Pubs & Music in Ireland

ABBEY TAVERN

One of the oldest pubs in Dublin, the Abbey Tavern oozes character and warmth. Dating back to the 16th century the pub has welcomed thousands of vistors from near and far, many of whom return time after time. A genuine tavern located in the lovely fishing village of Howth, with blazing turf fires, original stone walls flagged floors and gas lights, the Abbey Tavern is a haven from the hustle & bustle of modern life.

Apart from the charming old-world bar, the Abbey Tavern is home to the superb Abbot Restaurant, offering a tempting selection of tasty dishes, paticulalry seafood which is brought from the harbour just 200 yeards away.

The tavern also houses The Barn, where for the past 45 years the famous Abbey Tavern singers and dancers have entertained visitors while they enjoy a fine 3-course dinner followed by an Irish Coffee. A truly memorable night out!

BRAZEN HEAD PUB

Known as Ireland’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head Pub building location dates back the 12th century to 1198. It is unclear how much of the original structure dates back to that period but you do get a sense of history within the walls of the Pub.

Definitely a must see for any Irish Visitor to marvel over the plaques and pictures on the walls which are steeped in History. Among these famous faces you will see are past clients include literaries such as James Joyce and Jonathan Swift and revolutionaries such as Wolfe Tone, Daniel O’Connell and Michael Collins.

The Brazen Head has established itself as one of Dublin’s most popular and best live music venues with live music to be enjoyed nightly. Some of the famous musicians who have played here over the years include The Dubliners and Van Morrison. It is not unknown for some musicians to pop in for an unplanned music session. Enjoy your evening surrounded by some lively Irish music, food and plenty of craic.

COLEMAN IRISH MUSIC CENTRE

The Michael Coleman Heritage Centre draws together the many strands of the South Sligo musical traditional. The main building is a focal point for the living tradition, for which the area is so rightly famous and houses a theatre, a large audio-visual display on South Sligo, its music and the life of Michael Coleman. Interactive touch-screen facilities provide information on traditional music and instruments and a selection of music preformed by local musicians. Well-known exponents of the south Sligo style of traditional music give classes in a wide variety of instruments. A few miles west of Gurteen is the Coleman home which was integral in the development of traditional music in the area. A music archive, one of the most important elements of the whole project, is housed here.

In 1914, at the age of twenty-three, Michael Coleman sailed to America with his friend John Hunt. He joined the Keith Theatres vaudeville circuit, and played at many venues. In 1917, he settled in New York City, and married Marie Fanning, originally from County Monaghan, Ireland. They had one child, Mary.

Between 1921 and 1936 he recorded roughly eighty 78-rpm records for many record labels, including: Shannon, Vocalion Records, Columbia Records, Okeh Records, New Republic, Pathe, O'Beirne de Witt, Victor Records, Brunswick Records, and Decca Records. Some of these were re-issued under the Intrepid, Coral Records, and Ace of Hearts labels. He was mainly accompanied by pianists, but on some recordings he used guitarists.

He was the most famous exponent of the Sligo style, both at technical and expressive levels. The Sligo fiddle style is highly decorative, using many triplets. James Morrison is another exponent of this style. Michael's records reached County Sligo, and influenced a new generation. He died on January 4, 1945 in New York City, and is buried in St. Raymond's Cemetery, in the Bronx.