One thing I’ve observed about Portland is the city’s strong Irish presence. By my cursory count, it is home to at least five Catholic churches and a handful of Irish-Catholic schools—both good barometers of a place’s “Irishness.” Additionally, Portland features the Maine Irish Heritage Center, formerly St. Dominic’s Church. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the Center holds informal Irish (Gaelic) language discussion groups—quite a compelling reason to check the place out. As a part Irishman, my drinking sensibilities lead me naturally to the city’s charming Irish pubs. In my humble opinion, the best among them are: Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant (72 Commercial St.); Bull
Feeney’s (375 Fore St.); Brian Boru Public House (57 Center St.); and Awful Annie’s Irish Saloon (189 Congress St.). Though they are all top-notch and manage to exude the magic of the Emerald Isle, Awful Annie’s has an old-world grittiness that the others lack. If you
happen to run into me at one of these great places, knock your glass against mine and share an Irish cheer: Slainte!
–Collin “Biermeister” York