Events at Fibber Magees, Dublin 1

About Fibber Magees

Fibber Magees is Dublin’s original rock music venue and dive bar, located at 80–81 Parnell Street (Rotunda, Dublin 1), just off the top of O’Connell Street (www.setlist.fm). It opened in 1979 and has since been an “institution for the city’s rock fans” (www.fibbermagees.ie). The official description notes that Fibber Magees hosted legendary Irish rock acts from day one – the very first bands through its doors included U2 and Thin Lizzy (www.fibbermagees.ie). Over the decades it became a meeting place for Dublin’s metal, punk and hardcore community. Local media describe Fibber’s as “an iconic rock bar” that has been at the heart of the scene since 1979 (districtmagazine.ie). Signature features include a fully stocked pub area, an entertainment section with pool tables and pinball machines (www.fibbermagees.ie), plus a famous outdoor beer garden with a novelty VW camper bar and (until recently) Europe’s largest outdoor big-screen TV (www.fibbermagees.ie) (www.fibbermagees.ie). This blend of dive-bar atmosphere and historical vibe – along with cheap drinks promotions and live music – has made Fibber Magees a beloved late-night hangout seven nights a week (www.fibbermagees.ie) (www.fibbermagees.ie). In short, Fibber Magees’ storied longevity, old-school décor and commitment to hard-rock genres make it a unique part of Dublin’s nightlife culture.

Events and Programming

Fibber Magees is primarily a live music and club venue focused on rock, heavy metal, punk and alternative genres. The house policy is to have bands on stage most weekends: traditionally live bands play every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night (www.fibbermagees.ie), while rock-themed DJ nights run on many weeknights. In practice the schedule includes cover bands, tribute acts, touring metal groups and local rock outfits. For example, in summer 2025 the schedule included free after-show metal parties and tribute performances – one flyer advertised a Testament/Obituary Tour after-party with a DJ (www.fibbermagees.ie), and another listed a Megadeth/Pantera tribute night (www.fibbermagees.ie). Recurring club events also pop up, such as Goth-themed nights (“Bat’s Womb”) or genre-specific parties, often promoted regionally. Fibber Magees frequently serves as an after-party location for larger shows (Queen of the Stone Age came to mind for a July 2025 afterparty) (fibbermagees.ie) (www.eventbrite.ie). Regular promoters like Darklight and local DJs keep new events coming, ensuring there’s almost always something rock-oriented happening. Most rock concerts have an admission fee (typically in the mid-€10–€20 range), while many club and dancer nights are free or nominal cover, as noted by the “Free Admission” tags on the venue’s listings (www.fibbermagees.ie). Ticket prices vary by event, but museum and fans note that it has always been one of the most affordable live music spots in the city. With live shows several times a week and DJ nights in between, visitors will find a steady flow of events at Fibber Magees, often featuring Irish punk, metal and alternative acts alongside visiting tribute bands and themed parties.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Fibber Magees shows can generally be bought online from the official venue promotions (via social media or promoters) or at the door on the night of the event. The club itself does not charge a service fee or hold an official box office separate from its bar. For non-free shows (especially touring bands), tickets typically go on sale weeks in advance, often on event promoters’ pages. Prices are usually modest – past ticket listings suggest most main-show tickets fall in the €15–€25 range (sometimes less for local acts). Many themed nights and smaller gigs are even advertised as free entry, as shown by multiple “Free Admission” parties on the venue’s calendar (www.fibbermagees.ie). If a show sells out, you might have to plan ahead; procrastination can backfire on big nights. A good strategy is to follow Fibber Magees’ official social media or phone ahead (the pub number is publicly known) for presale info. In summary, plan to purchase tickets early for big events, and remember that DJs or after-parties are often walk-in free events. Doors usually open about an hour before showtime (often around 9–10pm), so booking online as soon as seats (or standing room) are available is recommended for in-demand gigs.

Seating and Layout

The interior of Fibber Magees has a classic small-club layout. There is one main performance area with a stage at one end and the bar along one side. The stage is only a few feet high but well-lit, so even latecomers can normally see. The bulk of the floor is general-admission standing room. For shows, the best vantage point is often near the front of the stage, but there are also a few bar stools and tall tables off to the side and rear. Since the venue is compact, remember everyone is fairly close to the music; even at the back you’re just steps from the action. For a more relaxed experience, head to the fringes near the bar area or upstairs. Fibber Magees actually has two usable floors: the ground floor hosts the main stage and bar, while the mezzanine or upper floor is used during busy DJ nights (sometimes called “two floors of thrash vs. nu-metal”, recently). On club nights, DJs spinning on multiple decks will have one booth on each level. The layout means you can choose a lively front-row stance or hang back upstairs with drinks if you want a bit of space. Acoustically, the sound is loud and raw — exactly as a rock dive should be — so wear ear protection if you’re sensitive. In summary, Fibber Magees is largely standing-room with only scattered seating. Even if you do find a seat along the wall, you’ll be part of the crowd vibe. Plan to move around if needed: for example drink near the bar, watch from center floor, or peek down from the upper DJ area for a different view.

