Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs
Bar · Corktown ·

Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs

Bar · Corktown ·

Authentic Irish heritage club with live music, dancing, and beer

Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by Eater - Lists + Maps
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs by null

Information

2068 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 Get directions

$10–20

Information

Static Map

2068 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216 Get directions

+1 313 964 8700
gaelicleagueofdetroit.org
gaelicleagueofdetroit

$10–20

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Last updated

Nov 12, 2025

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@eater
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The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes in Corktown | Eater Detroit

"For 100 years now, the Gaelic League Irish American Club has brought together Detroit’s Irish American community for beers, whiskey, and events celebrating shared cultural heritage — all set in a dimly lit space accented with a dark wooden bar and decor that has remained largely the same for so long that it’s almost in fashion again. According to its state liquor license, the club is a members-only organization with two available club levels: the Irish-American Club and the Gaelic League. However, it’s easy to get a membership. Just pay the annual $25 fee, get your card, and order a pint of Guinness." - Courtney Burk

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-corktown-restaurants-bars-cafes-detroit
Eater - Lists + Maps
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Anytime Is a Good Time to Check Out These Corktown Bars

"For 100 years now, the Gaelic League Irish American Club has brought together Detroit’s Irish-American community for beers, whiskey, and events celebrating shared cultural heritage — all set in a dimly-lit space accented with a dark wooden bar and decor that has remained largely the same for so long that it’s cycled through popular bar fashions and its retro charm is almost in fashion again. According to its state liquor license, the club is a members-only organization with two available club levels: the Irish-American Club and the Gaelic League." - Serena Maria Daniels

https://detroit.eater.com/maps/best-bars-corktown
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Corktown Bar Owners Plan Celebratory But Subdued St. Patrick’s Day | Eater Detroit

"A members-only Irish-American clubhouse on Michigan Avenue that had been preparing to mark its 100th anniversary when the pandemic forced cancellation of the parade and celebration; stocked up on Guinness, whiskey and food for the holiday, the organization scrambled to donate much of it to St. Pat’s Senior Center when events were called off. The closure had a severe financial and operational impact, but leadership used the downtime to refinish floors, reorganize, revamp the gift shop and launch the Emerald Campaign to fund continued renovations. The clubhouse reopened March 5 in limited capacity, reminds visitors that a current membership card is required to purchase drinks (memberships are available for purchase), and is operating with reduced hours: Fridays 4 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturdays noon–10 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day." - Mickey Lyons

https://detroit.eater.com/22331829/st-patricks-day-parade-detroit-irish-bars-corktown-2021-covid-19-anniversary
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Chef Kate Williams Closes Her Corktown Detroit Restaurant Lady of the House | Eater Detroit

"Williams can trace her roots back to Corktown: her great-grandparents, Irish immigrants, met at the nearby Gaelic League on Michigan Avenue, a personal detail that informed the restaurant’s Irish-hospitality inspiration." - Beth McKibben

https://detroit.eater.com/2021/2/26/22302944/corktown-restaurant-lady-of-the-house-closes-chef-kate-williams
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs
@eater
390,870 Postcards · 10,988 Cities

Corktown’s Gaelic Club Has United Detroit’s Irish Community for 100 Years | Eater Detroit

