Tips for Irish Travelers Coming to Pittsburgh

The Steel City is more Irish than you might think. We're a place that takes deep pride in its heritage, from the steel mills to the different cultures that grace our hills. We're a city that knows how to split the G and celebrates a good Shepherd's Pie. Pittsburgh International Airport just received a new direct flight from Ireland to Pittsburgh, so take that trip across the pond and enjoy our city; you'll love how here, you'll feel right at home but with a Yinzer twist.

New Direct Flight Between Pittsburgh and Ireland

You read that right: there's a new direct flight between Pittsburgh and Ireland! Operated by Aer Lingus, this flight is the first directly connecting the Steel City to the Emerald Isle. Here's everything you need to know about the flight:

Route: Pittsburgh/Dublin
Start date: May 2025
Operating: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays (no flights in January and February)
Airline: Aer Lingus
Prices: starting at around $530 (subject to change)

Celebrate Ireland in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Irish Festival

When: Sept. 11-13, 2026
Where: 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15218

For more than 30 years, Pittsburgh Irish Festival has celebrated the rich culture of Ireland and its unique ties to the 'Burgh through music, food and dance. You only need to be Irish at heart to join this Only in Pittsburgh celebration!

Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade

When: March 14, 2026
Where: Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh

If you're looking to escape home during the holiday but still celebrate, Pittsburgh is the place to be. According to Travel + Leisure and Niche, "St. Patrick’s Day is best celebrated in Pittsburgh given that 14% of the population is Irish." In fact, the Pittsburgh parade is one of the largest parades in the nation.

See the Sights of Pittsburgh

Duquesne & Monongahela Inclines

We don't have the Cliffs of Moher, but we do have a mountain. Mount Washington overlooks the city and offers a fantastic view into downtown and the North Side. The most scenic way to get to the top of the mountain is by taking either the Duquesne Incline or the Monongahela Incline. Both take you up and down the side of the mountain and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing journey through some foliage.

Pro tip: there's never a bad time to head up to Mount Washington, but I especially recommend going at night to get the dazzling city lights.

The Cathedral of Learning

Address: 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

The Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh's campus serves as a focal point for the Oakland neighborhood. This historic Gothic Revival skyscraper is the tallest academic building in the United States standing at 42-stories high. For the Harry Potter fans, imagine stepping into a real-world Hogwarts. Part of what makes the Cathedral of Learning special is the Nationality Rooms, which give you an inside look into 31 different cultures from around the world. Go on a scavenger hunt and see if you can find Ireland's!

Pro tip: while you're in the area, head over to Schenley Park for a beautiful stroll through one of Pittsburgh's prettiest landscapes. If you're hungry, I recommend stopping at The Porch at Schenley, Sushi Atarashi, or CAVA.

Pictured |
The Commons Room in the Cathedral of Learning
Credit |
Jin Wu
Pictured |
The Commons Room in the Cathedral of Learning
Credit |
Jin Wu

Explore our neighborhoods

With 90 neighborhoods to choose from, there's something for everyone in our city of multitudes. From bar hopping in the South Side to the cultural of the Strip District, there's something new around every corner. Stop for a coffee in Lawrenceville, go shopping in Shadyside, or take a walk through the park in Squirrel Hill. Whatever your fancy, whatever time of year you're here, you'll never be bored.

Pro tip: a seriously underrated neighborhood in my opinion is Highland Park. Not only does it play host to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, the greenery plus old homes make it a perfect place to admire the beauty of Pittsburgh. Also, while in the Strip District, take some time for a 'Burgh Bits & Bites Food Tour.

Catch a game

If there's one thing Pittsburgh loves, it's our sports teams. And with plenty of teams right in our backyard, you're sure to find the one that calls to you. The Pittsburgh Steelers (National Football League) play at Acrisure Stadium from late summer to early winter, and the team has heavy Irish ties. Art Rooney Sr., the founding owner of the Steelers, had great-grandparents who immigrated from Ireland to Pittsburgh. Dan Rooney, Art Sr.'s son, was the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009 to 2012. The Steelers even played the first NFL game in Ireland in 2025. The Rooney family is proud of their Irish roots, from cultural initiatives like The Ireland Funds and solidifying their name with their roots. You can learn more about the Rooney family by visiting the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum inside Acisure Stadium.

But maybe you're not a fan of football. No worries! We've got other sports for you to check out. Head to PNC Park to catch the Pittsburgh Pirates (Major League Baseball), PPG Paints Arena to see the Pittsburgh Penguins (National Hockey League), and Highmark Stadium to watch the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship) and Pittsburgh Riveters SC (USL W League).

Pro tip: I cannot elaborate enough how much you need to go to a Pirates game, simply for the view of the city from PNC Park. It's gorgeous, especially around sunset. Also, if you're going to a Steelers game, pick up a Terrible Towel beforehand and get to the game early for some tailgating.

Credit |
Pittsburgh Steelers
Credit |
Pittsburgh Steelers

A Pittsburgh Pub Crawl

Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle

Address: 2329 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Open: 11am-11pm Tues.-Sat., 11am-7pm Sun., closed Mon.

