Last updated on June 15th, 2025 at 02:23 pm
Welcome to the guide to the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music – you will not be disappointed!
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a traditional Irish pub. Picture it: the low hum of conversation, the scent of turf smoke in the air, a creamy pint in hand, and the unmistakable sound of fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns filling the room. Sound like what you’re looking for? You’re in the right place.
As Irish locals who’ve spent years chasing down the best spots for a proper Irish trad session, we’ve created this guide to help you find the most authentic traditional music pubs across the country.
Ireland is a country where music is more than entertainment – it’s heritage, storytelling, and connection. Whether you’re chasing the craic in Galway or seeking music by the fire in Doolin, these pubs are where the soul of Ireland comes alive through music, storytelling, and a good pint.
The traditional Irish music session (“seisiún”) is one of our richest cultural expressions, and the best pubs in Ireland for traditional Irish music are where that spirit comes alive.
So whether you’re a visitor searching for the real Ireland, or a local looking to rediscover your musical roots, here’s your ultimate guide to the best Irish pubs for traditional music and a proper night out.
Don’t miss our bonus pick at the end!
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1. Gus O’Connor’s Pub – Doolin, Co. Clare
The pubs listed continue to host traditional Irish music sessions, however, for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to contact the pubs directly or visit their official websites. This ensures you have the latest details on session times and any special events.
Best for: Authentic, nightly trad in the heart of Irish music culture
Sessions: Nightly from around 7:30pm; weekends are busiest
Widely recognized as one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music, Gus O’Connor’s Pub in Doolin is legendary. This 19th-century pub sits close to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, in a village often dubbed the trad music capital of Ireland. Here, nightly sessions bring together musicians from around the world in an unpolished, authentic atmosphere.
Step inside and you’ll find wooden beams, creaky floors, and walls filled with photos of famed Irish musicians. The sessions are informal and communal, where players join in seamlessly. This pub’s reputation ensures it’s buzzing, especially during the summer months and the Willie Clancy Summer School when Doolin becomes a mecca for traditional music lovers.
Arrive early to grab a table close to the music. July is especially vibrant during the Willie Clancy Summer School, when musicians from around the globe descend on Clare for a week of sessions, classes, and ceol.
Top Tip: Gus O’Connor’s Pub is also famous for its delicious traditional Irish Food – perfect to soak up those creamy pints!
If this is something that tickles your fancy, you can check out everything you need to know about Doolin!
2. Dolans Pub – Limerick City, Co. Limerick
Best for: High-energy mix of trad and contemporary Irish folk
Sessions: Weekly trad in the front bar; regular gigs in the venue
No list of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music is complete without mentioning Dolan’s Pub in Limerick. Known both as a traditional pub and a larger live music venue, Dolan’s strikes the perfect balance between cozy sessions and electrifying concerts.
Their front bar hosts frequent Irish trad sessions where locals and visitors come together to play, sing, and enjoy the craic. The venue space out back features big-name folk and acoustic gigs, making it a hub for both old and new generations of Irish music lovers.
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3. Matt Molloy’s – Westport, Co. Mayo
Best for: World-class trad in a relaxed, intimate setting
Sessions: Nightly; Sunday afternoons are legendary
Owned by legendary flautist Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, this pub in Westport is one of the true gems among the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music. Matt Molloy’s Pub is known for its intimate setting, perfect for listening closely to some of the finest musicians in the country.
The sessions happen nightly, with Sunday afternoons being particularly special – locals gather by the fire, the music is heartfelt, and the sense of community is palpable.
Don’t Miss: If you’re in town on a Sunday afternoon, the session starts early and often stretches into the evening with dancing and great stories.
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Be sure to sample some of Ireland’s world-renowned whiskey – but before you dive into the Irish pub scene, take a moment to explore the related articles below to help you make the most of your trip to Ireland:
- 50 Easy Irish Phrases and Funny Irish Slang Words
- Expert Advice on The Best Dos and Don’ts For Visiting Ireland
- Why Do Irish People Drink? The Real Reasons Behind the Pint
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4. O’Donoghue’s – Dublin City, Co. Dublin
Best for: Musical history and nightly sessions in central Dublin
Sessions: Almost every night from around 8 pm
O’Donoghue’s is one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music and a must-visit for anyone interested in Irish musical heritage. It’s famously associated with The Dubliners, such as legends like Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew who played some of their earliest gigs here.
