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 2nd June 2023
The Market Bar is one cool, relaxed setting for watching live music in Dublin. Performances here range from brilliant ballads and cocktail sipping, to full blown gigs and beer chugging, explore their calendar and you're sure to find something that fits your taste.
If you're looking for some international talent or the latest superstar, you can start at The Academy. The Middle Abbey Street plot puts on regular gigs, with past acts ranging from cult favourites Bowling For Soup through to Indie kids You Me At Six.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
