Dublin has a lot of pubs. But as we know, not all pubs are the same, or even created equal for that matter. We’ve got Old School Pubs, Traditional Pubs, Gastro Pubs, Craft Beer Pubs, Sports Pubs, Whiskey Pubs, Historic Pubs, Dublin’s Oldest Pubs. Yes! We get the idea, Thank You!… Okay, to start lets look at what I think are 6 of Dublin’s Best Traditional Music Pubs.
Dublin is Ireland’s capital and one of the most friendly fun cities to visit in Europe, if not the world! Dubliners & Irish people are renowned for their vibrant sense of humor, sharp wit, and always ‘Up for the Craic’ (A Good Time). We’re not called the land of a thousand welcomes for nothing.
Boasting an incredible history – from Celtic roots and Viking settlements to Norman conquests and English occupation – Dublin has seen it all! While rebellion and revolution have shaped our past, the city today exudes an ever-increasing diversity of culture and creativity.
Our language and heritage are interwoven into everyday life, reflected in the passion of our National Sports, Hurling and Gaelic football, as well as our rich literary and musical traditions. Traditions that we’ve been proud to share with the world for centuries. Yes, Ireland truly is a land of a thousand welcomes!
And as a vibrant capital, Dublin is a city of a million stories and more, just waiting to be told. With countless adventures to be had, there’s no shortage of experiences to dive into. So let’s look at what I think are 6 of Dublin’s Best Traditional Music Pubs.
The Cobblestone is a vital part of Dublin’s cultural fabric. Located in Smithfield, a historical area with roots tracing back to the 17th century. There’s reference to a pub on the site of The Cobblestone from as far back as 1670. Owned by Tom Mulligan & family since the 1990s. The Cobblestone is fondly known as “a drinking pub with a music problem.” I mean come on people! How cool a description is that! Providing Irish traditional music 7 days and nights a week, The Cobblestone attracts a wonderful crowd of locals and tourists.
The atmosphere is cozy and rustic, with live session in the bar and music events in the ‘Backroom’, here you can also play in beginner sessions, practice the Irish language, and even take dance classes. The walls of the pub are adorned with photographs that celebrate Ireland’s musical heritage. Sessions are informal, welcoming both seasoned musicians and newcomers eager to join in the tunes. Visitors can enjoy a great pint of Guinness or two.. ”Steady on there now” in addition to sampling a wide range of Irish whiskeys, all to be had while soaking up the unique atmosphere.
The Cobblestone not only preserves traditional Irish music but also fosters a sense of community and genuine Irish hospitality. Amidst changing developments in the area, the pub has survived closure due to pressure from commercial developers. However, with great passion, Tom Mulligan & family, along with the local and broader community of Dublin fought hard to save this cherished landmark and cultural institution.
When my guests ask me where is the best place to hear traditional Irish music, The Cobblestone is always my first port of call. So for you who are lovers of music, – or even not – and just wish to experience a pub with a local authentic cultural vibe, The Cobblestone is a must visit during your time here in Dublin. Location: Google Maps
The Brazen Head, established in 1754, is Dublin’s oldest pub and has long been a cornerstone of the city’s social and musical life. Built as a coaching inn on the site of a merchant’s dwelling, its origins date back to 1613. The pub’s architecture has evolved over the centuries.
Located on lower Bridge Street, The Brazen Head is renowned for its lively sessions of traditional Irish music, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. With a charming old-world atmosphere, the pub features stone walls and cozy nooks that invite patrons to gather and enjoy spirited performances. Many famous Irish figures, including Robert Emmet and Daniel O’Connell, have frequented this historic establishment, adding to its cultural significance.
Visitors can savor traditional Irish cuisine and enjoy a good selection of drinks while immersing themselves in the rich history and vibrant music scene. The Brazen Head not only preserves the essence of local heritage but also creates a great space where everyone feels welcome to share in the craic and joy of Irish Traditional Music. Location: Google Maps
O’Donoghues on Merrion Row is a renowned destination for traditional Irish music. The building boasts a rich history dating back to 1789. A true traditional Dublin pub, it began its musical journey under the ownership of Paddy and Maureen O’Donoghue in the 1960’s. Famous for its lively atmosphere, regularly filled with the sound of flutes, fiddles, bodhráns and a variety of traditional instruments. O’Donoghues hosts regular music sessions, featuring some of Ireland’s finest.
