traditional IrishBest places to see a

music session

An Irish session is something nobody can describe unless you’ve been there and experienced it. Music runs in

the blood of the Irish, and a traditional music session is never more than a stone’s throw away (even in Dublin!). A

cacophony of fiddles, bodhrans and tin whistles, it’s much more than music; it’s stamping feet, rousing voices, joyful

banter and as much good cheer as you can shake a stick at. Oh, and maybe a Guinness or two. There’s nothing like

it anywhere else on the planet.

Here are some of our favourite spots around the country for finding the best craic agus ceol (fun and music) around.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, changing venues

Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, known to locals simply as ‘the Fleadh’, is the festival to end all Irish music festivals. Held

over 8 days, it attracts over 250,000 people who come to compete and watch traditional music, singing, dancing

and even whistling competitions. The fun doesn’t stop once the trophies are handed out; there’s also plenty of

evening sessions, concerts and ceilis (traditional group dances) to dive into.

Hughes, DublinIf serious traditional musicians are what you’re after, head to Hughes on Dublin’s Chancery Street (Dublin 7, 01

872 6540). Situated near the Four Courts, this pub offers a decent pint, excellent trad sessions, set dancing and

a chance to rub elbows with shaggy-bearded locals. A far cry from the manufactured craic you’ll find on any given

night in Temple Bar.

Best places to see a traditional Irish music session

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The Crane Bar, GalwayGet into the full swing of the ceili in The Crane Bar, one of Galway’s only traditional pubs that actually has room to

dance! Brightly coloured and full of craic every night, this pub is known for its fuss-free love of traditional music

craft. The only place you need for ‘real’ Irish craic.

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Willie Clancy Summer School, Co ClareWillie Clancy’s Summer School is Ireland’s largest and best traditional music school. Located in Miltown Malbay,

Co. Clare, it hosts an annual eight day event that hosts expert workshops, lectures, recitals, ceilis and exhibitions

on all things Irish music. At night, expect to hear the sounds of traditional music booming from every pub - and after

they close, from every house!

De Barra Folk Club, ClonakiltyFor fans of traditional Irish music, De Barra’s Folk Club in Clonakilty, Co. Cork, is a must. Traditional instruments

cover every wall, and on any given night there could be a tiny session in the sitting room or a full scale in gig in the

purpose-built auditorium. Big name regulars often make an appearance.

MacDiarmada's, DoolinThe tiny town of Doolin in west Clare is famed for traditional music, and MacDiarmada’s is the best of its three

music pubs. With countless musician residents and the otherworldly Burren landscape at the doorstep, there’s no

better place to experience Ireland’s music, natural beauty and legendary craic all at once. Don’t expect a seat!

An Spailpín Fánach, CorkA local favourite, An Spailpin Fanach (the Wandering Labourer) is a laid back pub in Cork city situated right across

the road from the Beamish brewery - so you’re guaranteed a good pint. With warm open fires to get toasty beside

and snug corners to cosy in, this is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink while the traditional music washes over

you. (28 South Main St, Cork; Ph: 021 427 7949)

Tí Joe Watty’s, KilronanTi Joe Watty is the oldest and most traditional pub in one of Ireland’s oldest and most traditional corners - Inis Mor,

the largest of the Aran Islands. With trad sessions every night of the week during the summer months, you’ll find it

hard not to get sucked in. The relaxed atmosphere here is welcoming for everyone, even tourists who don’t have a

clue what they’re getting into!

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Leo’s Tavern, Crolly, DonegalSaid to be where the sounds of Enya and Clannad came from, Leo’s Tavern sits between the raging Atlantic Ocean

and the rugged peak of Mount Errigal in Crolly, Co. Donegal. Known for its legendary sessions, gold and platinum

discs from Leo’s famous children adorn the walls; so you know the music has to be good.