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Co. Clare traditional music capital of Ireland
A good starting place for any musical pub crawl round Ireland is in Co. Clare and the market town of Ennis, sometimes called the "traditional music town of Ireland". Ennis is one of our favourite towns, a picturesque and friendly place, steeped in history with it's narrow streets and character buildings and plenty of music most nights of the week. Session Pubs in Ennis
Ciaran's Bar Session at Cruises, Ennis Ciaran's and Cruises are two of our favourite pubs in Ennis because we've enjoyed some great sessions in both. Cruises in Abbey St. goes every night of the week in the season but is an organised session, though whenever we've been there it's been very friendly. Also try O'Halloran''s Bar in High St which goes all year round on a Thursday night and Paddy Quinn's to hear some great music on a Saturday night. Right across the road from Ciaran's in Francis St. is Custy's Music Shop and you can often pick up information on sessions and local events there. They have a good website. Check them out for the latest info. Once you leave Ennis there are just so many towns and villages in County Clare with traditional music it's hard to know where to start. Head for the coast. I guess everyone makes the pilgrimage to Doolin and the famous Gus O'Connor's but you'll also hear some great music in McGann's.
Session at McGann's
We especially like Miltown Malbay, home in the first week of July to the Willie Clancy Summer School. "Willie week" is awesome and seems to get bigger and better each year. There are loads of great session pubs in the town. We like Clancy's on a Friday night. Also try Cleary's on a Thursday night.
The Crosses of Annagh, a few miles out of Miltown has some great music on Saturday nights most of the year round. There are also some great sessions in Ennistymon. Wednesday night at Cooley's House is a great night. Another festival worth adding to your itinerary is Feakle. It's held in August.
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