A spiritual home to one of our greatest traditional Irish folk bands The Dubliners. The bar is set in a wonderful old style wooden decor. Telling stories of its illustrious past with walls covered with memorabilia paying homage to the Dubliners and numerous bands and musicians.
So famous is O Donoghues, that International stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Noel Gallagher have visited. Superstar Rhianna booked a thanksgiving dinner for a hundred of her crew and guests during her ‘Loud Tour’ in 2011.
Whether you’re a local or a guest, O’Donoghues encapsulates the essence of traditional Irish culture and hospitality, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one. Maintaining its rich musical heritage, sessions are provided seven nights a week, both inside and outside in its wonderful cobblestone courtyard. Location: Google Maps
The Celt is a little gem of a pub on Talbot Street, boasting a rich history dating back to 1864. Originally a horse stable and later used as a trade union hall for Big Jim Larkin before and during the 1913 Dublin Lockout – Ah sure you’d need a great guide to tell you all about that!
In the early 1920s the space was used as a dance hall for local Dubliners—there’s music steeped in them there walls.
The back bar known as The Shed offers a local, unpolished experience with a shopfront that is said to have been used in the movie Saving Private Ryan. The interior features an old syle rustic look with wood-paneled walls adorned with historical memorabilia and political posters.
Open since 2013, The Celt offers live traditional music seven nights a week in addition to facilitating sporting events and dining. On weekends, it often hosts multiple bands simultaneously across its distinct spaces. Whether you’re seeking a hearty beef and Guinness stew or a pint amongst locals, The Celt encapsulates an authentic Dublin pub experience. Music generally starts around 9:30 pm. Location: Google Maps
The Oliver St. John Gogarty on Fleet Street is a vibrant landmark for traditional Irish music, located near the heart of the Temple Bar district. Housed in two of the area’s oldest buildings, the pub is named after the famed author & surgeon who is said to have inspired James Joyce’s “Buck Mulligan” character in Ulysses. The exterior is instantly recognizable for its award-winning floral displays and colorful facade, while the interior captures a late 19th-century charm with flagstone floors and authentic artifacts.
Renowned for its non-stop energy, Gogarty’s hosts live traditional sessions seven days a week, often running from 1:00 pm until 2:30 am. The first-floor music lounge is a dedicated hub for ballads and folk, while Irish Trad sessions are constant in the ground-floor bar.
Beyond the music, the second-floor award winning restaurant serves traditional Irish food from Dublin Bay mussels to Beef & Guinness casserole. Whether you’re enjoying the lively atmosphere of the cobblestone streets from its outdoor seating or a pint amidst its bustling walls, Gogarty’s remains a quintessential stop for those seeking the pulse in one of Dublin’s cultural quarters. Location: Google Maps
Darkey Kelly’s on Fishamble Street is a popular destination for traditional Irish music, situated on one of the oldest streets in Dublin. The pub is steeped in macabre local legend surrounding its namesake, Dorcas Kelly, a 17th-century brothel madam, who once thought to be a witch was burned at the stake in 1761. More recent historical evidence suggests a darker reality. ”Ah, I’ll let the barman tell it!” or when you’re on one of My Private Walking Tours.
The street itself holds immense cultural significance; it was the site of the first performance of Handel’s Messiah in April 1742. It also served as the city’s first official medieval fish market—try saying that 3 times fast. Located between Christchurch and Temple Bar, – and overshadowed by that other thing – the venue maintains its historical authenticity, featuring a mural that recounts the building’s grim history.
Apart from that bit. Darkey Kelly’s hosts live traditional music sessions seven nights a week. The atmosphere is lively, but also celebrated for its old-school cozy ambiance, often described as a more authentic alternative to the highly commercialized pubs of Temple Bar. Sessions typically feature local musicians playing a rotation of fiddles, accordions, and ballads, with the music generally kicking off at around 7:30 on weekdays and as early as 3:00 pm on Sundays.
Whether you are visiting for a pint of the black stuff or a bowl of traditional pub grub, Darkey Kelly’s offers a quintessential Dublin experience where the city’s macabre past meets its vibrant musical present. Location: Google Maps
