Gus O'Connor's pub, Doolin

Doolin, a small village on the County Clare coast, is the traditional music capital of Ireland, and Gus O'Connor's is its most famous pub, serving pints and seafood chowder since 1832. Traditional music sessions are played most nights all year round, and every night in summer; turn up early to get a seat by the musicians.

McGann's and McDermott's, the village's other pubs, also have nightly sessions. Doolin is a good base for the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and the Aran Islands.