Dublin: Merry Ploughboys Irish Night Dinner & Live Show

Traditional Irish music and dance night at Dublin’s iconic pub

You’ll step into Dublin’s Merry Ploughboys Pub for an evening thick with laughter, music, and quick-stepping dancers. With dinner included if you choose, you’ll taste classic Irish dishes while local musicians fill the room with stories and songs. The show feels personal (sometimes rowdy, sometimes hushed), and leaves you walking out feeling like you’ve actually been part of something real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Attend Merry Ploughboys Irish Night Show

• Arrive at Merry Ploughboy Pub
• Enjoy three-course Irish dinner
• Watch traditional Irish music and dance
• Participate in audience interaction
• Experience lively Irish songs and ballads

The experience

I’ll be honest, I went to the Merry Ploughboys Irish Night mostly out of curiosity: friends kept saying it was “the real thing” in Dublin, and I just wanted to see if that was true. The pub itself is a bit out from the city center (we grabbed a cab), but as soon as we walked in, there was this hum, not loud, just that feeling you get when people are actually excited to be somewhere. Our table was tucked near the stage, close enough to see every grin on the musicians’ faces.

We’d picked the dinner & show option, so while plates of stew and soda bread landed in front of us (I swear I could smell butter and herbs before I even saw them), the band started up. These guys own the place, literally. They joked with each other between songs, told stories about old ballads, and somehow made everyone feel like they were part of some inside joke. When one of them explained a song’s meaning, his accent got thicker and he winked at our table. My friend tried repeating a phrase in Irish and got a round of applause for effort (and a bit of laughter). It felt like nobody was just performing. They were sharing something personal.

The dancers came out after dessert: all quick feet and wild hair, stomping so hard you could feel it through your chair. There’s this moment where everyone goes quiet for a slow ballad. I caught myself holding my breath. It’s not fancy or staged like those big theater shows. It’s more raw, right in front of you. The rain outside made the windows foggy but inside it was all warmth and clapping along. I still think about that last song echoing as we left into the damp night air.

What’s included

Your evening includes admission to Dublin’s only pub owned by traditional musicians themselves, two hours of live music and Irish dancing entertainment, plus an optional three-course home-cooked dinner featuring classic local dishes if selected when booking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Infant (1 to 17 years)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Merry Ploughboys Irish Night

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 17 years).

Is dinner included with the Merry Ploughboys Irish Night ticket?

You can choose between "show only" or "dinner & show" options when booking your ticket.

How long does the Merry Ploughboys show last?

The entertainment lasts for about two hours.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are service animals allowed at Merry Ploughboys Pub?

Yes, service animals are allowed at the venue.

Where is Merry Ploughboys Pub located in Dublin?

The pub is located outside central Dublin. Taxi or rideshare is recommended for easy access.