Real Dublin Traditional Music Pub Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Dublin, Ireland
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Dublin’s music and pub culture is legendary, but finding authentic traditional music spots, away from the tourist hot spots can be time-consuming. This guided pub crawl removes the guesswork, leading you to off-the-beaten-path venues with live Irish music and drinks along the way. Enjoy local insight into Irish culture and have a lot of fun along the way too. Note that no food is included or available, so plan to eat beforehand.
- Get a guide’s shortlist of Dublin’s best traditional music pubs
- Hassle-free tour with three alcoholic drinks included
- A guide navigates so you don’t get lost
- Great way to make new friends and learn about local music
What's Included
- Alcoholic BeveragesThe pub tour is more about MUSIC than drinking... BUT... there are drinks included too. Each guest is provided with THREE DRINKS - one small Guinness in each bar we visit.
- Guide
- DinnerEat dinner beforehand. No food included or available
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Skyview TowerChimney Viewing Tower, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland
We will meet under the entrance to the tower in Smithfield Square. If you cannot find the tower — look up! It is an old industrial chimney literally towering over the square. It is located behind the Jameson Distillery.
End point
- Capel StreetCapel St, Dublin, Ireland
We sometimes change the end point/last pub, If you need to know—after you have booked—please ask.
Itinerary
1
Dublin
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- No children allowed on evening tours
- No seating reserved.
- Good mobility essential
- Lots of walking involved
- Not suitable for children (except on the afternoon tour)
- Not suitable for anyone with mobility issues as there is lots of walking involved.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 85 reviews
Cassandra_H, May 2026
What an excellent evening. I knew right away I wanted to do a trad music pub crawl so I was super excited to see this pop up. Neil was an excellent and informative guide and I appreciated that the group was kept small. He clearly put the effort in to give everyone personalized attention. The first pub we went to, L. Mulligan Grocer, was definitely my favourite, as the musicians chatted with us and were a bit on the Celtic punk side. The next stop was the legendary Cobblestone, which I found insanely cramped and was kindof glad we only had thirty minutes there. Our last stop was also really small but I felt here you could truly appreciate trad music at its fullest. There was at least 12 musicians playing and it was so cool to watch them coming and going. I didn’t feel there was too much walking (maybe too much standing for me personally after a long day) and I loved the extra touches such as recommendations and a playlist. Would recommend to absolutely anyone who appreciates music and non-traditional tourist things.
Debra_G, Apr 2026
Everyone needs to DO THIS TOUR!! If you love music and culture and beer, this is what you need to do when in Dublin. Forget Temple Bar, it's a tourist trap created to bring in more tourists. The three venues we went to on this tour are GENUINE, the real Ireland. Venues that have generations of Irish history and support the local trad community by offering authentic trad sessions of locals that don't play for your money or admiration but because the music is literally in their blood. Our tour guide Niall is a musician himself, and grew to love traditional Irish music since his childhood. He's extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and a wealth of knowledge, and a fantastic sense of humor that put everyone at ease. Our little group all felt like we made a new friend. Be ready to do some walking and drinking too! Each stop came with our choice of beverage. We were able to listen about 30 minutes in each venue. Be ready for crowds and maybe carving out your own space to sit or stand to listen to the music, as this experience will be a highlight of your trip. I would say if you have mobility issues this could prove difficult. The tour group started outside the Jameson Distillery by the Sky Tower ( the tour calls it the chimney tower).
Liza_N, Apr 2026
I wish there was a way to give this tour 5+ stars. Sean was a wonderful guide and everyone in the group had a very memorable evening. We went to three different pubs and the experience was unique at each one. Sean even sat in with musicians and played / sang a song at the second stop. Can not recommend this more highly!
Elizabeth_D, Apr 2026
In terms of cultural experiences, this is right at the top. Our guide Niall is steeped in Irish music history and lore. The evening was a quick and thorough Masters Class in the traditions, instruments and and melodies of “trad” music. Although you visit multiple pubs for a half pint and to listen to a music circles, the emphasis is entirely on the music and culture. Niall is likely the most informative guide we’ve ever experienced, and with an out-going Irish personality to match. We loved this!
Renee_N, Apr 2026
It’s a must while in Dublin. We did the tour after arriving in Dublin with very little sleep. We planned on leaving after a bit, but stayed the entire time because it was so fun! It’s an authentic Irish experience and doesn’t feel touristy! Neil was so informative and we learned so much about Trad Irish music!
Richard_M, Apr 2026
Amount of walking involved. If our guide Sean is typical, people can expect an amazing amount of information that helps you understand the significance of trad music in Ireland.
Lauren_U, Apr 2026
Sean was a great guide. As a local musician, he knew all the spots to find traditional Irish pub music. Be prepared to walk outside in between pubs. One walk was about 20 minutes. Got a drink in each pub and saw some great locally owned businesses talent. Recommend if you want to see more traditional artists.
Kezia_E, Apr 2026
Highly recommended! Lots of fun and Neil knew all the best places to go. Had fun with our small group.
