(Photo: crazy-frankenstein.com)

For centuries, Brooklyn has been home to a vast diversity of ethnic groups: from the Dutch to the Germans to Eastern European Jews to Irish to Carribbeans. All of these peoples have left their marks on the borough, from breweries to eateries to street names, making Brooklyn what it is today. On March 17, celebrate St. Patrick's Day by exploring some of Brooklyn's top Irish Pubs. Wearing all green is optional, kind of.  

Mullanes 
71 Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene
Just two blocks from the Barclays Center, it's no surprise that this venue is popular before and after (and during) Nets games. Perhaps most famous for their 4-7pm happy hour which includes a $6 beer and shot and an all you-can-eat buffet, it's easy to see why locals want to be regulars at Mullanes. The bar is also open for lunch and bruch, complete with kids menu, and offers family friendly fun during daylight hours. St. Patrick's weekend will feature traditional Irish food, because "everyone is Irish" at Mullanes.  

Iona 
180 Grand Street, Williamsburg
Though it's named after a historic island where Scottish kings were buried, Iona encompasses everything Irish in its UK themed pub.   Located in an old candy shop, Iona serves over 20 types of beer on tap, and another 20+ bottled options.  Happy hour offers $4-5 well drinks, wines, and beers, and you can relax while watching a European football game on TV and enjoying an Irish pie like steak and mushroom or vegetable curry.  Live Irish and Scottish music performances take place every Monday night and an outdoor beer garden with ping pong and BBQ (not Irish) is available in the warmer months.  

Ceol 
191 Smith Street, Gowanus
Pronounced in the Celtic way (Kee-ole), not like the capital of South Korea, this pub is a truly authentic Irish import. Ceol's owner, Dublin to Brooklyn transplant, Loretta Heaney (yes, she has red hair and an adorable accent), is following in her Irish father's footsteps as a barkeeper.  Ceol hosts lives music, boasts an authentic Irish pub menu with items like bangers and mash and shepherd's pie, and of course welcomes you into the venue with bright green doors.  This pub may just be your lucky four leaf clover, especially if you're given a gift card (side note: more bars in Brooklyn should offer gift cards).  

Rocky Sullivan's 
34 Van Dyke Street, Red Hook 
Take a free water taxi to Red Hook to go all out Irish. This pub offers interactive events almost every night of the week, from Thursday pub quizzes to Irish language classes, to live music and set dancing.   Readings take place every month as well.  Grab a pint of Guinness and an $8 Beef and Guinness stew for a cozy night at the pub.  

Irish Haven 
5721 4th Avenue, Sunset Park 
This 60 year old institution has distinguished itself among Irish pub lovers throughout the borough. The super casual vibe is enhanced by touches like $3 beers, free slow-cooker chili on Mondays, and streaming sports games.  Trivia, screenings, and seasonal parties are also popular here.  

Custom House 
139 Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights 
Open until 4am every night, this pub truly encompasses the Irish drinking spirit.  Shepherd's Pie and fish and chips are of course available until late, and you can stay up drinking cocktails like The Dubliner (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Grand Mariner, sweet vermouth and a dash of orange bitters, $10) until the wee hours of the morning .  

Alchemy Restaurant and Tavern
56 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope
This restaurant and pub is cozy and comfortable, and a low-key hangout for neighborhood locals. A combination of old school Irish vibe with the atmostphere of a place you'd expect your favorite sitcom characters to hangout makes you feel easily welcome here, alone or with a big group.  The menu also features plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, so feel free to indulge in a side of spicy kale with your $4 happy hour beer.  

Shayz Lounge 
130 Franklin Street, Greenpoint 
This traditional Irish bar attracts customers to its historic corner in Greenpoint with darts, a pool table, and a quaint backyard area.  $7 Irish Coffees are a great pick-me-up after work, $3 daily drink specials, and the all day $5 beer and shot deal is an easy draw.  The bar doesn't have a kitchen, but patrons are welcome to bring their own food until the doors close at 4am every night.