Traditional Irish Music Sessions
around Ireland
Traditional Irish Music Pub Sessions
Traditional music sessions are the life blood of Irish music, it's where musicians get to share and learn music from each other. Sessions are always acoustic but we have included some amplifies sessions in Dublin. There can be anywhere from two to twenty musicians playing. The session will be led by two or three musicians who are usually paid, they will start alot of the tunes and if the other musicians know them then they will join in. There is no "Jamming" they either know the tunes or they dont.
Clapping along is not appropriate at acoustic sessions as it drowns out the music, you will see all the locals tapping their feet along with the music. Some sessions will have singers , If you have a good song and know the words ask the musicians can you give it a go. The styles of music, tempo and instruments will change from county to county.
This is a good guide but things change and times vary, so double check with the pub.
Dublin Music Sessions
The Ha'penny Bridge Inn , Temple Bar
A brilliant family run pub in the heart of Temple Bar with a great pint of Guinness. Music every night, usually ballads with PA system.
The Celt on Talbot Street
Music every night from 21.30. These are amplified sesions and very lively. See thecelt.ie for more information. Typically half music and half songs. Also there is an open singing session at 17.00 on Sunday
O’Donoghues on Merrion Row
Made famous by The Dubliners, Music Every Night See odonoghues.ie for more information. In general O’Donoghues has more ballad singing.
The Pipers Corner on Marlborough Street
Music Every night except Monday. A favourite of musicians, starting at 9pm you will hear some top musicians perform here . See piperscorner.ie for more information.
Mc Neills of Capel Street
Music on most nights, check their website for more details, music starts around 8.30pm
The Cobblestone Pub, Smithfield
The best known music pub in Dublin, sessions start here from 4.30 pm most days and finish at closing time. Get there early if you want to see the music as its a small bar
Galway Music Sessions
The Crane Bar on Sea Road
A beautiful pub with a great pint of Guinness, has music every night. See thecranebar.com for more information.
Tig Cóilí on Mainguard Street
Another famouse Galway session pub. Great sessions every day from early. See tigchoiligalway.com or Facebook Tig Choiliand Instagram @tigchoili for more information.
Taffes, Shop Street
Great Trad Sessions every day from 5.30pm See taaffesbar.ie or Facebook Taaffes Bar and Instagram @taaffesbar for more information.
Dingle / Kerry Music Sessions
Neligans Bar Dingle
Love this pub, run by the Begley family and it has set dancing, music and songs. See Facebook Neligan’s Bar Dingle for more information.
An Droichead Beag, Dingle
A great pub that has some dancing as well, Music every night
Irish Music Festivals
Willie Clancy Festival 5th - 13th July 2025
This is the best traditional music festival held in the home of Irish Music, Milltown Malbay Co Clare. Thousands of musicians young and old will pack into the town and surrounding area for sessions, conerts and masterclasses on a range of instruments. This is HIGHLY RECOMENDED.
Clare Music Sessions
O Connors Bar, Doolin
O Connors on the way to the Ferry has music day and night and its highly recomended
Mc Dermots Bar Doolin
Doolin is a great spot for music and this is a great bar with the best of musicians
Cork Music Sessions
The Corner House next door to Sin é on Coburg Street
Regular sessions
The Spalpín Fánach on South Main Street
Music Thursday and Saturday at 21.30 and a Singers Session on Sunday from 19.00 to 21.30.
Sin E On Coburg Street
Sessions every day starting at 6.30.
Belfast Music Sessions
Kelly's Cellars 30-32 Bank Street Belfast
Another highly recomended session bar right in the heart of Belfast
Maddens Bar - 74 Berry Street BT1 1FJ Belfast
Great bar with great Irish music, regular sessions
