History & Symbolism
A quote we live by:
”NO REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT IS COMPLETE WITHOUT ITS POETICAL EXPRESSION. IF SUCH A MOVEMENT HAS CAUGHT HOLD OF THE IMAGINATION OF THE MASSES THEY WILL SEEK A VENT IN SONG FOR THE ASPIRATIONS, THE FEARS AND THE HOPES, THE LOVES AND THE HATREDS ENGENDERED BY THE STRUGGLE. UNTIL THE MOVEMENT IS MARKED BY THE JOYOUS, DEFIANT, SINGING OF REVOLUTIONARY SONGS, IT LACKS ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE MARKS OF A POPULAR REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT, IT IS THE DOGMA OF A FEW, AND NOT THE FAITH OF THE MULTITUDE.”
James Connolly
The History of The Starry Plough Public House
The Starry Plough Pub has a rich history rooted in activism, culture, and community. Established in 1973 by a group of Irish political activists, it was envisioned as a space to raise funds for the families of political prisoners in Ireland. Over the decades, The Plough has evolved into a legendary institution, known for its dedication to anti-imperialist ideals and its support for underrepresented communities both locally and abroad.
A cornerstone of the venue’s enduring success is its commitment to hosting a diverse range of events. From traditional Irish music every Sunday to free Irish Dance classes to the beloved Open Mic and Poetry Slam, all of which are are the longest running on the west coast; The Starry Plough has served as a long-standing cultural hub for the Bay Area.
The Pub’s dedication to music and community has led it to becoming the legendary venue in the Bay Area music scene that it is today. Historically, acts have included Green Day, Counting Crows, Jonathan Richman, The Devil Makes Three, California Honeydrops, The Brothers Comatose, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Fantastic Negrito, and The Black Family.Our rich musical legacy continues today with weekly jams, local and touring bands, and other community events.
More than just a music venue, The Starry Plough is a family-owned establishment that stands out in the crowded world of Irish pubs. It is defined by its deep-rooted sense of culture, its rebellious spirit, and the close-knit community it has cultivated over the years.
This sense of community is a result of countless individuals—volunteers, staff, and patrons—who have poured their heart and soul into the space. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a Bay Area Institution, The Starry Plough remains a testament to the power of culture, activism, and community. The establishment truly would not exist without the unwavering support of those who love it
History and symbolism of The Starry Plough Flag
The Flag was designed by William H. Megahy in 1914. It was first used in the 1916 Easter Rising by the Irish Citizen Army, a socialist Irish republican movement that used the flag to symbolize Ireland’s freedom and control of its own resources and destiny. The Starry Plough was their original banner and has been used as a symbol of Irish freedom ever since.
The Starry Plough Flag represents Ireland’s freedom from the plough in the dirt, to the stars in the sky. The plough, which represents a farmers plough in an agricultural society, and the stars represent the constellation Ursa Major, otherwise known as the Big Dipper. The sword on the flag is a biblical reference to Isaiah 2:3-4, which encourages followers to turn weapons into tools and war into peace.
Our Current Mission and Vision
The Starry Plough’s mission is to promote Irish culture maintaining the legacy of its founders, ensuring a welcoming space for community in a tumultuous world.
By bringing art, culture, and awareness under one roof, our hope is to make an impact in the lives of the people in our community and the world. We will continue to use music, food, and dance to bring people together and remind everybody that we are all on this journey together; we must remember we have much more in common than the differences that divide us.
Whether we are your favorite music venue, restaurant, or watering hole we hope to serve you in the near future and hope you join us in making history by building a better community for generations to come.
Call To Action
As a family owned and operated business since 1985, we have historically relied on food, beer and ticket sales to support our daily programming and events. When the pandemic shut us down, we had little hope of survival and turned to our community. It was then that we realized just how much support we had fostered. A GoFundMe campaign and arts grants helped keep us afloat.
To thank the community and ensure our survival, we have engaged a 501c3 fiscal sponsor to help protect The Plough as the cultural center it has become. Through this partnership we can now accept tax deductible donations to help us offload the rising costs of programming and ensure The Starry Plough Stage thrives for generations to come Click here to give a tax deductible donation through Haven Of Hope.
