Five traditional pubs for live music in western Ireland

Explore our top picks for the best traditional pubs for live music in Western Ireland, from our new release, Wild Guide West Ireland.

Few experiences capture the spirit of Ireland quite like stepping into a warm, firelit pub as the tune of a fiddle fills the air. Along the course of the Wild Atlantic Way, music isn’t just entertainment, it’s part of the land itself, woven through generations of storytellers and song. From the lively streets of Galway and Cork, to the windswept villages of Mayo and Donegal, you’ll find melodies rising and Guinness flowing in the historic pubs that have served at the heart of local communities for centuries. Here, strangers become friends over a shared chorus, and you’ll feel the warmth, tradition and soul of Western Ireland.

1. Tábhairne Leo (Leo’s Tavern), Meenaleck, Crolly, County Donegal

Leo and his wife Máire opened this pub (more famous outside the Gaeltacht as Leo’s Tavern) in 1968 and held trad sessions every night. Their children grew up to become the Celtic folk band Clannad; awards and memorabilia fill the walls, and many Irish legends have played here. Now run by son Bartley, the pub still has regular ballad, ceilídh and trad nights, and a solid reputation for seafood and local produce. You can book a glamping pod next door if you want to stay late

2. The Olde Glen, Carrickart, County Donegal

Dating back to the 1760s, the Olde Glen is one of Donegal’s oldest and most traditional pubs, sitting at the heart of Glen Village along the Rosguill Peninsula. With its open fires, stone floors, and local brews, it has long welcomed villagers, fishermen, and travelers alike. Live music sessions keep the area’s rich musical heritage alive, while food options include a Michelin-guide–listed restaurant and a casual ‘Bia Box’ food truck out the back. Surrounded by the hills and beaches of north Donegal, the Olde Glen offers a warm, authentic taste of local life, history, and hospitality.

3. Matt Molloy’s, Westport, County Mayo

When a pub is owned by a member of The Chieftains, you don’t need to know much else. This is a proper old-fashioned Irish bar with a buzzing atmosphere and live music every night, though no food is served. The pretty town of Westport, set among rolling green hills with views of Clew Bay, is well worth a visit, especially if your trip coincides with the town’s autumn festival, Westival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, adding an extra layer of music, culture and community spirit.

4. Lynott’s Pub, Cashel, Achill, County Mayo

A tiny thatched stone pub with open fires, Lynott’s feels like stepping back through time. Locals often gather here to play traditional music, and the atmosphere is always lively and welcoming. Set on Achill, an island off the coast of South West Mayo, the pub is surrounded by dramatic scenery, from Ireland’s highest sea cliffs at Croaghaun to the slopes of Slievemore, home to a deserted Famine village. Beyond its natural beauty, including Keem Beach, Achill also preserves cultural landmarks such as Grace O’Malley’s Castle, making it a perfect stop for music lovers and explorers alike.

5. The Crane Bar, Galway

Although it may seem like a very no-frills spot downstairs, The Crane Bar is widely regarded as one of Galway’s must-visit pubs for traditional music. Upstairs, the nightly trad sessions showcase some of the city’s finest local musicians, keeping Galway’s rich musical heritage alive. Get there around 9pm, as by half-past the room is often packed with both locals and visitors eager to soak up the lively atmosphere. Set in the center of Galway, the pub captures the spirit of the city’s vibrant arts and music scene, making it a must for anyone looking to experience genuine Irish music culture.

6. Joe Watty’s Pub, Inis Mor, Aran Islands

This colourful little pub has a good seafood menu, but is most renowned for the atmosphere and especially the music. Part of the joy of Joe Watty’s is it’s setting. Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, is a treasure trove of dramatic coastal scenery, historic sites and secluded swimming spots. Visitors can relax on the sheltered sands of Kilmurvey Bay or explore the famous collapsed sea cave at Poll na bPeist. The island is rich in history, from early medieval sites like Dún Eoghanachta and Teaghlach Éinne to charming ruins such as St Ciarán’s Church & Well and Teampall Bheanáin, said to be Ireland’s smallest church. Hilltop landmarks including Eire 50 West, Dun Oghil, and Turmartin Tower offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s layered past.

7. DeBarra’s, Clonakilty, County Cork

Clonakilty is known for its colourful streets, sandy beaches, rich cultural heritage… and DeBarra’s. This pitch-perfect traditional pub serves hearty home-made food with a generous welcome. But it’s four decades and three generations as a folk venue that made DeBarra’s legendary, with regular sessions and gigs. As folk titan Christy Moore said: ‘There’s Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert, Sydney Opera House and then there’s De Barra’s.