Events at McHugh's, Drogheda

About McHugh’s

McHugh’s is a historic family-run pub and live-music venue in the heart of Drogheda’s old town. Housed in a 19th-century shopfront near the stone walls of St. Laurence’s Gate, it blends classic Irish pub tradition with a modern event space. Inside, the cosy snug and wood-fired bar area cater to quiet drinkers, while a purpose-built performance space (“The Barrel”) at the back hosts concerts and events. The pub has been serving pints in Drogheda since the 1800s and is renowned for exceptionally well-poured Guinness – locals often say it’s the best in town. It feels characterful and lived-in: you’ll find vintage mirrors, dark wood, a warm stove, and even framed memorabilia (a whiskey jar of former owner Thomas Callan still hangs behind the bar). Outside there’s a charming beer garden and patio (complete with outdoor music speakers), a welcoming spot when the weather’s fair.

McHugh’s matters in the local scene because it’s Drogheda’s go-to live-entertainment hub. It’s been family-owned for generations (now run by the McHugh and Cooney families) and acts as a gathering place for music lovers, sports fans, and community events. The venue’s mix of history and modern upgrades makes it unique. You can literally touch old stone at St Laurence’s Gate across the road, then step inside to a sound stage with professional lights, a PA system, and a big screen for live broadcasts. Beyond pints and playlists, McHugh’s is known for fun traditions: it even sponsors a local rings-toss league (the bar’s team won the county ring toss in 2017) and stages all kinds of community fundraisers. Whether it’s a Friday night gig, a folk session or a big game on the projector, McHugh’s energetic atmosphere and friendly service mark it out as a must-visit in Drogheda’s lively music quarter.

Events and Programming

Nearly every weekend McHugh’s buzzes with live events. The Barrel venue hosts a diverse calendar: rock, indie and folk concerts, tribute bands, stand-up comedy, Irish trad sessions, pop-up theatre, boxing fights, quiz nights and charity gigs. Regular themed evenings are common – for example, weekly folk or acoustic nights, trad-sessions with fiddlers, and even karaoke or vintage vinyl events. Local promoters often book national acts here. In recent years famous Irish artists have visited McHugh’s, including Damien Dempsey, the Irish rock band Aslan, trad legends like Altan or The Wolfe Tones, and occasional international artists (for example alt-country “godfather” Howe Gelb played here in Dec 2023). Bands signed via Songkick and Setlist.fm include garage rockers (Search Results, Shark School) and tribute acts (Rushified, a Rush tribute band, played in early 2025). Comedy acts pop in too – Irish comics like David McSavage have shows (Feb 2026 listed). The venue can pivot from music to sports: major rugby or hurling matches are shown on big screens, creating a sports-bar vibe on match days.

Programming is year-round. In summer they often book up folk festivals and Irish music concerts, while in colder months comedy tours and trivia nights heat things up. Ticket prices vary: smaller local gigs might be as low as €10–€15, while headline shows can be €20–€30. A recent Howe Gelb concert was €17 (including booking fees) (us.trip.com), and a March 2024 garage-rock night was about €12 (us.trip.com). McHugh’s also hosts recurring events like college nights (especially popular with students) and themed pub quizzes. Their Facebook page and local press (e.g. Drogheda Independent or Drogheda Life) announce lineups, but there’s no fixed “season” – check soon as events are added frequently. Free-entry or pay-at-door sessions (acoustic nights or local band fundraisers) also happen, especially on weekday afternoons or Sundays.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for McHugh’s concerts and shows can usually be bought in advance through official outlets or the event promoters. Many shows have online pre-sales (often via Irish ticketing services) once booked, and some allow box-office purchases on the night if not sold out. It’s a good idea to buy early for popular acts: local gigs often sell out quickly (with only a few hundred capacity). For bigger names or comedy tours, tickets might also appear on theatre-ticketing sites (see TheatresOnline listing for e.g. David McSavage Feb 2026). There isn’t a single fixed box-office on Chord Road; often tickets are sold locally by shops or online by promoters. Sometimes tickets are even available at the pub itself a day or two before an event. Pricing tiers are usually simple – if any, it’s usually just general admission, perhaps with a limited number of cheaper "earlybird" or student tickets and a higher price at the door. Generally, prices range from about €10 for local acts up to €30+ for headline shows. No specific “VIP seating” tier is used, but very sold-out gigs may sell a small number of marked “reserved” front-row standing spots (sometimes labelled in ticket sales). For door sales, arrive early – most doors open about 30–60 minutes before showtime. If the night is free entry, a modest “cover charge” (cash or card) may be taken at the bar or door after a certain time (often around last drinks call). University students should ask if student tickets or mixers are offered (some college events have club prices). In short, keep an eye on any official announcements (venue’s own page or local event listings) for ticket links and sale dates. Signing up to McHugh’s social media or newsletter is the best way to know when tickets go on sale, especially since big events often sell out rapidly.

