Traditionally, rubies are the standard 40th anniversary gift. But at O’Blarney’s Irish Pub in Olympia, they’re painting the town shamrock green with food, drink, live music and celebrations honoring their long, joyous history as Thurston County’s neighborhood pub. The original blarney stone may be 3,650 miles away, but you can experience emerald isle magic with O’Blarney’s at their anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
40 Years of Irish Flair with a Northwest Twist at O’Blarney’s Irish Pub
Owner Mike Heelan explains that celebrations will take place in the temporarily fenced off south parking lot area of their 4411 Martin Way East location. The day’s plans include a 21+ beer garden tent, two stages of music, barbecue pit and outdoor heaters, reminiscent of past Saint Patrick’s Day festivities when they pull out all the stops.
On September 20, they’ll welcome guests from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. with the beer garden open from noon until midnight. There is no cover to eat in the dining room but a $20 cover to enjoy the bar and beer garden spaces. The restaurant’s full menu is available from 11 a.m. until midnight. There will also be a special barbecue menu of pulled pork, corn bread, baked beans and potato salad outside from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. or until sold out.
Taking the stage throughout the afternoon and evening will be three musical acts. Kitty Mae the country western performer, Alanis Morissette tribute group Head Over Feet and Olympia’s own Big Blue Van with their signature rock and reggae stylings.
O’Blarney’s Looks Back over 40 Years as Olympia’s Neighborhood Pub
Heelan says that over the years, O’Blarney’s hasn’t changed much since the restaurant was founded by his father. Instead, it’s adapted and grown along with the community. “In 1985, O’Blarney’s was a tavern, 21 and over,” he explains, but today they’re family-friendly.
“We were busy from day one,” says Heelan. “I’m very proud of the fact that we’ve been doing what we do here for 40 years, and that we’ve stayed true to our mission of good food and friendly service. It’s not a stretch to say that O’Blarney’s has meant a lot to a lot of people over the years. We have deep ties to the community here and I take more pride in that than anything else.”
While he admits that their early days as a bar “were a little rougher and rowdier,” they turned family friendly as their regulars started having kids of their own. But O’Blarney’s still has staff from the 1980s and most of their classic Irish-themed menu has stayed the same.
Whether 40-Year Fan or First-Timer, Check out O’Blarney’s for Family-Friendly Dining
To match their growing popularity over the decades, the restaurant has been extended several times since 1985. “In the early days our core demographic was 21 to 30 and many of those folks still come in which skews our current demographics a little older,” laughs Heelan.
In 2011, they opened a second location in historic downtown Centralia at 221 North Tower Avenue. Both host events that welcome both regulars and visitors, as well as providing a festive, friendly atmosphere. “A good Irish pub,” says Heelan, “is the people that come to it. And I think that’s a lot of why we’re successful is that we have so many great people who come in on a regular basis. I like to think of this as their living room and we want to keep it nice for them. It’s a place where they can come and relax and be themselves.”
If you’re looking for a spot to host birthdays, office events, retirements, bachelor or bachelorette parties and even weddings, O’Blarney’s is happy to help. They have both daily and weekly food specials and weekly events like trivia nights. The Irish Classic Car Show and Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations are annual high points as well.
While online, look over their Olympia and Centralia menus or order online from either the Olympia or Centralia kitchen. You can even discuss catering options to make your next activity the toast of the town. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest deals, entertainment and updates.
Become an O’Blarney’s VIP to receive first access to events, secret menu items, discounts and insider goodies. And whether first-timer or long-timer, don’t miss out on the anniversary celebrations on Saturday, September 20. Because every generation needs a pub to call home and a place to be themselves.
O’Blarney’s Irish Pub
4411 Martin Way E, Olympia
360.459.8084
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