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28th May 2017

The Very Best Pubs To Go To For A Trad Session In Ireland

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It may sometimes be seen as something that only tourists want to do, but experiencing some traditional Irish music is a great way to spend a night.

I’m not talking about the awkward Gaeltacht céilis of your teens, I’m talking good, traditional Irish music in a good, traditional Irish pub.

Few drinks and you’ll be tapping your foot away in no time.

1. Hughes, Dublin

A really traditional pub, complete with a separate room for the more serious musicians to play in. If you’re just in the mood to listen while you sip your pint, then there’s more than enough space for you. 

2. Crane Bar, Galway

You’re always guaranteed a packed night here, along with some top-quality Irish musicians. A must visit. 

3. Buckley’s Bar, Killarney

A favourite of the locals, this bar is usually full of people and you can always count on a very impressive and sometimes impromptu music session.

4. McGann’s, Clare

You can expect nightly music here during the summer months, so get in early if you want to experience a traditional session.

5. Maddens, Belfast

It’s pretty easy to walk past this one, but don’t – I beg of you. You will miss out on a brilliant night in this authentic bar. Once you’re buzzed in, of course. 

6. An Spailpín Fánach, Cork

The name of not only your favourite Leaving Cert poem, but a favourite pub amongst the locals in Cork. You can expect a varied line-up of music here, but live music nonetheless. 

7. The Cobblestone, Dublin

If you’re in search of a night in a real local, then look no further. You can hear live music here every night, from sean-nós singing to real céilis. A real Dublin treasure. 

8. Tí Joe Wattys, Inis Mór

They have live music at Joe Wattys all year round, and seven nights a week during the summer months. Perfect for those warm(ish) evenings to sit outside and take in the tunes. 

9. Mc Dermott’s Pub, Clare

Great food, great music, great drinks. What more could you want?

10. Fibber Magees, Belfast

You’re guaranteed live music and craic here every night of the week, and you’d only be mad to miss out. Expect more of a show than background music at this spot.

11. O’Donoghues, Dublin

A really popular spot for tourists and locals alike, O’Donoghues is one of Dublin’s oldest bars. So you can bet you’ll experience a true, authentic trad session here – in particular, the Sunday afternoon sessions. 

12. Sin É, Cork

These guys host Cork’s longest running trad session and they play non-stop live traditional music every night until late. Don’t blame us if you get stuck until the wee hours.

13. Mc Neils, Dublin

Located just off Capel Street, McNeils host an epic trad session every Thursday night. Not to mention the food.  

14. De Barras, Cork

Monday and Tuesday nights are the best times to come to this popular pub, with Monday nights hosting traditional sessions and Tuesday nights revolving around a more relaxed acoustic session. 

If we’ve left out any great spots, do let us know!

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