Laois is at the intersection of four session counties — Kilkenny, Offaly, Tipperary, and Kildare — and the music reflects all of them.
The midlands county isn't famous for trad in the way Galway or Clare is, but that underestimation is part of the appeal. The sessions run without the tourist pressure, and the musicians who show up are there because they want to play. The old N7 crossroads pubs at Borris-in-Ossory have been stopping travellers — and their instruments — since coach-road days.
at The Harbour Bar · Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Portlaoise's go-to trad night. The Harbour Bar holds the county's best-known weekly session — players from Laois, Offaly, and Kilkenny all show up.
at Kavanagh's · Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois
At the old N7 crossroads. Saturday sessions in a pub that's been stopping travellers since coach-road days. Occasional mid-week nights when visiting musicians pass through.
2 recurring sessions listed for Laois. Know a session we’re missing? Submit a Laois sesh →
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