Finding a place for listening to Irish music in Dublin should be as simple as walking out into the street and listening. Few cities are as closely tied to its musical roots as is Dublin. That includes all types of Irish music -- from Irish quartets, to choral music, to contemporary rock music by bands such as U2 or the Pogues.

Traditional Irish music can be found in most pubs and the older style will be marketed more to tourists. Because Dublin has a high percentage of residents under the age of 40, there also will be a number of trendy nightclubs offering alternative rock. Once again, as with most aspects of Dublin, visitors can just about find anything for which they are looking.

Dinner Shows

As one might expect, several venues offer traditional Irish music, dance, and dinner for a package price. Perhaps the best known and most “touristy” of these package deals is at Taylors Three Rock in the City Centre. Offered year-round, Taylor’s Irish Night includes a three-course dinner, traditional Irish music, and Irish dancing. Cost of the evening is not inexpensive as tickets will run to more than $57, depending on the Euro exchange rate.

Shows such as this one aim to capitalize on the popularity of Riverdance and similar stage shows. Traditional Irish dance also can be found along with the music at many of Dublin’s nightspots, and tourists can get the chance to try their hand (or feet) at the art in several places.

For those with more sophisticated tastes, Dublin aims to please also. Dublin is the home of the St. Dominic’s Folk Group, a small assortment that meets at St.Dominic’s Church every Thursday night, the Dublin Orchestral Players, and the Dublin Chamber Music Group to name only a few.

Alternative Rock

Any discussion of music in Dublin would not be complete without mentioning the alternative rock scene. Ireland has long been known for its rock bands, not just groups such as The Kingsmen or the Irish Rovers. U2 with lead singer Bono certainly is the most recognized but getting the “cool” buzz on the street from someone in the know almost certainly would get an upturned nose at the band’s mention.

The latest and greatest of the happening bands changes month to month as also would the best venues to find them. Luckily there are plenty of printed and internet sources to find “the next big thing,” and it probably would be best to wait until just before going to Dublin to make that search.