Sláinte! Toast to Your Good Health at Colorado’s Oldest Irish Pub

As someone who is part Irish and has traveled to Ireland more than once, I have a particular fondness for Irish pubs. While I no longer drink beer, I visit these taverns for many other reasons, like the Irish comfort food, the welcoming ambiance, and live music. One spot that has it all is located in the small city of Wheat Ridge just west of Denver. Since 1973, Clancy's Irish Pub has been the oldest Irish pub in Colorado and one I know you'll want to frequent.

As luck of the Irish would have it, this local landmark is a top-rated destination for drinks, food, and fun. The interior is full of dark wood and cozy nooks, with plenty of quiet corners to tuck into for a conversation. It really captures that warm, inviting vibe you only find in traditional Gaelic pubs. Whether you're grabbing a pint of Guinness with friends, catching a live band, or watching the game on one of the many TVs, it’s a fantastic place to spend an evening.

Join your friends or family for a round. A pint of Guinness, Smithwick's, or Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale is almost a requirement here. You may also opt for a bottle of either Killian's Irish Red, Wexford Irish Cream Ale, or a Strongbow Cider instead. The bar also offers a "Flight to Dublin" that includes a 4-ounce pour of Guinness, 4 ounces of Smithwick's, 4 ounces of Harp, and a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey.

Not a beer, cider, or whiskey drinker? No problem. Clancy's also offers a selection of soft drinks, wine, cocktails, and spirits. As the Irish say, "Sláinte," which means "health" or "cheers."

While a pint of Guinness or Smithwick's (or some other adult beverage) is always lovely, the food is also a wonderful option. The menu offers traditional Irish fare like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, and beef stew. However, there are other meal options, like burgers, a seafood basket, pulled pork sliders, sandwiches, and wraps as well.

By the way, if you have kids, bring them along. The pub is a family-friendly place and even has a kids' menu with items like fish and chips, chicken tenders, burger bites, and more.

Hopefully, during your visit, you'll be able to listen to some local musicians playing. You might hear anything from rock and blues to the sounds of fiddles. To me, live music at an Irish pub is like icing on the cake.

Have you visited the oldest Irish pub in Colorado yet? You can find them at 7000 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. For a menu and a schedule of events, visit the official website of Clancy's Irish Pub and follow their Facebook page for the most current updates.

If this has you craving even more Emerald Isle charm closer to home, check out these 9 Towns in the U.S. Where You’ll Swear You’re in Ireland. Once you're ready to hit the road, you can easily map out your next adventure using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.