Clare is the spiritual home of Irish traditional music. Doolin has the triangle of O'Connor's, McGann's, and McDermott's. Ennis has sessions every night. Miltown Malbay hosts the Willie Clancy Summer School every July.
More traditional musicians per square kilometre than any other county in Ireland — that's the claim, and it's hard to argue with it. The East Clare fiddle style and the Doolin session tradition are two distinct rivers that have shaped Irish music for generations. Wherever you are in the county, you're within 20 minutes of a session.
at Gus O'Connor's · Doolin, Co. Clare
Doolin's most-talked-about session. Nightly from late February through November. Small room — arrive before 20:30 or stand all night. No cover.
at McGann's Pub · Doolin, Co. Clare
Part of the Doolin trad triangle with O'Connor's and McDermott's. Slightly more elbow room than Gus's. Sessions nightly from March–October.
at Brogan's Bar · Ennis, Co. Clare
Long-established Ennis session in a proper town-centre pub. Locals mix with visitors. Fridays and Saturdays through the season.
at Friel's Bar · Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare
Known among musicians as one of the best sessions in the county — fewer tourists, stronger playing. Home of the Willie Clancy Summer School overflow each July.
4 recurring sessions listed for Clare. Know a session we’re missing? Submit a Clare sesh →
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