Getting There and Parking

Fibber Magees is centrally located on Parnell Street, just north of the O’Connell Street intersection. The exact address is 80–81 Parnell Street, Dublin 1 (www.setlist.fm). If you’re arriving on public transport, Dublin Bus stops line O’Connell Street (stop “O’Connell Street Lower” or “Upper O’Connell St/GPO”) serve the venue, including route 1, 2, 39 and many others. The Luas (tram) Green Line has its O’Connell GPO stop about a 5-minute walk east, and the Abbey Street stop on the Red Line is only slightly farther west. Dublin’s main train station, Connolly (also DART and commuter rail), is about a 10-minute walk away on Amiens Street. Rideshare and taxis are easy to use – there’s a taxi rank outside the Rotunda Hospital (Patrician Hall) about 100m from the entrance, and drivers usually can drop off right on Parnell Street outside door. For those driving, parking in central Dublin is limited. However a large multi-storey car park (Q-Park Parnell) sits just around the corner with about 500 spaces (www.q-park.ie). Street parking is mostly pay-and-display in surrounding areas (note pay machines and on-street hours). The nearby municipal car park at Rotunda Hospital may also have spots. As Parnell is a main road, traffic can get busy on event nights, so plan extra time or consider public transit. In summary: the venue is easy to reach by foot, bus, tram or taxi from anywhere in the city centre, and Q-Park Parnell provides the closest official parking (www.q-park.ie).

Inside the Venue

When you go in, expect a dim, intimate pub atmosphere filled with rock memorabilia and a stage at the far end of the main room. Everything is on one level (with a partial balcony above), so you’ll enter into the bar area and immediately see the stage lights ahead. The entrance has a typical club door staff checking IDs (especially on late-night weekends), and they may do a quick security search in peak shows. Once inside, you’ll find the bar to the right (usually serving ales, beers, spirits and cocktails) and the pool/pinball entertainment section just beyond (www.fibbermagees.ie). Coat checks are not usually offered, so best to travel light. The venue has basic amenities: public toilets upstairs and down, and typically one drinking fountain. There is no cloakroom. For drinks, the bar has promotions at times (especially early in the week or for sports on the big screen), but it’s a regular pub drinks menu. You’ll probably end up carrying your pint on the dance floor or table. Fibber Magees has Wi-Fi but it can be spotty, so don’t count on good internet. Pay by card or cash (both are accepted, though smaller events may prefer cash). Merchandise: at band nights you’ll often see t-shirts or CDs on sale, either near the stage or by the merch booth. Photography or simple phone snapping is usually tolerated (a number of recent customer photos show the crowd and stage online), but professional cameras might not be allowed without permission. In short, it feels like a working rock pub: loud music, friendly bartenders and pumped-up crowd. Wear ear protection if needed, and be ready to head straight to the bar or dance floor – lines at the bar can form on busy nights. Lastly, note that smoking is only allowed outside (the former "smoking area" is now part of a beer garden area, still used as smoking and social space when open). Overall, the entry process is straightforward and the vibe once inside is energetic and inclusive – exactly what rock fans look for.

Nearby Amenities

Fibber Magees sits in a hectic part of the city centre, so a wealth of pre- and post-show options lie within walking distance. For food, Parnell Street and nearby O’Connell Street have many casual eateries: you’ll find quick-and-easy spots like kebabs, pizza and Chinese takeaways for late-night hunger, plus pubs and restaurants ranging from cheap Irish comfort food to Asian cafés. (Long Hall and O’Donoghue’s pubs on nearby Georges Street are traditional Dublin pubs – great for a pint beforehand.) If you prefer a sit-down meal, there are family-friendly diners and delis on Parnell, and fine-dining restaurants just a few blocks south in Temple Bar and Henry Street areas. Many venues in the quarter stay open late (some to 4am), so grabbing a full meal is usually not an issue before 9pm. On the other side, the city’s shopping streets (Henry Street/Grafton Street) are a short walk for sightseeing or quick souvenirs.

For those coming from out of town, hotels abound nearby. The southern end of Parnell greets large chains like the Leonardo Hotel Dublin (formerly Jurys) and Point A on Parnell, plus budget hostels and B&Bs in the Smithfield/Rotunda area. If you need lodging, any city-centre hotel will be within 5–10 minutes’ walk. Late-night transport after gigs is also convenient: taxis line O’Connell Street up to 3am, and Dublin Bus’s night routes (such as the 46A) run in the early hours along Parnell Street. In all, visitors should allow extra time to explore. A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime if you want a meal or to avoid the queue. And on very late nights, stations and taxis are plentiful nearby so you won’t be stranded.