The pub’s walls are lined with photos of these music greats, and the nightly sessions attract top musicians and passionate locals. Expect an authentic atmosphere where history and live trad music come together to create unforgettable nights.
Top Tip: Make sure you have your bottle of water and packet of paracetamol ready for the next day!
Watch the video below of the craic being had in one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional Irish music – what can we say we take our research very seriously!
Top-Rated Dublin Tours for Irish Music & Dance
If you want to experience the heartbeat of Irish culture in Dublin, two unforgettable, top-rated tours showcase the best of traditional Irish music and dancing:
Irish Dancing Lesson and Live Show Experience: Learn how to dance like a local with this popular interactive Dublin experience. You’ll join a fun, hands-on class led by professional Irish dancers, followed by a high-energy live show featuring traditional Irish music and choreography. It’s a brilliant, engaging way to get involved and feel the rhythm of Irish culture for yourself.
Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show in an 18th-Century Townhouse: Step into the charm of historic Dublin with this cultural evening set in an elegant 18th-century townhouse. Enjoy a spectacular live show with traditional music and world-champion Irish dancers, paired with the option of a 3-course Irish dinner from an award-winning kitchen. This is a more relaxed, seated experience ideal for those wanting to soak it all in while enjoying great food and atmosphere.
5. The Crane Bar – Galway City, Co. Galway
Best for: Traditional sessions in a city full of culture
Sessions: Every night upstairs from around 9:30pm
Galway is a city pulsating with creativity, and The Crane Bar is central to its traditional Irish music scene.
Regularly featured in lists of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music, this spot offers nightly sessions upstairs where the music is the star.
The atmosphere here is respectful and focused, with audiences genuinely tuning in and musicians playing with intensity and joy. Downstairs, the vibe is more casual and social, perfect for pre-or post-session pints.
While you are in Galway, the home of Ireland’s famous Claddagh Ring, make sure to check out the greatest Irish Symbols and their meanings that will blow your mind.
6. The Roaring Donkey – Cobh, Co. Cork
Best for: Friendly trad sessions in a charming harbor town
Sessions: Weekly sessions, often on Wednesdays and Sundays from 8 pm
The Roaring Donkey, located in the picturesque harbor town of Cobh, is one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music, beloved for its warm atmosphere and lively sessions.
This cozy Cork pub has been hosting traditional music nights for nearly 40 years, attracting locals and visitors alike who come to enjoy authentic Irish tunes amid stunning coastal scenery.
With a welcoming fireplace and walls adorned with memorabilia, the pub’s charm creates the perfect setting for spirited Irish sessions. Talented local musicians regularly take the stage, drawing enthusiastic crowds ready for great craic, and unforgettable music.
If you’re planning to visit, it’s best to arrive early, as the pub fills up quickly on session nights. The Roaring Donkey beautifully blends a relaxed seaside vibe with genuine trad music, making it a memorable stop on any music lover’s Irish itinerary.
Check out our full guide to Cobh, the charming harbor town famous as the Titanic’s last Irish port. Discover the top things to do, the best places to stay, and more.
7. The Reel Inn – Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
Best for: Rustic charm and nightly traditional Irish music
Sessions: Live Irish music every night from around 8pm
For a more rustic experience, The Reel Inn in Donegal Town is a fantastic pick on any list of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.
With nightly Irish sessions around a roaring fire, the pub exudes warmth and that famous Irish welcome.
Donegal’s trad style is known for fast-paced reels and jigs, and here you can experience it in its rawest form. Locals and travelers mingle to share tunes, stories, and dance.
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- 5 Best Counties in Ireland – All of these counties are featured in this article, so if you ever find yourself stepping out of one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional Irish music, be sure to explore what else each unique place has to offer!
