How to Get to The Shamrock Irish Pub and Why Its Worth the Trip
A student guide to Schwabing nights out
The countdown is on. Munich is polishing the steins and ironing the lederhosen for the 190th edition of Oktoberfest. From September 20 until October 5 the Theresienwiese transforms into the largest folk festival on the planet. It is sixteen days of Bavarian traditions, massive beer tents, parades, rides, music, and of course more than a few liters of Munich’s best brews. If you are planning your first visit or your tenth, this guide gives you everything you need to know plus a few Shamrock flavored tips to make the most of it.
Every year more than six million people pour into Munich for Oktoberfest. Some arrive in full traditional outfits ready to hit the beer tents from sunrise. Others wander in curious about the atmosphere and end up dancing on a bench with strangers by evening. The festival is free to enter, open to everyone, and feels like a giant celebration of Bavarian culture mixed with global energy. The moment you walk through the gates you will see families, tourists, students, and locals all blending into one joyful crowd.
The first day, September 20, kicks off with the grand entry of the landlords and breweries. Horse drawn carriages, decorated wagons, and marching bands fill the streets. At noon the mayor of Munich taps the first keg and declares the famous O’zapft is. That is the signal that beer can flow in the tents. On the second day the traditional costume and riflemen parade brings more than ten thousand participants from all over Bavaria and beyond. Later in the festival you can catch an open air concert with hundreds of musicians and on the final day, October 5, the closing is marked by a dramatic gun salute near the Bavaria statue. Family Days are set for Tuesday September 23 and Tuesday September 30 when rides and snacks come at discounted prices for kids and parents.
The Oktoberfest grounds are massive and easy to get lost in. There are seventeen large tents and more than twenty smaller ones. Each has its own character. Some feel traditional with brass bands and hearty meals. Others feel more like a party with standing tables and louder music. No matter which one you enter you can be sure the beer is brewed in Munich and served in one liter steins. Food is equally important. Roast chicken, giant pretzels, sausages, dumplings, and sweets keep you fuelled for hours of singing and toasting. Beyond the tents you will find rides, roller coasters, games, and plenty of stalls to wander through. It is part beer festival and part fun fair, which makes it a perfect mix for groups who want different things out of the day.
If the big rides and crowded tents get overwhelming, there is the Oide Wiesn. This nostalgic corner of Oktoberfest recreates the festival as it once was. Entry costs a few euros, but inside you find vintage rides, traditional music, and museum style tents showing Bavarian culture. It is calmer, family friendly, and a chance to soak in history without the crush of millions of people. For many Munich locals it is their favorite part of the whole festival.
One of the best things about Oktoberfest is that entry to the grounds and tents is free. The catch is that finding a seat, especially in the evenings or on weekends, is tricky without a reservation. Tables can be reserved months in advance and usually require buying food and drink vouchers up front. If you do not have a reservation, aim to arrive early in the day when open seats are easier to find. Smaller tents are often more forgiving, and even in big tents, there are sections held back for walk in guests. Be prepared to wait, be patient, and always be friendly with the staff. A smile and good manners go a long way.
Public transport is the easiest way to reach Oktoberfest. The U Bahn stops Theresienwiese, Goetheplatz, and Poccistrasse all drop you within walking distance of the grounds. The S Bahn stop at Hackerbrücke is another popular route and from there it is a ten minute walk. During the festival trains and trams run more frequently to handle the crowds. Driving is not recommended since parking is nearly impossible. If you are staying in Munich, walking or cycling from your hotel can also be an option and gives you the bonus of avoiding the crush at stations.
Tents usually open at ten in the morning on weekdays and nine on weekends. Last orders are around half past ten in the evening, with tents closing by eleven thirty or midnight. The fairground rides often stay open until midnight, so if you still have energy after the last stein you can finish the night spinning on a carousel before heading home.
You will see plenty of people in traditional Bavarian outfits. Men in lederhosen and women in dirndls are everywhere, from locals to tourists. You do not have to wear traditional clothes, but many people find it adds to the fun. If you do not want to invest in a full outfit, you can always wear casual clothes and still enjoy yourself. Comfortable shoes are a must since you will be walking and standing for hours. Bring a light jacket if you are staying late since September nights in Munich can get chilly.
Bring cash because many tents and stalls still prefer it over cards. Leave large bags at your hotel since security checks are strict and big items are not allowed inside. Drink water between beers to pace yourself. Eat well before and during the day so you last longer. Remember that beer at Oktoberfest is stronger than standard Munich beer. Know your limits and enjoy responsibly. If you are traveling with kids, aim for daytime visits when the atmosphere is lighter and family friendly. For the best photos, go early before the grounds fill or stay later as the lights on the rides glow against the evening sky.
As amazing as Oktoberfest is, it is also exhausting. The crowds, the noise, the endless songs of Ein Prosit can leave you craving a different kind of night out. This is where having an escape plan matters. When you have had your fill of steins and marching bands, head to Schwabing and find The Shamrock Irish Pub. We are only a short U Bahn ride from the festival, near Giselastrasse station. Here you will swap brass bands for guitars, giant tents for warm wooden walls, and shouting for friendly conversation. You can still have a perfect pint, but this time it might be Guinness instead of Helles. You can catch karaoke, a pub quiz, or just relax with a whiskey while chatting with locals and fellow travelers. Think of it as your second festival, smaller, cozier, and without the queues.
Oktoberfest 2025 will be sixteen days of unforgettable Bavarian tradition, music, food, and beer. It is one of those events you need to see at least once in your life, and for many people once is not enough. Plan ahead, know your transport, aim for the events that matter to you, and do not be afraid to explore the smaller corners like Oide Wiesn. And when you are ready for a change of scene, remember that The Shamrock Irish Pub in Schwabing is waiting with open doors, a creamy pint, and a crowd that feels like home. Prost and see you soon.
The Shamrock Irish Pub
Trautenwolfstraße 6 80802 München
Phone 089 331 081
Opening hours Tue Wed nineteen to one Thu eighteen to one Fri Sat eighteen to two Sun Mon closed
