6 Best Irish Pubs near Wilmington

“First time I came here, I was a little nervous, but the regulars are super friendly and the bartender is great!! I went there to read, and while I did get a lot done, it was great talking to the regulars.“

“McLaren’s Irish Pub is one of those perfect little dive bars you’re always happy to find. Laid-back, unpretentious, and full of character. Love that they serve free snacks at the bar, such a great touch and exactly what a neighborhood pub should feel like.

What really made the night memorable was the sense of community. A customer had brought in crock-pot pork with rolls and cheese and was serving sandwiches to everyone. You don’t get that kind of atmosphere just anywhere.

Cheap drinks, friendly people, and a true local bar feel. If you’re looking for a genuine Wilmington dive with personality, this place is awesome.“

“This past June 2026, my husband and I had a private event in the Parlor Room of Catherine Rooney’s and we could not be happier with how it turned out! The Parlor Room itself is a great space, cozy but still spacious at the same time. We comfortably fit a crowd of about 40 people without issue. We ordered the hummus platter, chicken tenders, nachos, cheeseburger sliders, and pulled pork minis. The food was delicious and it was more than enough to feed 40 people. We had 2 servers, Emilia and Joey, who were so incredibly attentive and professional. In terms of planning and organizing, we worked with Katie and Kristen who were phenomenal. The price for the event was more than fair, and far more reasonable than other restaurants within trolley square (i.e. Oyster House). Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I would definitely hold future events at Rooney’s!“

“I've been here about three times. I tried the smash burger, and while it's got great flavor, it's a bit on the small side. I also tried the roast beef sandwich with au jus, but I wasn’t a huge fan—it was just okay. One thing I do love is the free popcorn you can help yourself to, and the vibe is really nice. The only downside is the small drink sizes—lots of ice but not much soda. Overall, it’s a solid place, and I’ll definitely be back.“

“Best local waterhole in the area. Great bartenders and customers are all like family! #salute“

“Food fun and friends all in one place!“