Live Music in Dublin

From inspiring international artists through to waxing lyrical, Dublin is one song-filled city, with bars and pubs soundtracked nightly with a whole host of genres. Whether it's jigging to Irish trad at a backstreet pub or moshing at a rock gig, we've rounded up some of Dublin's best live music bars, pubs, clubs and venues for when Spotify just won't cut it.

Last updated on 27th September 2021




Whelan's

68 user reviews 5

While Dublin may not be short of fantastic live music venues, Whelan's rivals many as one of the best. Located just a short walk from St. Stephen's Green, this hotspot has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, The Artic Monkeys and more, with many more excellent shows coming up.

Bad Bobs

1 user review 5

A venue of many talents that never seems to sleep, Bad Bobs hosts shows every single day. Check out the multi-storey venue for local acts, which over the weekend are followed by DJs and saxophonists and delve into their cracking cocktail menu.

Whether it's boozy brunches or a good ol' fashioned boogie you're in the mood for, Wigwam has got plenty to keep you entertained. The cool Middle Abbey Street bar is up and partying all week, from the downstairs room of ping pong and karaoke, to the upstairs eatery and music venue.

The Grand Social

5 user reviews 4

The Grand Social has got live music in Dublin down. Dedicated to bringing you the best and the brightest talent, the bar has a hot lineup throughout the week. When you're not in the mood to boogie? Head up to the roof terrace for a drink or check out the weekly quiz.

Opium is a cracking Dublin live music venue, club, bar and restaurant all rolled up into one. A relaxed restaurant serving the finest in Asian cuisine by day, this place transforms into a fun-loving party bar and raucous gig space when the night rolls in. 

If you're more about the fiddle than EDM, The Temple Bar is the place for you. A stalwart on Dublin's music scene, this pub hosts a live band every darn night and has even been named 'traditional Irish music pub of the year' 10 years in a row.

An iconic spot for a pint in the city, the original Porterhouse also likes to keep it lively with traditional Irish music over the weekends. Head to this Temple Bar joint as they serve craft beer, Irish ale and lively tunes to see you into the wee hours.

One of Dublin's rowdier spots, The Workmans Club has hosted some huge names, including the likes of Cillian Murphy on the DJ decks, and Father John Misty crooning. When it's not cranking out live music, the bar is keeping you entertained with poetry readings, comedy and more.

Set in Temple Street, The Button Factory puts on shows five nights of the week, whether that be an EP release or a rock band trying out their electric guitar. If you're looking for a place to see some of the best live music in Dublin, this venue promises to deliver.

A real Dublin live music experience, Kehoes Pub is keeping things low key with ale, trad music and original decor. Stop by on a Tuesday for acoustic tunes, which make for the perfect for a date night if you're snuggled up in one of their wooden clad booths.