My family and I (spouse and 2 teen boys) will be visiting Ireland in late July-early August. We all want to hear some ITM. I have a couple of questions that I hope some C&Frs might be able to answer:
Is it OK for teens (13 and 15) to be in pubs for sessions/concerts? Are there any festivals or particular venues we should not miss? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Is it OK for teens (13 and 15) to be in pubs for sessions/concerts?
It’s ok if you think it is. If I was their mother, I’d do whatever I felt was right and not rely on strangers on a message board for parenting advice. That came off harsher than I thought it should have. Enjoy your trip.
Cranberry, I think the post was asking if it was legal, not if it was moral, and the answer is yes, children go into pubs all the time.
Oh…I seem to read everything wrong. Sorry. 
Sorry my post wasn’t completely clear. Tyghress, thanks, you are correct. I don’t want to make plans to look for good ITM pubs if my lads won’t be allowed in. Based on my previous pub experiences, I am comfortable with having them with me in that environment. It is also a relief to know that I won’t have to in search of a pint by myself, as either my wife or I would be with the boys if they couldn’t go in. So, now that I know that it is indeed legal, does anyone have any recommendations for particular venues or events between July 26 and August 3?
Actually it depends on where you are, as to the kids in pubs. In Dublin they aren’t allowed after a certain time and the music always starts after that time. Outside of Dublin, though, they are usually welcome. You see signs occasionally saying “Please keep your children with you,” but you’ll sometimes see the publican’s kids playing behind the bar.
There’s the Galway Arts Festival at the end of july and then the James Morrisson Trad. Music Festival from august 1st to 3rd (If I remember well!) in Co. Sligo. I don’t remember anything between end of july and august, but there’s always things going on. If you havent been in Doolin yet, you might to go there, it’s crazy, very touristic, but there’s lotsa music all the time, if you can manage to get into the pubs…
Thanks, all, for your helpful information and ideas. This will help to give a lot of shape to our trip.
When I was in Ireland some years back my mother had the nerve to ask the bartender what the legal drinking age was? After he stopped laughing he said, “about two years old!!” And then he started laughing again.
If you’re planning to spend time in the South, the Munster Fleadh will be on in Skibbereen, Co. Cork (very very far South-West) on July 18th, 19th, and 20th (weekend). It should be good - there’ll be loads of music and musicians around the week before, and then that weekend too.
http://www.munstercomhaltas.ie/fleadhcheoil/fleadh2003/fleadh2003mainframe.html