About The Cobblestone
Tucked away on Queen Street in the heart of Smithfield, The Cobblestone is a family-run legend that's been pouring pints and sparking feet to flight for over 35 years. This unassuming pub punches way above its weight when it comes to nightlife in Smithfield Dublin, drawing locals and visitors alike for its spontaneous traditional Irish music sessions that often spill into all-night ceilidhs. Picture this: fiddle players trading licks with bodhrán beats, the air thick with the smoky scent of turf fires from nearby chimneys, and a crowd three-deep at the tiny bar calling for another round of Guinness. It's not your glossy superclub; it's raw, authentic Dublin soul where set dancing erupts without warning, pulling even the shyest punter onto the floor.
What to Expect
Expect packed houses from 9:30pm most nights, especially Wednesdays through Sundays, with informal sessions featuring uilleann pipes, concertinas, and songs that have you humming for days. The dance floor is the space in front of the musicians, where locals demonstrate reels and jigs with infectious energy. Drinks are classic: creamy pints, proper whiskeys like Jameson or Powers, and maybe a sneaky poitÃn if you're lucky. No cover charge, just good vibes and a €5-10 spend per round. The crowd mixes grizzled Dubs with wide-eyed tourists, all united in foot-stomping joy till the guards call time around 1am or later on weekends.
Insider Tips
Arrive by 9pm to snag a stool at the counter; once it fills, standing room only. Chat up the O'Reilly family behind the bar for stories of Smithfield's horse fair days or secret lock-ins. Pair your night with a pre-drink stroll around Smithfield Square, past the old Jameson Distillery glowing under streetlights. If you're new to Irish dancing, watch first then join in; no one's judging. Skip the fancy gear; jeans and a jumper fit right in. For the full experience, hit it after a Luas ride from St Stephen's Green, just two stops away. This is where Dublin's beating heart dances on.