Not only is Dublin a wonderful city to visit in terms of what attractions to see, but there are also some wonderful aspects of Irish culture that you can sample too! You can savour the sights and sounds of Irish Traditional Music at venues throughout the year in Dublin. Read on for more about the best venues in the city to enjoy this fabulous demonstration of our Irish culture, and where the passionate music will have you tapping your feet all night long…
The Irish House Party at the Lansdowne Hotel
For a night of truly magnificent Irish music and dance, the Irish House Party is one not to be missed. The event takes place at the Lansdowne Hotel in Dublin 4, and consists of a sumptuous four-course dinner and fantastic entertainment by champion Irish dancers and musicians. The beauty of this event is that you can participate in it yourself - event goers are presented with a song book and can learn a song in the Irish language, and you can try your hand at some foot stomping Irish dancing! Participation is totally optional, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the show if you so wish!
You will also learn a bit about Ireland’s literary and music history to add more value to the evening! The Irish themed dinner is served at 7pm and the event costs €48 per person. Group discounts are available. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment! To get to the venue, you can get Dublin Bus Number 10, or take the DART to Lansdowne Road Station. If you prefer to walk, it is a southside walk 15 minutes from St. Stephen’s Green.
Find out more about the Irish House Party.
Find out more about the Lansdowne Hotel.
The Irish Dance Party at Oliver St. John Gogartys
This great nights entertainment takes place the Oliver St. John Gogarty pub, at Fleet Street in the heart of Dublin’s Temple Bar. This is a great opportunity to learn all about Irish music and dance through Irish music and dance teachers. You will hear some of the best Irish songs by live balladeers. The live dancing will enthrall you and you will be able to learn some of the fascinating dance moves through the question and answer session!
Admission is only €12 per person. The event takes place 7 days a week based on availability. Events take place during the afternoon from 3-5pm and evening groups are also catered for.
Abbey Tavern - Dinner Entertainment
Enjoy the marvellous “Traditional Irish Evening” (which recently celebrated 45 years of existence) at the Abbey Tavern Bar and Restaurant in Howth, County Dublin. This is a great evening of song and dance featuring the superbly talented Abbey Tavern musicians and vocalists. As part of the musical event, you can enjoy a tasty five-course Irish dinner, which culminates with Irish coffee during the live show.
Find out more about the Abbey Tavern.
Shindig at the Old Jameson Distillery
Enjoy the wonderful “shindig” at the Old Jameson Distillery, in Smithfield County Dublin at Bow Street. Guests to the Distillery can take part in a tour of the plant, taste the whiskey, enjoy a wonderful four-course dinner and then a fantastic evening’s entertainment of evocative Irish Music and Dance from the hugely talented Jameson Players and the dazzling Claddagh Dancers. These “Shindigs” take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-11pm usually from April to October and the rate is €60 per person. Find out more about the Old Jameson Distillery.
Merry Ploughboy Pub Traditional Irish Music Sessions
The Merry Ploughboy Pub is over 250 years old and is located at Edmonstown Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16. Traditional Irish musicians run the Irish Music nights at the pub, and it is a truly authentic Irish cultural night, as it takes place in its right setting - the traditional Irish pub! At the Merry Ploughboy you will enjoy a wonderful four-course meal featuring local produce, followed by stomping Irish music and dancing played at a wonderful pace by excellent musicians, the Merry Ploughboys and dancers. An evening at the hands of the Merry Ploughboy Show is a wonderful experience that you will remember forever!
The traditional Irish music shows take place at the pub 7 nights of the week all year round. Dinner takes place from 7.30pm generally, and the music from 8.30pm Sundays to Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9pm. Price for the show is €22.50 and for the dinner and music is: €52.50
Find out more about the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
So there you have it, a guide to the top traditional music and dance venues in Dublin. After you have enjoyed an evening at one of Dublin’s top traditional music venues, you will need a place to stay. Why not check out our Dublin Hotels page.
Have you been to Dublin and enjoyed an Irish Traditional Music night at one of the venues in Dublin? What did you think of the nights entertainment? Please let us know - your comments are much appreciated!
