Back to Blog

Dublin's finest music venues: An introduction

Dublin's stages resonate with the echoes of iconic performances, from U2's early gigs to international acts like David Bowie and Lady Gaga. This city offers a rich array of music venues, and here is a list of venues worth checking out.

3Arena:

Dublin's largest indoor venue, the 3Arena hosts major international acts, offering a spectacular setting for large-scale concerts and events. The arena has more than 9.000 seats!

Vicar Street:

An iconic venue known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, Vicar Street attracts a diverse range of artists, from indie to international stars.

The Olympia Theatre:

This historic and ornate theatre was built in 1879, and has hosted legendary performances across various genres since its opening, creating a truly unique and memorable experience.

The Olympia. Credit: Felipe Quintanilha

The Button Factory:

A versatile venue in the heart of Temple Bar, The Button Factory hosts live music, club nights, and events, showcasing both established and emerging artists.

Whelan's:

A legendary Dublin pub and live music venue, Whelan's is known for its intimate atmosphere and support of emerging Irish talent.

The Grand Social:

A multi-level venue with a rooftop terrace, The Grand Social offers a diverse program of live music, DJ sets, and events.

The Grand Social. Credit: State Of Kaos

The National Concert Hall (NCH):

A premier venue for classical music and cultural events, the NCH boasts exceptional acoustics and elegant surroundings.

The Academy:

In the city centre, this multi-room venue hosts a wide range of live music. From indie and rock to electronic and hip-hop, artists like The Killers, Prince, David Bowie, Macklemore have performed here.

Opium Live:

One of Dublin’s most authentic asian-fusion restaurants during the day, and a state of the art nightclub during the evening! This modern and stylish venue features a diverse lineup of live music, DJ sets, and events. 

The Sugar Club:

An intimate and stylish venue, the Sugar Club is known for its eclectic program of live music, film screenings, and cultural events.