Dublin Mountains: Small Group Pub Crawl & Live Music Tour

Summary

Irish countryside, mountain pubs, laughter & live music with locals

You’ll ride through green hills to three real mountain pubs outside Dublin—sharing pints with locals, tasting craft beer or whiskey, and joining in for traditional Irish music. With live tunes echoing off old walls and laughter over every table, you’ll feel part of something genuine before heading back with new friends.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re not in the city anymore when the road starts winding up into the Dublin Mountains and the air smells like wet grass and wood smoke. Our guide, Mark (who knew half the people we met), just grinned and said, ‘Wait till you see the first stop.’ And honestly, The Merry Ploughboy looked like something out of a storybook — low ceiling, dark wood, a couple of old guys at the bar who nodded as we walked in. I tried to order my pint in Irish. Failed spectacularly. The bartender winked anyway.

The drive between pubs was short but somehow felt like another world each time — sheep on one side, city lights far off behind us. At every pub, someone seemed to have a story or a song ready. There was this woman at the second place (I think her name was Siobhán?) who insisted we try her favorite whiskey. Not gonna lie, it burned all the way down but left this weirdly warm feeling that stuck around for ages. Oh, and I never thought I’d actually join a singalong with strangers — but there’s something about being packed into a tiny room with fiddles going and everyone clapping that makes it impossible not to.

I still think about that last pub at the top of the mountains — windows fogged from inside, someone playing guitar by the fire, rain tapping on the glass. It wasn’t fancy or anything; just honest and full of life. We all piled back into the van after midnight, cheeks sore from laughing (and maybe singing too loud). If you want a real Dublin mountain pub crawl — not just ticking off bars but actually meeting people and hearing music that gets under your skin — this is it. Still can’t pronounce half the names right though.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dublin Mountains pub crawl experience

• Drive through Dublin Mountains countryside
• Visit The Merry Ploughboy pub main bar
• Drive to second local pub with drinks
• Enjoy traditional music at last pub
• Have a pint or two at mountain top pub

Top questions

How many pubs are included on this Dublin Mountain pub crawl?

The tour visits three different pubs in the Dublin Mountains area.

Is live traditional Irish music included on this small group tour?

Yes, live traditional Irish music is featured at the last pub visited during the tour.

Does this Dublin Mountain Pub Tour include transportation?

Yes, transportation between pubs is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is the maximum group size for this pub crawl?

The maximum group size is 15 people for a more personal experience.

Are drinks or meals included in the price?

No drinks or meals are included; you can buy your own pints or snacks at each pub.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as there’s minimal walking involved.

Can I join using public transportation from Dublin city?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to pickup points.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Dublin city area, visits to three different local pubs in the Dublin Mountains with plenty of time to enjoy craft beer or whiskey at your own pace, plus live traditional Irish music at one stop—all fully guided so you can relax and soak up every moment before returning late at night.