There are plenty of wonderful spots to listen to music in Dingle whether it be traditional Irish music or talented artists. Dingle has a lot of those, some with international recognition, and a lot that deserve it…
This list of the best spots to listen to music in Dingle in non exhaustive but they would be my top choices as someone who lives here.
If you want to know all about where to go without walking around in Dingle to read the signs outside each pub, you can purchase the local magazine “West Kerry Live” in supermarkets and petrol stations and find a schedule at the end. Please note that, off season, some of the pubs don’t hold to this schedule all the time so pick one and have a plan B to avoid being disappointed.
Courthouse
Courthouse is a great choice to go listen to music but seating is limited so arrive early if you don’t want to stand all night. I personally love when Teresa Horgan sings (Thursdays) or when Eoin Duignan performs (Saturdays) but they usually have music all week, always starting at 21:30.
Kennedy’s
Kennedy’s is one of these tiny pubs truly loved by Dingle locals. It has great atmosphere and serves sublime cocktails to enjoy while you’re listening to music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, usually from 19:00. Music is Kennedy’s can be seasonal but if you get to catch it, sip a “bee’s knee” and enjoy!
Hannie Agnes
Hannie Agnes candlelit trad sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 21:15 offer a wonderful atmosphere in a pub that deserves your attention.
St James Church concerts
For a completely different experience, book a ticket (20EUR at the time of writing) for a concert inside St James church on Main Street. The line up features a wide array of local artists as well as some guests sometimes. This is another place where you may get to listen to either Teresa Horgan or Eoin Duigan or both! This is also seasonal unfortunately. Click here to visit the website and get more information/buy your tickets.
Nelligan’s
This would be one of the most reliable pubs for traditional music in Dingle. The pub is a bit bright but the music is top notch!
The Dingle Pub
While the experience is more touristy, the Dingle Pub would be a great spot if you also hope to see a bit of Irish dancing as they sometimes have that on by none other than 5 times world champion David Geaney. And guess what… he works behind the bar so he will also pour your pint.
Where can you listen to music in Ballyferriter?
Listening to traditional Irish music in Ballyferriter is more of a real Irish experience because it’s often spontaneous or announced at the last minute because some musicians played somewhere else but feel like they want to keep going so end up in the pub, or they want to play with some friends. So in that sense, you usually have to get lucky or stay here in February during the Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh. It usually occurs during the third week of February and you can find more information on their website here.
So just follow the music in one of the three village pubs if you can… Tigh an tSaorsaigh is intimate and the oldest pub in Ballyferriter. Kane’s pub has a warm atmosphere with beautiful all wooden interior.
In 2025, Murphy’s pub came under new management and Sean has been organising a lot more sessions so you may find music here more often and possibly year around.