8. John M. Reidy’s – Killarney, Co. Kerry
Best for: Old-world charm with modern comfort and spontaneous sessions
Sessions: Frequent trad sessions, especially during weekends
Killarney’s John M. Reidy’s is a vibrant and historic pub that earns its place among the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music. With a vintage exterior and cozy interiors, it’s a favorite for both visitors and locals.
Live music sessions often arise spontaneously or are scheduled on weekends, especially in the colder months when the fires are roaring and the pints flowing.
You may have caught on by now – Irish people love a good aul roaring fire with their pint!
9. The Sky and the Ground – Wexford Town, Co. Wexford
Best for: Bohemian energy and eclectic trad/folk sessions
Sessions: Weekly trad, often Thursdays and Sundays
A bit of a different feel for this choice of best pubs in Ireland for trad nights.
Off the beaten path but cherished by locals, The Sky and the Ground offers a unique blend of traditional and folk music. Its quirky, bohemian vibe sets it apart in the list of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.
Sessions here are intimate and eclectic, drawing a crowd that loves music as much as good conversation and craft beers.
10. An Teach Bheag – Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Best for: Intimate trad sessions and lively West Cork atmosphere
Sessions: Regular weekly sessions, especially weekends from 9 pm
Did we save the best for last?!
An Teach Bheag (The Small House) is a beloved pub in Clonakilty and hands down one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.
Stepping inside feels like walking into an old Irish cottage – because you literally are!
This unique setting creates an intimate and authentic Irish experience where local musicians and visitors gather to share classic tunes and stories.
Famous artists like Christy Moore have graced its cozy stage, adding to its rich musical heritage. With a lively yet homely atmosphere, Teach Bheag perfectly captures the spirit of West Cork trad music and is a must-visit for anyone looking for genuine Irish craic.
Do yourself a favor and add some more of Cork’s best towns to your Ireland tour, you won’t regret it!
Bonus: Johnnie Fox’s Pub – Glencullen, Co. Dublin
Best for: High-altitude trad, hearty food, and lively Hooley Nights
Sessions: Regular nightly live music and weekends feature the famous Hooley Show
Perched high in the Dublin Mountains, Johnnie Fox’s is one of Ireland’s most iconic pubs and a fantastic addition to any list of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional Irish music.
Known as the “highest pub in Ireland,” it’s famous for its rustic charm, roaring fires, and unforgettable Hooley Nights – a unique experience combining a traditional Irish meal with live music and Irish dancing.
You don’t have to book the full dinner show to enjoy the music, though – sessions happen regularly in the main bar too, where locals and tourists come together for great tunes, storytelling, and, of course, a pint or two.
It’s tourist-friendly but still manages to hold on to genuine charm and top-tier musicianship.
What Makes These the Best Pubs in Ireland for Traditional Music?
Each of these Irish pubs offers more than just music – they offer community, history, and the authentic Irish experience.
The best pubs in Ireland for traditional music share some things in common:
- Live, spontaneous trad sessions where musicians gather and play for the joy of music
- Welcoming atmospheres where locals and visitors mix freely
- Rich histories steeped in Irish culture and storytelling
- Comfortable settings, from rustic fireside nooks to vibrant city bars
- Regular session times ensuring you’ll find music most nights of the week
Tips for Enjoying Traditional Music Sessions in Ireland
- Arrive early to grab a good seat near the musicians
- Respect the music – listen, clap, and don’t talk loudly during quiet tunes
- Bring an instrument if you play – many sessions welcome new players
- Ask locals about upcoming sessions or special events
- Visit outside peak tourist season for more intimate sessions (but summer festivals are magical!)
Your Journey to the Best Pubs in Ireland for Traditional Music
Ireland’s music tradition is alive and thriving, and finding the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music is your ticket to an unforgettable night filled with soul, song, and laughter.
From the lively sessions in Doolin to the story-tellings in Clonakilty, these Irish pubs offer a glimpse into Ireland’s rich cultural heartbeat.
Whether you’re a seasoned trad musician or a curious traveler, there’s a place for you at the fire – although we are almost certain that this seat will be taken unless you arrive really early!
So raise a glass, tap your feet, and let the music carry you – the craic is always waiting for you in these best pubs in Ireland for trad nights.
We would love to hear what you think are the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.
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Slán go fóil
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