There is nothing quite like a trad music session to brighten up a winter evening. A cosy pub, a good pint, the sound of music are all part of what makes an Irish pub experience so special.
Across the Boyne Valley, traditional music continues to bring communities together, with local musicians keeping old tunes alive and welcoming visitors to join in the fun. From historic pubs in Trim and Kells to traditional country bars and lively venues in Navan and Drogheda, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a night of ceol agus craic this winter.
Monday: Fagan's Village Inn, Kildalkey & Harnan's Bar, Rathmolyon
Start the week with a traditional music session in the welcoming surroundings of a Meath country pub.
Fagan's Village Inn, Kildalkey
Located in the village of Kildalkey, Fagan's Village Inn is a popular local gathering place where friendly faces, conversation and community spirit are always part of the experience.
The pub hosts live music throughout the weekend, with a traditional music session every Monday evening. It's a lovely opportunity to enjoy some local music and experience the atmosphere of a traditional village pub.
Find out more HERE!
Harnan's Bar, Rathmolyon
For something a little different, Harnan's Bar is a traditional family-owned and run Irish thatched pub in Rathmolyon.
With its distinctive thatched exterior and traditional character, it's a wonderful setting for an evening of Irish music. The pub hosts live traditional music every Monday night, making it a great place to experience the charm of a traditional country pub.
Find out more HERE!
Tuesday: McCormack's Bar & Lounge, Trim
Situated directly opposite the magnificent Trim Castle, McCormack's Bar & Lounge is a great place to enjoy traditional Irish hospitality in the heart of one of Ireland's most historic towns.
The front bar offers a cosy, welcoming setting, while the larger lounge provides a lively atmosphere for those looking to make a night of it.
Every Tuesday, McCormack's hosts its popular Trad Tuesday session with Fuaim na Boinne, bringing musicians and music lovers together from 8.45pm.
With great tunes, good pints and plenty of craic, it's a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday evening in Trim.
Find out more HERE!
Wednesday: Fox's Castle Lounge, Skryne & The Central, Navan
Wednesday is another great evening for traditional music in the Boyne Valley.
Fox's Castle Lounge, Skryne
Perched on the picturesque Hill of Skryne, Fox's Castle Lounge is a family-run traditional pub offering lovely views of the surrounding Meath countryside.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and great pint of Guinness, Fox's is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Every Wednesday night, the pub hosts a traditional music session, making it the perfect stop after a visit to the nearby Hill of Tara or a day exploring the surrounding countryside.
Find out more HERE!
The Central, Navan
If you're looking for something a little livelier, The Central in Navan is another excellent option.
Situated on Trimgate Street in the heart of the town, this popular venue combines a restaurant, multiple bars and entertainment spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the week.
Every Wednesday, Nigel Davey and friends host a traditional music session, bringing the sounds of Irish trad to the Front Bar from 9pm.
Musicians and listeners are welcome, making it a great place to enjoy an evening of music in the heart of Navan.
Find out more HERE!
Thursday: Jack's Bar, Kells & James Griffin Pub, Trim
Thursday brings another opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish music, with established sessions in both Kells and Trim.
Jack's Bar and Restaurant, Kells
Located on Rockfield Road in Kells, Jack's Bar, Restaurant and Garden combines great food, drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Known for its food, cocktails and lively surroundings, Jack's is particularly popular for its weekly Thursday traditional music session.
Why not enjoy a meal before settling in for an evening of Irish music and good company?
Find out more HERE!
James Griffin Pub, Trim
Established in 1904, James Griffin Pub has been part of Trim's social scene for generations.
Although the pub has evolved over the years, its traditional character and old-world charm remain at the heart of the experience. With several bars and comfortable spaces, it's a great place to meet friends and enjoy an evening out.
The pub hosts traditional music sessions every Thursday, bringing some of the finest musicians in the Boyne Valley together for an evening of tunes and entertainment.
Find out more HERE!
The Becks, Cushenstown
If you're looking for another Thursday option, The Becks also hosts a traditional music session on the first Thursday of every month.
Find out more HERE!
Friday: Marcie Regan's Pub, Trim
For a truly traditional pub experience, Marcie Regan's Pub in Trim is well worth a visit.
This charming pub has plenty of character, with its intimate surroundings and welcoming atmosphere offering a glimpse of the traditional Irish pub experience that has been enjoyed for generations.
Friday nights have long been associated with traditional music and singing here, with musicians gathering in the pub's cosy surroundings to play together.
It's the kind of place where the music, conversation and company are just as important as the pint, and a wonderful stop for anyone looking to experience the more intimate side of Irish traditional music.
Find out more HERE!
Saturday: Make a night of it in the Boyne Valley
Saturday nights are a great opportunity to enjoy the wider live music scene across the Boyne Valley.
There are plenty of venues offering live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.
The Becks in Cushenstown, for example, regularly welcomes musicians for weekend entertainment, while O'Connor's Bar in Kells and The Village Inn in Slane are also well known for their live music.
Keep an eye on our member pubs social media pages for upcoming performances and music nights.
Sunday: The Becks, Cushenstown & Clarkes Bar, Drogheda
Round off the week with a Sunday session, with traditional music taking centre stage at The Becks.
The Becks, Cushenstown
Known locally as Dowling's, The Becks is a traditional pub in Cushenstown with a long association with Irish music and community gatherings.
Their weekly Sunday traditional music session takes place from 6pm and is an open session, welcoming musicians who want to bring along an instrument and join in, as well as anyone who simply wants to sit back and enjoy the tunes.
There is also an additional session on the first Thursday of every month.
With a friendly atmosphere and plenty of traditional music, The Becks is a wonderful place to spend a Sunday evening.
Find out more HERE!
Clarkes Bar, Drogheda
Located on Fair Street in the centre of Drogheda, Clarkes Bar is a unique pub dating back to 1900.
Its traditional interior and character have been preserved over the years, making it a much-loved spot for locals and visitors looking for a proper Irish pub experience.
Sunday evenings are particularly popular, with regular live music sessions bringing people together to round off the weekend. Check their latest listings for traditional musicians and upcoming performances.
Find out more HERE!
These sessions are about more than just the music. They are about local communities, musicians sharing their talent, visitors being made welcome and the traditions that continue to make Irish pubs such special places.
So, wrap up warm, gather a few friends and head out to enjoy some live music this winter. You never know where a good tune, a great pint and a bit of craic might take you!
To discover more pubs, places to eat and things to do across the region, visit Discover Boyne Valley and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news and events.
