Visitors who want a clear, pre-booked centrepiece for part of the day.
attractions IrelandMe tour notes
Merry Ploughboys Irish Night Dublin Admission Ticket
Two hours of live traditional Irish music, song and dance at Ireland's only pub owned by traditional musicians. Choose show-only or add a three-course dinner.
Duration3 hours 40 minutes
PriceFrom €34
Rating4.7 from 59 reviews
BookingSecurely via Viator
The IrelandMe take
What stands out about this one
Our practical read of the published itinerary, traveller feedback and local context—not the operator’s sales description.
The Merry Ploughboys Irish Night is held at the only pub in Ireland owned by traditional musicians - which tells you something straight away about the standard of what you're getting. You can come for the show on its own, or choose the dinner and show option, which adds a three-course meal of Irish home cooking before the music starts.
The award-winning show runs for two hours and covers the full range: fast-paced traditional songs, ballads, music, and Irish dancing, with a genuine emphasis on getting the audience involved rather than just watching from a distance. The band brings real wit and humour along with the music, and the atmosphere is lively from start to finish. This show has been named Best Irish Night Show in Ireland on numerous occasions.
The published itinerary is the deciding factor here. Check the current meeting point and stop timings before committing.
One practical detail
The fact that the pub is owned by the musicians themselves means the session is driven by people who actually care about the tradition, not just the box office. Traditional music in Ireland has a whole culture around it - the slow airs, the reels, the way sets build from one tune into the next - and having musicians in charge of the venue means that culture gets room to breathe rather than being squeezed into a package.
How the experience works
It's the kind of evening that gives you a real feel for Irish music and craic - not a polished tourist production, but something with actual roots behind it.
What the price covers
- Two hours of live traditional music, song and dance
- Entry to the Merry Ploughboy Pub
- Dinner option available: three-course meal of Irish home cooking (select at booking)
Local tips that make the day better
If you're booking a table for dinner, arriving a bit early gives you time to settle in and get a drink before the show starts. The three-course meal is described as Irish home cooking, which in practice means solid, unfussy food - soup, a meat course, dessert - that doesn't try to be anything other than what it is.
Audience participation is a real part of the show, so if you're the type who'd rather observe than join in, that's absolutely fine - plenty of people are there for exactly that. But if you're open to it, the band is good at drawing people in without making anyone feel put on the spot.
The show has been running long enough to have won Best Irish Night Show in Ireland on multiple occasions, which in a city that takes its live entertainment seriously is a meaningful distinction. The 4.7 rating across 59 reviews reflects a consistent track record rather than a handful of particularly enthusiastic nights.
If you want to explore more traditional music after the show, the Cobblestone pub in Smithfield and O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row both have regular sessions - O'Donoghue's in particular has strong historical associations with the Dubliners. A local guide or your hotel's concierge can tell you what nights are usually best.
Good to know before booking
- Wheelchair accessible, all areas and surfaces suitable for wheelchair users
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on an adult's lap
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- Includes skip-the-line access
- Note: no free cancellation on this ticket
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Questions before you book
How long is Merry Ploughboys Irish Night Dublin Admission Ticket?
The published duration is 3 hours 40 minutes. Allow extra time to reach the meeting point and for your onward plans.
How much does Merry Ploughboys Irish Night Dublin Admission Ticket cost?
The listed starting price is From €34. Live prices can change by date, group size and availability.
What should I know before booking?
The published itinerary is the deciding factor here. Check the current meeting point and stop timings before committing.
Ready to decide?
Check the live times before building the rest of your day.
From €34 · 3 hours 40 minutes Check dates & prices ↗
