Best pubs for traditional Irish music
1. DARKEY KELLY'S
WHERE: 19 Fishamble Street, Dublin 8, D08PD8W | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11.30am-11pm, Sunday | SESSIONS: See details of what's on and times here
One of the best known pubs in Dublin for traditional Irish music with sessions every night of the week. Check the exact details here or call on 00353833464682. Darkey Kelly's also has a good food menu.
2. O'DONOGHUE'S
WHERE: 15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, D02PF50 | 22 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12am, Mon-Thurs; 10.30am-1am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-12am, Sunday | SESSIONS: See details of what's on and times here or phone on +35316607194
Probably the most famous place in Dublin for Irish traditional music, perhaps due to the part if played in revitalising traditional music in Dublin in the 1960s. Every name in traditional music has played here over the years - and continue to drop in from time to time to partake in nightly sessions. There's usually a session from 9pm during the week and from 5pm on Saturdays, varying between classic and modern interpretations of the genre.
3. THE BRAZEN HEAD
WHERE: 20 Lower Bridge St, Dublin 8, D08WC64 | 8 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, 7 days a week | SESSIONS: At 9pm every evening, as well as a Sunday session from 3pm to 6pm
As well as being one of Ireland's oldest pubs - stretching back to the 12th century - the Brazen Head is one of the best pubs in Dublin to catch a traditional music session. It's a cosy pub spanning three separate rooms and an enclosed courtyard. As well as music, the Brazen Head has a good reputation for food. You can check out the menu here, which includes traditional dishes like beef stew and bacon and cabbage.
4. GOGARTY'S
WHERE: 2 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-2.30am, Mon-Sat; 12pm-1.30am, Sundays | SESSIONS: 2.30pm-2.30am, Monday to Saturday; 12pm-1.30am, Sundays
Gogarty's - or, to give it its full title, Oliver St John Gogarty's - has live music sessions every day of the week from 2.30pm until late in its upstairs room. You can get a taste of what the sessions are like here. There are also spontaneous sessions most nights of the week in the main bar downstairs. There is also a restaurant serving traditional Irish dishes - you can see the menu or make a reservation here. The food is ok but somewhat overpriced.
5. McNEILL'S
WHERE: 140 Capel Street, Dublin 8 | 6 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 10.30am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday | SESSIONS: Sessions from 9pm from Thursday to Sunday (but best to call ahead on 0035318728713 to check)
Of all the recommendations, this is probably the most authentic choice - it's off the tourist trail and for the most part frequented by local traditional music enthusiasts (although everyone is welcome!). It's a small, cosy pub that started out as a music shop back in 1834 - and sort of morphed into a pub where music sessions take place. (Interesting piece of trivia: the Horn that sounded the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War in 1854 was made in McNeill's musical instrument shop in the late 1840s).