Seating and Layout

The interior is divided between the classic pub area up front and the main concert room (The Barrel) at the rear. The Barrel’s floor is mostly standing-room, with a low stage raised a couple of feet at the back wall. This rectangle-shaped hall is roughly 20–25 metres long and about 10–12 metres wide (enough for 550 standing bodies), with the stage on the far end and the entrance at the opposite side. There’s minimal formal seating – expect crowds to mill or put their pints down at the few high tables near the back or sides. The best spots for an unobstructed view are centre-right facing the stage (rows of standing, a small raised floor area at the back is sometimes used for tech gear). The sound and lighting rigs hang from the low ceiling above the stage and in front; acoustics are lively, amplifying music well into the crowd. If you prefer to sit or space out a bit, use the front-bar area (snug) before or after the show. Some chairs line the walls by the stage, but they fill up fast. In very busy shows, the room can get packed; the ceiling-mounted speakers distribute sound well, so even standing toward the sides you’ll still hear clearly. Watch your head – the rear has a low awning. The floor is concrete, so wear comfortable shoes and be aware it can get slippery when crowded. Avoid the extreme left corner (near the bar entrance door) if you want full stage view – it can have occasional blind spots or sound reflections. The pub layout also includes a small raised balcony or ledge off-stage (technicians’ area) behind which sometimes a few extra people stand. While not official “VIP,” these spots are slightly elevated and useful if crowds surge. There is no separated “VIP seating” section; the layout stays flexible. For acoustic events or seated comedy nights, extra plastic chairs may be rolled in front of the pub’s snug or at the very front of The Barrel (ask staff if you need a seat). Note: if attending a sports broadcast, tables facing the big projector screen near the stage end are good for watching the game (although no tables should block the stage performance area during music events). Overall, accessibility to good view depends on timing – the earlier in the crowd you arrive, the closer to centre stage you stand, which is crucial for big gigs.

Getting There and Parking

Location: McHugh’s is at 1–3 Chord Road (sometimes written “Cord Road”), Drogheda, a few minutes’ walk from the main town centre. It sits on the corner by St. Laurence’s Gate on the south side of the river. The postal code A92 E2NK will get you right there if using GPS.

By Car: From Dublin (about 35 miles south), take the M1 motorway to Drogheda (exit 9 signposted Drogheda/Grange). Then follow signs for Drogheda town centre via the L01 (toward the river). McHugh’s is adjacent to the small St. Laurence’s Gate roundabout. The venue is very close to the junction of Francis Street and Chord Road. From Belfast to the north, also use the M1 (exit 15 Drogheda) and approach via the Rathmullan Road (N52) turning into the town centre, then follow local signs to St. Laurence’s Gate. Signage for “Laurence Gate Hotel” often points the same way; you’ll see the old pub frontage up ahead as you turn into Chord Road.

