Entertainment in Ireland
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O'Connor's
Right on the water, this sprawling favourite packs them in and has a rollicking atmosphere when the music and drinking are in full swing. It easily gets the most crowded and has the highest tourist quotient; on some summer nights you won't squeeze inside and trying to eat is like playing the fiddle for the first time.
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A
Anchor Tavern
Old salts literally anchor the bar; enjoy a pint and ponder the many old nautical instruments on display – although they may not help you get home after a few.
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B
Northern Bar
The Northern is your best bet for live bands, with traditional music sessions on Tuesday evenings, and local rock bands and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
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C
Tatler Jack's
Photos of proud local sports teams line the walls at this surprisingly large pub, which features pool tables, the comfiest stools in town and merciless craic.
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D
Bank of Ireland Arts Centre
The arts centre hosts a regular Wednesday lunchtime recital at 1.15pm, usually featuring a soloist with accompaniment. The performers are excellent. It also hosts an irregular evening program of concerts; call for details.
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E
Front Door
Heated balconies and cosy timber booths make this a popular spot for a pint, especially among local women on the 'lap circuit' checking out the male talent.
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F
Fred Zeppelins
There’s a hard edge to this dark den of a bar, popular with goths, rockers and anyone who feels uncomfortable leaving the house without a packet of Rizlas.
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G
Abbot's Ale House
A low-key 1st-floor pub, whose small size contrasts with a huge beer list. There are always several on tap and another 300 in bottles. Good for preclubbing.
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H
Samhlaiocht
The local arts group Samhlaiocht stages exhibitions and special events such as the Kerry Film Festival in early November.
reviewed
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South Tipperary Arts Centre
Has an excellent program of art exhibitions, plays and music.
reviewed
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Jack Doyles
Named for a famous local boxer and tenor, this sports-mad pub, a short walk uphill from the cathedral, is a fine place to meet residents of Cobh.
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Murphy’s Bar
In Murphy’s Bar, a stuffed fox with a pheasant in its jaws looks down on Gaeilge-speaking locals of all ages tucking into basic pub grub.
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Club Sóisialta Thórai
The island's social life revolves around this merry spot, which along with the hotel has the island's only other pub. Opening times vary; it usually gets going from around 8pm but don't expect the real craic to start until much, much later.
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Mossy Sullivan’s
Behind the green door lies an old pub that’s quiet for much of the day. The candlelit tables are perfect for planning your journey in convivial climes.
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Regional Cultural Centre
In a stunning glass-and-aluminium structure, Letterkenny's cultural centre mounts performances, fine arts and multimedia exhibits, and film screenings.
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I
Club Fabric
Tralee's club of the moment with the right mix of chill-out bar, upstairs level for 1970s and '80s faves, and a main disco for some floor-burning DJs.
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Moving Stairs
The most lively evening joint in Boyle has a great line-up of live music – everything from jazz and traditional music to rock, depending on the night.
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MacDiarmada's
Also known as McDermott's, this simple red-and-white old pub can be the rowdy favourite of locals. When the fiddles get going, it can seem like a scene out of a John Ford movie. The inside is pretty basic, as is the menu of sandwiches and roasts. McGann's is a one-minute walk.
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J
Kelly's
This place features a series of cosy snugs downstairs, nice for a quiet pint, while upstairs is a full-blown space given over to live music and DJs.
reviewed
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Derragarra Inn
Pop into the Derragarra Inn, an ivy-covered pub with a wood-beamed interior, beer garden, live music at weekends and good bar food.
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K
Yukon Bar
A good live-music venue famous for its resident fortune teller, this bar has a great atmosphere and a range of soul, blues and rock music on offer.
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Craughwell's
Stop for a snootful at Craughwell's, renowned for its rollicking traditional session on Friday night and impromptu sing-along sessions on Saturday.
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L
Garter Lane Arts Centre
Garter Lane Arts Centre is a much complimented theatre in an 18th-century building, staging art-house films, exhibitions, music, dance and plays.
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M
Hillgrove
There's a break from traditional Dingle at nightclub Hillgrove, where chart sounds rule nightly in summer, and at weekends the rest of the year.
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N
Bohemians FC
Known as the Gypsies, this club is the north side's pride and joy, and one of only two totally professional teams playing in the league.
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