What Makes This Venue Special

Fibber Magees isn’t just another bar – it’s a cultural landmark in Dublin’s rock scene. Its main claim to fame is being the capital’s first purpose-built rock club, giving it a vintage pedigree that newer venues lack. The building itself still feels rough and authentic, with low ceilings, dark walls plastered in band posters and a general lived-in vibe. Fans love how little has changed; one reviewer even said “hasn’t changed much over the years – and it’s all the better for it!” (dublin-1-du.irelands-advisor.com). The large beer garden with its iconic VW camper bar and giant screen gave it an unusual quirk – originally meant for sports or concerts – making Fibber Magees stand out among city pubs (www.fibbermagees.ie). Unfortunately that outdoor space became a flashpoint in 2022–24, when plans to replace it with a hotel extension sparked public outcry. Politicians and patrons alike called the outdoor courtyard a “unique cultural centre” (www.irishtimes.com) (districtmagazine.ie). This debate highlights what locals appreciate: Fibber’s is seen as a vibrant community hub (“a meeting place and social point for rock music” as one journalist put it (nialler9.com)). Inside, the legacy lives on in anecdotes: for decades rock legends like U2, Thin Lizzy, and more recently Foo Fighters and Aslan, have passed through (www.fibbermagees.ie) (districtmagazine.ie). It’s the kind of place where bands both famous and underground feel an immediate connection with the audience.

More than its lineup, what truly makes Fibber Magees special is that it remains one of the only venues tailoring exclusively to hard rock in Dublin’s centre. It fills a niche that other pubs and clubs don’t – from its late bar hours (often 2:30am close (districtmagazine.ie)) to its raw, unpolished stage. The staff and regulars are famously friendly – there’s a real convivial, almost family-like spirit on the floor. In short, Fibber Magees is cherished because it’s exactly what it set out to be: an unpretentious refuge for rock fans. Musicians and concert-goers cite that authenticity (and history) as why they keep coming back. In that sense, it’s a legendary venue where both artists and audiences feel at home – the kind of place you tell new visitors about as a must-see Dublin experience.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: Fibber Magees is an older building, so wheelchair access is limited. There is one step up at the entrance, and no elevator to the upper floor, so patrons in wheelchairs or with mobility issues should call ahead or check in advance. Inside spaces and toilets are relatively narrow. However, the management will assist if possible, and the staff are used to handling special needs – just be aware that this is primarily a standing-room concert space and plan accordingly.

What to bring/not to bring: To enjoy a gig at Fibber Magees, bring a valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) if you look under 21, as staff enforce a strict 18+ age policy on late shows. If you plan to dance up front at a band night, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (this is a rowdy crowd). It’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases (merch, tips) since bar queues can be long and sometimes payment terminals glitch in a packed crowd. Note that outside food/drinks are not allowed (standard pub policy). You may want earplugs for loud shows: the PA is powerful and the small interior can be very loud. Supports the pet owner, leaving animals at home is better since Fibber Magees is not a pet-friendly venue. Lastly, check the weather if you plan to use the outdoor area. It’s only open seasonally, but when it is, it can be chilly – bring a coat for smoking breaks or outdoor viewing.

Bookings and Capacity: Fibber Magees does not have assigned seats or VIP sections – it’s general admission only. The capacity is modest (roughly a few hundred), so big shows can fill up quickly. If you’re attending a popular act, arrive early or come with friends in one group to secure good spots. Friendly staff will often make room if you communicate your needs – for example, if you want to step back from the crowd, the area near the bar is usually more open and has some standing space. Always follow staff instructions on evacuation routes; Dublin live music venues have clear emergency exits, so familiarize yourself with the nearest exit as you come in.

Dress Code: There is no formal dress code – Fibber Magees is very casual. You’ll fit right in wearing your typical rock or gothic attire, but even just jeans and a tee are fine. Tattoos, piercings and band T-shirts are commonplace and welcome. The staff is known to be laid-back, so don’t worry about being underdressed. That said, do dress for the weather if the beer garden is in use: at really cold times of year, bring something warm for outside breaks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t assume every night has live music – if unsure, check the schedule in advance. Also, while the bar has drink promotions, avoid thinking prices are as cheap as a daytime pub – evening cover charges and drink tokens at gigs can add up. It’s wise not to leave personal items (bags, phone) unattended at the bar or on a table if the crowd surges. And remember, smoking is only outside; there is no indoor smoking area after the ban. Finally, since Fibber Magees is a rock/metal venue, it’s not geared for young children on late nights. Overall, just relax and enjoy yourself in this famously friendly spot for live rock!

Frequently Asked Questions