Alcohol and the debauchery that comes with it has long been linked to Ireland and its capital city. The fact that Dublin is seen as one of Europe’s most youthful cities, with an estimated 50% of its inhabitants below the age of 25, only furthers the city’s reputation as having a wild nightlife.
But more importantly, that statistic demonstrates that young people drive Dublin’s burgeoning live music scene. Not just heading out to drink, various venues have opened up along Wexford and Camdem St allow for the city’s culture to grow outside of the business centre on Grafton Street.
While south of the River Liffey is best known for its popular nightlife, which draws stag and hen parties from around Britain, the area is also a cultural centre with countless studios and small music venues to be found in the region.
Artistic types are commonly found here, but the many street performers aren’t exclusive to the area. The city of six million has a reputation for a healthy yet competitive busker scene. Walk the streets and you’ll hear the music of Dublin almost instantaneously.
Glen Hansard, the Academy Award winning songwriter and vocalist for The Frames and The Swell Season, once described Dublin as a “smart old man, slightly cynical, but with a good heart and essentially a good spirit.”
From the words of a local himself, Hansard’s description of the city not only demonstrates the type of artists that can be found in the city but how it inspires those who inhabit it.
There has long been a mantra that there are more Irish people around the world than there are in the country itself, so it should come as little surprise to see the small nation producing some incredibly successful acts. Its relatively modest size undoubtedly spurned on its over-achieving musical spirit, which extends throughout the rest of the country.
Of course what comes to mind first when you think of Irish bands is the Bono-fronted U2. As one of the most well known rock acts in the world, the four-piece have become the biggest advertisement for Dublin’s music scene. Although the likes of Enya, Van Morrison, The Cranberries, and Sinead O’Connor have all brought focus onto the Emerald Isle’s music culture over the years.
As Dublin’s music scene continues to grow, a new wave of acts are finding audiences across the globe, three of which you can listen to below.
There’s more to Dublin and Ireland than the drinking culture that is somewhat exaggerated by TV and film; this little country has an astounding music heritage to share.
Dublin Festivals/Conferences
Oxegen: Held outside of Dublin at the Punchestown Racecourse in County Kildare, Ireland’s biggest festival attracts around 60,000 punters a day over a four-day period. Running since 2004, the festival took a breather in 2012 just as England’s Glastonbury did. It is also the country’s greenest festival, with the event being 100% carbon neutral. The 2013 event will move to two days in August with the lineup yet to be announced.
http://www.oxegen.ie
Longitude Festival: Held over three days in July, this new festival boasts a huge lineup for its 2013 event. Kraftwerk, Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Hot Chip, Foals, and Vampire Weekend are just a few of the acts on this mammoth lineup. Longitude Festival is run by the same company that organises Oxegen and is also held on the same weekend as the Latitude festival in the UK.
http://longitude.ie
St.Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival: A day celebrated around the world by Irish and non-Irish alike with mass consumption of alcohol, the local event is drawn out over five days with concerts, exhibitions, street theatre and fireworks. Pyrotechnics and some of Europe’s best street performers also feature, while a parade on St.Patrick’s day is at the centre of the festival.
http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie
Dublin Record Stores
All City, 4 Crow St, Temple Bar http://all-cityrecords.com
Got a love of street art and music? The two are combined in All City where spray cans, markers, and street art books are all for sale. The store has a reputation for providing cheap yet quality products. Their vinyl collection is made up of dubstep, hip-hop, instrumental, techno, soul and funk sounds. There is also a collection of collectable Japanese toys for sale if that’s more to your liking.
Freebird, 15A Wicklow St, http://www.freebird.ie/
Most venture past this record store without even noticing it. Located inside the Secret Book & Records Store, to find the establishment one must walk through a long and narrow hallway. While book lovers will no doubt be in heaven, vinyl enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either by the eclectic range of new and used LPs from Irish and international acts. Knowledgeable staff are also Freebird’s biggest asset, they’ll be able to help you find hidden record treasure or advise you on their selection.
Sound Cellar, 47 Nassau St, http://www.freewebs.com/soundcellar/
One of the oldest stores in Ireland, Sound Cellar wills music listeners in by declaring, “we specialise in real music from real people. Why don’t you call in and find out for yourself.” This record store isn’t for those looking for the conventional. Situated just off Grafton Street, the store is close to the city’s business centre. All styles of metal, country, blues, and specialist genres can be found in Sound Cellar amongst a cornucopia of aural delights.
Dublin Bars
Whelan’s, 25 Wexford St, http://www.whelanslive.com/
Internationally renowned thanks to some exposure in the 2007 film P.S I Love You, you only need to visit this venue to see its history and cultural significance. Pictures of artists who have played at the venue line the walls – Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, and Damien Rice being regularly pointed out by punters. This institution can accommodate two gigs per night with two stages. One featuring more acoustic acts and the other for local and international bands that can fill the 450 capacity area. With music seven nights a week, Whelan’s is not to be missed.
The Workman’s Club, 10 Wellington Quay, http://theworkmansclub.com/
If you ever wanted to go out but still feel like you’re at a house party, then this is the place for you. A music venue situated inside a house. With no set dance floor and numerous bars scattered throughout, this 300 capacity establishment hosts any musical act that is outside the mainstream. Singer-songwriter types, cabaret, and electronica are just some of the genres represented at The Workman’s Club. Have a seat by the fireplace next time you’re there in Winter and enjoy one of Ireland’s most unique venues.
The Mezz, 24 Eustace St, Rathmines, http://www.mezz.ie/index.html
Wild, dark and sweaty with a ‘dive bar’ feel, this small venue features loud rock, electronic, funk, and garage bands. The bartenders are friendly, the atmosphere is electric, and the Irish feel contributes to this establishment’s genuine appeal. The music is free and while it’s hipster and punk vibe might turn a few off, there are some great up and coming acts to experience at The Mezz.
Dublin Acts You Should Check Out
Villagers: Soundcloud
The Conor O’Brien fronted folk band have released two critically acclaimed albums with their 2010 debut, Becoming A Jackal, earning a Mercury Prize nomination. This year saw the release of their sophomore record {Awayland}, which topped the Irish charts and has seen them further their international standing. Have a listen to O’Brien’s beautiful acoustic version of ‘Nothing Arrived’ below.
Kodaline: Soundcloud
The alternative rock quartet made Irish chart history in 2007 when their debut single, ‘Give Me A Minute’ became the first independently released track to top the Singles Chart. However it wasn’t until late 2012 that they released their debut EP. The Kodaline earned them some Grey’s Anatomy love as well as a nomination for BBC’s ‘Sound of 2013’ Poll.
The Funeral Suits: Soundcloud
The four-piece’s debut album, Lily Of The Valley, dropped in mid 2012. The album saw the band tour with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Passion Pit, The Maccabees, and Local Natives. Their expansive and atmospheric sonic textures of distortion and harmony has garnered them acclaim and seen them play around the world. Listen to ‘Colour Fade’ below.
