Live Music in Ireland’s Pubs is not “Free”

True. I can't imagine going to an Irish pub and not having something to drink. Listening to music is hot, thirsty work.

Nice to hear this is being called out directly, feel sorry for publicans who have to suffer a lack of business despite a full house. Dreadfully bad manners to visit a pub and not buy anything, akin to bringing your own sandwich to a café.

Where we live in the US, you tip both the musician and the server.

I could never go to a pub and sit there empty handed!

I in fact drank enough for several tables of tourists when we were there. Boy did I pay the next day!

I have trouble imagining people (from any country) being so clueless as to think it's okay to take up space in a pub or restaurant without "buying" something. Those places have overhead and pay a staff, they aren't charities.

Miles, if you have a hard time imagining that, you need a better imagination. Happens all the time.

It's just common sense, but as John Prine said, "It don't make much sense that common sense don't make no sense no more." 🎵

Unfortunately, a lack of common sense, lack of decency, lack of manners is not unusual (and not just when traveling overseas). While we Americans may have been singled out above, we are certainly not the only ones. It's fine to be thrifty and careful with your spending, but don't lose sight of the bigger picture -- these are not government funded institutions, they're small businesses, usually operating on razor-thin margins (sometimes at a loss). If you can afford a trip abroad, plan to spread your spending around a bit and budget accordingly.

When I visit a pub, I usually drink more than my fair share (my wife doesn't drink alcohol, so I have to make up for that...it's a burden I shoulder...). I have very fond memories of the live music I enjoyed in a Dingle Hardware store...in addition to the memories, I also have a T-shirt (sold by the pub) and a CD (sold by the performers), all of which I cherish.

Always tip the band, tip the bartender/server, generously -- it makes the world go round and will leave you feeling good.

Absolutely agree with you James (thank you for posting this) and David.

David, your post made me chuckle. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. :).

Agree with all of this. If you want free, stand outside and listen as best you can, but definitely don’t take up space that is intended for paying customers.

I thought it was compulsory to have a pint of Guinness in all Irish pubs.

Thanks for posting this, James.

By the way, the same goes for English, Welsh and Scottish pubs, as well as what is currently known as Northern Ireland.

Agreed, David. I don't doubt that it happens all the time, but it's still astounding. In my younger years I worked 21 seasons in a restaurant - waiter, busboy, valet parker, and bartender towards the end. As a result, I am always aware of "taking up space" in an establishment, and I just wouldn't do it without spreading some money around. Thanks for the comment.

I can't understand anyone going to a pub. restaurant or bar, sitting and not ordering something...in any country. Thanks for calling it out. I am heading to Ireland in 2 weeks and looking forward to music and drink and drink!