12 Best Irish Beers to Sip and Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

This Cork County beer brand started brewing back in 1856, and it's still one of the smoothest and creamiest stout beers around. You'll notice notes of toffee, chocolate, and coffee with every sip. At less than $8 for a four-pack of cans, this beer is budget-friendly too!

This seasonal Irish-style beer was inspired by the co-owners’ grandfather, Pa Conway. It's full-bodied with caramel malt flavors which makes it perfect for pairing with corned beef or shepherd's pie. It's no wonder this beer has been a 7-time World Beer Champion medal winner since 1995.

Infusing beer with nitrogen gas will give it that creamy, mildly carbonated mouthfeel and cascading effect that reminds you of a fresh draught pour. As for the taste, you'll get a rich, coffee-like flavor and sweet caramel notes thanks to the cold brew coffee extract.

Unlike the big-name stouts (like Guinness), O'Hara's is an independent family-owned company that's still craft-brewed in Ireland. Its flagship beer is full-bodied with a creamy pour and robust espresso flavor that stays true to traditional stouts. It's perfect for your St. Patrick's Day party.

For a sip of Irish history, try this classic red ale from Sullivan's Brewing Company which first opened for business over 300 years ago in the city of Kilkenny.

Situated in the town of Sligo of Northern Ireland, this craft brewery creates a range of unique beers, including the Lough Gill Lager that's light-bodied, refreshing, and perfectly crisp.

Although this beer isn't actually made in Ireland (it's brewed in Baltimore, Maryland!), the Guinness Blonde uses Irish brewing traditions. In fact, the company calls it their take on "Irish tradition meets American Spirit." Try it for its gentle clean and citrusy flavor.

It's a classic for a reason! This nitrogen-infused beer is surprisingly light despite the rich, dark color. It's easy to drink with corned beef on St. Paddy's Day or a burger any night of the week.

This approachable pilsner style lager is characterized by its slightly hoppy, light, and crisp flavors. It's balanced, refreshing, and perfect for the warmer months of spring and summer.

Smithwick's was originally brewed in the heart of Kilkenny at St. Francis Abbey in 1710, and today it is considered one of the most popular ales in Ireland. Unlike traditional heavy Irish stouts, this red-colored beer has a gentle bitterness that's toned out by sweet, malty notes.

We couldn’t have a guide to Irish beers without the iconic Guinness. This stout originated in Dublin in 1759 and while it might be just a marketing ploy, the company recommends pouring its beer using a special 2-part method to create the perfect pint. Or you can just pour it over a scoop of ice cream in this Guinness Float.

While not technically a beer, Magners is an Irish hard cider that would make a great addition to your St. Paddy’s Day party. Made using the same recipe created by its founder over 80 years ago, Magners uses 17 varieties of apples and a fermentation process that takes up to two years to make!