Whelan's

What do Ed Sheeran, Jeff Buckley, The Corrs, Arctic Monkeys and countless other favourites have in common? They’ve all graced the stage at Whelan’s, perhaps Dublin’s most celebrated music pub. Over 28 years, this venue has built up a reputation as a failsafe for live gigs that promise an intimate experience in an electric atmosphere. And with a trip here placing you right at the centre of the city’s action, the night doesn’t end after the band leaves the stage...

Irish Rock’n’Roll Museum Experience

The Irish Rock’n’Roll Museum is the ultimate pilgrimage spot for anyone who grew up worshipping U2, Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, Sinéad O’Connor, The Pogues, or any of the host of Irish music legends that are household names around the world. If you’re feeling inspired after the tour, you can even record your own demo in the onsite studio! But the best part just might be the backstage area, where you can check out the wild and wonderful riders of musicians who performed next door at the Button Factory – including David Bowie and AC/DC.

If you have more time

A five-minute walk west from here is Fishamble Street, where Handel’s Messiah had its world premiere in 1742.

The Merchants Arch

Don’t let the picturesque exterior fool you – The Merchants Arch is one place where, as we say, the craic is mighty! With live traditional music sessions every day, this is an absolutely favourite of visitors to the city, which means the energy – and sometimes the volume! – is sky high. Sit back and relax with a pint and some excellent pub grub, or join in with the fun and sing along. And don’t be afraid to make a request – there’s nothing quite like hearing your favourite Irish ditty played live in the heart of Temple Bar!

If you have more time

Pop outside for a photo op at the iconic Ha’penny Bridge – you won’t regret snapping a shot on this historic piece of Dublin architecture.

Dan and Molly's, Ballyboy, County Offaly

For a true taste of traditional Ireland, you can’t go wrong with Dan and Molly’s. From the outside, County Offaly’s last remaining thatched pub is what most people dream of when they think of life in Ireland – and stepping inside the door, the dream comes to life! The energy in this characterful, family-run hideaway is like nothing else. So when the music starts, get ready to sing along – whether you know the words or not!

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With everything from old Irish classics to chart-topping rock played live on Saturday nights, the Dungeon Bar in Kinnitty Castle is a slice of eclectic fun in an old-world setting.

Body&Soul Festival, County Westmeath

One of Ireland’s best-loved festivals, Body&Soul takes over Ballinlough Castle on the weekend of the summer solstice. Filling the June air with the sweet sounds of indie hits, acoustic sets, electronica, folk, disco and every kind of alternative beat you can imagine, this festival has a free-spirited, chilled-out vibe. Thousands flock to the unique grounds of Ballinlough to enjoy the music against the backdrop of visual art installations and secretive gardens. If you’re looking for a musical experience on another level, this is the spot for you.

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Named the Best Music Pub in the east of Ireland at this year’s Irish Pub Awards, the Palace Bar in Navan, County Meath, is the place to be for anyone looking to dance the night away, with a piano bar, outdoor terrace and nightclub.

National Opera House, County Wexford

There’s simply nothing quite like the drama of the opera – and Ireland’s National Opera House certainly delivers. Built into the framework of a row of old houses in the heart of Wexford, this structure hides more grandeur within than the exterior could ever suggest. Inside, the walnut-clad auditorium curves majestically like the prow of an old ship, engineered with perfect acoustics in mind. From ballet to Italian opera and less well known works, this is the place for a refined night of classical entertainment. Encore!

If you have more time

Make it here in time for the annual Wexford Festival Opera, which takes place every October to November and features three show-stopping performances.

Kilfenora, County Clare

A century ago, the toe-tapping traditional music of County Clare was personified in the Kilfenora Céilí Band. Today Ireland’s oldest (and perhaps most famous) céilí band, the sounds of this group are those of fiddle, mandolin, banjo, flute, whistle, concertina – and that quintessentially Irish secret ingredient. Is it tradition? Is it talent? Or is it simply a little bit of magic? We think the latter – catch a show and see what you think...

Róisín Dubh, Galway

Ask anyone: you simply cannot visit Galway for a big night out without checking out the Roísín Dubh. Perhaps the west coast’s hardest-working venue, this place has everything from big-ticket names to open mic nights, club music, indie sets, UV parties and even silent discos – it just never stops! Another big draw here is the comedy element, with the Róisín a huge backer of the Vodafone Comedy Carnival.

If you have more time

The cosy, wood-clad setting of Tigh Neachtain is the perfect place for a trad music session you won’t soon forget.

Leo’s Tavern, County Donegal

Tucked away in the quiet village of Meenaleck is Leo’s Tavern, an unassuming building that gave birth to some of Ireland’s best-loved musicians. We have this place to thank for the ethereal sounds of Enya and Clannad, both products of the Brennan family, who still run the pub, and continue to bring music to the masses to this day.

If you have more time

Make your way to Ballyshannon, where legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher was born and a statue in his memory now stands.

Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival, County Tyrone

In the quaint surrounds of the Ulster American Folk Park, this festival is something a little more unusual – but no less enticing! Get lost in the sweet sounds of North American and European bluegrass, deep within the place where so many of the genre’s original influences were formed. There’s a reason the event draws 5,000 visitors each year!

The Ryandale Inn, Moy, County Tyrone

If country music is your thing, The Ryandale is where you want to be on a trip up north. With the spot hosting the Country Festival of Dancing each year, it has played host to countless country favourites, including Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan. After a recent renovation, the venue’s dance hall now welcomes more patrons than ever each Saturday night, with the Big Band Dance a huge draw for visitors and locals alike. If you’re looking to kick up your heels, you won’t find anywhere better!

Derry International Irish Music Festival

Each year, the Derry International Irish Music Festival brings Ireland’s only completely walled city to life. For a whole week, hundreds of musicians descend to fill the streets and venues with exuberant sounds of fiddle, pipes and even sean-nós singing – a true tradition of Ireland.

If you have more time

Pause for a pint in Peadar O’Donnell’s and enjoy the sound of live traditional and folk music on tap.

Belsonic Festival

Each summer, this festival blows the roof off Belfast, transforming Ormeau Park from one of the city’s most beautiful and historic outdoor locations, to a heaving, pulsing, dancing crowd of thousands, singing along to the likes of Arcade Fire, The 1975, The Chainsmokers and more. With the festival growing each year, our advice is to get in now – then look back in years to come and say you were there at the start!

Belfast Traditional Music Trail

This trail is a unique way to experience not only Ireland’s traditional music heritage, but Belfast itself. Run by An Droichead, an Irish language and cultural centre, the trail takes visitors through the city’s cobbled streets, stopping at different locations. Throughout the tour, you’ll experience concerts, stories and sessions, learning tidbits of information about the customs and history that inspire Ireland’s strong musical tradition.

Oh Yeah Music Centre

The brainchild of Belfast's music industry and the band Snow Patrol – which counts some Northern Ireland natives among its ranks – Oh Yeah was founded to nurture new talent in and around Belfast. Offering help with everything from performance space to recording and promotion, musicians here produce electronica, indie and post-punk music – plus whatever else you can imagine. Here’s to the next generation!