Discover the best of traditional Irish pubs

From live music sessions to the freshest whiskey, lot to explore
2024-09-15
/
/ New Delhi
Tourism Ireland has selected 10 great pubs for traditional Irish music, where visitors can be foot-tapping to the air of a melody or the beat of a bodhrán
Discover the best of traditional Irish pubs

Tourism Ireland has selected 10 great pubs for traditional Irish music

Pubs are central to Irish social life and are known for their long history, welcoming atmosphere and live music sessions. Here are some of the best pubs that offer traditional music to their patrons.
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The pub and traditional music are strongholds of Irish entertainment and draw visitors from all around the world. Savour the lament of a ballad or the enchanting rhythm of a fiddle over a drop of Irish whiskey, a fresh pull on a Guinness, or a good strong cup of tea. To get a flavour of that experience, Tourism Ireland has selected 10 great pubs for traditional Irish music, where visitors can be foot-tapping to the air of a melody or the beat of a bodhrán, within minutes of pulling up a chair to the hearth.

Peadar O’Donnell’s, Derry~Londonderry

On most evenings, the music filters onto the narrow hilly streetscape outside the bright blue and yellow front

On most evenings, the music filters onto the narrow hilly streetscape outside the bright blue and yellow front 

The old shop and bar backdrop at Peadar O’Donnell’s gives a flavour of what to expect from this great little pub, the best crafted pint of Guinness for miles. However, it is the famed call of the uilleann pipes and well-known traditional tunes that draw the crowds every night to this high spirited Derry~Londonderry hotspot close to city’s riverfront.

On most evenings, the music filters onto the narrow hilly streetscape outside the bright blue and yellow front, creating a carnival-style, good humoured atmosphere that lingers till late.

Dolan’s Pub, Limerick

The low ceiling front bar, crammed with an eclectic collection of paraphernalia behind the dimly lit counter

The low ceiling front bar, crammed with an eclectic collection of paraphernalia behind the dimly lit counter 

Once a sleepy docker’s pub on Limerick’s riverfront, Dolan’s has emerged as a hotbed of local musical talent. The low ceiling front bar, crammed with an eclectic collection of paraphernalia behind the dimly lit counter, is the best place in town to catch a live traditional Irish music session.

The board says that here talented artists huddle close to the crackling fireplace while visitors get lost in the melodies and moody ambience. The bar is linked by a short hallway to the Warehouse, the premises’ live entertainment venue, which showcases contemporary music as well as the best of Irish comedy.

Tigh Neachtain, Galway

The premises is the former home of 19th century animal activist Richard Martin and was established as a pub by the Neachtain family in 1894

The premises is the former home of 19th century animal activist Richard Martin and was established as a pub by the Neachtain family in 1894 

Tigh Neachtain is set in the heart of Galway’s medieval quarter, on the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, and is known for having one of the best traditional Irish sessions in Connaught.

The premises is the former home of 19th century animal activist Richard Martin and was established as a pub by the Neachtain family in 1894. These days it is the best place to catch an “Irish Rover,” the lively song that is likely to be belted out by a trad band while visitors can sit surrounded by wood panelling, cosy fires and picture-lined walls.

Pepper’s Bar, County Clare

It is tucked into a lush valley at the foot of Slieve Aughty Mountains and a short drive from Lough Derg is Pepper’s Bar

It is tucked into a lush valley at the foot of Slieve Aughty Mountains and a short drive from Lough Derg is Pepper’s Bar 

Tourism Ireland says that Clare’s west coast villages like Doolin or Kilfenora have vibrant pubs where an impromptu melody can cut through the lively chat at any given moment. Serious traditional music aficionados, though, tend to head to east County Clare to hear seasoned masters at play.

It is tucked into a lush valley at the foot of Slieve Aughty Mountains and a short drive from Lough Derg is Pepper’s Bar, which has hosted trad maestros such as Sharon Shannon and the Chieftain’s Matt Molloy for over 200 years from its crossroads location on the outskirts of pretty Feakle Village.

The Crosskeys Inn, County Antrim

The interior scale is folksy, small and very intimate with timber heritage fixtures 

This premises is the very epitome of a traditional Irish cottage, with a thatched roof, sash windows and whitewashed render and it has served its rural Antrim customers, in the north-west corner of Lough Neagh, for over 300 years.

