Introduction: Why Dublin’s Pubs Are the Holy Grail of Live Music

Listen, if you’ve ever tried to find a decent live music scene in Dublin, you’ve probably ended up with more than just a night out. You’ve probably ended up with a hangover, a broken voice, and a newfound appreciation for the term “session singer.” Dublin isn’t just a city; it’s a pub crawl in human form. And if you’re looking for the best pubs with live music, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will save you from the chaos of “accidental pub trivia” and point you straight to the spots where the music is good, the pints are cheaper than your self-respect, and the locals will try to convince you they invented the word “singer.” Let’s dive into the top 10 pubs where you can raise a pint and raise hell—musically, of course.

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1. Temple Bar: The Grand Ole Opry of Dublin’s Pub Scene

Okay, let’s start with the obvious. Temple Bar isn’t just a pub; it’s a tourist trap masquerading as a cultural hub. But here’s the secret: the live music here isn’t just for the tourists (though they’ll try to join in). The Temple Bar has a stage that rotates through everything from Celtic ballads to indie rock. Pro tip: Avoid the 8 p.m. slot if you’re not a fan of 70-year-old men warbling “Whiskey in the Jar” with the emotional intensity of a man who’s had three pints.

Why it’s great: If you want to hear live music and feel like you’re in a museum of pub culture, this is your spot. And yes, there are toilets that still work.

2. The Cobblestone: Where the Music Is Good and the Patrons Are Not

Located in the heart of Dublin’s city center, The Cobblestone is the kind of pub where the owner is 80% of the entertainment. The live music here is a mix of traditional Irish folk and whatever the regulars can muster after a few rounds. Legend has it that the jukebox is haunted. Not by ghosts, but by a 1980s power ballad that plays on loop until someone throws a tenner at it.

Key features:

• Live music every night (except when it’s just the jukebox)
• Free pub quiz on Thursdays (questions include “What’s the capital of Wales?” and “What’s the point of this quiz?”)
• Pub quiz prizes: A free shot of something that’s not whiskey

3. The Celt: Where the Music Is Live and the WiFi Is Not

If you’re looking for a place where the WiFi is slower than a drunk man trying to text his ex, The Celt is your spot. This pub plays host to local bands who take their music seriously and their audience less seriously. The stage is small, the acoustics are worse, and the crowd will try to karaoke even the most obscure 90s boy band hits.

Pro tip: Arrive early, or you’ll be stuck in a booth where the previous patrons left a mystery liquid in the ashtray.

4. The Church: Because Every Bar Needs a Reverend

Yes, The Church is a pub. And yes, the name is ironic. This place is a converted church, and the music is as loud as the stained glass windows. The live bands here are usually a mix of local indie acts and whatever cover band is in town trying to avoid paying rent. The best part? The acoustics are so good, even the priest who used to rent this space for weddings would be impressed.

Must-try: The “Sinner’s Special” pint. It’s just regular lager, but they charge extra for the guilt.

5. The Stag’s Head: Where the Music Is Live and the Pints Are Not

Located in the trendy Liberties area, The Stag’s Head is the kind of pub where the beer costs more than the music. But hey, at least the music is better. This spot is a favorite among local musicians who think they’re edgy for playing folk tunes on a loop. The real talent here is the bartender, who can predict your order before you’ve had your third pint.

Fun fact: The Stag’s Head has a “quiet hour” from 9-10 pm. It’s the only time you can hear yourself think… or sob quietly into your glass.

6. The Dublin: Where the Music Is Live and the WiFi Is Worse

If you want to hear live music and feel like you’re in a 1990s sitcom, The Dublin is your spot. The band here plays everything from U2 covers to whatever the bassist can remember from his childhood. The atmosphere is so retro, the only modern thing is the QR code menu that links to a PDF of the food. Yes, it’s that bad.

Why go: To experience a pub where the music is live, the WiFi is dead, and the only thing connecting you to the internet is the bartender’s disdain.

