Best venues for live music
1. THE WORKMAN'S CLUB
WHERE: 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, D02VX36 | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11.30am-11pm, Sunday | EVENTS: Call on +35316706692 or check online here
The Workman's Club is an energetic, cool and vibrant venue that set out 15 years ago to provide a genuine creative space for indie arts - it's primarily a music venue, but also hosts comedy, spoken word, readings, book launches, art exhibitions etc. It also has regular club nights. It spans the entirety of an old Georgian building - from the basement to the roof terrace.
2. WHELAN'S
WHERE: 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2, D02H527 | 17 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 5pm-1.30am, Mon-Thurs; 5pm-2.30am, Fri & Sat; 5pm-1am, Sunday | EVENTS: Check online here
Describing itself as "Dublin's original live music venue", Whelan's has been showcasing new and established bands and musicians for decades, including Jeff Buckley, Ed Sheeran and the Arctic Monkeys. The main venue has a 400 capacity so it's small enough to be an intimate experience. The main bar also hosts the occasional gig - smaller, unplugged, more relaxed. You can just show up and pay in at the door but if there is something you especially want to see, it's best to get tickets in advance. Can do that here.
3. THE GRAND SOCIAL
WHERE: 35 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1 | 7 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12.30am, Sun-Wed; 10.30am-2.30am, Thur, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here
Right next to the Ha'Penny Bridge, the Grand Social is just across the river from the apartment. It hosts gigs and sessions of just about every musical genre you can think of - check out what's on and get tickets here. It has three different spaces within it: The Ballroom on the ground floor is the main bar and an open space where you'll normally find DJs and dancing; the Parlour, which hosts gigs; and the Loft, which opens out to a rooftop beer garden.
4. THE BUTTON FACTORY
WHERE: Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 5 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11pm, Sun-Thurs; 12pm-3am, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here
One of the bigger venues in the city centre, the Button Factory is in the heart of Temple Bar. As well as live music, you'll find club nights - everything from hip-hop to salsa - DJ sessions etc. There is also the Crowbar Terrace, which is a much smaller venue. If there is nothing on in the main venue, the bar will still be open.
5. THE ACADEMY
WHERE: 57 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1, D01W573 | 10 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: depends on what's on | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here
One of the biggest dedicated venues in the city, the Academy hosts a range of artists and bands throughout the week but weekends tend to be club nights with DJs, dancing etc. Check online to see what's on. Nights in the Academy can be hectic and high energy...not for the faint-hearted!
6. THE OLYMPIA THEATRE
WHERE: 72 Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02K135 | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: depends on what's on | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here
Saving the best until last, the Olympia Theatre is without doubt the most spectacular, most beautiful music venue in the city. It started out as a music hall in 1879, and today hosts music, drama, comedy and more. You wouldn't think it but beyond the modest interior is a 1,200-seat venue that hasn't changed from its Victorian origins. Red velvet seats, stalls, upper tiers and its history and legacy all add to the experience.
