Cead Mile Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes) to San Diego’s favourite Irish Pub. Located on Adams Ave, in the heart of one of the cities oldest neighbourhoods, Normal Heights. The Ould Sod has the authentic feel of a local pub that you would find anywhere in the Emerald Isle. The bar itself is actually the third oldest licensed establishment in San Diego, first opening its doors to patrons away back in 1940 as “Ryan’s bar”. In 1943 it became the “Elbow Club” and so it remained for 46 years, then on New Years Eve 1989 it was transformed into “The Ould Sod” by current proprietors Tommy Quinn, Ron Stout and Mick Ward. The stereotype of a bar is a place where people just go to drink, but a quick glance at what the Ould Sod is all about for almost 20 years certainly paints a much different picture.

Culture: The Ould Sod is a proud sponsor of the San Diego Irish players drama group, host pub for the annual Blooms day pub crawl in June, the Christmas pub crawl in December, pub quizzes, Amnesty International concerts, cd release parties, St. Patrick’s Day parade functions, bus trips to Petco park and Qualcom, Notre Dame games in LA, baseball in lake Ellsinore, we also proudly host the annual Marine Corps birthday party every November and much much more

Sports: The staff at the Ould Sod considers themselves resident sports experts. On our plasma flat screens you can catch NFL and college football, baseball, hockey and basketball and any other major sporting events of the day. We are also proud sponsors of Sod Celtic and Sod united soccer clubs, Setanta and Na Fianna Gaelic (Irish) football clubs, Old Aztec rugby club, San Diego police hockey team, O.T.L, golf tourneys and even an Irish surf club!

Charity Fund-Raising: Since the Ould Sod opened its doors, a cornerstone of our philosophy has always been to give back to society. This little pub has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years for a host of good causes, both nationally and locally. Donations, concerts, auctions etc., have helped such causes as the victory fund for wounded vets, marines corps holiday baskets, breast cancer, autism, head injury foundation, homeless vets, aid for Africa and many many more. When help was needed locally we were there for the victims of the wild fires, individuals with medical bills, bereavement, etc.

As you can see this little neighbourhood Irish pub is much more than a mere drinking establishment!

We hope you enjoy the friendly atmosphere here at San Diego’s most authentic Irish pub. However, any establishment is merely bricks and mortar without the people that create the atmosphere. The Ould Sod is blessed with the finest staff west of county Galway. So belly on up to the bar, grab a stool, order a pint (or your preference) and experience some Irish hospitality.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you

Tommy, Ron and Mick