Ireland's Four Courts

The Vibe

The Washington Post called it "the embassy of soccer in the DMV," and after twenty-nine years of continuous operation, Ireland's Four Courts has earned that title many times over. This Courthouse neighborhood institution isn't just a soccer bar -- it's an Irish pub in the truest sense, where hospitality comes first and the football is the excuse to gather. Named one of the 100 best soccer bars in America by Men in Blazers, Four Courts carries the kind of authenticity that can't be manufactured. The dark wood, the worn bar stools, the Guinness taps that never stop pouring -- it all feels like it's been here forever, because it nearly has.

The Setup

Four Courts spreads across multiple distinct rooms, each with its own character. The main bar is the heart of the operation -- long, warm, and lined with screens showing the day's biggest match with sound. The Cottage room seats up to 70 and serves as overflow on busy match days, while the cozy Library room accommodates around 34 and is where supporter clubs often claim territory. Screens are scattered throughout every room, so there's no dead zone in the building. The dog-friendly patio out front is a bonus on mild Virginia mornings when you want fresh air between halves.

Match Day Experience

Four Courts opens early on weekends for Premier League matches, and the regulars start filtering in well before kickoff. Chelsea's Beltway Blues and Crystal Palace supporters call this home, along with groups for Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, and AS Roma. On a typical Saturday morning, you might have Chelsea in the Cottage with sound, Arsenal in the Library, and the main bar showing the neutral match. The bartenders know the regulars by name and by club, and the banter between rival supporters is sharp but always friendly. This is what a proper soccer pub looks like.

Food and Drink

The wings at Four Courts are legendary -- widely considered the most famous wings in Arlington County, and a non-negotiable order on match day. The kitchen serves a full Irish pub menu with shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and hearty breakfasts that fuel early-morning viewing sessions. But the drink program is what sets Four Courts apart from your average sports bar: they pour more Guinness than nearly any bar on the Eastern seaboard, the whiskey collection is broad and exciting, and the cocktail menu is surprisingly detailed for a neighborhood pub. The Guinness here is poured right -- creamy, cold, and worth the wait.

Who Goes There

Four Courts draws a cross-section of the entire DMV. Pentagon workers, Arlington families, Georgetown students, and visiting diplomats all end up here at some point. The supporter club members are the backbone -- many have been watching at this exact bar for a decade or more. But Four Courts is equally welcoming to first-timers. The staff treats everyone like a regular, which is exactly why people keep coming back for 29 years and counting.

Insider Tips

For Chelsea or Crystal Palace matches, get there early -- the Cottage fills fast when the Beltway Blues are in. The Library room is the quieter option if you want a more intimate viewing experience. The Saturday brunch menu pairs perfectly with morning kickoffs. Four Courts is a two-minute walk from the Courthouse Metro station on the Orange and Silver lines, so skip the car. And whatever you do, order the wings.