Irish Author's Neighborhood Bar Tour
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Stephen
2 hours
Includes drinks
Up to 6 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
Neighborhood bars are an important but often overlooked staple of New Orleans' fabric. Join me as we grab a drink in three local places which are steps away from the Mardi Gras route physically, but a million miles removed metaphorically from the French Quarter tourist traps.
We will discuss what it is about this intoxicating, vibrant city that has such a hold over non-natives, and I'll explain what it was like to go through Hurricane Katrina and why I wrote a book about the experience.
I'll tell you about the literary scene here and talk about life as a writer. Think you have a novel in you but you don't know where to start? Want advice about a short story you have been working on? Perhaps you are curious about what it takes to create a 90,000-word book.
Whether you just want to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional local bar over a beer away from the crowds, or if you have specific questions about how to move your story-telling forward, come spend a laid-back and flexible fun couple of hours with me.
I'll offer a unique perspective: for the international visitors, what it's like to live in the States, and for the Americans, what I love about my adopted home.
Other things to note
I will buy you a bottle of domestic beer in each stop, but if you want something else bring cash. There are plenty of good restaurants in the area and the neighborhood is very safe.
We will discuss what it is about this intoxicating, vibrant city that has such a hold over non-natives, and I'll explain what it was like to go through Hurricane Katrina and why I wrote a book about the experience.
I'll tell you about the literary scene here and talk about life as a writer. Think you have a novel in you but you don't know where to start? Want advice about a short story you have been working on? Perhaps you are curious about what it takes to create a 90,000-word book.
Whether you just want to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional local bar over a beer away from the crowds, or if you have specific questions about how to move your story-telling forward, come spend a laid-back and flexible fun couple of hours with me.
I'll offer a unique perspective: for the international visitors, what it's like to live in the States, and for the Americans, what I love about my adopted home.
Other things to note
I will buy you a bottle of domestic beer in each stop, but if you want something else bring cash. There are plenty of good restaurants in the area and the neighborhood is very safe.
Neighborhood bars are an important but often overlooked staple of New Orleans' fabric. Join me as we grab a drink in three local places which are steps away from the Mardi Gras route physically, but a million miles removed metaphorically from the French Quarter tourist traps.
We will discuss what it is about this intoxicating, vibrant city that has such a hold over non-natives, and I'll explain what it was like to go through Hurricane…
We will discuss what it is about this intoxicating, vibrant city that has such a hold over non-natives, and I'll explain what it was like to go through Hurricane…
Stephen's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- DrinksA beer in each bar
From $55
/ person
- 20 Reviews
- Identity verified
I'm originally from Northern Ireland but I've lived in New Orleans for 15 years, so I have the inside track on the ex-pat experience. I'm the author of two books, I teach fiction writing, and I've won a Tennessee Williams / New Orleans Literary Festival writers’ award. I've been to more than 100 countries, all seven continents and all 50 States - and I worked on two world tours with one of the biggest rock stars on the planet.
Where you'll be
We meet at Fat Harry's, an unassuming bar that has been a fixture for residents for decades. Then we move on to a pair of small, hidden little-known neighborhood dive bars well away from the beaten tourist path, the Milan Lounge and the Mayfair. However depending on the day or the time of year, we may mix it up with other surprise detours - there's a smorgasbord of local drinking establishments to choose from!
Rated 4.90 out of 5 from 20 reviews.
I really enjoyed my tour with Stephan. I was actually on a detox while I went so he was super flexible because I was the only guest for my tour and we just rode the streetcar instead of going to bars and I got a great tour of the homes in the area.
I really enjoyed my tour with Stephan. I was actually on a detox while I went so he was super flexible because I was the only guest for my tour and we just rode the streetcar inste…
We had a great experience with Stephen! After visiting a few local bars that we would have probably never gone to on our own, and having great conversations about some things we had in common, we felt like we were part of the local community even though we live far away. Stephen was also very accommodating to a time change request.
I recommend this tour for anyone who wants something a little different from all the cookie cutter voodoo/ghost/pirate tours and want something more authentic.
We had a great experience with Stephen! After visiting a few local bars that we would have probably never gone to on our own, and having great conversations about some things we ha…
My friend and I spent a lovely afternoon strolling the Touro neighborhood of New Orleans with our guide, Stephen. We chatted with Stephen at length about the city myself and my friend are so enamored with. He provided us with insights and personal experiences of the neighborhood he has come to call home. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for another view of New Orleans, away from the touristy French Quarter. It was a pleasure to spend this time and tip a "cold one" with Stephen.
My friend and I spent a lovely afternoon strolling the Touro neighborhood of New Orleans with our guide, Stephen. We chatted with Stephen at length about the city myself and my fr…
Absolutely FABULOUS!!! Stephen is a brilliant host with a deep love for New Orleans which is very evident from all his stories, especially his personal experience of Katrina and the long re-building of this beautiful city. The tour is excellent and the drinks flowed just fine..
All in all a really special experience and certainly one not to be missed. I would highly recommend booking this if you can.. You will not be disappointed. Can't wait to return.
Absolutely FABULOUS!!! Stephen is a brilliant host with a deep love for New Orleans which is very evident from all his stories, especially his personal experience of Katrina and t…
I was looking for an experience not related to the Quarter, but something focused on one or more of the very interesting adjacent neighborhoods. Stephan delivered on this as I have interest in local author John Kennedy Toole and was able to see the neighborhood where he grew up. Although I do not have a huge interest in the Kennedy assassination, we were able to discuss commonalities with my experience growing up in the DFW area. It was also very helpful getting to spend time with an expatriate, something I dream about from time to time. I would say to anyone considering this tour is that Stephen is very knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects and places, and that he is flexible enough to structure it around your particular interests. This tour is highly recommended.
I was looking for an experience not related to the Quarter, but something focused on one or more of the very interesting adjacent neighborhoods. Stephan delivered on this as I hav…
Stephen is very engaging and has many great experiences and stories to share about New Orleans culture and history. The neighborhood he showed us was beautiful too! The other thing I would want improved is adding more bars and length of time to this crawl. Two bars in two hours isn’t quite enough compared to other experiences we went on. Other than that, everything was great and I enjoyed it!
Stephen is very engaging and has many great experiences and stories to share about New Orleans culture and history. The neighborhood he showed us was beautiful too! The other thing…
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Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 6 guests ages 18 and up can attend.
Alcohol
This experience includes alcohol. Only guests who meet the legal drinking age will be served alcoholic beverages.
What to bring
Make sure you have your ID
Bring cash - it's the only payment accepted in many dive bars
Bring cash - it's the only payment accepted in many dive bars