27 lucky charms: Why Dayton's biggest St. Patrick’s Day bash is a must-do
March 7, 2025
When the Dublin Pub opened its doors in the middle of May in 1998, it arrived with a vision to throw a St. Patrick’s Day party.
What started out as a dream grew to become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parties in the state attracting thousands of people that come to raise a pint (or five) and make a toast (or five) and revel in the spirit of the holiday.
Festivities kick off with a pre-party the day before and kick into high gear bright and early on Saint Patrick’s Day with doors opening at 5:30 a.m.
In honor of the OG mother of all Patty Day parties that’s a shamrockin’ good time, here are 27 reasons you won’t want to miss it this year.
1) The vibe. It’s the most authentic European pub that we have in town made with reclaimed historic architectural pieces from around Dayton including The Huffman School, The Stockyards, several 1850’s residences and a downtown office building and a 108 year old church salvaged from demolition, and stored for a year-and-a-half until the church could be rebuilt as part of the new addition. The salvaged pieces dating from 150 to 500 years come together for a total European pub vibe that’s transformative.
2) The Jameson. They order a lot of it. A LOT.
3) The Guinness and other beer on three draft beer trucks that are at the ready to serve any thirsty party goers.
4) The music. Just like the beer, the tunes will be flowing all day long.
5) They don’t skip breakfast — on March 17 they open at 5:30 a.m. serving up eggs and Guinness with the first 100 people getting a free St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt
6) They are ready for crowds. They have security at the entrance at 4:30 a.m. and will be doing ID checks, wristbanding, and taking the $15 cover charge.
7) Two outdoor food areas will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, Guinness Brats, Pub fries, chicken tenders and fish and chips.
8) For those coming for food first and drink second, the full service restaurant inside will be serving a limited menu, but with all the Irish favorites.
9) For purists, there is no green beer on site. This is an authentic Irish Pub that prides itself on Guinness and Jameson. One word: respect.
10) It claims to be Ohio’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the state, so you know it’s definitely the biggest party in town.
11) And speaking of the biggest party, it’s really hard to do something on a scale this massive and run a smooth operation. After 26 years of experience they are pros and it shows.
12) On March 16 they have a one-mile race with two options: run a timed mile and celebrate your finish at the Dublin Pub with a drink or enjoy six drinks at six stops while you do a non-timed “longest mile” by enjoying six drinks at six stops in the Oregon District. Visit dublinpub.itsyourrace.
13) They will have a “pre-party” on March 16 to get ready for the big day with Love Bomb opening for Stranger from 7-11 p.m.
14) You can be a VIP for $60. It includes admission for both days (March 16 and 17) and includes six tickets for food or drink which can be used either day as well as a St. Patrick’s Day souvenir cup. The entire package has a $75 value.
15) The admission for non-VIPs is affordable: $15 at the door which gets you in on both days. Bring cash.
16) There will be two free shuttle buses running throughout the day. The first will travel between The Dublin Pub and Flanagan’s starting at 10 a.m.running every 30 minute starting at the top of the hour from Dublin Pub. The second shuttle will run from Harrigan’s starting at 10 a.m. running from Harrigan’s, to Flanagan’s, to Dublin Pub, picking up at the top of the hour at Harrigan’s. Both shuttles end at 11 p.m.
17) There will be more than people watching beer and music. They will have dancers. The Celtic Academy of Irish Dance at 10:30 a.m., McGovern Irish Dance at 1 p.m., Celtic Academy of Irish Dance at 5:30 p.m.
18) That amazing selection of Irish and Scotch Whiskeys at the main bar.
19) Those Dublin Pub cheese fries — crispy potato wedges loaded with Applewood smoked bacon and slathered with a white wine reduction, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
20) The band line-up: Jameson’s Folly (7-10 a.m.), Fiendish (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Miami Valley Pipes and Drums (11 a.m.), Father, Son and Friends (2:30-7:30 p.m.), Until Rust (3:30-7:30 p.m.), Castle Close (8:30-9 p.m.), White Knuckle Weekend (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)
21) It’s the best pint of Guinness in town. You can even get your face, or someone else’s. printed on it, believe it or not.
22) The incredible carved portrait of Steve Tieber’s Father, Jay with Holy Trinity Church in Ireland over his shoulder and a glass of wine and his West Point ring in hand above the bar in the newer part of the restaurant.
23) Their corned beef Reuben. If they are serving them inside, get one after you have had a few.
24) It’s in the Oregon District near a whole lot of other parties you can walk around to and check out if you are looking for a change of scenery.
25) It’s a locally owned Dayton classic.
26) And speaking of a classic, there will be a special tribute at 6 p.m. on the Main Stage for those who have passed as a tribute to Jay Tieber, who started the Dublin Pub and passed away in 2012 with Shawn MacIntyre Hall performing “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.
27) The tradition. With its 27th year of celebrating coming up, this is a tried and true event that anyone who craves a good party will want to be a part of.
And remember — make sure you have a safe ride home, use the free cab service provided by Montgomery County Prosecutor Matt Heck by calling 937-449-9999, make sure you have a designated driver or use Uber. For more information and for links to purchase tickets visit www.dubpub.com.
Sláinte!