"I've been coming to the Gaelic League longer than I can remember — my parents were members, and visiting the club has always felt like a pilgrimage to shared Irish-American heritage. On a bitter February afternoon I buzzed the door, longtime bartender Patrick released the lock, and stepping inside I found a warm, dim room of dark wood, prints of rural life behind the bar, a group portrait of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising, the Gaelic League crest declaring “Conradh na Gaeilge, Tír Is Teanga,” a “Céad Míle Fáilte” sign, clocks showing Detroit and Dublin, and that cozy, “Grandpa’s basement circa 1960” charm complete with an electric fireplace, antique books, and farm implements. The club — rooted in the international Gaelic League (founded 1893) and formed in Detroit on December 9, 1920 — bought its Corktown headquarters from Ford Motor Company in 1951 and added an annex three years later; it has endured demographic ebbs and flows but remains a lively community hub with a broad age mix, from septuagenarians nursing pints to young new members and visitors. It’s proudly non-sectarian and non-political, focused on culture and community: weekly Irish-language nights and traditional-music sessions, Wolfe Tones concerts, fish fries, céilí dances, women’s wine nights, history lectures, genealogy interest spurred by Ancestry/DNA trends, and the madcap Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day parties that help fund the club’s nonprofit work. Practical details matter, too: the clubhouse on Michigan Avenue at Wabash Street welcomes guests during posted bar hours (noon–8 p.m. Sunday; 2–9 p.m. Mon–Thu; noon–2 a.m. Fri–Sat), is cash-only with an on-site ATM, charges covers on Parade Day/St. Patrick’s Day for non-members, and has a $20 annual Irish-American Club membership (with separate Gaelic League membership requiring two years in the Irish-American Club and active participation)." - Mickey Lyons

https://detroit.eater.com/2020/3/12/21176871/detroit-gaelic-league-irish-club-member-bar-100-year-anniversary
Gaelic League of Detroit and Irish American Clubs

Brianna Fischer

Google
“Warm, Welcoming, and Full of Irish Spirit” The Gaelic League is a Detroit gem—steeped in Irish heritage and always full of friendly faces. While it’s technically members-only, anyone can join on the spot for about $30 a year, which is more than worth it for the atmosphere alone. The space is lively yet comfortable, with live music, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. Whether you have Irish roots or just appreciate great company, it’s a wonderful place to relax, connect, and celebrate.

Joseph Sanchez

Google
Really nice venue / bar / hangout in Detroit. Came down for Santarchy. The staff were super accommodating and nice. The bartender was really good and friendly. They know how to properly pour a Guinness, which is huge. Saw some live music and the room acoustics were surprisingly good. I definitely recommend coming here to hang out.

Matt

Google
Super fun place to drink and eat and enjoy food friends and company while listening to excellent local Irish music. Definitely worth getting a membership!

Audrey Buckley Woodroffe

Google
Thank You for making us all feel so welcome, worth a visit when your in Detroit .

Tom Kemper

Google
A club for members only; if you’re Irish you’ll really love it. If you’re not Irish you’ll still love it. $25 membership gets you in.

J W

Google
This is a fun place to hang out for any of the big events they host. Alcohol is usually pretty reasonably priced at $7 a drink. It was cash only they did have food available and live music. Indoor bathrooms were closed and had a huge amount of Porta potties outside in the back of the building.

Morgan Landry

Google
Went for a traveling Irish band that played, thoroughly enjoyed the show. Everyone there was super friendly. It is a members only club if you want to drink.

Joseph Carabott-Evans-Foley-Draper

Google
coke 1$
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Sarah M.

Yelp
Great, authentic Irish spot. It is a club that requires an annual membership, but at only $25 a year the well priced drinks, live music without a cover, and free passage in on parade day and St. Patrick's day more than makes up for the up front free.
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Chris D.

Yelp
I was there for our work holiday party. The service and the drinks were excellent and they were an awesome host!

Ann B.

Yelp
Great ambience, pleasant atmosphere, great fireplace to get warmed up. Fun and enjoyable place to be.
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Kenneth O.

Yelp
What else is there to say, pay the yearly fee, give to all of their charitable causes and enjoy an amazing group of people. The staff was cool as S#%T and the band was great... I am glad we visited during semi-post covid to enjoy the atmosphere of a Corktown staple.
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Christie J.

Yelp
My favorite bar and gathering place in all of Detroit. It's like a party in your own basement bar or a quiet talk with a friend in a familiar place, depending on the day/night. The staff are incredibly kind, like being served by an aunt or a friend. The music is always the best Irish bands around. I love this place. My husband and I have been members for years. Best Guinness pour I've ever had.
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Alanna S.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place. Sure, it's not the snazziest bar I've ever been to, and there's not a huge list of beers on tap-- but who cares when the ambiance and company couldn't possibly get any better? It's not fancy, but what it lacks in pzazz, it more than makes up for in charm. It's dark and feels a little bit like an old Irish farm house, but there's a large bookshelf and quiet places to chat, or you can gather around tables or sit at the bar. There's fantastic live music every weekend and once a month a trivia game/pot-luck. It's a great, great place to spend time, and I love it dearly.
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Dil F.

