A Music Lover's Guide To Dublin

Dublin’s rich musical heritage is a real point of pride for its locals. Its place in their hearts is evident just by strolling down Grafton Street, where a soundtrack is provided by the melodies of impassioned buskers not unlike Glen Hansard’s character in the film-turned-musical Once. Walking in the footsteps of legends like Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, and U2, no music lover should miss these precious Dublin haunts.

The Cobblestone

One of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods, Smithfield has seen an exhaustive revival in recent years, becoming a hipster haven. One landmark that remains thankfully unchanged is Tom Mulligan’s Cobblestone pub at the top of the square where the famous open market was once held. Calling itself ‘a drinking pub with a music problem’, it welcomes musicians to lead some of the best traditional Irish music sessions in Dublin seven nights a week.
The Cobblestone, 77 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7, Ireland +353 1 872 1799

Vicar Street

Whelan’s

Whelan’s pub and venue on Wexford Street is an Irish institution with an international reputation. This is where visiting musicians like to spend their spare time, if they have any – Matt Berninger of The National is a famous fan. For over 25 years it has been bringing the best and brightest to Dublin, with artists like Jeff Buckley and Nick Cave gracing their stages, as well as contemporary bands like Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys, and of course hundreds of Irish performers, such as Damien Rice, Lisa Hannigan and The Frames.
Whelan’s, Wexford Street, Dublin 2, Ireland +353 1 478 0766

The Phil Lynott Statue

A turn off the Grafton Street thoroughfare onto Harry Street reveals the bronze statue of Phil Lynott, the charismatic rock star and frontman of the esteemed 1970s band Thin Lizzy, who died in 1986. The life-size replica was erected in 2005 outside one of his favourite pubs, Bruxelles, which is still a favourite with rock music fans.
Harry Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum

Continuing northward into Temple Bar you will find the Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum, easily recognisable by its lofty Wall of Fame celebrating ‘Irish music royalty’. The museum tour takes in the nearby Button Factory venue and Temple Lane Studios, the working facilities where some of Ireland’s best music artists rehearse and record. In the past it has been home to acts like Van Morrison, Rory Gallagher and U2, as well as contemporary Irish groups and singers like Hozier and Imelda May. The museum also has a large Thin Lizzy exhibit entrusted with Phil Lynott’s bass guitar.
Irish Rock ’N’ Roll Museum, Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland +353 1 635 1993

The Wall of Fame at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Musuem

The Workman’s Club

A youthful venue only open since 2010, The Workman’s Club has blossomed into a musical mecca known for championing up-and-coming acts as well as putting on shows by big names like Future Islands. Situated next door to Bono’s famous hotel The Clarence, this multi-floor experience showcases an invigorating and diverse range of musical talents with a pleasant element of whimsy – in 2011 actor Cillian Murphy even did a DJ set here to raise money for charity. Fan favourites Kodaline have also played here.
The Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 +353 1 670 6692

The Stag’s Head

The Stag’s Head, a marvellously well-preserved Victorian pub (records date back to 1770), hosts a lively traditional Irish music session in its basement every Saturday night that is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. Those who know about it tend to be regulars – make sure to arrive early if you want to get a seat.
The Stag’s Head, 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, Ireland +353 1 679 3687

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.