Good Irish Music session in Dublin?

Question

Irish Music session in Dublin

This one goes to the Dubliners: Is there a venue, bar, pub where one could enjoy a local or native Irish music session, where the locals go, not tourists? I have heard that popular places like on Temple Bar, Knightsbridge Hotel are more for tourists and are not good or genuine. I am living in Dublin for two years, although I am not Irish, I think it is time to see something more “roots”. I have seen few of them in West Ireland and I would like to know if there are any here in Dublin. I am moving to London soon and I would like to go in such place before I move. Any recommendation?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row do a decent trad session 7 nights a week - it does attract some tourists but has a solid base of regulars too.

The Brazen Head on Bridge Street also does music 7 nights, but it gets pretty crowded.

The Palace (best proper pub in Temple Bar) has trad upstairs on a Wednesday evening.

I got caught up in a lock-in in the Cobblestone around Christmas a good few years ago now. I don't remember a hell of a lot about it, but I know I couldn't speak for a week after all the singing. Great pub. I didn't know it was going still, thought it would have collapsed by now - it must be held together with scaffolding, crusted Guinness and memories.

Answer 2

Temple Bar is a good place to start.If you get hold of the local paper it normally tells you all the venues.Try and go to THE POINT.Thats a place worth visiting.All the big Folk musicians play there.I am not sure when it is open,depends on bookings.Enjoy.

Answer 3

Get yourself a copy of Irish Music Magazine and look in the Pub Sessions section. There are sessions listed in almost every county, with the name of the pub and the telephone number. I suggest phoning first before turning up.

Answer 4

Go to O Sheas Merchants on the Quays, near the Brazen Head. Its a bit like Temple Bar for the retired, but the band is good, and its mostly Irish there.

Answer 5

cobblestones pub, in smithfield, real trad, its on the connolly-tallaght luas line

Answer 6

Hughes' at the Four Courts.