Yelp
Great music, warm friendly service. A full bar. Stepped in to use their ATM machine (they buzz you in - or not - from an electronically locked door), but the sombre, faux-nationalist crooning of the mandolin player in the front won me over and I stayed for a quick round to listen with about 6 others at the bar. The interiors are dark and woody, like you'd imagine an old Irish pub to be. The bar staff was really smiley and nice. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I wonder what it looks like when it's crowded (if ever), but with just a few people there, it was kind of the perfect spot to down some whiskey and reflect on the spaces each of us has left behind, however near or distant. (for me, it was LJ's lounge, where I had an open tab but no cash, hence the walk down to the Gaelic League.)
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William M.

Yelp
Yes it's a club but $20 will get you a membership and that will get you in for free on parade and St. Patrick's Day
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Marie H.

Yelp
If you're looking for an Irish pub, this is the real deal. Great Irish music on the weekends, Irish ceili dancing on Friday nights (and everyone's welcome to watch or join in if you dare), and they even have a pub quiz (trivia quiz) once a month, too. The place is steeped in Irish culture. Come on down for a pint. You'll have a great time and you might learn something about Ireland while you're there, too.
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Ryan B.

Yelp
I was there on an extremely busy night. They let way too many people in. I'm sure they were way over fire code capacity. There was no soap in the restroom. For a while, women were using the men's restroom and their boyfriends were guarding the men's room door so men would not enter. The line at the bar was at least 10 minutes.
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Robert D.

Yelp
You have to push a buzzer to be let into the Gaelic League. I have not been turned away yet, so I imagine they will let most anyone in. It is too bad that people tend to forget about this place from one St. Patricks Day until the next, because it is a pretty cool place to spend an evening. There is usually an irish band like Stone Clover or the Codgers playing on friday and saturday night. The crowd is a good mix of real Irish, college students and drunken crowds that wander in from the Mercury Bar or Slows down the street. It is always fun to see them come in and decide that they know how to step dance. They make fools out of themselves but everyone has fun. You really should spend an evening here sometime.
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Marie L.

Yelp
I love this place. Love the live Irish music and the no BS crowds. Also, the fish fry during lent is fun! I live in NYC and still support this place with a membership. Well worth the annual fee.
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Mary W.

Yelp
Well, my friend Kari and I just joined The Irish American Club yesterday. I looks like a very friendly place.... and as Alanna said, it has a wonderful Irish Charm :) I hope to be there often!
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Matt S.

Yelp
Best pint on the block! Lot's of fun in a safe and secure bar. Their fish fry during lent is stellar too!
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Paul K.

Yelp
The best pub to gather and enjoy the company of friendly people and great conversation.
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A F.

Yelp
Went here last weekend on a whim. Good folks and good Irish beer! Originally, it was stated as only a private but the folks inside said everyone is welcome. I only saw about four beers on tab but I am sure they had more in bottles. A buddy of mine said the Codgers play there so I'll have to check them out sometime.
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Chris M.

Yelp
Great place to grab a pint. Super friendly staff and great meet friends. It's the place to be on parade day.
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David B.

Yelp
This place rocks on st. Paddies day.. Great fish fry and good people.. Fenced in parking with attendant ..

Lawrence S.

Yelp
The Gaelic League is more like a Irish Community Center . It is a neat place to stop in for a quick pint . Alot of folks there all seem to know each other . They host a wonderful St. Pat's day party each year ....It is close to Old Tiger Stadium and Nemo's .

Juan C. M.

Yelp
This has to be the best social club that has ever existed. The club members are cordial and civil; the weekend music is fantastic, and a better ambiance could not be found even there was a million dollar membership fee. Only once in a lifetime does an individual encounter such a great experience. Friday nights after 8 pm will get you a show that could not be found anywhere else on earth; no kidding!