Brian_M, Apr 2026
Sean met the group and quickly broke the ice between the 10 of us in his group. He then gave a background of Irish music and why it’s played like this in bars.Then we went to three bars, all were excellent. The tour includes 3 half pints of Guiness but you’re welcome to buy more of course. We spent about 40 minutes at each bar except the last one, I stayed later as it was such a good time.
Deborah_S, Apr 2026
What a unique experience! Very entertaining and authentic! Niall was an amazing guide with loads of history!
jim_c, Apr 2026
It was enjoyable. Our guide was fun and knew his music. Made everyone feel at home and part of the group.
Delaina_W, Apr 2026
It’s a unique experience where you visit a few local pubs that caters to the Traditional Music of Ireland.
The pubs were historical in their own ways and had different styles of traditional Ireland Music.
It’s good for the music lovers and visitors wanting to listen to the cultural history of Ireland.
I would recommend Neil was very knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
Stephanie_K, Mar 2026
Enjoyed this experience solo. The tour guide was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the music, would definitely recommend!
Lee_G, Mar 2026
Neil was very entertaining and looks us to 3 excellent pubs for great Irish music experience. We highly recommend this evening tour to anyone visiting Sublin from the states!!
James_S, Mar 2026
Sean was such a tremendous tour guide! It was an extremely busy night at the pubs the night before St. Patrick’s Day, and he did everything possible to give us a wonderful experience, including memorizing our drink orders! It was very fun to watch Trad music in neighborhood, authentic pubs!
cathleen_y, Mar 2026
Shawn was the best tour guide , knowledgable and Fun ! Was the best tour guide I’ve ever had !Shawn was amazing
Teri_L, Mar 2026
This was a great experience. I definitely recommend! Our guide was excellent! A must do! The Cider was great!
Karen_F, Mar 2026
Authentic places, fun guide. Must do! I brought my 18 year old from US where drinking age is 21. Had our first pint together and it was legal. What a memory.
Amy_F, Mar 2026
Definitely off the beaten path, true trad pubs! The history and music was all great, and Neal did a great job - very friendly and informative. This tour is NOT for the claustrophobic - the bars are very small and to get near the musicians you have to really pack in. I struggled a bit in that respect, but the music was worth it!
Connie_W, Mar 2026
Our guide - Neil was so good, funny and very informative about the true Irish music scene. We also met some great people as we went to 3 pubs. Loved it!!!
Danny_L, Mar 2026
A very immersive and enjoyable experience. Neil was a fantastic host and personality with a tremendous knowledge of the trad Irish music scene as it is today and the history that brought it here and how it was exported around the world and influenced so many genres. Excellent night!
pvysqvfcm8, Mar 2026
Niall was a great guide. I learned a lot about the roots and influence of “trad” - traditional Irish music and we heard some great sessions!
Shree_M, Mar 2026
Excellent evening. Sean was very hospitable and explained everything perfectly. Highly recommend the evening
Candace_C, Mar 2026
Was our first time in Dublin. We really wanted to see some Irish live music but had a hard time finding spots on our own. Found this tour and got lucky that there were spots open. Was soooo good.
Jennifer_Z, Feb 2026
Our family of five really enjoyed this introduction to Dublin's pubs and Trad music. The music was very fun and lively to listen to. Our guide was wonderful and gave us a great introduction to the history of the pubs and of traditional music. I highly recommend!
Jenna_S, Feb 2026
Best thing we did in Dublin. Our guide Cieran was so much fun, personable, and knowledgeable. We learned a good deal about Irish trad music and got great recommendations for the rest of our trip.
Anne_M, Feb 2026
The walking tour was a great experience for our family of 5. Niall was a wonderful host. He provided a warm enthusiasm in which he made everyone in the group feel welcome. He provided history and knowledge about the traditional Irish music culture and the sessions we caught were wonderful. He made everyone in the tour group feel welcome and included. His shared music Spotify link and recommendation lists of restaurants and bars was a welcome bonus. This was a terrific excursion to incorporate in our short 2 day stay in Dublin. Highly recommend on the front end of a stay.
Melissa_M, Feb 2026
I pride myself on my punctuality but of course I got us lost. Our guide Neil called immediately. After I explained the situation and that I didn’t want to delay the group. He calmly said he and the others would wait. Thank goodness they waited the 15 minutes. The 3 pubs were amazing and the talented musicians embrace their lineage and supply wonderful traditional Irish music. A special thank you to our guide Neil (who should be a history professor) and our tour mate Emily. Thank you for the fabulous conversations, pints and overall exceptional experience. You made this a highlight of our stay in Dublin. Anyone debating if they should book this tour, don’t hesitate, do it! A special way to experience the city, with pints and wonderful music.
nancy_a, Feb 2026
Wonderful, especially Ciarán our guide. Best authentic sessions and good Guinness. Lots of history, hole in the wall local pubs and good crack!
Kevin_R, Feb 2026
Unfortunately my wife became sick and we couldn’t make it. They contacted us when we forgot the cancel of which we thought was nice.
I hope everyone enjoyed it
From $80.14
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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