Music Lover’s Guide to Dublin: There’s Something for Everyone
Music has always been an impactful and beloved artform in Irish culture. Modern day Dublin is a city that is teeming with life and different cultures. This cultural diversity has helped shape a musical landscape that caters to all tastes. This article will provide a comprehensive guide of the most popular music venues and the type of music they have on offer.
Traditional Irish Music
If you are new to Ireland and you are looking for an authentic traditional Irish musical experience, there are a number of establishments and shows to check out.
The Cobblestone is a highly recommended venue for those who are looking to experience authentic traditional Irish music while enjoying a tall glass of Guinness in an Irish pub. The pub’s founder, Tom Mulligan, comes from a family that has deep roots in traditional Irish folk music. He created an establishment which would provide a stage for some of Ireland’s most prominent trad musicians to perform to audiences. The pub is open and offers free live music 7 days a week.
The Irish House Party is an award winning traditional Irish experience that was established by a group of local musicians. The show features highly regarded local folk musicians, dancers, presenters, and a hearty 3 course meal.
The show has received rave reviews from attendees on Google and Tripadvisor. Due to its popularity, it is recommended that you book early The show and dinner will cost you €59.50, but if you want to skip the dinner, the show alone will cost €28.
O’Donoghue’s Bar is touted as the most well known traditional Irish music pub in Dublin. It has attracted musical celebrity patrons, such as Bruce Springsteen and the well renowned Irish folk band, The Dubliners.
The nightly musical sessions became a meeting place for musicians to congregate and collaborate. The walls are adorned with famous Irish acts such as The Fureys, Seamus Ennis, and Joe Heaney. The bar also has rooms available to rent for those that wish to rest their weary heads after a night of merriment.
The Merry Ploughboy in Rathfarnham is a pub that is owned by traditional Irish musicians that perform for guests daily. It has won the award for the Best Traditional Dinner/Entertainment Event in Ireland three times. Guests can enjoy a pre show dinner and authentic traditional music for €59 per person.
Rock Music venues
The rebellious spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll is alive and well in Dublin. There are a number of clubs, pubs, and venues that cater to those that need screeching guitars as a soundtrack to their nights out on the town.
If you ask a Dubliner to steer you towards a spot to tick all these boxes, chances are that they’ll point you towards Fibber Magees on Parnell St. in Dublin 1. This venue has hosted gigs for some big names in the Rock world, including: U2, Thin Lizzy, Agnostic Front, Machine Head, and more.
Live acts perform every Thursday till Saturday. The venue also boasts the largest beer garden in Dublin, pinball, and pool tables.
If you want to know why Fibber Magees is the best alternative bar in Dublin, please click here.
Hip-Hop
Hip Hop has come a long way since its inception in 1970 in South Bronx, New York. It has grown to become one of the world’s most popular musical genres. A number of clubs and venues cater to those that enjoy urban rhythms and rhymes.
A standout for me is The Sugar Club. It is a premier music venue that regularly hosts music acts from around the globe. The Sugar Club specializes in hosting hip-hop, Afrobeat.
The club was formerly a movie theatre and has kept some of the cinema house’s architectural features, such as the plush tiered banquet seating and a large screen that is used on evenings when films and documentaries are screened.
It has hosted musicians such as Hozier, The Script, Roy Ayers, The GZA, Thundercat, Erykah Badu, BADBADNOTGOOD, Charles Bradley, Lee Fields, Snarky Puppy, Joey Dosik.
Brazilian and Latin
Dublin has become home to many Brazilians that have left their home country to live abroad. For those that are missing the sounds of home, a number of clubs and venues have them covered.
The Wool Shed is originally an Australian themed bar that attracts sports fans for the live broadcasts of major sporting events. The bar is kitted out with 20+ high definition TVs, as well as four bars spread over three floors. However, this bar also regularly hosts Brazilian and South American themed party nights, with live music and karaoke.
Another pub that hosts Brazilian events is the Hill 16 Bar & Lounge. There are a number of Brazilian Cuisine choices on the menu, such as feijoada. The pub also has live music nights weekly, including samba, pagode and country bands.
Brazilian’s in Ireland call Dicey’s Garden “ The Brazilian’s favourite spot.” This popular night club is usually full to the brim with young revellers till the early hours of the morning. Dicey’s Basement Club Reggaeton offers latin music and very reasonable prices for alcoholic beverages.
EDM Clubs
If you are in the mood for hard hitting electronic music, Index provides a staple line up of electronic acts from around the globe. The club is situated on Liberty Lane in Dublin 8, very close to Camden Street, a lively strip of Dublin that has a variety of pubs, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.
The club adopts a progressive ethos, having a zero tolerance policy towards racism, homophobia, misogyny, or any other forms of prejudiced behaviour. The club aims to host events that are inclusive and accepting of all partygoers.
Another option I would highly recommend is Yamamori Tengu, which is on Strand Street Great, a short distance from the world famous Temple Bar. The club is unique, offering a trendy sushi restaurant, cocktail bar, and nightclub. Much like Index, the club has hosted a number of EDM artists and EDM themed events.
The co-owner and manager of Pawn Shop, David Grier, describes the club as “a ‘ravy cocktail bar,’ with great music, great drinks and the best Mexican food in the city.” The club regularly has electronic beats blasting from their speakers. The venue also serves up tasty and authentic street food.
Another venue that is recommended by fans of EDM music, is Wigwam. By day, the venue serves as a trendy restaurant, by night, it hosts parties, events, and occasionally techno DJs.
Musicals and theatre
Ireland has a rich tradition of theatrical productions and musicals dating back to the construction of its first theatre, The Werburgh Street Theatre, back in the 17th century. Many globally influential playwrights, such as Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, were born and bred on Irish soil.
This deep rooted tradition is still an impactful and popular form of artistic expression in contemporary Irish society. There are a number of theatres in Dublin that host new and classic theatrical productions.
The most well known theatre is Abbey Theatre, on Lower Abbey Street Dublin 1. It was founded as a national theatre for Ireland by W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory in 1904. Over the years, many famous productions have graced its stage.
The largest is The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, which is located in the Docklands of Dublin. The building was designed by visionary architect, Daniel Libeskind. Its eye-catching and intricate architectural design have made it an iconic landmark of Dublin.
For a more central and traditional experience, I recommend the grand old lady of South King Street, the Gaiety Theatre. It has provided Dubliners and visitors from far and wide opera, musicals, drama, revues, comedy, concerts, dance, festivals and pantomime. Located on South King Street in Dublin 2, which is a short stroll to the bustling Grafton Street.
Go out and Explore
Dublin provides a veritable smorgasbord of choices for music aficionados. The establishments I have mentioned in this article are just the tip of the iceberg of what Dublin has to offer. If you are new to the cultural hub of Dublin, I implore you to explore the city to find the many gems it has to offer.
If you are familiar with the city and the music scene, please comment and share music venues that I have omitted.
