Another staple of Wildwood's Irish pub row. Live music nightly in summer, great craic, and a welcoming atmosphere for the many Irish visitors and workers who make Wildwood their summer home.
- +Live music every night
- +Authentic Irish staff
- +Part of the pub crawl
Best For
Tip: Ask the bartenders for the best pub crawl route.
The Irish Pub Experience
Traditional Sessions
Musicians gather for informal traditional Irish music sessions. Fiddles, tin whistles, bodhrans, and voices raised in song.
The Craic
That ineffable Irish combination of fun, conversation, and good times. Best experienced firsthand at a proper pub.
Irish Staff
Many seasonal workers come directly from Ireland, bringing authentic hospitality and stories from home.
Proper Pints
Guinness poured right, Irish whiskeys, and ciders. Some pubs import directly for authentic selection.
Irish Pub Tips
Arrive for Sessions
Traditional music sessions often start around 9-10pm. Get there early to snag a good seat near the musicians.
Summer Only
Most Wildwood Irish pubs are seasonal. Plan your visit Memorial Day through Labor Day for the full experience.
Join the Sing-Along
When the crowd starts singing, join in! Nobody expects perfection - enthusiasm counts.
Cash Helps
Some smaller pubs prefer cash, especially for tips. Have some on hand just in case.
🍺 What to Order at an Irish Pub
Ordering at an Irish pub is part of the experience. Here's what to know about traditional Irish drinks and how to order like a regular.
Guinness
The iconic Irish stout - dark, creamy, with a perfect white head
How to order: Just say "a Guinness" or "a pint of the black stuff"
Know this: A proper pour takes about 2 minutes - it's a two-part pour letting it settle. Don't rush it.
Tip: Tilt your glass and watch the cascade settle. The bartender should serve it at 45° then top it off.
Irish Whiskey
Smoother than Scotch, triple-distilled for silky finish
How to order: "Jameson neat" or "Powers on the rocks" - specify your preference
Know this: Popular brands: Jameson (smooth), Powers (bolder), Tullamore Dew (light), Redbreast (premium)
Tip: Ask for a "baby Guinness" shot - Kahlua with Baileys floated on top. Looks like a tiny Guinness.
Irish Cider
Crisp apple ciders, refreshing alternative to beer
How to order: "Magners over ice" or "Bulmers" (same thing, different name)
Know this: Served over ice in a pint glass - perfectly refreshing on hot shore days.
Tip: Magners/Bulmers is the classic choice. Some pubs have local craft ciders worth trying.
Irish Coffee
Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, cream floated on top
How to order: Simply "Irish coffee" - most pubs know the recipe
Know this: The cream should float, not mix. Drink the coffee through the cream.
Tip: Perfect after-dinner drink or for cooler evenings. Some pubs do it better than others - ask if they make it often.
Black and Tan
Half pale ale, half Guinness layered on top
How to order: "Black and Tan" or ask for "a half and half"
Know this: The Guinness floats on the pale ale. Looks beautiful, tastes great.
Tip: Some Irish consider this name offensive due to history. "Half and half" is safer if unsure.
🔄 The Round System
In Irish pub culture, buying rounds is tradition. If someone buys you a drink, you're expected to buy the next round. Keep track and reciprocate - it's how friendships form at the bar.
🎻 Traditional Irish Music Sessions
Traditional Irish music sessions (called "seisiúns") are a highlight of the Jersey Shore Irish pub experience. Here's what to expect and how to enjoy them.
What It Is
Musicians gather informally to play traditional Irish tunes together. It's collaborative, not a performance.
Instruments
Fiddles, tin whistles, bodhrán drums, guitars, accordions, flutes. Each adds to the sound.
The Tunes
Jigs, reels, hornpipes, slow airs. Some songs everyone knows, some are regional specialties.
Timing
Sessions typically start 9-10pm and can go until close. Best seats fill early.
