Anyone visiting the Dingle Way in Ireland will likely have heard that this destination is ideal for enjoying Irish folk music. The best Irish music, of course, is live music, played on traditional instruments such as the bodhrán, a type of drum, and the uilleann pipes, an Irish bagpipe. The Dingle Peninsula has numerous hidden bars and busy pubs playing traditional Irish music. These are our favorites!
Sean Og’s, Tralee
It’s hard to find a pub more Irish than Sean Og’s. The walls are lined with memorabilia, the bartenders and guests are more than happy to chat, and the Irish music is well organized – musicians are at work seven nights a week during the normal summer season.
An Bothar, Cuas
After a long day of walking the Dingle Way it is a relief to have a drink in An Bothar. With views of Mount Brandon, the Dingle coastline and fields full of sheep, this is an atmospheric place to rest. Summer music sessions start quite late in the evening and can continue until the early hours.
O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub, Dingle
With a pub for every 70 inhabitants, Dingle has no shortage of nightspots where visitors can enjoy Irish music. But only one can be the best! O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub is known for its unparalleled live music played every night during the normal tourist season. Visit this place for some of the best Irish music along the Dingle Way. The cozy bar is almost always packed with a cheerful mix of locals and travelers.
Teach Sheain, Annascaul
Even in a small town like Annascaul – with just 300 inhabitants – Irish folk music can be found! Annascaul is famous for being home to the South Pole Inn which was opened by the local polar explorer Tom Crean and serves as a mini-museum for his adventures. However, another local pub, Teach Sheain, is famous for it’s authentic live music sessions every Sunday evening.
Kruger’s Bar, Dunquin
The only pub in Dunquin and one of the few nightspots in the south of the Dingle Peninsula. Inside, Kruger’s Bar has a bit of a community center feel – unlike many of the other pubs, you won’t find an atmospheric interior and walls full of objects here. Despite this, this place is worth a visit, if only to meet the locals and hear the traditional musicians on their music nights.
Spillane’s Bar & Restaurant, Castlegregory
At the idyllic Maharees Beach overlooking the ocean and Dingle’s mountainous coastline lies this undiscovered gem. The people of Castlegregory love to come to Spillane’s in the summer for an evening meal, a pint of Guinness or to watch a sports game. However, the best evenings are those where Irish music is played and their feet tap the floor in rhythm with the music!
Dick Mack’s, Dingle
Located in the heart of Dingle, this pub has its own microbrewery offering daily tours and tastings. In addition to the local beer, Dick Mack’s is known for its large whiskey selection, the leather shop located in the same building and the authentic Irish folk music that Dingle is so famous for. Especially in the weekends you have a great chance to enjoy live music here.
