The Sligo fiddle style — fast, precise, and ornamented differently from the Clare or Donegal styles — is one of the most influential regional traditions in Irish music. Michael Coleman recorded it in 1920s New York and changed American country music.
Sligo town sits on the Garavogue River with mountains on three sides, and the session scene matches the geography — varied, slightly wild, and worth seeking out. McLynn's has been running since 1889. The Snug on the riverbank is where travelling musicians find a welcome. Thomas Connolly's is where the regulars go when they want the music without the tourists.
at McLynn's Bar · Old Market Street, Co. Sligo
Family-run since 1889. Friday and Saturday sessions, mid-week nights through summer. One of Sligo's most consistently recommended trad spots.
at The Snug · Market Street, Co. Sligo
On the Garavogue River. Open sessions nightly — travelling musicians welcome to sit in. Good craic, no attitude.
at Thomas Connolly's · Markievicz Road, Co. Sligo
Sligo's oldest pub. Trad sessions on weekends. The kind of place where regulars have sat in the same seats since the 90s.
3 recurring sessions listed for Sligo. Know a session we’re missing? Submit a Sligo sesh →
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