San Francisco might be best known for the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf, but this bay city has a strong Irish heritage. Since the California gold rush, many Irish families made homes in San Francisco that have carried on for generations. Irish people visiting the city will find many activities that fit right into their heritage.
Heritage Center
The United Irish Cultural Center celebrates the Irish culture through frequent events, food and drinks. A restaurant, bar and banquet hall are on-site. Here you can mingle with Irish immigrants or explore the culture through the many resources at the center. The center is on 45th Avenue and its website address is Irishcentersf.org.
Irish Network
The Irish Network Bay Area is a group that celebrates the Irish heritage. Throughout the month, networking activities and free Irish-related movie showings are made available. The group's website address is Irishnetworksanfrancisco.com.
Pubs
San Francisco is known for its food, and the city has no shortage of Irish restaurants and pubs. Kells Irish Pub, at 530 Jackson St., and Kate O'Briens, at 579 Howard St., are two of the many choices for ethnic Irish food in San Francisco. At these restaurants you can dine on Belfast bangers and mash or Irish stew from inside pubs decorated just like the ones found in Ireland. With wooden booths, cozy fireplaces and a large bar, sometimes it's hard to remember that you're in San Francisco, not Dublin. Kells' website is Kellsirish.com and Kate O'Briens' website is Kateobriens.com.
Irish Film Fest
Every year at the end of September since 2004, the Irish Film Fest hits the screens. This festival showcases the top Irish films of the year. Day or weekend passes are available as well as discussions about the films. Though films are generally in English, some films are filmed in Gaelic with English subtitles. Films may be about Ireland or directed by Irish filmmakers. The event is sponsored by Irish organizations and establishments in San Francisco.
Inner Sunset
San Francisco is made up of many small neighborhoods. Inner Sunset is known as one of the most popular Irish neighborhoods. You can still find people with thick Irish accents walking down the street. You'll also have your pick of Irish restaurants, cafes and pubs. Sunset Heights Park and Grand View Park are two popular attractions in the neighborhood, which is situated between Golden Gate Park and Vicente.
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