Live Music at The Spinnaker Bar, Dunmore East
There's something magic about live music on the harbour at Dunmore East. The Spinnaker Bar has been the heartbeat of music on the Waterford coast — from acoustic sets on the deck to full band nights that fill the bar to the rafters.
Live Music at The Spinnaker — Watch
The Green Floyd — Live at The Spinnaker, 6 July 2013
Bending the Strings — Salt Creek & Old Joe Clarke — Live, 2011
Redwater — Live at The Spinnaker Bar
Tell Me Ma — Live at The Spinnaker Bar
See more: All Spinnaker Bar Videos →
The Home of Live Music in Dunmore East
The Spinnaker Bar has established itself as the go-to venue for live music in Dunmore East and across the wider Waterford coast. Sitting right on the harbour, with the sound of the sea as a backdrop and the fishing boats bobbing outside, there's no better place in the south-east to enjoy a live music night with a cold pint in hand.
Music at The Spinnaker is a proper event — not background noise pumped through speakers, but real musicians playing for an audience that knows what it likes. Whether it's a trad session that builds slowly until the whole bar is tapping their feet, an acoustic duo on the deck on a warm summer evening, or a live band turning the place upside down on a Saturday night — The Spinnaker delivers the goods.
What Kind of Music?
The Spinnaker's music programme is varied and reflects the character of the bar and the village. You'll find:
- Traditional Irish sessions: Trad music is in the DNA of any good Irish harbour pub, and The Spinnaker is no different. Fiddles, flutes, bodhráns and the craic — proper sessions that feel earned rather than staged.
- Acoustic duo nights: Ash and Laura are among the regular performers on the Spinnaker deck — guitar harmonies, beautiful vocals, and the kind of set that makes you want to stay for just one more song. And then another.
- Live bands: On bigger nights, The Spinnaker hosts full bands — everything from folk and Americana to rock covers that get the whole bar moving. Check Facebook for upcoming act announcements.
- Singer-songwriter nights: Occasional acoustic nights showcasing solo performers and original music. The Waterford music scene is strong and The Spinnaker supports local artists.
When is Music On?
Live music at The Spinnaker typically runs on Friday and Saturday evenings, with additional sessions on bank holiday Sundays and throughout the summer season. Music nights are posted on the Spinnaker Facebook page each week — the team puts up who's playing, what time they start, and whether it's a free night or a special event.
During the summer months (June through August), music becomes almost a nightly fixture at The Spinnaker. The bar comes alive with the combination of holiday atmosphere, warm evenings on the deck, and quality live acts from across Waterford and beyond.
Music on the Deck
One of the genuinely special experiences in the south-east of Ireland is an evening on The Spinnaker's harbour-facing deck with live music floating through the air. When the weather's good — and Dunmore East gets some gorgeous summer evenings — this is as close to perfect as pub life gets. Cold drink, good food, great music, and the harbour at your back. The Spinnaker team works hard to make this happen consistently through the summer season.
Private Events with Live Music
If you're organising a birthday party, company event, or private function, The Spinnaker can arrange live music as part of your event package. The team has connections with local musicians and can help put together a night that suits your group and occasion. Get in touch on (051) 383 133 or at spinnakerbardunmore@gmail.com to discuss what's possible.
Never Miss a Music Night
The best way to stay on top of what's coming up at The Spinnaker is to follow the bar on Facebook. The team updates the page weekly with who's playing, when they're on, and what else is happening at the bar that week. You can also ring (051) 383 133 and ask what's on — the team will fill you in.
Why The Spinnaker?
Dunmore East has always been a village that draws people who appreciate the finer things — fresh seafood, good company, a beautiful harbour, and proper music. The Spinnaker sits at the centre of all of that. It's not a venue that puts on music as an afterthought or plays it to fill silence. Music at The Spinnaker is part of what the bar is about, and the team takes pride in getting it right.
Whether you're a local who comes every weekend or a visitor discovering Dunmore East for the first time, an evening at The Spinnaker with live music is the kind of experience you'll talk about afterwards. Come and see for yourself.
Upcoming Music — Check Facebook
For this week's music schedule, the latest gig listings, and everything happening at The Spinnaker Bar, visit the Spinnaker Facebook page. Or ring us on (051) 383 133.
Visit The Spinnaker Bar
Dunmore East Harbour, Co. Waterford. Call (051) 383 133 to book or enquire.
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