Your Guide To The Best Live Music Venues In Dublin

Ireland certainly punches above its weight in musical terms. Over the years Irish bands and solo artists have risen to become some of the most renowned performers in the world – a feat which is still going strong today.

So surely there are some fantastic live music venues in the capital city, right? Exactly! Here’s our list of the 10 best places to catch a deadly gig in Dublin.

The Workman’s Club

This is a late night bar/club that also hosts interesting music events in its downstairs room regularly enough. The organisers here go for quality over quantity, so you’re practically assured a great performance if you head in here for some music!

The Ambassador

The Ambassador is one of the larger venues in the city and also boasts majestic, old-style furnishings throughout. This is the perfect spot to catch a big band play in a setting that won’t leave you overwhelmed by the size of the crowd.

The Twisted Pepper

Dublin’s leading venue for electronic events. The Twisted Pepper regularly plays host to some of the biggest international DJs. This is also a great spot for reggae and hip hop acts.

The Button Factory

The Button Factory’s big stage has hosted many prestigious acts over the years. Formerly the Temple Bar Music Centre, this venue has been firmly established on the scene for decades and continues to bring in some of the biggest acts in every genre. Its multi-level design fits in a sizeable crowd, ensuring a lively atmosphere!

The Academy

The Academy is a brilliant spot for a hard rock or metal gig. The nice, open-plan design and upper balcony means this venue is perfect for bands who love providing a grand spectacle.

3Arena

Formerly The 02 and formerly before that the beloved Point Depot – this is Ireland’s largest and most prestigious indoor entertainment arena, holding over 15,000 in its revamped design. This is where the very biggest names come to play. We dub it Triona.

Whelans Live

Whelans who are celebrating 26 years in operation is a lovely intimate setting that draws quality artists time and time again. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with a live act here if you’re in town!

Vicar Street

One of Ireland’s great stages for comedy gigs, Vicar Street also hosts some fantastic live music acts from time to time. Plenty of Irish stars have played iconic gigs here, perhaps most notably Christy Moore. This is one of the biggest venues in the country for seated gigs.

The Olympia

With its beautiful interior and great acoustics, The Olympia is one of the most favoured places for bands coming to Ireland to play. The atmosphere here is immense!

Opium Rooms

A relative newcomer on the scene, this place in the heart of Camden Street’s busy nightlife area is fast becoming renowned for its large capacity which brings in big electronic acts for wild nights.