On the corner of East 29th and 2nd Avenue sits Paddy Reilly’s, a tried and true Irish pub where Guinness flows like water and Celtic music streams from speakers. There are no gimmicks here, the moment you pass through the wooden door it is as if you were transported directly into the Emerald Isle.
Plastered on walls and splayed out on shelves are authentic Irish artifacts. On the bar counter sits a water spout that was transported directly from the country that was once used to collect water and bring it back home. Across the room is a photo of members of the Kennedy family when they made a visit to the Irish pub back in the ‘90s. There is even a built-in brick fireplace that is home to a few iron cauldrons and pots. The walls of this pub tell a story of a much older place that just so happened to find its way into the heart of New York City.
Desi Murray, one of the owners, is particularly proud of the servicemen and firefighters that support the pub. To show respect he highlights police patches that line the bar and a photo that the nearby fire station had taken for him. On the back wall of the bar, police and fire department patches are used as decorations, “it’s very interesting to see.” He explains that patrons will often come into the bar to see the patches and recognize family members or friends from the collection on the back wall. The personal items that were so graciously donated to Reilly’s show just how much of a community landmark the pub is.
Paddy Reilly’s is well-known for their music, it is a bar that provides a live act for every night of the week. With incredible range the bar offers everything from rock music to traditional Irish folk songs. On Wednesday nights there are even Irish dancers which is an experience you don’t want to miss out on.
“It’s good to keep our heritage going, our music going, and it’s also good to get new young bands coming in,” Murray says of the live music tradition at Paddy Reilly’s.
The bar is preparing itself for St. Patrick’s Day, they are looking forward to the festivities with great enthusiasm. New Yorkers can expect some live music and well-poured pints on Sunday but should be prepared for the unexpected. Last St. Paddy’s Day the Irish singer Hozier showed up to play a few songs for patrons. In the back of the bar they have even dedicated a photo of the musician to commemorate the memory of that evening.
This year drinks are expected to flow until 2 or 3 in the morning and the pub has prepared several live acts for the evening.
