Best Irish Pubs for Trad Sessions
The Best Irish Pubs for Traditional Music Sessions
Visiting Ireland and hoping to soak up the magic of a traditional Irish music session? Whether you want to sit back and listen or join in with your own instrument, these pubs are known across the country for delivering the real thing.
Before we get into the list, a quick word of warning: not every pub that advertises “live Irish music” offers an authentic experience. Tourist-heavy spots like Dublin’s Temple Bar or certain parts of Killarney may have plenty of music, but they often come with inflated drink prices and a stage-managed atmosphere. For the best value and the truest trad experience, look a little further afield.
5. Sin É – Cork City
On Coburg Street near South Main Street, Sin É has been a cornerstone of Cork’s music scene for over 50 years. This no-nonsense, music-first pub offers live traditional sessions every day — from 6pm Monday to Saturday, and from 5pm on Sundays. It’s a mix of locals and visitors, with a relaxed “no-ego” atmosphere that puts the music at centre stage. They don’t serve food, but you can bring your own (just not hot meals).
4. Matt Molloy’s – Westport, County Mayo
Owned by Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, this iconic pub on Bridge Street is a magnet for top-class musicians from all over Ireland. Music spills from the snug bar most nights, with sessions that feel spontaneous yet world-class. When Matt’s not touring, he often joins in, giving visitors the rare treat of hearing one of Ireland’s finest flute players up close. Even President Joe Biden made a stop here on his Irish visit.
3. Dolan’s Pub – Limerick City
A central part of Limerick’s cultural life, Dolan’s offers traditional sessions alongside a packed schedule of other live music. With three venues under one roof — a bar, a restaurant, and The Warehouse — there’s always something happening. Friday and Saturday trad sessions from 9pm are led by award-winning concertina player Aisling Lyons and welcome musicians of all levels. Expect a warm atmosphere, candlelight, and a mix of new and old Irish ballads.
2. The Crane Bar – Galway City
On Sea Road, The Crane Bar is a Galway institution with music upstairs and downstairs every night. Upstairs, “The Listeners Club” offers intimate seated gigs for around 70 people, while downstairs delivers the bustling pub session vibe, with space for 50–70 and the stage set against the short end of the room. The mix of seasoned players and fresh talent keeps the music fresh but firmly rooted in tradition.
1. The Cobblestone – Dublin City
If you’re looking for the heart of trad in Dublin without the tourist gloss, The Cobblestone in Smithfield is the place to be. Run by the Mulligan family for decades, it’s built a reputation as a genuine home for Irish music. Musicians gather here daily — from rising stars to established names — and the pub’s sessions have helped launch acts like Lankum and The Mary Wallopers. When developers tried to partially demolish it in 2021, public protests successfully defended it, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.
Honourable Mentions
- Darkey Kelly’s – Dublin: Just outside Temple Bar on Fishamble Street, this lively spot offers music seven nights a week and hearty pub food, including its famous Beef and Guinness Stew.
- Tigh Neachtain – Galway: A cosy pub in the city’s medieval quarter, dating back to 1894. Wood panelling, roaring fires, and a history steeped in local culture make it perfect for a singalong.
- Kelly’s Cellars – Belfast: Established in 1720, this historic pub retains much of its original charm and was once a meeting place for the United Irishmen. Today, it hosts traditional sessions several nights a week, often with sean-nós dancing.
Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Dublin or a quiet corner of the west, Ireland’s pub sessions remain one of the best ways to experience the country’s living musical tradition. Bring an instrument, bring a voice, or simply bring a pint to your lips — the music will do the rest.
Here’s a few more Pubs across Dublin worth checking out!
- O’Donoghue’s (Merrion Row) — Historic home of The Dubliners, with nightly trad sessions in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
- McNeill’s (Capel Street) — Cozy former music shop with a welcoming local crowd and regular sessions Thursday–Saturday.
- The Celt (Talbot Street) — Rustic city-centre pub offering live music every night, often with a lively mix of locals and visitors.
- Hughes Bar (Chancery Street) — Old-school Dublin pub close to the Four Courts, famous for long-running lunchtime and evening sessions.
- Walsh’s (Stoneybatter) — Friendly neighbourhood spot with regular trad nights, strong pints, and a genuine community feel.
And I’ve tried to compile a list of pubs across the country (may not be 100% up to date, if you notice any of these are incorrect please get in touch. The info online can be out of date!)
| County | Pub name |
| Dublin | The Cobblestone (Smithfield) |
| Cork | Sin É (Coburg St., Cork City) |
| Galway | The Crane Bar (Sea Rd., Galway City) |
| Mayo | Matt Molloy’s (Westport) |
| Limerick | Dolan’s Pub (Limerick City) |
| Clare | McGann’s (Doolin) |
| Kerry | An Droichead Beag (Dingle) |
| Sligo | Shoot the Crows (Sligo Town) |
| Leitrim | Cryan’s (Carrick-on-Shannon) |
| Roscommon | JJ Harlow’s (Roscommon Town) |
| Longford | The Tally-Ho Bar (Longford Town) |
| Westmeath | Clarke’s Bar (Mullingar) |
| Offaly | The Thatch (Rahan, near Tullamore) |
| Laois | Kavanagh’s (Portlaoise) |
| Kildare | Brady’s (Maynooth) |
| Meath | James Griffin’s (Trim) |
| Louth | Northend Bar (Dromiskin) |
| Wicklow | The Harbour Bar (Bray) |
| Wexford | The Sky & The Ground (Wexford Town) |
| Carlow | Tully’s Bar (Carlow Town) |
| Kilkenny | Kyteler’s Inn (Kilkenny City) |
| Waterford | T & H Doolan’s (Waterford City) |
| Tipperary | Jim of the Mills (Upperchurch/Glengoole area) |
| Cavan | Blessings Bar (Cavan Town) |
| Monaghan | Adamson’s Bar (Clones) |
| Donegal | Leo’s Tavern (Meenaleck) |
| Derry / Londonderry | Peadar O’Donnell’s (Derry City) |
| Antrim | Kelly’s Cellars (Belfast) |
| Down | Dufferin Arms (Killyleagh) |
| Armagh | Basil Sheils (Tassagh) |
| Tyrone | Tomney’s Bar (Moy) |
| Fermanagh | Blakes of the Hollow (Enniskillen) |
