We recently asked a Dublin taxi driver to recommend the best place for live music in Temple Bar. Answer: “Now why would you bother, when the Cobblestones is so close?” This is an authentic musician’s place, as much a traditional music venue as a pub, such is the standard of the music. Free sessions are in the front bar nightly, with ticketed acts in the Backroom, a dedicated performance space. The pub is on the Northside, 5 minutes’ walk from the Old Jameson Distillery.