Darien
Three area spots leap to mind: Center Street Public House, Darien Social and The Goose. Center Street is a no-brainer with its dedicated Guinness beer menu. The Goose is a “proper pub,” in the lingo of watering holes. Both are warm, cozy, nicely decorated with good eats and, on St. Patrick’s Day, they will be absolutely packed! More gastropubbish is Darien Social, which is equally nice but different in terms of atmosphere, and conveniently located (to go with its fine beer selection). Less raucous than these spots is Scena, with a fantastic array of wines and a very nice bar. Great, more casual ambience also can be had at Rory’s, with its excellent eats and nice pours.
Rowayton/New Canaan
By the water, Sails takes the pudding—it’s St. Patrick’s Day, remember—for food and drink in Rowayton nightlife, I think. Of course, in New Canaan, while bars do not exactly reign supreme, along the way to town, you can stop at Basso Café and sit down for some fortification (maybe wine would be your choice here). Personally, I’d prefer a burger and beer on St. Patrick’s Day, though, and there is no better New Canaan spot for unpretentious eats than Cherry Street East—maybe get some wings as well? Less, shall we say, unreserved are Boulevard 18 and Cava Wine Bar; or you can go to Elm or Solé. Not precisely what you expect for this day, but we’re talking New Canaan (not Dublin).
Norwalk
All things taken into account, in terms of the area pubscape, your best bet is in SoNo and its surrounding areas. You can actually pub-crawl here. If you head toward Washington Street, which is what everyone will be doing, expect crowds. Nearby there is O’Neills, which will be mobbed (but very fun). If you keep walking in SoNo, you will hit the slew of drinking and dining spots on the main thoroughfare, which takes in LOCAL, Ginger Man, Johnny Utah’s (yes, yes, a country bar), all the way down to Harlan Publick, which offers that great, huge tract of space to sit in and enjoy good food and libation. Naturally, nearby are different locales that most Norwalkers and visitors know, such as Barcelona and Burger Bar Bistro. There’s a LOT on offer—you just have to know what you want for St. Patrick’s Day.