Session Etiquette
- ✓Don't talk over the music - it's disrespectful to the musicians
- ✓Clap between songs, not during (unless it's a fast reel building energy)
- ✓Buy the musicians a drink if you're enjoying it - a Guinness is always welcome
- ✓Sing along when invited, but follow the crowd's lead
- ✓Don't request songs mid-session - musicians choose the flow
- ✓If you play an instrument, ask before joining - sessions have unspoken hierarchies
Types of Tunes
Jigs
Bouncy, 6/8 time • Upbeat, danceable
e.g., The Irish Washerwoman
Reels
Fast, 4/4 time • Energetic, driving
e.g., The Mason's Apron
Slow Airs
Slow, emotional • Haunting, beautiful
e.g., Danny Boy
Pub Songs
Varies • Sing-along, rowdy
e.g., Wild Rover, Whiskey in the Jar
Pub Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Irish pubs have their own unwritten rules. Understanding them helps you fit in and have a better time.
The Round System
Do: When in a group, someone buys a round for everyone. Then someone else buys the next. Keep it flowing.
Don't: Don't skip out on your round. It's remembered.
It's the foundation of Irish pub socializing - builds trust and friendship.
Tipping Culture
Do: Tip $1-2 per drink in US Irish pubs. More for complicated orders or great service.
Don't: Don't stiff the bartender, especially on busy nights.
You're in America, so American tipping applies even in Irish settings.
Conversation
Do: Chat with strangers at the bar. Ask where they're from. Talk about anything but politics.
Don't: Don't sit in silence staring at your phone. You're in a pub, be social.
"The craic" (pronounced "crack") is the Irish word for fun and good conversation. It's why you're here.
Respect the Music
Do: Listen when musicians play. Clap after songs. Buy them a drink.
Don't: Don't talk loudly over music or request songs during sessions.
Traditional musicians are keeping culture alive. Show appreciation.
Know Your Limits
Do: Pace yourself. Eat before you drink. Water is your friend.
Don't: Don't be the sloppy drunk. Pubs will cut you off.
A good night out means remembering it. Irish drinking is social, not about getting wrecked.
☘️ Irish Phrases to Know
Cheers/To your health - said when toasting
Fun, entertainment, good times
What's happening? How's it going?
Well done, thanks, approval
🗓️ Irish Pub Calendar
The Jersey Shore Irish pub calendar revolves around the summer season, with a few special events worth planning around.
Memorial Day Weekend
Late May
Season opener - Irish staff arriving, pubs opening, energy building
Expect: Good crowds, excitement, but not peak madness yet
Tip: Great weekend to visit - full experience without July/August crowds.
July 4th Week
Early July
Peak American holiday meets Irish pub culture
Expect: Massive crowds, extended hours, fireworks celebrations
Tip: Book accommodations early. Expect long waits at popular pubs.
Peak Season
July-August
The heart of Wildwood Irish summer
Expect: Nightly music, packed pubs, full staff from Ireland, maximum craic
Tip: This is what you came for. Weeknights are slightly more manageable than weekends.
Labor Day Weekend
Early September
The big goodbye - last hurrah before staff returns to Ireland
Expect: Emotional energy, farewell parties, nostalgic crowds
Tip: Bittersweet but beautiful. Some of the best music happens as people say goodbye.
St. Patrick's Day
March 17
The main event - though most Wildwood pubs are closed
Expect: Limited options in Wildwood (off-season), but Atlantic City and year-round pubs celebrate big
Tip: For authentic shore Irish St. Paddy's, check The Irish Pub in Atlantic City.
🌟 First-Timer's Guide to Irish Pubs
Never been to a Jersey Shore Irish pub? Here's what to expect for an authentic experience.
The Atmosphere
Warm, welcoming, louder than you expect. Wood paneling, Irish memorabilia, good lighting.
Tip: Find a spot at the bar if you want to meet people. Tables are for groups.
The Crowd
Mix of Irish visitors, Irish-Americans, and regular tourists. All ages welcome until late night.
Tip: Strike up conversations. People are friendly. Ask the bartender where they're from.
The Music
Could be traditional Irish, cover bands, or DJ depending on the night. Usually starts 9-10pm.
Tip: Check social media or call ahead to know what kind of music night it is.
The Food
Some have full kitchens (fish and chips, shepherd's pie), others are drink-focused.
Tip: Eat before you go or early in the evening. Most kitchens close before the bar.
The Timeline
Things start slow around 7-8pm, build through the night, peak around 11pm-1am.
Tip: Arrive 9pm for music, stay until you've had enough. No rush to leave.
✅ Your First Visit Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
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