The heart of Ireland in the heart of the Strip District. Mullaney's is beloved by natives and a go-to spot for St. Patrick's Day, but this spot is so well-known it often tops state and national lists of the best Irish pubs in the country.

One stop in is all you'll need to see why. Fantastic live music, a friendly and authentic Irish pub feel and a menu loaded with favorites like their iconic Shepherd's Pie make this spot at the top of our lists we recommend to travelers, too!

Piper's Pub

Address: 1828 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Open: 11:30am-11pm Mon.-Fri., 9am-11pm Sat. & Sun.

Whether you want to watch footie with like-minded fans, snag flavors from around the British isles or just have a cold pint in a beautiful tavern, Piper's Pub in the South Side is for you (yes, I know bagpipes are Scottish, not Irish). They also have one of the best whiskey and scotch selections in the entire city!

Regardless of why you visit, their cottage pie (also available as a vegan shepherdless pie) should be your go-to order during the week, while their house boxty (Irish potato pancakes) with bacon/sausage, eggs and white cheddar is one of the best brunch bites in the city.

Sieb's Pub

Address: 3382 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Open: 11am-8pm Tues.-Thurs., 11am-9:30pm Fri. & Sat., closed Sun. & Mon.

Family-owned Sieb's Pub in Ross Township has found the perfect mix of American classics and Irish fare in a friendly, authentic pub atmosphere that make this one of the highest rated Irish restaurants on our list.

You can't go wrong with anything on their Irish menu. Guinness is a secret ingredient to their delicious shepherd's pie and beef pot pie, and the savory Irish stew is scratch made and served in a bread bowl so you enjoy every drop.

Monterey Pub

Address: 1227 Monterey St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Open: 4pm-12am Mon.-Fri., 10am-12am. Sat., 10am-3:30pm Sun.

As you walk beside the tightly packed homes of various colors and heights, it may mind of you of Kilkenny or Dingle. But actually, you're in Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhood on your way to the Monterey Pub.

Stop in for a pint of Guinness and their signature fish and chips, and don't be surprised to see soccer fans in full regalia here on weekends as they cheer on their favorite squads right next to Steelers die-hards cheering for the black and gold.

The Pub Chip Shop

Address: 1830 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Open: 8am-8pm Wed.-Sun., closed Mon. & Tues.

Ok, so this one is more of an extension of Piper's Pub located right next door, but it deserves its own spot on this list solely because of the food!

Don't expect a traditional sit-down pub atmosphere here, but do grab Pub Chip Shop's boxty tot boxes (available as loaded, thai chili, bloody hot or brisket) and maybe the best fish 'n' chips in the city, or get their early to grab their donuts before they run out.

Cork Harbour Pub

Address: 181 43rd St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Open: 5pm-12am Mon.-Tues. & Thurs., 2:15pm-12am Weds., 5pm-2am Fri., 7am-2am Sat., 9am-12am Sun.

You have to walk down a side street of Lawrenceville to see it, but once you do, you'll feel like you've uncovered a hidden gem in the city.

Cork Harbour Pub's attention to detail is unmatched from the sign out front to an impeccable interior, giving you an authentic Irish pub feel from the second you walk in. There's a small food menu (the Dublin Dog served with colcannon, cheese and mustard is a perfect bite) and the draughts include Guinness, Smithwick's, Harp and Killian's along with cocktails featuring Irish whiskeys and gins.

Patrick's Pub & Grille

Address: 1207 Spring Run Road Extension, Moon Township, PA 15108
Open: 10:30am-2am

It's closer to the airport than it is the city, but Patrick's Pub and Grille in Moon Township quickly becomes a favorite for travelers to frequent every time they visit the city and is always worth the drive.

Patrick's has quickly grown from a 10-stool bar to a large restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio without ever losing its Irish pub feel. Sure there's great wings on the menu, but my favorites here are the bangers and mash, Jameson chicken and Guinness stew that pairs perfectly with the Harp on draft.

McFadden's

Address: 211 N Shore Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Open: 11:30am-2am Mon., 5pm-11pm Thurs., 5pm-2am Fri., 3pm-2am Sat., closed Tues.-Weds. & Sun.

Nestled in the vibrant epicenter of Pittsburgh's North Shore, McFadden’s calls out with its prime location minutes to PNC Park, Stage AE and Acrisure Stadium. Whether you're gearing up to cheer on your favorite team, grabbing a few cocktails with friends, or letting loose on the dance floor (yes, even atop the bar!), McFadden’s is the ultimate adult playground!

And while you're soaking in the atmosphere, don't forget to treat yourself to some of their mouthwatering classic bar bites! Trust me, you won't want to miss out on the Shepard’s Pie-Rogi – a true Pittsburgh twist on an Irish favorite. Picture this: six pierogies lovingly stuffed in-house with a hearty mix of potato, veggies, and beef, all smothered in a rich demi-glace sauce. It's a culinary masterpiece that'll have your taste buds singing!

For more Irish restaurants and pubs throughout the city, click here.

Taylor S.

Author

Taylor S.

Content Development Manager

A friendly neighborhood Pittsburgh transplant. Probably at book club, a local coffee shop or thrift store. Tell your pet I said hi.

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