Best Boston Irish Pubs

For a real pint and live Irish music in Boston, this list skips the green beer and goes straight to the neighborhood pubs. They range from the South End, the Financial District and Beacon Hill to Jamaica Plain and Dorchester, plus Cambridge and Somerville's Davis Square. J.J. Foley's Cafe is one of the oldest family-run Irish bars in the country, with a crowd of cops, politicians and neighbors. The Burren, opened by two Irish musicians, runs trad sessions in the front room and bands in the back. Brendan Behan Pub in Jamaica Plain has no TVs and no kitchen, just conversation, good beer and Saturday music sessions, and it takes cash only. Down in Dorchester, McGonagle's is the place for fish and chips and an Irish spice bag.

The Druid in Inman Square is tiny, so arrive early on weekends and game days.