Get Your Drink on at the 5 Best Irish Pubs in New Hampshire

My family heritage (probably yours as well) comes from a long line of ancestors who bravely left their homeland to seek a better life for themselves and their families by coming to America.

According to history.iowa.gov, the Irish did this en masse from 1841 to World War II, and around 4.5 million showed up on the shores of the USA.

What the article didn't say is...we showed up thirsty.

New Hampshire Has the Best Irish Pubs

Being a Sullivan from New Hampshire, I am proud to say that I have been to every one of the Irish Pubs listed below.

Before you check out my list, every one of these places has the usual beer and whiskey selections that you might expect, but I would recommend ordering a specialty cocktail instead.

The names are usually fun and always delicious.

Peddler's Daughter, Nashua, New Hampshire

I remember years ago when the Peddler's Daughter came to Nashua, my hometown.  It was like a gift from the owner himself.

The best drink on the menu for me, "I'm Here to Fix Your Pipes", is made with bourbon, brandy, lemon juice, and some other deliciousness.

Also, every Tuesday, they have trivia night hosted by Geeks Who Drink from 7-9 pm.  The Peddler's Daughter also has another location in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Cara Irish Pub, Dover, New Hampshire

Cara Irish Pub & Chameleon Club has been the go-to place in Dover for traditional Irish fare, live music, trivia, and the best Tiramisu Martini I have ever had.

As a matter of fact, it's the only tiramisu martini I ever had, but it still counts because it was everything I wanted it to be.  A warning about this drink, however: it goes down very easily.

If you have more than one, which isn't hard to do, make sure you either spend the next couple hours sobering up or give your keys to the bartender.  Yum.

J.L. Sullivan's Irish Pub, Thornton, New Hampshire

Located in the beautiful White Mountains, J. L. Sullivan's Irish Pub it's the perfect place to go after a day of hiking or skiing.

My favorite drink there is the John L. Sullivan whiskey.  My brother's name is John Sullivan, so I drink it out of obligation, not because I really love it.

Don't get me wrong. After the first one, it doesn't matter. It tastes great, just getting through that first one, straight up or in a cup of coffee depending on what time of year it is.

The Wild Rover, Manchester, New Hampshire

Ah yes, the Wild Rover.  It's been in Manchester since 1990, and since it's open until 1am, you can come in for a night-cap at midnight if you want to.  They open for lunch at 11:30am, so if the staff has to stay until close, it makes for a very long day.

The Rover is that place "where everybody knows your name", and your drink.  When they see me coming, they'll pour a Purple Haze martini.  Not on their usual menu, however, if I can't get that, a Guinness Martini will do just fine.

The Holy Grail, Epping, New Hampshire

I hate to pick favorites, but this is my favorite Irish Pub in New Hampshire.  The Holy Grail was a church at one time, and the owners decided to keep the "church" feel.

I mean, c'mon. What goes better with alcohol than a church, I ask you?

If you visit the Grail, you might find yourself looking for your last name.  They have framed Irish last names and their family crests all over the restaurant.

Read More:  Epping, New Hampshire's Iconic Church Turned Irish Pub is a Must Visit

My favorite, favorite drink at the Grail?  The Old Testament.  I THINK it's a combination of bubbly wine, Chambord, and whiskey, but don't hold me to that.  I just know, it's delicious.

As my people say, Slainte!