The History

Nestled in the heart of Dublin, The Cobblestone has been a beloved family-owned pub for the past 35 years, serving as a vibrant hub for Irish music, dance, and culture. Tom Mulligan, the proprietor, comes from a long line of musicians and has often maintained that his goal in life is the same as his father T.P. Mulligan: to leave Irish music in a better state than when he found it. Walk into the Cobblestone any day of the week, and it's easy to see that the goal has been well and truly achieved.

Tom has endeavored to transform this small pub on Smithfield Square into a haven for musicians by providing a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike.  At the time Tom took ownership of the Cobblestone there were few spaces for people to engage with the traditional music of Ireland, and he decided that his pub would be the place to provide just that. This cherished establishment is dedicated to preserving the rich tapestry of Irish heritage while embracing inclusivity and unity among all who enter its doors.

The Smithfield area has changed quite a bit since Tom first arrived in 1983. The majority of the buildings on the right hand side of the square were derelict and uninhabitable - this market area was in need of improvements to its living and working conditions.  Within a few years of Tom’s taking ownership of the pub, new development began to modernise Smithfield, and it eventually became the bustling city neighborhood it is today. During these years, the Cobblestone grew into a pilgrimage destination for creatives, both domestic and international, and has become the epicenter for Ireland's recent folk revival.

Artists such as Lankum, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, The Mary Wallopers, Lisa O Neill, The Len Collective, Moxie, Doireann Glackin, Junior Brother, Alannah Thornburgh, The Bonnymen, Caoimhín, Clare Sands, Ye Vagabonds, Lemon Cello, Ispíní Na hÉireann, and  John Francis Flynn, to name just a few, have all sharpened their skills within these walls.

A Threat

The Cobblestone evolved from a small corner pub at the top of Smithfield Square into an internationally-renowned cultural institution, hosting an exchange of cultural ideas between many generations of Irish artists. That's why it is of no surprise that the aforementioned artists lent their support to the Cobblestone during its time of need.

In October 2021, after over a year of forced closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the landlord, without any communication with the Mulligan family, erected a planning permission proposal to demolish the majority of the Cobblestone in order to build a 14-story hotel. The plans would have left the Cobblestone with less than a quarter of its current capacity - forcing the pub to close.

Within a week, a large march was organised, from the Cobblestone to the administrative offices of Dublin City Council, where hundreds would march in protest of the continued erosion of cultural spaces in Ireland. The threat to the Cobblestone was one step too far for many in Dublin. Artists in the Dublin folk scene carried a coffin to the City Council buildings stating that the death of the Cobblestone would be a nail in the coffin of Irish culture.

The protest brought the nation's capital to a standstill, and what was to follow was nothing short of amazing. A group called Dublin is Dying was formed by concerned artists and patrons, and proceeded to run a passionate campaign to save the Cobblestone.

The hotel planning permission was rejected on the grounds that it would be detrimental to Irish culture to destroy the institution of the Cobblestone. For the first time ever cultural protection was a consideration in planning permission approval. 

The Cobblestone won a key battle, however, the fight for its survival continues on, with the Mulligan family still unsure about what the future holds for this great institution. It has given musicians in Dublin a new perspective to cherish what we have in the present.

Watch the heartwarming documentary Athbhaile - The Cobblestone about the struggle on RTE.

Come for a visit

At the Cobblestone, we aim to be more than just a pub; we host the country's finest music sessions, showcasing the incredible talents of seasoned performers and budding artists alike. While we are best known as a home of traditional Irish music, it's with great pride that we support the new wave of Irish musicians as they carve their path in the contemporary music scene. We celebrate not only the timeless melodies of Ireland but also the dynamic global music stylings that inspire us.  

Every day of the week, guests can experience the warmth of Irish hospitality while enjoying creamy pints and the sounds of lively tunes echoing through our rustic space. Here, you'll find a community where everyone is invited to participate in the power of music, dance, and the camaraderie that binds us together. Come as a stranger, leave as family.