The days of a smoky basement bar on Old Georgetown Road are long gone.
But Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle, now the only Irish bar left in town, is doing just fine and likely will do better than just fine this weekend, its busiest of the year.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) dropped by Friday morning after an event in North Bethesda to deliver a proclamation recognizing the bar and restaurant for its success and economic contribution. The restaurant employs 24 people on a part-time or full-time basis.
Belfast native Steve Nugent worked his way up from bartender to manager before taking over ownership of the old Flanagan’s Irish Pub, which opened in 1986 at the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Woodmont Avenue.
Condo redevelopment put Flanagan’s out in 2005 and Nugent joined with Mac McTigue to move the operation to Flanagan’s Harp & Fiddle at 4844 Cordell Ave.
Friday and Saturday night will bring back Scythian, the Celtic band that started in D.C. area bars including Flanagan’s about 10 years ago.
Jennifer Nugent, Steve’s wife, said people will be back in the bar bright and early Saturday morning. Ireland’s rugby team is playing in the annual Six Nations event.
The Culkin School of Irish Dance and bagpipe players will be in on Monday, for the bar’s official celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
