Dolans Pub is one of Limericks best loved traditional Irish pubs and restaurants situated in the docklands in Limerick City.
Our award-winning venue is synonymous across the world for its charm, Irish hospitality and incredible atmosphere.
We pride ourselves on our great pint, delicious food and Irish music.
Traditional music sessions kick off in the bar every Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“Dolans created probably my favourite venue in the world — and it’s right in the middle of our city. Having played for 15 years all over the world, our favourite people to work with are still the ones at home in Dolans — and that’s no coincidence. They’re just sound people who love music.”
– Barry Murphy, Hermitage Green“Dolans is without doubt an international standard venue.”
Stuart Clarke, Hot Press“Franz Ferdinand were buzzing after their Warehouse show — Alex said: ‘What a great crowd, what a great stage. We were looked after, dinner and pints – brilliant!’”
Stuart Clarke, Hot Press“Dolans has that incredible history. For generations, it’s been the place where people saw their first big gig — parents, kids, even grandkids.”
Stuart Clarke, Hot Press“When bands arrive at Dolans, they’re made to feel so welcome. That’s the consistent feedback — from top-level acts to new bands just starting out.”
Professor Eoin Devereux, University of Limerick“It’s a favourite among musicians in Ireland and beyond.”
– Professor Eoin Devereux, University of Limerick“A magical place, a bastion of eclecticism. Three of the best gigs I was ever at were in Dolans.”
– Donal Ryan, Booker Prize–winning author“We debated our agent’s sanity pulling up outside a nondescript docklands bar — but once inside Dolans, you get it. Cosy bar, class food, great live room. Perfect.”
– Captain Sensible, The Damned“Dolans took a chance on us very early on. Everyone there, whatever their role, puts their heart and soul into what they do. That’s what makes it work.”
– Qween
all are welcome to join in!
"We pride ourselves on our great pint, delicious food and Irish music & dancing sessions.
Traditional music sessions kick off in the bar every evening and all are welcome to join in!"
Our story
In December 1994, Mick and Valerie moved into Dolan’s on the Dock Rd in Limerick.
They wanted a pub with Traditional Irish Music every night so that anyone who wanted to listen or play in a session could do so any night of the week all year round.
"The response from local musicians was fantastic and by St Patrick’s Day 1995 the place was hopping.
The acoustic sessions were (and still are) a great success and they decided to open a bigger venue to accommodate national and international acts thus the Warehouse was opened in 1998".
The list of artists who have graced the stage speaks for itself. The Warehouse introduced Mick and Val to different musical genres – rock, comedy, jazz, blues, country, classical and of course all the other stuff that doesn’t lend itself to classification!
"In March 2004 we opened the Upstairs Venue, a smaller and more intimate space.
It has played host to weddings, christenings, funerals, birthdays (various milestones!), The Limerick Jazz Society gigs and The Munster Supporters Club’s legendary shindigs.
Most recently we added the Kasbah Social to our venue list".
We have been very lucky and happy in Limerick and are grateful to all the musicians and listeners who have supported us for over two decades in the hospitality and music business.
What they say about us
Dolan’s is the musical heartbeat in Limerick City. From modest beginnings 30 years ago, this award-winning family-owned pub has served as an internationally renowned venue hosting acclaimed performers like Fontaines D.C., Bob Geldof, Sharon Shannon, the late Shane McGowan and Public Image Ltd.
Once you step inside the door of this delightful quayside premises, you will readily understand why writers such as Donal Ryan and David McWilliams have sung its praises. Mick and Valerie Dolan have created a convivial and welcoming atmosphere for both performers and music fans. Travel writers have consistently remarked on the quality of the pint, the sumptuous food menu and the warm welcome that greets both performers and music fans alike in Dolans.
Diversity is a key strength in Dolan’s array of musical offerings. Trad, Techno, Indie, Rock, Folk and Experimental Music are amongst the many genres that can be heard each week across its four performance areas. Free traditional Irish music has been a staple of the main bar since the venue opened in 1994. Its Warehouse has showcased major musical acts from far and wide. Upstairs at Dolans and the Kasbah Social Club – have allowed emerging acts to perform in a more intimate setting before graduating to the larger Warehouse Venue. Performers who have graced the stage at Dolans all speak of the many ways in which the Dolan family and their loyal staff have been so helpful and supportive – especially in the early stages of their careers.
It is not exaggeration to say that Dolan’s Pub has been to the forefront of the cultural renaissance in Limerick City. In this regard, the venue has, in recent years, extended its footprint by organizing gigs in the nearby Limerick Docklands, King John’s Castle and the Milk Market. For the last 30 years, the music loving public of Limerick and beyond have responded by always gravitating to Dolan’s as the music venue in the Mid-West. Dolan’s ambience, its magical atmosphere and its imaginative musical offerings, combined with its authenticity as a great pub, as well as the obvious love the Dolan family have for music of all kinds mean that it is undoubtedly the best pub on the island of Ireland.
"We were served with helpfulness and conviviality by a witty young waiter who also took us on a tour of the establishment after our lovely meal. Mick Dolan, owner of Dolan's in Limerick has turned a quayside pub into a live-music institution"
Niall Byrne. The Irish Times Nov 11th 2015
"Dolans is the best little rock and roll venue in the world..."
"But for real craic (fun), good Irish music and a pint of Guinness, the place to head in the evening is Dolan’s on Dock Road, owned by Valerie and Mick Dolan since 1994. They host traditional music in the bar every night and whoever turns up can play. Out the back there are two large live music venues for big names and bigger..."
The Australian.com -24th Nov 2014
"the hopping Dolans Warehouse. It is a brilliant venue – as good as any in the country – which every month plays host to dozens of musicians, comedians and the odd travelling economist..."
David McWilliams - Broadcaster & Economist
Dolans is a magical place, a bastion of eclecticism.Three of the best gigs I was ever at were in Dolans. The raucous You Tube Kings The Rubberbandits call Dolans home.Literally anyone could be on the bill
Donal Ryan - Booker Prize award-winning author
Awards
Winner Irish Pub of the Year Music Pub Regional 2025
Winner Bar of the Year, Music Pub Regional 2025
Winner IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards Munster 2024
Winner IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Awards Munster 2023
Winner Bar of The Year, Peoples Choice Overall winner 2022
Winner Bar of The Year, Peoples Choice Munster 2018
Winner Irish Pubs Global Best Entertainment Experience in the World 2017
Winner Irish Pubs Global Best Entertainment Experience (Ireland) 2017
Winner Irish Pubs Best Music Pub Southwest 2017
Winner Best Music Venue Pure M Magazine 2017
Hotpress Readers award 2015 Best Venue
IMRO Live Music Venue of the Year Award 2014
Hot Press Venue of the Year 2013 Special Commendation
IMRO 2013 Munster Winner
Finalist in Irish Restaurant Association Gastro Pub 2015
2018 Mayor Reception recognising Dolan's contribution to music industry and arts in Limerick
