Dublin - Musical Pub Crawl vs. Merry Ploughboy?

Ken, I took the musical pub crawl about 5 years ago. It was fairly educational. They spent some time explaining the various instruments and some of the history of the music. I think we went to 3 pubs, but the tour went to rooms separate from the rest of the patrons. I'm pretty sure that it ended fairly early in the evening so it may be possible to do the pub crawl and go to a pub afterwards. I'm not familiar with the Merry Ploughboy.

I'd go for neither. My wife had gone on a pub crawl on a previous trip. (My opinion is that there are several and I have no idea which one she did.) When we went together, we just wandered on our own and she said that was more enjoyable - - and there are plenty of places to duck into. We'd considered the Merry Ploughboy, but friends said that you were a captive audience for too long and that the food and prices ($70?) were nowhere near good value. Additionally, the show, combined with the ride down there and back, shot the whole evening to the point that you didn't have much time for anything else either before or after.

Hi Ken,
We took the musical pub crawl last July and had a blast! We ended up meeting other people from our hometown which was fun. The music was wonderful, a collection of instrumental songs and singing. We went to three pubs and upstairs in a private room of each. Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening, and I would recommend it. I have never heard of the Merry Ploughboy, so I can't help you much there. Dublin itself is a lovely city, so I know you will enjoy yourselves regardless! Have fun in Ireland!

I'd recommend you go on the pub crawl tour. We went on the one recommended in the RS book and loved it. It was informative about the music and instruments. You got some insight into the lifestyle of the musicians as well. There are also great musical opportunities all over Dublin (and Ireland) that you can drop in on. After the pub crawl you'll look at things a little differently. There is also a great concert in Dingle three nights per week during the tourist season. The content varies between concerts. The one we went to was very good musically and also very informative. Both were highlights of our trip.

Ken, The Musical Pub Crawl is an excellent intro to Irish music, and a good time too. If, as another commenter wrote, the Merry Ploughboy is anywhere near 70E, then I would add that the Pub Crawl is a much better value (I believe it is around 20E).