Parking: Street parking in the immediate area is limited. There are a few metered spaces on nearby Chord Road and Barrack Street, but they fill quickly on event nights. The nearest large car park is the pedestrianised Haymarket Multistorey (Brú Nua), about a 5-minute walk away (enter via College Street or St. Joseph’s Street). Haymarket offers roughly 300 spaces but its entrance can be hard to spot – watch for signs. Another municipal car park is Stockwell Lane Car Park (about 1 minute from the pub) with around 100 spaces. Both charge by the hour or flat evening rate. For free parking a little further off, try side streets like Joseph’s Street or older car parks near Drogheda station (10 min walk north). On big event nights, locals often park by Tesco Drogheda (North Road) or Marsh Road and walk a bit.

Public Transport: Drogheda’s main railway station (Drogheda MacBride) is about a 10–15 minute walk away to the north (take West Street and cross Droichead Bridge). All Dublin–Belfast intercity trains stop there. For buses, Drogheda’s central bus stops are on St. Peter’s Street and North Road (linked by the 100 and 101 town buses, which circle Drogheda). The 100 (Rathmullan Road route) and 101 (via Tesco) stop closest to the pub at either North Road stop or O’Connell Street on the north bank of the river – both are 5–10 minute walks. Regional buses (e.g. BT66 to Belfast) stop at the bus station on Patrick Street (a 3-min walk from the pub). There’s no Uber or Lyft here, but plenty of local taxis can be hailed or booked (eg. Drogheda Taxis); a taxi rank sits just outside the train station if needed. If coming from the Boyne Valley campus or midlands, local Matthews Coaches have a stop on Dublin Road, also just a short walk away. Night bus services are scarce – schedule your return trip carefully when late shows end.

Inside the Venue

Arrival & Entry: On event nights you’ll line up by the front door on Chord Road. Security is friendly but will pat down larger bags and may refuse oversized backpacks. ID checks (for age) can happen if it’s a restricted show. Once inside, expect a snug, lively atmosphere. There’s one main bar between the front pub area and the stage room. Staff usually wear casual uniforms. If it’s a ticketed event, they’ll scan or tear your ticket either in the door or inside corridor, depending on how it’s staffed that night. If standing room only, there are no reserved spots, so once inside find your place. For seated nights, ushers may guide you. Coat racks are not typically provided; if you need to hang a coat, staff will usually stash it behind the bar area or on an empty rack – but space is limited, so bring minimal luggage.

Bars and Service: The main bar in the Barrel serves drinks during the show through a window/door on the left side of the stage room. Expect a full pub menu of beers (draft Guinness, local lagers, craft ales), spirits and soft drinks. They can make basic cocktails and pour stout expertly. Later at night it’s one bar only so lines may form; tap cards and change is kept minimal, so have payment ready. Outside in the beer garden (weather permitting), there’s often a second counter serving Song & Jenn Korean food and maybe drinks. (Song & Jenn is the popular Korean eatery brought into McHugh’s courtyard after COVID – you can order ramen, kimchi fries and other snacks there.) Tip: try the kimchi fries or bulgogi bowl as a curfew-busting snack after a big gig.

Facilities: Restrooms are inside the venue (toward the back of the front bar). Normal to Irish pubs, they are unisex and somewhat small; expect queues at intermission or break. A single modest cloakroom area may exist by the bar entrance for jackets, but it’s not a formal check-in – keep valuables on you. Wi-Fi access is generally not provided to customers (you’ll rely on mobile data; phone signal is decent inside). There are no lockers for instruments or personal gear – bands load directly into a cupboard. A small merchandise table often sits beside the stage with T-shirts and albums for sale. If you’re a performer or VIP, there’s a “Green Room” (backstage lounge) with seating and tea/coffee for artists, accessed through the stage left door. Regular patrons sometimes crowd behind that door to chat with musicians after shows.

