Ireland is world-renowned for its traditional music. Rooted in ancient Celtic culture, Irish traditional music has been shaped over centuries of oral storytelling.
Today, characterised by lively, fast-paced, and cheerful rhythms, traditional Irish music is one of the main reasons tourists visit the Emerald Isle.
Although you can find pubs all over Ireland where you will enjoy traditional music playing in the musicians’ corner, here are our recommendations for the best Irish towns you should put at the top of your list for traditional music!
Galway City, Co. Galway – for the lively music filling the streets and pubs
Galway’s popularity for its musical atmosphere is undeniable. Music fills the streets of the city, offering outdoor concerts by a variety of different artists who have come to perform for passersby.
Now, if you’d like to immerse yourself in traditional music, you should definitely head to one of the pubs. Among countless choices of great bars in Galway, we recommend The Crane Bar on Sea Road, which offers live traditional music every night.
Tig Cóilí on Mainguard Street is another great option if you fancy a more authentic country-like atmosphere.
You can also enjoy traditional performances at one of Galway’s renowned festivals, such as the Galway International Arts Festival held each July, a musical experience you won’t soon forget!
Doolin, Co. Clare – for colourful and renowned traditional music sessions
A little less known but just as unforgettable, the colorful village of Doolin in County Clare is famous for being home to Irish traditional music. The numerous cosy pubs scattered around the main road won’t let you down for a musical evening.
Whether you pick McDermott’s family-run pub, the more vintage McGann’s across the road, or Fitzpatrick’s Bar, where you can also spend the night after a wild evening, you will not be disappointed.
During the summer months, however, we recommend reserving a table or arriving early, as the small town can be a victim of its own success!
Dingle, Co. Kerry – for tapping your feet to the beat next to celebrities
Dingle in Kerry is another must destination for traditional Irish music. The fishing port is well known for its live music sessions and unmissable pubs, some of which are converted old merchants’ establishments.
As such, you can enjoy trad music in a pub that displays the remains of an old hardware store at Foxy John’s, sing along in an old general store at Curran’s Bar, or tap your feet to the beat at Dick Mack’s, still selling leather goods next to the more common Guinness pints.
These unusual places have charmed several celebrities, including the Star Wars crew, who have been spotted in these pubs after a long day spent mastering the force!
Westport, Co. Mayo – for the hustle and bustle among the legends of Irish music
Last but not least, one of Ireland’s most welcoming towns – Westport in County Mayo. Westport will not let you down for a musical night out!
Located at the foot of Ireland’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, the charming town bustles at night. This is the place to be for an authentic evening with traditional Irish music.
The musicians gather in their favourite pubs, such as the much-famous Matt Malloy’s, named after its owner and former flutist of the Chieftains! It doesn’t get any more authentic than this.
If you are lucky, you might see him playing with the rest of the band on some nights. If the place is too full, though, which can happen during the summer season, we recommend retreating to The Porter House next door.
The Porter House is also renowned for its traditional Irish music sessions and welcoming visiting musicians to join in.
Other notable mentions – other fantastic spots worth mentioning
Ennis in County Clare is another town where you’ll be able to enjoy some great traditional Irish music sessions.
The Clifden Arts Festival in Clifden, County Galway, features Irish traditional music and is the “longest-running community arts festival in Ireland”.
If you are staying in Dublin, you will also have a plethora of choices to listen to traditional music sessions in pubs such as The Cobblestone. Although the atmosphere might feel less charismatic than in small towns, you can definitely enjoy a wild night out!
No matter where you go in Ireland, experiencing the traditional Irish music is a must. However, the towns mentioned above offer a traditional musical experience that will transform you and your trip.
