Our city centre campus in Dublin is close to some of the most famous venues in the Irish capital. Dublin is famous as a city of music. U2, The Script, Dermot Kennedy, Niall Horan, Hozier and many more world-famous musicians learnt their craft in many of the bars and live music venues around the city. Some of these places have been around for quite a long time and have a great reputation so we thought we’d recommend a few to check out during your time with us at City Language School.
The International Bar – Folk/Jazz/Singer-Songwriter – City Centre, Dublin 2
This small bar close to City Language School has been famous as a place for both live music and comedy. In the 1990’s this was the centre of a singer-songwriter renaissance where people like Glen Hansard and Damien Rice would regularly try new material. These days you will find singer-songwriter nights, poetry nights and jazz.
Admission: Free
Whelan’s – Rock/Folk/Jazz/Singer-Songwriter – Wexford Street, Dublin 8
This is probably Dublin’s most famous small venue and a place where many famous people play in if they want to play a nice intimate gig. Ed Sheeran played here recently and so too Regina Spektor. It is always worth keeping an eye on their listings to see who is on. The fact that it is close to the hip and trendy ‘Camden Strip’ means there is plenty going on nearby too.
Admission: €10 – €25 for gigs but open for drinks
The Cobblestone – Traditional Irish Music – Stoneybatter, Dublin 1
Some people say this pub is older than Dublin. That’s probably not true but we do know that every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday people come here and play ‘Trad’ (Traditional Irish Music). This is a classic Irish pub and one of the best places in Dublin to hear this kind of music. The atmosphere is unique and very down-to-earth, so no need to dress up too much if you’re visiting. This spot features in our list of great places to hear traditional music blog.
Admission: Free
The Workman’s Club – Indie Rock – City Centre, Dublin 2
The Workmans Club has become one of the city’s most serious venues for up and coming acts from around the world. If it’s trendy and coming to Dublin, it will pass through here. Since opening in 2010, it has managed to attract the likes of Future Islands, Anna Calvi, Kodaline, Fontaines D.C., Damien Dempsey, Imelda May, Little Green Cars and Father John Misty. Actor Cillian Murphy played a legendary DJ set here not so long ago and many world famous artists have been spotted coming in and out. Ticket prices are usually good value and the venue itself is small but super-cool. There are several bars to settle into and a great rooftop terrace.
Admission: €6 – €12
The Grand Social – Indie Rock – City Centre, Dublin 1
Right across the Liffey from The Workman’s Club is this super groovy venue on the northside. Since opening in 2010, The Grand Social has hosted many great acts like Primal Scream, Roisin O and The Strypes. It is also integral to the annual Dublin Bowie Festival which celebrates the great man through art, films and music.
Admission €10 – €25 for gigs but open for drinks
City Language School Dublin
City Language School is right in the heart of Dublin City Centre. Dublin is the proud and vibrant capital of Ireland and with its cosmopolitan and modern feel, it has repeatedly been voted Europe’s friendliest city by Trip Advisor. Dublin boasts strong links with literature, music, dance and storytelling. As you walk through the streets of Temple Bar, you can absorb the musical tradition which spills onto the streets from the many bars and restaurants; truly a city of enormous beauty! Dublin is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery that will leave you with lifelong memories. It is perfectly located on the eastern coastline of Ireland and is a convenient gateway to the rest of Europe.
We are conveniently located in the heart of Dublin on Dame Street, giving you easy access to the whole city of Dublin as well as bus and tram lines for you to get around.