Are you a major music fan but aren’t sure where to go to find live music in Dublin? From iconic venues to hidden gems, this guide covers the best places to hear live music in Dublin across all genres.
Our top picks of live music venues:
The Academy:
The Academy hosts every genre of music you can imagine. The main room is a haven for listening to music, the Academy has hosted many famous artists such as The Killers, Prince and even David Bowie. They also have a basement section perfectly suited for club music if that’s what you want.
The Grand Social:
The Grand Social is dedicated to bringing you the best music they possibly can They have an incredible tech team that makes sure every show runs smoothly, they also have a beautiful rooftop bar and ground floor ballroom. On top of all the praise The Grand Social deserves, they have also been nominated for the IMRO music venue of the year for each year they have been open, and in 2012, they deservedly won.
Mother:
Mother is a gay nightclub operating out of LoSt LaNe on Grafton Street, they accept people from every walk of life and want to share their love of music with everyone open to loving it with them. They have hosted many famous talents such as Rina Sawayama, Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters.
The George:
The George is Dublin’s main LGBTQ+ friendly bar. It has been a staple of gay culture in Dublin for decades and has become an iconic spot not only for its open inclusion and acceptance of anyone and everyone but for having an incredible atmosphere for all who walk through its doors.
The Button Factory:
The Button Factory first opened its doors in 1996 and has been hosting incredible talents in its beautiful interior ever since. It has no end of events, and we’re sure that there’s one suited for you.
LoSt LaNe:
LoSt LaNe is proud to say they have events for anyone and everyone, no matter what you’re into, LoSt LaNe will help you find the perfect event. They also pride themselves on their selection of mixed cocktails and craft beers, for which they have won awards.
Soho:
SoHo is yet another live music venue with a wide array of music options. They pride themselves on having superb customer service, a gorgeous interior, and a state-of-the-art sound system. They also have premium bottle services if you’re visiting for a special occasion, or not.
Whelans:
Whelan’s has been a staple of live Irish music for decades, they have a history dating back to 1772 and have been a part of major names in music’ backstories, for example, Ed Sheeran quotes Whelan’s as the spot that sparked his “musical epiphany”. Whelan’s has also hosted major artists such as The Arctic Monkeys & Bloc Party before their major success, and they also hosted legendary singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley on his tour for his album “Grace”.
The Olympia Theatre:
The Olympia is also a building steeped in history, it went from being a music hall to a theatre to now, a live music venue. They have had no shortage of famous names performing in their beautiful venue, from David Bowie to Hozier.
Celtic Nights:
Celtic Nights, located in the Arlington Hotel, is an Irish cabaret. They perform live Irish music while world champion Irish dancers put on a top-tier performance. This show is accompanied by a 3-course dinner. We think Celtic Nights is a perfect way to enjoy live music you wouldn’t normally hear in a very unique way.
Upcoming Events:
Patriarchy:
“Patriarchy is a band led by infamous LA songwriter and director, Actually Huizenga, probing the soft underbelly of sex, power, subversion, and death – existing where desire and fear inevitably intertwine.” If you’re looking for some high-paced, high base dance music, then Patricarchy are for you.
Winemom:
Winemom is an up-and-coming band of 4 Ireland natives, They make music that is heavily influenced by bands such as Fleetwood Mac and Wings. If that sounds like a bit of you, then check out Winemom at The Grand Social on the 29th of May.
Seven Drunken Nights-Story Of The Dubliners:
If you hold The Dubliners near and dear to your heart, then Seven Drunken Nights is for you. This show in the 3Olympia is an incredible homage to The Dubliners. These lifelong fans bring the same feel and passion to the music they play, and we couldn’t recommend them more.
Echoes Of Pink Floyd:
Echoes of Pink Floyd take you on a journey through the ages of Pink Floyd’s illustrious back catalogue this coming June, featuring over 2 hours of timeless classics live at The Grand Social Dublin!
Mother Pride Block Party:
Every year, Mother hosts their very own Pride Block Party. This annual celebration has grown to be a staple of Mother’s culture, great music, great people and great vibes, who could ask for more?
Moonchild Sanelly:
With a discography that embraces South African homegrown genres from Amapiano and Gqom to her own pioneering style dubbed “future ghetto funk”, musician and creative visionary Moonchild Sanelly has from the outset blazed her own unique trail.
GMT Jazz Club:
Step into a transformed Glass Mask Theatre for a decadent night of live jazz music. With a nod to New York of the 1970s, GMT welcomes you to sit back and enjoy a glorious playlist of live jazz in our elegant boutique theatre.
mssv:
mssv is releasing their second studio album Human Reaction in their typical style: The band, composed of guitarist Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges on drums and mike watt on bass, creates music that is a heretofore unimagined hybrid of a punk power-trio and a dreamy experimental rock band, though they prefer the term “post-genre.”
