Dublin’s passionate culture and warmth can be felt in the city’s devotion to music above all else. The Irish people’s affiliation with music seeps on to the streets, flows around the corners and makes its way into every nook and cranny it can. From arena stadiums, to smaller theatres, to live performance in bars to busking on the streets, Dublin is powered by music. We’re rounding up the 7 best Music Venues Dublin has to offer. While the music on hand in The Hendrick Smithfield will be enough to keep you going, when you do take to the city, don’t miss out on the live music in Dublin. It will be a major highlight of your trip!
Whelan’s
Whelan’s is, hands down, one of Dublin’s most vital venues in the entire city. It’s derived a universal reputation for itself as an incredible venue for gigs and one of Ireland’s most famous pubs. Located on the end of Wexford Street and Start of Camden street, this intimate venue is iconic for the underbelly of Irish music. If you haven’t arrived here for the music, the Dublin 2 stronghold has an impressive selection of beer on draft, along with amazing food and excellent service.
Not only adored by locals, visitors come from all over the world to see the venue where legends such as Jeff Buckley, Nick Cave and Christy Moore have all performed. Even Ed Sheeran knows Whelan’s is not to be sniffed at, playing an intimate gig for fans there in 2015. With a continuously jam packed schedule, Whelan’s has live music seven nights a week, incorporating all genres from rock, indie and electronic to traditional country and roots music. The Wexford st venue is also home to the Cherry Comedy Club every monday.
Vicar street
Although not as big as the 3 Arena or as historic as The Olympia, Vicar Street holds its own as a highly sought after venue for many renowned artists. With a seated capacity of 1050 and standing capacity of 1500 Vicar Street manages to find the perfect blend of intimacy and space for an unbeatable gig. Not only enjoyed by the thousands of music lovers that attend Vicar Street every year, it’s a venue that is hugely respected and cherished by artists and performers themselves.
It’s a truly unique venue that enables the performer to connect with the audience as though they are one to one. Vicar Street’s acoustics are so good many musicians, including the beloved Dubliners, chose to record live albums or songs during their concerts here.
Bruxelles
Bask in appreciation for the evolution of Irish Rock and Roll at Bruxelles Bar. Dublin’s music scene would be, today, unrecognisable if the likes of Thin Lizzy and Skid Row had not begun jamming out in this very spot. Where is this spot you ask? On a prime central location of Harry Street, right off grafton street.
Only fitting that today the bar is guarded by rock legend Phill Lynott, whose impressive statue paying tribute to his great legacy, is located just outside Bruxelles. While it moonlights as a sports bar, Bruxelles never ending DJ sets and live performances prove sound remains at the heart of this party bar’s existence ensuring a fun night whenever you drop in!
The workman’s club
The Workman’s Club, a venue that’s reputation precedes it. Experience the cool side of Dublin where the tunes are the way we like, worshipped. Head along the quays and at the edge of Temple Bar check out a multi-floor venue with an insane passion for music alongside an energetic atmosphere. The Workman’s Club is delighted to host the city’s finest club, comedy, acoustic and new band showcase nights.
Never shy of rock and roll action, it’s been the venue of Villagers’ live album recording, a Jimi Hendrix film shoot with Andre 3000 as well as gigs from Kodaline, Damien Dempsey and Imelda May. TheWorkman’s Club, living the rock star lifestyle since 2010.
The button factory & crowbar
For an immensely enjoyable evening of music appreciation and lots of craic we’d highly recommend The Button Factory. Found in the refurbished Temple Bar Music Centre its well on its way to achieving high flying status as a well-known venue. The intimate setting has become a popular venue for breakout folk acts to test the water before announcing a larger venue.
With the addition of Crowbar, its second music venue, it is a valuable addition to the Dublin music scene. Crowbar doubles as a theatre bar and music venue which has rapidly grown a reputation for featuring up and coming prominent artists. The location couldn’t be more ideal as it’s found in the rock and roll hub of Temple Bar directly under the famous Irish Music Wall of Fame attracting crowds with a genuine passion for their sound.
The grand social
With Dublin becoming a more and more important music destination many pubs and bars have evolved into famed venues in their own right. The Grand Social is one such bar who mastered the Dublin music scene and grew into an adored hotspot to enjoy a night of live performance and Dublin craic.
Over the years its reputation as an iconic upstairs venue was propelled by high profile artists such as Little Green Cars, The Strypes, Jake Bugg, Primal Scream and many others who all took to its stage. Not only an ideal spot for fanatics but The Grand Social remains popular for its rooftop beer garden and bespoke cocktail bar. Offering a wide selection of drinks and other events, this brilliant location is a must stop off.
The cobblestone
Mere minutes away from the Hendrick hotel is the home of Irish ballads. The Cobblestone is a piece of Irish Culture that proudly exhibits our historical musicians each day. Offering a quintessential Irish pub experience, the bar is one of the greatest spots in Dublin City Centre. While you won’t hear bands, you will spot a couple of well known players just arriving to take part in the music sessions.
The Cobblestone is our favourite venue to pop into for a trad session, and a perfect spot for visitors to Dublin too. It has a relaxed atmosphere, but be weary of the signs around you. The helpful staff will let you know if you’re in a listening area, meaning no loud chat. Call in to listen to some traditional music, stay to sample the wide range of craft beers, decent whiskey selection and local brews for a memorable, or not so memorable experience.
The wrap up
Dublin City Centre is packed full of incredible music spots from intimate venues, to club nights and incredible music experiences at the 3 Arena. You are sure to have a fun night listening to music performances in one of the popular spots on our list. If you’re popping in for some grub first, we’ve compiled 10 delicious food spots in Smithfield, from classic arcade bites to traditional Irish food.
If you’re a fan of an comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff, then book your Dublin hotel stay at the Hendrick Smithfield. Your time in Dublin will be incredible as your stay at the Hendrick, just minutes from the Smithfield Luas stop, Temple Bar, Grafton Street and so many hidden gems in our neighbourhood. Book today to get an unbeatable price on your stay.