Boston's best: Irish bars

What makes one bar more Irish than another? Is it something as simple yet ineffable as having good craic? (for the Irish-uninitiated this is a Gaelic term meaning a fun, rollicking social atmosphere). In an attempt to discover that special quality, we’ve chosen eight popular establishments, counting them down here in order of Irishness, along with explanations for our entirely subjective, arbitrary, probably alcohol-influenced choices.

BEST NAME: Flann O’Brien’s
Named after a writer with the most Irish nom de plume you’ve ever heard, Flann O’Brien’s has all the necessities: lots of Guinness and Bushmills, drunken sing-a-longs and a strong contingency of welcoming locals who will always remember your name (at least before they start drinking). 1619 Tremont St, Roxbury (617-566-7744, flanns.com)

BEST LITERARY HISTORY: Brendan Behan Pub
The Behan has hosted living royalty: Patrick McCabe read from The Butcher Boy and the great J.P. Donleavy gave a talk about The Ginger Man. Poetry readings abound, as well as theatrical performances (Flann O’Brien’s play Thirst, which is set in a bar, was recently done there). The Behan’s also a great bet for brews—they’ve got tons of good stuff on tap—and pet lovers—dogs are allowed! 378 Center St, Jamaica Plain (617-522-5386, brendanbehanpub.com)

BEST OLD SCHOOL: The Eire Pub
This is a true workingman’s pub. Both Clinton and Reagan hoisted a brew here to demonstrate what regular guys they were (the photos hang on the wall as proof). So did Martha Coakley. On the eve of her unfortunate election she lifted a Sam Adams and declared, “We’re going to win tomorrow!” Maybe she should have had a Guinness. 395 Adams St, Dorchester (617-436-0088)

MOST HISTORIC: The Green Dragon
Billed as “The birthplace of the revolution,” this place is one of the oldest bars in Boston—supposedly, Paul Revere got soused here. There are convincing cobblestones outside the front door. The Dragon also has an entertainment license, so you can see full bands playing onstage. 11 Marshall St, Downtown, Boston (617-367-0055, somerspubs.com)

BEST GUINNESS: James’s Gate
Named after the original factory building in Dublin, The people at James’s Gate know Guinness like NASA knows rockets. Bartenders will insist on the proper pour; no touristy shamrocks in the foam and no “bishop’s collar,” which means that the head is not level—exactly the kind of thing you will learn if you drink here. 5 McBride St, Jamaica Plain (617-983-2000, jamessgate.com)

BEST ATMOSPHERE: The Druid
Everything about the Druid screams authenticity like a banshee, from its environs (inside the oldest wooden mercantile building in Cambridge) to its Emerald-Isle ambiance. The bartenders can pour a Guinness and shoot the breeze with the best of ‘em, vintage Irish music fest posters line the burgundy walls, and glowing papier-mache fairy-monsters hang from the ceiling. For the full experience, come by on a Tuesday night or a Saturday afternoon for the Druid’s bi-weekly Irish session, when a gaggle of pipe- and fiddle-playing musicians jam around a corner table. 1357 Cambridge St, Inman Square, Cambridge (617-497-0965, druidpub.com)

BEST CRAIC: The Plough & Stars
More than anyone else, the Plough knows that it’s all about people. Situated between Harvard and Central Squares, the narrow space is treated like a living room for friendly and unusual folk ,including musicians and writers. Even scientists like Joe Davis of MIT who was interviewed for The Colbert Report on the premises. Arts-wise, it’s a mecca for poets; the literary magazine Ploughshares was created here. 912 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge (617-576-0032, ploughandstars.com)

BEST OVERALL: The Burren
You name it, they have it. Proprietors Tommy and Louise McCarthy were Irish emigrants and musicians who realized their dream. They still perform sessions in the front room. The atmosphere is great whether there is music, Irish Step Dancing or a footie event on the TV.  They are the only pub who can boast a close relationship with the members of U2, who have actually done a special presentation on the premises. It doesn’t get much more Irish than that. 247 Elm St, Davis Square, Somerville (617-776-6896, burren.com)