The interior scale is folksy, small and very intimate with timber heritage fixtures, fireplaces and low ceilings so the acoustics are magnificent. Once a session is in full swing the atmosphere is electric, making it a magnet for some of the most talented musicians in Ireland.

Leo’s Tavern, County Donegal

These days Leo’s youngest son Bartley runs the show with regular performances from energetic musicians

These days Leo’s youngest son Bartley runs the show with regular performances from energetic musicians 

The board says that Leo’s Tavern in the tiny County Donegal village of Meenaleck along the windswept fringes of north-westerly Ireland offers living proof that music runs in the blood. Legendary performers Enya and Clannad honed their craft at this plaster-finish 19th century tavern, while proud father Leo pulled pints and nurtured his harmonious legacy.

These days Leo’s youngest son Bartley runs the show with regular performances from energetic musicians and it is a favoured haunt of musicians, locals and tourists. Inside, the walls offer a timeless reminder of glory days with gold and platinum discs that hang proudly from floor to ceiling.

Blakes of the Hollow, County Fermanagh

Pillar-box red timber façade of this citadel of Enniskillen hospitality for 125 years harks back to a Victorian past

Pillar-box red timber façade of this citadel of Enniskillen hospitality for 125 years harks back to a Victorian past 

The rich mahogany interiors with original brass fixtures and pillar-box red timber façade of this citadel of Enniskillen hospitality for 125 years harks back to a Victorian past. Visitors gather close to the cast-iron fireplace in this gorgeous pub to bathe in its glow, and the melodies played on harp fiddle or pure vocal and time takes on a slower pace in this unhurried part of the island.

However, it is not all about music here. Fans of Game of Thrones will be intrigued to discover an intricately carved door on site, produced from the timber of the Dark Hedges trees that fell during a recent storm, depicting settings from the famous television series, the statement adds.

Levis Corner House, County Cork

Levis takes a short break from its traditional music roots when it becomes the nerve centre of Ballydehob’s Jazz Festival for a few days in late springtime

Levis takes a short break from its traditional music roots when it becomes the nerve centre of Ballydehob’s Jazz Festival for a few days in late springtime 

Musician Joe O’Leary runs this 150-year-old West Cork pub that was once operated by his grand aunts, continuing a melodic legacy that hasn’t missed a beat for generations. Performers gather behind the old shop counter and shelves of groceries to play at what is surely Ireland’s most inimitable venue, while visitors sit on stools in the cramped quarters amongst trinkets that jam the wall space and low ceilings above.

Levis takes a short break from its traditional music roots when it becomes the nerve centre of Ballydehob’s Jazz Festival for a few days in late springtime.

Kelly’s Cellars, Belfast

Kelly’s corner is also the best place in Belfast for a quality pint of Guinness or to enjoy friendly local banter

Kelly’s corner is also the best place in Belfast for a quality pint of Guinness or to enjoy friendly local banter 

This Belfast pub dates back to 1720, and the dark timber beams and chalky white render remain largely unchanged since that time. It has entertained many customers over the centuries, including the United Irishmen who planned the doomed 1798 Rising in the faint glow from the fireplace.

These days folk gather for the traditional Irish music sessions that kick off on Tuesday and spill into the weekend, and if visitors are lucky they can catch sean-nós dancers kicking their heels up in tandem with the rhythm of the music. Kelly’s corner is also the best place in Belfast for a quality pint of Guinness or to enjoy friendly local banter.

The Cobblestone, Dublin

The Mulligan family, who have operated it for five generations, have their finger on the musical pulse of the bar

The Mulligan family, who have operated it for five generations, have their finger on the musical pulse of the bar 

Located north of the River Liffey in the upcoming neighbourhood of Smithfield, this is a bastion of traditional Irish culture. The music that leaks from every orifice of this simple, plaster and timber finished establishment is top notch and it attracts legendary and upcoming performers from every corner of Ireland.

The Mulligan family, who have operated it for five generations, have their finger on the musical pulse of the bar and have nightly trad sessions from early evening until closing time, seven days a week.

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