Usually I will visit a place at least twice before deciding it deserves a 5 Heart Rating, but The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery in Murrieta, California only requires one visit to fall in love with the place! My dear friend, Lisa Clark recommended we meet there to celebrate our October birthdays, and oh boy, was I surprised! Repeatedly.
When I walked into the place, not knowing anything about it, I imagined this pub must be pretty authentic. I have never been to Ireland, but The Shamrock just seems like the real deal. My experience continued with ice cold beer, yummy food, great service, and unbelievable live entertainment, including amazing Irish dancers! And get this, a harpist! Yep, in walks this woman with harp in tow, proceeds to take the stage, joining the awesome fiddle already tearing it up, and I was taken to another world where laughter abounds and there is just no way you can be anything other than happy. Did I mention that this all took place early afternoon on a Sunday!?
Since following The Shamrock on Facebook, reading their posts further confirms what I thought about the place from first impression, and speaks directly to the Irish side of this American girl. By the way, I recommend following them on Facebook just for the daily Irish chuckle. Man, these people are funny!
Note: I am inserting an edit here to include remarks from my dear friend, Jody, a 5 Heart Rating and Shamrock fan. She is absolutely right about seating at the pub. I experienced exactly what she describes just this past weekend. In her own words:
“Jean, you are spot on with this review in so many ways. I would like to add the following: Since this place is FABULOUS! if you go on the weekend, make sure to go for dinner and plan on staying for the music that wont start til 9pm. Otherwise, you wont get a table….. you snooze, you lose! We go as often as we can and have a wonderful time with both the food, the service and the amazing entertainment!!!”
Here’s their story in their own words, taken directly from their website at: www.theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
THE SHAMROCK STORY
The Shamrock Irish Pub & Eatery is a culmination of the vision and passion from Graham Judge, whose lifelong ambition was to bring a true taste of authentic Irish hospitality and humor to California. Originally from Dublin, Graham began studying every Irish bar he frequented and while working in the Spanish tourism industry he decided his first venture in the pub business would be in Alicante. In 1994, Graham invested every last penny he had to start the business. The first Shamrock was a small bar that became an instant success that Graham was able to purchase and expand in to the two neighboring units to meet the demand for a great Irish Bar with live music and sport entertainment.
Live music is always a key feature in any business Graham runs. Throughout the years Graham has worked with many great bands, fiddle players and other entertainers so he knows how to create a great pub atmosphere which is enjoyable to its customers.
The latest Shamrock venture drips in authentic Irish culture and charm from the hand painted murals, to the solid oak bar, and genuine memorabilia straight from Ireland. You immediately feel immersed in its traditions and experience what a true Irish pub feels like. You can be sure there will always be a warm Irish welcome at The Shamrock.
The Shamrock is a “local” Irish Pub, bringing a taste of Ireland to the Valley.
Here’s a ton of info on the place. I wouldn’t want you to miss an opportunity to go. Seems they’re always open!
PHONE
951.696.5252
ADDRESS
39252 Winchester Rd. #145, Murrieta, CA 92563.
HOURS
Monday-Thursday: 11am-Midnight
Friday: 11am-till late
Saturday 11am-till late
Sunday 11am-Midnight
HAPPY HOUR
Monday-Friday: 3pm-7pm
Sunday-Wednesday 9pm-CLOSE
Hi. I am one of the dancers who perform at the Shamrock. I might have even danced at the pub the night you were there. (I remember that big harp coming through) I just wanted to let you know we aren’t cloggers. The Claddagh School of Irish Dance is one of the most recognized schools in the world of traditional Irish dance, a truly unique form of dance that is one of a kind. Claddagh offers classes for children and adults and has taken home world champion titles in both solo and team dancing. If you are ever around Murrieta, I love for you to stop by and try a beginner adult class. I think we can get you hooked.
Other wise, thank you for recognizing how awesome The Shamrock is. I have danced in a lot of pubs throughout the region and The Shamrock really captures that sense of community that you find overseas. It really is one of a kind!
Hi Erin, thank you so much for your comments and for correcting my error. I am familiar with your school as my daughter is a dancer (ballet), has danced for 20+ years in this community and is now at UCI finishing up Dance as one of her majors. Your school, at one time, was very near her ballet studio. I thought the dancers were introduced as “cloggers”. I guess not! I’ll go fix it in the post now. I really enjoyed my experience at The Shamrock, especially the dancing. I’m looking forward to going back. Btw, I received more responses to this 5 Heart Rating than all of my other posts combined! Probably 30+ people have inquired. Hopefully I’ll get to see you again. (The day I was there, there were 3 dancers, a child, one tall blond, and one young woman with long dark hair.)
Great review Jean! Can’t wait to try!
Thanks Kelly! Funny, I was just thinking of you. Hope you’re doing okay. Miss ya!
Hi Kelly, I don’t know where my reply to you went… You may get 2. I absolutely love this place! Hope all is well with you. Miss you!
Jean, you are spot on with this review in so many ways. I would like to add the following: Since this place is FABULOUS! if you go on the weekend, make sure to go for dinner and plan on staying for the music that wont start til 9pm. Otherwise, you wont get a table….. you snooze, you lose! We go as often as we can and have a wonderful time with both the food, the service and the amazing entertainment!!!
Thanks Jody! You are so right- we did just that this past weekend. I’m going to add this info to the 5 Heart Rating. Maybe I’ll see you there sometime. Of course, when I was there, I thought of you and your hard cider! ~: )