Bar
The Brazen Head
A pub on Bridge Street Lower that dates its history to 1198 and calls itself Ireland's oldest, with food daily, stews and traditional music.
The Cobblestone
A family-run pub on Smithfield Square, famous for traditional Irish music sessions every day of the week and gigs in its Backroom.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional music pub
- Area
- Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- cobblestonepub.ie
Good to know
- Daily trad sessions
- Backroom venue
- Family-run
Why we recommend it
The Cobblestone is a family-run pub on the north side of Smithfield Square, at the corner of King Street North and Red Cow Lane, and it is known above all for traditional Irish music. The pub has been in the same family for 35 years. Its proprietor, Tom Mulligan, comes from a line of musicians and arrived in Smithfield in 1983, when the area was in decline, with the aim of leaving Irish music in a better state than he found it.
Music is the reason to come. Sessions take place every day of the week, starting in the afternoon or early evening and running until closing time. On weekdays they typically begin in the late afternoon, on Fridays from the early afternoon and on Saturdays and Sundays from 14:30, with featured sessions at set times through the week. These are sessions rather than staged shows, so be respectful, keep conversation down near the players, and do not expect requests.
At the back, the Backroom hosts gigs, concerts and regular gatherings, including a monthly event, and it can be booked for performances. The Cobblestone's importance to the city's music scene was shown in 2021, when a public campaign helped persuade Dublin City Council to reject a hotel plan that would have cut the pub's capacity to less than a quarter of its size.
The pub suits music lovers, solo travellers, couples and small groups. It is simple and unpretentious: come for a pint and the music rather than food or cocktails. It can be crowded on weekend evenings, so arrive early to find a spot within earshot of the session. The pub's opening hours change with the seasons, so check the website for the current times before you go.
Smithfield is on the north side of the Liffey, west of the city centre. The Luas Red Line stops at Smithfield, and the walk from Temple Bar across the river takes around 15 minutes. Contact the pub on +353 1 872 1799; for gig bookings in the Backroom, use [email protected].
If you play an instrument yourself, listen first and ask before joining in, as sessions have their own etiquette.
The Cobblestone FAQs
When are the trad sessions at The Cobblestone?
Sessions run every day, generally from the afternoon or early evening until closing, from 14:30 on weekends.
Who owns The Cobblestone?
The pub has been family-owned for 35 years, run by proprietor Tom Mulligan.
What is the Backroom?
A separate room at the back used for gigs, concerts and gatherings, which can be booked.
Where is The Cobblestone?
At 77 King Street North on the north side of Smithfield Square, Dublin 7.
How do I get there?
Take the Luas Red Line to Smithfield or walk about 15 minutes from Temple Bar.
Are the opening hours the same all year?
No, the pub changes its hours seasonally, so check the website.
How should I behave at a session?
Keep conversation down near the musicians and enjoy the music as a listener.
How do I book a gig?
Email [email protected] for gig bookings.