Live Music Night & Meal in Dunmore East

If you want live music and a proper meal on the harbour in Dunmore East, The Spinnaker Bar runs sessions most weekends on the deck overlooking the water. Ash & Laura play regularly—check the Facebook page for this week's lineup. Peter, the owner, runs the kitchen and bar himself, so you get fresh local seafood off the day-boats, cold pints, and live sound on the same night. No need to book for walk-in during the week, but ring Peter on (051) 383 133 for Friday or Sunday evenings, or any group of six or more.

What's On: Live Music Schedule at The Spinnaker

Most Friday and Saturday nights, and some Sundays, The Spinnaker Bar hosts live music on the outdoor deck. The regulars are Ash & Laura, but the lineup changes week to week depending on who's available and what's happening in the village. Peter posts the schedule every week on Facebook—that's where you'll see session times, performer names, and whether the deck's open or if it's moved inside due to weather.

The deck overlooks the working harbour, so you're watching the boats and listening to live sound at the same time. Music usually starts around 8pm or 9pm, but check the Facebook post for exact times. If you're planning to come down for a specific act, ring Peter on (051) 383 133 or email spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com to confirm the night's still on and book a table if you want to eat during the session.

The Food: What Peter's Serving

Peter runs the kitchen himself, so the menu centres on what's landed that day and what's reliable year-round. Seafood comes off the day-boats in Dunmore East harbour—prawns, mussels, white fish for the beer batter. The seafood chowder €13.50 and mussels €14 (chorizo, sherry, cream, garlic bread) are staples. The beer battered fish €22.50 uses fresh cod or haddock depending on the catch, served with chips and tartar sauce.

If you're not after seafood, the lamb shank €27 and 8oz striploin steak €37 are both on every night Peter's serving food. The chicken korma €22 comes with rice and naan. Pizzas run €13.50 to €21 depending on toppings. Desserts are €8.95: cheesecake, crème brûlée, strawberry mousse, chocolate orange tart. Peter posts this week's food times on Facebook, so check there before you head down, especially if you're coming for a late sitting on a music night.

Booking: When to Ring Peter

Walk-ins are welcome most days during the week, but if you're coming on a Friday or Sunday evening—especially when there's live music—ring Peter on (051) 383 133 to book a table. Any group of six or more should ring ahead regardless of the day. Music nights fill up fast, particularly in summer when the deck's open and the weather's good.

If you're booking by email, send to spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com. You can also message Peter directly on Facebook. Give your group size, preferred time, and whether you want to be on the deck (if weather allows) or inside near the stage. Peter will confirm and let you know what's available. If you're unsure whether the music's still on or if food service is running late, just ring—he'll know.

The Venue: Deck, Harbour, and Sound

The Spinnaker Bar sits on the harbour in Lower Village, Dunmore East. The outdoor deck faces the water, so when the weather's good and the music's on, you're sitting outside with a pint watching the fishing boats and listening to live sessions. When it's wet or cold, the music moves inside to the bar area, and there's still space to sit with a meal and hear everything clearly.

The bar itself is a working harbour pub—no pretence, no theme, just what a Waterford fishing village pub should be. Cold pints, fresh seafood, Premier League and GAA on the big screen when there's no music. The deck fits maybe 40-50 people comfortably; inside holds more, so even on a packed music night you can usually find a spot if you arrive early or book ahead with Peter.

Getting There and Parking in Dunmore East

Dunmore East is 12 kilometres south-east of Waterford City on the R684. If you're coming from Waterford, follow signs for Passage East and Dunmore East; the drive takes about 15 minutes. The Spinnaker Bar is in the Lower Village, right on the harbour—you'll see the deck and the pub sign as you come down the hill toward the water.

Parking in the village is limited on busy weekends, especially when there's live music or good weather. There's a public car park near the harbour, and some street parking along the main road, but spaces fill up by 7pm on music nights. If you're planning to stay late, consider arriving early for a meal before the session starts, or arrange a lift if you're drinking. Ring Peter on (051) 383 133 if you have questions about access or where to park for a group booking.