The spread of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the U.S. was a way for Irish immigrant communities, who in the 19th century faced discrimination and opposition, to stake that ground, he says: “It’s a kind of immigrant Irish way of combating nativist antagonism against them.”

Whether you're looking for festive beer, corned beef or just a bit of Irish luck on St. Patrick's Day, here are seven Irish pubs in the Memphis area.