Dallas Pubs Benefit from Surge in Irish Cultural Popularity

Irish music, film, and beer drive increased business at local Irish pubs

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In recent years, a surge of Irish cultural influence has swept through Dallas, Texas, with Irish music, film, and beer driving increased business at local Irish pubs. Pub owners like Peter Kenny, who owns Lochland's Irish Pub and The Dubliner, have seen a rise in Irish-themed events, music, and beer sales as the "Green Wave" of Irish popularity has hit the city.

Why it matters

The rise in Irish cultural influence in Dallas reflects a broader trend across the United States, as Irish music, film, and products have seen a resurgence in popularity. This has provided a boost to local Irish pubs, which have become hubs for the community to gather and celebrate their Irish heritage.

The details

The Irish cultural resurgence in Dallas can be seen in the success of Irish acts like the post-punk band Fontaines D.C., which sold out a show at the Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum last year. Irish actors like Paul Mescal and Cillian Murphy have also found success, with the film "Banshees of Inisherin" earning nine Oscar nominations in 2023. This "Green Wave" has also driven increased tourism to Ireland and a surge in Irish beer and whiskey sales in the US, including at Dallas pubs like Lochland's and The Dubliner.

  • In April 2025, Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. performed a sold-out concert at the Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum.
  • In 2024, Hozier's song 'Too Sweet' topped the Billboard Top 100, making him the first Irish singer-songwriter to have a No. 1 song since Sinéad O'Connor in 1990.
  • In 2023, the Los Angeles Times coined the term 'Green Wave' in an article referring to the fact that a single Irish-led film, Banshees of Inisherin, earned nine Oscar nods at the 95th Academy Awards.

The players

Fontaines D.C.

An Irish post-punk band that performed a sold-out concert at the Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum in April 2025.

Hozier

An Irish singer-songwriter whose song 'Too Sweet' topped the Billboard Top 100 in 2024, making him the first Irish artist to have a No. 1 song since Sinéad O'Connor in 1990.

Peter Kenny

The owner of Lochland's Irish Pub in Lake Highlands and The Dubliner on Lower Greenville, who has seen a rise in Irish-themed events, music, and beer sales at his pubs.

Cheryl Kenny

Peter Kenny's wife, who helps run Lochland's Irish Pub and The Dubliner as part of their family enterprise.

Guinness

The iconic Irish beer brand that has seen record sales in the U.S., driven in large part by an increased interest from Gen Z drinkers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do love to see it. I love seeing the Fontaines D.C. being the great band they are. They keep breathing it out.”

— Peter Kenny, Owner, Lochland's Irish Pub and The Dubliner (advocatemag.com)

“It's like a community thing. Even when the young people come in, groups of them, we were seeing it a lot at the Dubliner on weekend nights, and now they're familiar with it, and they feel comfortable there.”

— Peter Kenny, Owner, Lochland's Irish Pub and The Dubliner (advocatemag.com)

“It's everybody, and the Dubliner gets a lot of young crowds on the weekends. I can't believe the amount of Guinness we sell, they're all drinking Guinness. So I guess maybe it's some of them trying it out, and others just loving it.”

— Peter Kenny, Owner, Lochland's Irish Pub and The Dubliner (advocatemag.com)

What’s next

The Kennys will hope for the trend to continue as they gear up to host St. Patrick's Day events at both pubs this month. Preparations begin a year out, and Peter laughingly admits his staff probably 'get tired of listening to Irish music.'

The takeaway

The surge in Irish cultural influence in Dallas, driven by the success of Irish music, film, and beer, has provided a boost to local Irish pubs like Lochland's and The Dubliner. This reflects a broader trend across the United States, as Irish-themed entertainment and products have seen a resurgence in popularity, creating a sense of community and belonging for those seeking to celebrate their Irish heritage.