With the bar trade more competitive than ever, an increasing number of pubs have turned to comedy as a way to draw in customers. Here’s a list of ten comedy clubs in Ireland that are operating today.
The International
Where: 23 Wicklow St, Dublin.
When: Monday-Sunday (nightly).
What: The International Bar was the first pub in Ireland to host a regular comedy night, starting back when Ardal O’Hanlon, Kevin Gildea and Apres Match’s Barry Murphy set-up the Comedy Cellar in the late 80’s. Tommy Tiernan, Dylan Moran, Dara O’Briain and countless others all started out here, and the club still attracts some of the best acts both domestically and internationally. It is also the only venue in the country to host comedy 7 nights a week. More info.
The Comedy Crunch
Where: The Stag’s Head, Dublin.
When: Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays (weekly).
What: Located downstairs in the Stag’s Head, the Comedy Crunch is Dublin’s best free to enter comedy gig. With a different line-up of top comics each night and free ice-cream provided at intermission, the Crunch is packed to the rafters three nights a week. More info.
The Hardy Har
Where: The Harbour Bar, Bray.
When: Thursdays (monthly).
What: Dara O’Briain’s hometown now has its very own free to enter comedy club, operating in the upstairs room of the Harbour Bar in Bray. The gig has grown in popularity since it began and will help host the second Bray Comedy Festival in February 2016. More info.
Juicebox
Where: The Spirit Store, Dundalk.
When: Saturdays (monthly).
What: A long established music venue in Louth, the Spirit Store has been attracting healthy crowds for its monthly ‘Juicebox’ comedy night in the upstairs room. A mix of local and circuit acts – the venue is building a loyal following in Dundalk. More info.
The Comedy Clubh
Where: The Roisin Dubh, Galway.
When: Tuesdays and Fridays (weekly).
What: The Roisin Dubh has brought some of the best music and comedy acts to Galway for years, and last year started its weekly comedy night, the Comedy Clubh (sic). Friday nights have some of the strongest line-ups in the country while the Tuesday gigs boast a mix of new acts accompanied by a professional headliner. More info.
Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club
Where: The Dew Drop Inn, Mainguard Street, Galway.
When: Thursdays (weekly).
What: With its intimate setting, the cosy room above Galway’s Dew Drop may not seem like a typical performance venue, but once a week the snug space transforms into Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club. For only €3, punters are treated to a different line-up of comedians every week, as well as complimentary finger food at the break. The club recently celebrated its 2nd birthday, and has proven popular with tourists and locals alike. More info.
City Limits
Where: Coburg St, Cork.
When: Saturdays (weekly).
What: One of the most established comedy venues in the country, City Limits has been bringing comedy to Cork since the early 90s. Its purpose built comedy club has a capacity for 200 people and was the site chosen by Tommy Tiernan to film his 2010 ‘Crooked Man’ DVD. More info.
CoCo Comedy Club
Where: The Roundy, Cork.
When: Saturdays (begins March 2016).
What: The CoCo comedy club is the new kid on the block regarding comedy in Cork. Boasting some of the freshest comedy talents in Munster, the club moves to its new home at the Roundy in March. More info.
Mike the Pies
Where: Mike the Pies, Listowel.
When: Saturdays (monthly).
What: Listowel’s Mike the Pies has shown a commitment to quality music nights and more recently has delivered some top comedy acts to Kerry. Acts range from some of the top Dublin headliners to the cream of Munster comedy. More info.
Comedy @ the Green Room
Where: The Green Room, Letterkenny.
When: Thursdays (monthly).
What: The Green Room is one of Letterkenny’s top live venues, and now plays host to a monthly comedy night in its Vintage Room. The room features local acts and top comics from further afield. More info.