Atmosphere: McHugh’s vibes shift with event type. On gig nights it’s dark (but lit by stage spotlights), loud and bustling – conversations can only be heard during quiet songs or between sets. On quieter evenings, the pub section may pipe low music while friends chat. The staff maintains a friendly pub ambience: many know regulars by name, and there’s often singalong or impromptu music late into the night once the main event ends. In winter, the indoor stove in the snug will be lit, adding to a cosy atmosphere; in summer, open back doors link the concert room to the beer garden for fresh air and a patio-party feel. Always look for pint glass clearance on exit – the cleanup crew clears empties quickly to avoid sticky floors.

Nearby Amenities

Food & Drink: Right around the corner on Francis Street and Chord Road you’ll find a few casual takeaways (pizza, fish-and-chips) for quick bites. If you have time before the show, Drogheda’s town centre is just a 2–3 minute walk away. The pedestrianised Market Square (to the northwest) has several pubs and restaurants ideal for pre-show meals or pints. For example, “Wynne’s” on West Street does classic pub grub, and “O’Reilly’s” serves hearty Irish breakfasts and sandwiches all day. For a more formal meal, Bar Soleil (on West Street near the people’s park) is a popular steak and seafood restaurant a short stroll away. Coffee shops, sandwich delis and art-house cafés line Bridge Street and the Quay – worth a visit if you arrive early.

Hotels: There are a number of places to stay nearby. The old riverside Grand Hotel (now Grand Central on Dublin Road) is about 10 minutes’ walk away (nice pub downstairs). The Station House Hotel (on Decoy/Haggard Road) is near the train station and also a 10-min walk. For budget options, several B&Bs lie within a 5–10 minute walk, like Dreamhouse on Meeting Lane or The Snug@7 on West Street. The new Pillo Hotel (Midway 134) is just outside town, requiring a 5-min taxi ride. Still nearer is the newly built Strand Hotel on Dublin Road (2 km north, 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi), which has a bistro. If you want to stay in town, booking early is wise on weekends – Drogheda fills up for festivals and events in Boyne Valley.

Pre- and Post-Show Plans: Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before a show starts to grab a good spot and get drinks. An early dinner in town (6–7pm) helps avoid long food lines later. After the event, if it’s late, note that local taxis do run through the night but may be scarce after pub closing time (around midnight). The bus station closes earlier. The last train to Dublin typically leaves around 11:30pm or midnight (check timetables on performance days). If you’re driving, give yourself extra time at the end – everyone leaves at once and local traffic can slow. On pub nights, nearby late-night spots include Marletts (a nightclub) or Buskers Bar, both within 5–10 minutes’ walk from McHugh’s, if you’re looking to continue the evening.

What Makes This Venue Special

McHugh’s magic lies in its mix of old-world charm and entertainment power. Architecturally, it’s one of Drogheda’s loveliest old pub buildings – the classic façade beside the medieval gate adds real local flavour. Yet inside it surprises you with top-rate production: an in-house PA, stage lights, screens, and a competent sound engineer make the live bands sound great. Culturally, it’s a meeting point for diverse crowds: trad musicians, hard rock fans, comedy aficionados, sports lovers – all under one roof. Many Drogheda folk have childhood memories here, and it remains a hotbed for discovering new Irish talent (the venue has launched debut shows for local acts like The Judge Brothers and Harafish over the years). Staff pride themselves on a family atmosphere, remembering your name and drink order on repeat visits. Fans and artists alike love McHugh’s for this cozy-yet-professional feel. The pub is non-corporate and independent, so creative events flourish (improv nights “Peer Review, The Genre” and fundraising cabaret shows happen here). Traditions run deep: they hold a weekly ring-toss game, Gaelic jerseys hang near the bar, and locals gather for hurling finals on big screens. On the historical side, the place even hosted Margaret Thatcher’s opponents during the miners’ strike and Irish presidents have stopped by – murals and photos line the walls. Finally, unique features like its Korean Song & Jenn pop-up food park in the beer garden or the cosy wood-burning stove give it character you won’t find in a bland modern hall. In summary, McHugh’s is special because it’s truly the living room of Drogheda – rich in history, full of life, and always ready to raise the roof over a pint or a tune.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: McHugh’s is in an older building. There’s a small step at the main front door (about 1 find raise), but once inside, the pub and performance area are on one level. Doorways can be a bit tight and the paths through crowds narrow, so wheelchair users or those with limited mobility should consider making arrangements in advance (call ahead; staff are helpful but space is confined). The restroom is not wheelchair-sized (it has a narrow door and standard stall). If you need assistance seating or with lights/sound, ask staff – they’re usually accommodating.