Saturgay Karaoke:
Saturgay karaoke is a weekly occurrence in The George. Join DJ Conor Behan, Veda Lady and Davina Devine for the ultimate weekend party. Featuring world-class drag, spot prizes and the best of Pop & Chart music to get you shaking.
What To Expect:
While each venue is different in its own regard, they each will, of course, have their similarities also. A lot of live music venues in Dublin serve alcohol, so if you aren’t comfortable with that, we recommend you look into your venue of choice to see if they sell booze. Live music venues in Dublin don’t mess around, and rightfully so, expect noise, and lots of it, as the speakers in these venues are very powerful. Most importantly of all, expect fun!
Tips & Tricks:
Whether you’re trying to get as close to the stage as possible or trying to enjoy the live music from afar, if you’re going to a venue with a standing section, we recommend you get there a little bit earlier to find the perfect spot for you.
Clothing is, of course, up to whoever is wearing it, but we think it couldn’t hurt to check the event details of whatever you’re going to, to see what they recommend in terms of dresswear. I mean, you don’t want to be going to a rave in your fanciest suit/dress!
Before you book tickets to your next outing, check the age restrictions. Some businesses have age limits for shows, regardless of alcohol, and we would hate for you to be turned away at the door of an event.
Tickets & VIP Options:
If you are wondering if any of these venues offer VIP packages, we’re here to let you know.
The Academy:
The Academy does offer VIP packages, but not for all their events; mainly, they offer VIP packages for larger, more anticipated events. If you’re looking to purchase VIP tickets for The Academy, they are sold on Ticketmaster. NOTE: The VIP upgrade must be purchased alongside a ticket to the performance.
Mother:
Much like the Academy, Mother does sell VIP packages, but only for major events such as their annual block party.
Soho:
Soho have many VIP options if you and/or your friends wish to upgrade; this upgrade could be for a private booth and private catering or various bottle services.
Olympia Theatre:
Once again, The Olympia also offers VIP aftercare options at a steeper price, but not every event that they hold will have this offer on sale.
Dining & Amenities:
If you need a bite to eat to fuel your live music night, then here are our recommendations for restaurants near the aforementioned music venues.
The Academy- Oval Bar and Grill:
The Oval Bar is a gastro-pub located on Middle Abbey Street, They sell items from two menus, their all-day breakfast menu and their dinner menu, both of which have classic Irish dishes such as a full Irish breakfast and Irish stews.
The Grand Social-Woollen Mills:
Just a brief walk down the road from The Grand Social. Woollen Mills sells everything from steaks to burgers, to wings, to fish and chips and vegan dinners. Woollen mills have something for everyone.
Mother-Captain Americas:
Located on the other end of Grafton Street as Mother, Captain America’s is an American-style diner with memorabilia from some of the world’s most famous sports stars and bands. A perfect spot to grab a bite with friends before your night of clubbing.
The George-777:
777 is Dublin’s only contemporary Mexican restaurant, with outdoor seating and indoor seating, each having its own respective menus. 777 is a perfect starter to a great night out.
The Button Factory-Bóbó’s Gourmet Burgers:
Bóbó prides itself on its delicious gourmet burgers. It ensures that every dish it brings to the table is the highest quality possible. It also maintains a beautiful interior so that you have the optimal dining experience.
Lost Lane-WOWBURGER:
Wowburger need no introduction, but we’ll give one nonetheless. Located on Wicklow Street, Wowburger is just a few hundred metres from LoSt LaNe. They sell burgers, chips, onion rings, milkshakes and many more, and they do it well, hence the popularity behind this Irish classic.
Soho-Morelands Grill:
If you’re looking for a more bougie bite, then Moreland Grill is perfect for you. They are located in the College Green Hotel and have a menu of only the best steaks, fish and more.
Whelans-Opium:
Bringing Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese dishes to Dublin. Opium on Wexford Street is a perfect place to go before you head over to Whelans.
The Olympia Theatre- Smokin’ Bones:
Smokin’ Bones is a 100% Irish-owned barbecue restaurant. They have spent hours researching the ways of American barbeque to bring over here. And trust us when we say that research paid off. If you want to try classic American BBQ, then Smokin’ Bones on Essex Street is the perfect place to go.
How To Get To the Venue:
Public transportation is the easiest way to get around Dublin. With buses and trains galore, there’s no shortage of ways to get around Dublin for a minimal amount of money. Check out the Dublin Bus, Luas or Dart to see which option is best for you.
If you’re looking for live music in Dublin, we think these options are our suggestions.
From the Dublin Town team. Have fun and enjoy all the live music Dublin has to offer!
