I’ve been visiting The Cobblestone Pub for nearly 14 years now and I still think it’s Dublin’s finest in terms of the unique acoustic live music scene. Every night you can find here different musicians who come down to exercise what’s left from traditional Irish music. You can find this kind of atmosphere down the country, but Dublin transformed itself into a more metropolitan-like town and the traditional roots moved mostly to the suburbs. The Cobblestone however keeps this spirit not only alive and kicking but absolutely thriving.

There is a special section dedicated to musicians only, with a very subtle message: ‘Listening area, please respect musicians’, which in a natural and very organic way separates the guests of the pub into two groups: very receptive audience, gathered around and listening in silence and others who came for a pint with a nice tune in the background but want to chat as well. Deeper in the pub is the place for the latter, so everybody is welcome.

There is also a really good beer garden (which in Dublin equals smoking area, as you are not permitted to smoke indoors).

A little hidden gem can also be found here – The Backroom. It’s a pay-in venue with interesting gigs and events happening irregularly, so check their FB page to find what’s happening when you visit. It can vary from Pipers Session through storytelling to even Irish Traditional Music lessons for beginners.

All surrounded with very old cobblestone streets of old-time Dublin.