Age Policy: The venue is a fully licensed pub. Most evening events are strictly 18+, especially concerts and comedy shows. Kids are generally not permitted past 9pm, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult if they attend an early gig or matinee. Always check an event’s listing – sometimes family-friendly shows (like charity school concerts) can have lower age limits. But for the most part, plan on an adult night out here.

Bag and Item Policy: No formal coat-check service exists. Try to travel light. Small handbags are fine, but large backpacks or oversized bags may be refused at the entrance or asked to be left at rest area. Umbrellas need to be stowed undercoat if it rains. Bringing your own food or drink is not allowed (including snacks or bottled water – they sell those inside). Sparklers, fireworks or anything hazardous are obviously banned. Photography is generally allowed – casual phone pics are fine — but professional cameras (DSLRs or with big lenses) usually are not unless you’ve arranged press access. Filming videos is discouraged, especially if it has flash, to respect performers.

Dress Code: There’s no formal dress code – McHugh’s is very casual. Most people wear smart-casual or jeans-and-shoes. However, for colder weather shows, coatable layers are wise (you can slip them off at the bar). High heels are possible but the floor is uneven and can get sticky during a packed gig, so merhaps opt for something sturdy. On St. Patrick’s Day and big match days, you’ll find fans in jerseys or silly hats – otherwise, weekend nights see locals dressed up just a bit for a night on the town.

Arrival Timing: Doors usually open 30–60 minutes before showtime. For a popular show, arrive early – at least 45 minutes ahead – to queue for tickets (if needed) and get a good spot in the crowd. Even if you’re not particular about front-row, early arrival means easier access to the bar when it’s less busy and first pick of tables/chairs if any are out. If it’s a free event or a charity gig, self-seating starts even earlier; staff may let friends or guest pictures hang coats. Late arrivals risk missing opening songs or getting stuck at the back.

Connectivity: Mobile signal is generally fine inside (all major Ireland networks reach Drogheda well). There isn’t public WiFi for guests, so if you need to coordinate with friends, ensure your phone is charged. A portable charger is a good idea – phone battery can drain quickly uploading stories or using mobile ticket scans. The venue usually sells basic USB charge cables at the bar if you need one. Cash is useful (for tips, small purchases) but card machines work on drinks and tickets – except sometimes at pop-up food stands (like Song & Jenn), which may prefer cash.

Local Customs: McHugh’s is known for friendly banter. Bartenders expect you to know your poison – it speeds up the line! Locals often greet each other by name. Don’t be shy to say hello and ask about the live band playing; crowds tend to socialize before and after shows. Irish pubs usually operate a “round” culture – after buying your first round of drinks, your friends reciprocate. Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated for great service (a euro per drink or 10% if tabs are high is generous).

Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t stick large posters or stickers on walls (staff will remove them). Avoid blocking the entrance doors during busy shows. Do be respectful of older patrons; the right side of the room (near the pub entrance) is where people mingle over pints rather than the rowdy dance floor. And if you spill a drink, tell a staff member – they clean fast but may be unaware of a hazard. Lastly, never park illegally on the bus route by the front door – those quite will see your car clamped.