7. The Bernard Shaw: Where the Music Is Live and the Patrons Are Not

Named after the playwright who probably wrote a monologue about pubs, The Bernard Shaw is a cozy spot with a stage that could fit a solo cellist and a man with a tambourine. The live music here is usually acoustic, which means you’ll hear every note… and every cough from the back of the room. The bartenders here are so jaded, they’ll give you a look that says, “You’re not the first drunk person I’ve seen today.”

Pro tip: If you’re not into live music, go during the day. The bar is less crowded, and the bartender is less likely to yell at you.

8. The Porterhouse: Where the Porter Is Strong and the Music Is Stronger

Porterhouse is a pub that takes its namesake seriously. The beer here is good, the music is louder, and the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists who think they’re being cool by buying a round for the band. The live music here is a mix of everything from punk to pub rock, and the stage is so close you could throw a shot glass at the drummer.

Key features:

• Weekly “Open Mic” nights where the only rule is “no Shakespearean soliloquies”
• Free popcorn that tastes like regret
• A menu that includes a “Shotgun Wedding” cocktail that’s not recommended for weddings

9. The Long Hall: Where the Hall Is Long and the Music Is Longer

Located in the trendy Ballsbridge area, The Long Hall is a bar with a reputation for hosting live music that’s as long as the hallway. The bands here are usually local indie acts who take themselves too seriously. The bar is so long, you could get lost between the first pint and the third. And yes, the staff will tell you to “keep it down,” even though the music is louder than your conversation.

Why it’s great: If you want to hear live music and feel like you’re in a film noir scene, this is your spot. Just don’t ask for a cocktail—it’s just beer and shots here.

10. The Bank: Where the Bank Is Closed and the Music Is Open

Originally a bank, The Bank is a pub with a history that’s as convoluted as its menu. The live music here is a mix of everything from jazz to whatever the band can remember. The acoustics are so bad, the singer will ask you to “turn down the noise.” The bar is so small, the only way to get a pint is to elbow your way past the person who’s already elbowing you for the last pint.

Pro tip: Go on a Tuesday. The music is better, the crowd is smaller, and the bartender is less likely to pretend they don’t know you when you ask for a free shot.

FAQs: Because You Probably Have Questions (And So Do We)

Q: What’s the best time to go? A: Avoid the 9 p.m. slot unless you want to hear a man in a kilt cover “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with a ukulele.

Q: Is there a dress code? A: No, but if you show up in a suit, you’ll be asked to leave for “looking like you belong in a different bar.”

Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Only if your dog can sing “Whiskey in the Jar” without being prompted.

Actionable Steps: How to Make the Most of Your Night

1. Book a table (if you can). Most of these pubs are first-come, first-served, but The Porterhouse lets you reserve a spot if you email them. Just don’t do it on a Monday.

2. Check the schedule. Not all pubs have live music every night. The Bernard Shaw, for example, is closed on Tuesdays unless it’s a holiday.

3. Bring cash. Some of these pubs still use a system where you pay with coins. Yes, even in 2023.

4. Be prepared to sing. In Dublin, the concept of a “session singer” is taken seriously. If you’re the only one not singing, you’ll be asked to leave (in a nice way).

5. Use Dropt.beer to sell your beer. If you’re a local musician or brewer, Dropt.beer is the place to sell your creations and get them into the hands (and pints) of Dublin’s thirsty masses.

Conclusion: Raise a Pint (and Your Voice) to Dublin’s Live Music Scene

Dublin’s pubs are more than just places to drink—they’re cultural institutions, historical landmarks, and sometimes just places where you end up after a bad breakup. Whether you’re a local looking for a good time or a tourist trying to figure out why everyone’s singing along to “The Auld Triangle,” these pubs have something for everyone. So grab a pint, find a spot, and remember: in Dublin, the music isn’t just live—it’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s probably covering “Sweet Caroline” by the third verse.

Want to create your own beer to pair with your pub night? Check out Make Your Own Beer for tips on brewing the perfect pint. And if you’re a business owner looking to grow your pub, visit Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for expert advice.

For more Dublin pub recommendations and beer tips, visit Custom Beer and Home. Cheers to live music, good beer, and the people who make it all possible!