Exploring the Best Places to Listen to Traditional Irish Music
Ireland has long been known as one of the best places in the world to experience traditional folk music. From lively pubs and restaurants to festivals and other events, there is no shortage of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the culture. Here are just a few of the best places to listen and appreciate Irish music:
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is Dublin’s famed cultural quarter and home to some of the city’s best music venues. Some of these include The Workman’s Club, The Cobblestone, The Purty Kitchen, and Madame George – each offering its own unique atmosphere with excellent music. There are also plenty of opportunities for busking on the cobblestone streets!
Musicians’ Pubs
Musicians’ pubs are scattered all across Ireland and provide an excellent setting for listening to live traditional Irish music. Pubs such as An Chonair in Co. Kerry, Matt Molloy’s in Westport, Auld Reekie in Dublin, O’Neills in Belfast are particularly renowned for their nightly musical entertainment. One of the best places to experience traditional Irish music is Sligo’s oldest traditional pub, Thomas Connolly
Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann
This is Ireland’s biggest annual celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. This week-long festival features over ten thousand performers from all over the world competing for awards throughout hundreds of events across multiple venues around Ireland. It’s a great way to experience traditional Irish music!
Irish music has played an important role in Ireland’s culture for centuries. It is synonymous with stories about love, loss, reunions, merriment, working life and more – making it a central aspect of Irish identity today! Whether you’re visiting or just curious about this legendary art form – you won’t be disappointed when exploring some of these amazing places around Ireland dedicated solely to its appreciation!
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has announced Mullingar as the venue for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023. The announcement was made on 3.9.22 following a meeting of CCÉ’s Ardchomhairle at Cultúrlann na hÉireann, Monkstown, Co. Dublin.
Mullingar hosted the highly successful and much accoladed Fleadh 2022, the Homecoming, welcoming in the region of 500,000 visitors to the founding town of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann embracing all aspects of the Irish cultural traditions.
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann has welcomed in the region of 500,000 visitors and generates upwards on €50m for the local economy.
Welcoming the news, Cathaoirleach of the Fleadh Executive Committee, Joe Connaire, said:
“It has been a great privilege to host this fantastic event and showcase Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to a global audience. Today’s news is a testament to the Comhaltas volunteer committee, with the support of Westmeath County Council, and the passion that was collectively brought to make this year’s Fleadh a resounding success and an unforgettable one.”
He continued:
“We are committed to building on this year’s success – delivering a world-class event and an unforgettable visitor experience next year. We look forward to welcoming cairde from near and far back to celebrate Irish culture once again.”
Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023 is set to take place in Mullingar from the 6th to 14th of August 2023.
Musical Tour Of Dublin
Experience the story of Dublin through its music! Take a journey through narrow medieval laneways, Georgian wine taverns and Victorian cobblers. You’ll laugh, you’ll sing, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even have a little dance. Learn about the culture of this city through its street songs and folk ballads with a Musical Tour Of Dublin.
Ready for that trip to Ireland? Start planning here!
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
Shea Reynolds
Tuesday 7th of March 2023
Jacks bar Kells on a thursday night. Birminghams navan sunday evening. Village inn Kildalkey monday night.