Nosey Flynn @ McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant- St Patty’s Day Extravaganza Done Early

-Melinoe Macaria Mourningstar Does St. Patrick’s Day on Friday the 13th

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After a demanding work week for myself and my dear Husband, we decided it was the perfect Sunny, Spring Friday Evening to grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy some Live Music. To be quite frank, there is alimited quality restaurant and live music scene here in the Nashville area. Which may sound shocking for some to read. That does not mean there is not an excess of options. There are plenty of places one can stumble upon and enjoy. Especially along the brutal, chaotic and over-priced Broadway strip. However, you could argue that the current state of Nashville and Live Music is not to the standard most (including myself) would desire. Especially at highly promoted venues. Your drinks will be highly priced and over-taxed. Your food will be average and mediocre at best. I have found myself frustrated with the current conditions of Nashville since moving here in 2024. When visiting friends in earlier years, there was something more special and quality about Nashville.  

Now? There is a massive decline, and a delusion within most of the Hospitality industry. Is this due to the infrastructure and the mass amounts of New Yorkers, Californians and Michiganders that have flooded Southern City? Is this due to the corporate greed imbedded within American Business? We could argue these points all day long. I will digress. With these frustrations often being deciding factors in how my Husband and I spend His/Our hard-earned money? We find it a pure pleasure to spend our time, and circulate our cash flow, into a true gem of Nashville, McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. The home venue of Nosey Flynn. 

The Glorious McNamara Pub was founded in 2010 by musician Sean McNamara, his Wife Paula McNamara and partners Kirk Orndorff, and Francis Gyebi. McNamara’s Irish Pub is located in Nashville’s Donelson neighborhood. This Restaurant and Live Music Venue blends Authentic Irish Hospitality with a Passionate commitment to live traditional music. The founders have come together to combine over 50 years of expertise and knowledge in opening McNamara’s. Known for its house band Nosey Flynn, and visiting Celtic artists, the venue has become one of the city’s primary homes for Irish folk performance. With traditional pub fare, whiskey selections, and a cozy multi- room interior modeled after neighborhood pubs in Ireland, McNamara’s functions as both a restaurant and a cultural gathering space for Nashville’s Celtic music community.  

Stating (and honoring) that their primary goal is to “provide a true experience that fits most of Americans idea of what an Irish pub should be like; but is also so genuine that a person living in or visiting America can walk inside and feel like they are back home in Ireland.” With that, Sean McNamara expressed live on stage that this philosophy has evolved over the years. Summarizing that his core intention has blossomed into a more simplified expression. Humbly stating that at the end of the day, “if you leave McNamara’s Irish Pub better than you came in, He can rest his head at night knowing he accomplished something beautiful”. 

Our evening began with a slightly “long” wait for a table in the Main Music Room. Which is not a complaint to the restaurant. This venue is highly worth every minute of waiting. The Hostess staff wasphenomenal, cordial, and patient in coordinating guests. With that being said, do your due diligence to show up early and be a respectful patron. If you are metwith a wait? Order a Guinness, or other preferred drink from the bar, listen to the music and enjoy a bonding conversation with your accompanied guest, or other guests of the restaurant. There is an open seating bar, upstairs lounge (Turk’s Lounge), and presently an outdoor tent. Snag a seat through the revolving door of folks or graciously wait for your turn for a table. We waited about 45min-1hr for our Front Row Table in the Main Music Room, and it was Well worth it. This is obviously a business that focuses on community and human experience. 

Honoring the Irish Philosophy of always having a good time, with a good friend and a good beer. Once we were seatted, the next set of Nosey Flynn began. Music is central to the identity of McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. I find it absolutely amazing, and inspirational, that the owner/founder Sean plays Live Music within his own restaurant. As well, it is beautiful he has created a space for other Celtic (Touring or Otherwise) Musicians. Sean has played for approximately 23 years with members of his band. Performing over 4000 shows within his lifetime. Each member of Nosey Flynn was simply remarkable. World class Fiddling, infectious jamming and, a beautiful blend of humorous tunes and emotional melodies.  

Live performances by Nosey Flynn feature a traditional Irish pub ensemble centered on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and bodhrán, creating the rhythmic and melodic backbone for folk songs and dance tunes. Depending on the session, additional Celtic instruments such as tin whistle, tenor banjo, or button accordion may join the lineup, reflecting the collaborative session culture often found at McNamara’s. My words here would be an understatement to the essence, talent and joy the performance arises within the listener. I highly suggest folks take a gander for themselves. 

Whether at the restaurant, other scheduled performances or CD/streaming services. My husband and I spent a romantic evening enjoying our traditional meals and bonding over our shared love of music. Nosey Flynn performed a plethora of Irish and Celtic classics. Songs you would very much expect to hear in an Irish Pub. They also performed one of the best versions of U2’s “With or Without You” I have ever heard. And as a devout Bono Hater, I will stand 10 toes deep that Sean McNamara and Nosey Flynn’s cover is better than the original could ever dream of being. But that is just my stingy bias, rooted in absolute sincerity. The crowd engagement with the classic “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” was a memory I will forever cherish.  

Between the energy of bliss from the crowd, and the loving looks my dearest husband sent my way with every powerful lyric. As well, if it is your birthday, be prepared to be called out with a “Happy Birthday” song. Followed by a special post birthday song, song. A tradition that you will hear into by the third-ish verse of said song. Rest assured, nobody will feel left out during any performance. Nosey Flynn has one of the most authentic and endearing stage presences I have experienced from a Live Music Show. Their passion is undeniable, and their honest delight is galvanizing. McNamara’s Irish Pub has been open for 16 years. Celebrating their 17th St. Patty’s Day this year in 2026! If you are wondering how to spend your Irish Holiday, I highly recommend connecting with the Heart of the Irish Community here in Nashville. There will be a fixed menu to ensure efficiency for increased busyness. As well, Nosey Flynn will be performing 13 sets throughout the holiday. Ensuring everyone has a chance to be blessed by the Irish Muse. If St Patty’s Day is too chaotic of a day for you to venture out of the home? McNamara’s is open 7 Days a week (11am-9/10pm). The food is fairly priced for a small family-owned business in our modern economy. The food is some of the highest quality you will find in the Nashville area. The music is as lively and spirited as you’d imagine. (Which is why I will highly encourage folks to ensure you align your visit with the Live Music schedule. You will not be disappointed by this charming, welcoming experience. Have a Blessed St. Patrick’s Day. Stay Safe. Live Deliciously. Love Authentically. And Always, Stay Wyrd!