13 yr old in pub?
 

I would like my son, a 13 year old, to be able to hear traditional Irish music. I loved singing in Slattery's pub. Can a 13 year old go at night with his parent to hear music in the pubs? What's a good B&B in Dublin? THanks, Kim

I'm afraid not. Chuildtren can go to outdoors parts of any pub, and to separate sections that areb pub restauranmts. Also, to some pubs at midday. But never despair: you can phone a few pubs once in London to find who admits children. For Irish music you might buy at your arrival airport the listings magazine "Time Out", and read it on the boring train to the West End. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, of London, in Teplice

Thanks Ben for the reply. I was going to inform Kim it might not be possible. We took out 12 yr. old to London a couple of years ago and in some pubs we had to go upstairs to drink, other places it was okay to stay where we were, sometimes the time of day wasn't right, other times the moon wasn't full.(Just joking) --I never knew. After many wonderful visits to the UK I must admit I have NEVER gotten a beat on their licensing laws for drinking what, when or where. After living most of my life in the South I thought I had seen a lot of strange laws regarding drinking but I must admit the UK seems to have us beat for complexity.

I'm a little confused -- are you asking <BR>about Eire or the UK? I ask because a <BR>13 year old (or a 3 year old, for that <BR>matter) would probably be fine in a trad pub in most parts of the Republic of Ireland (maybe not Dublin, I don't do trad in Dublin, so I don't know). In rural areas, and especially in the Gaeltacht, the pubs are the center of the community, and where my family lives, the children always come with us.

I was talking about Ireland (I posted it on my Ireland site). I lived in England and know about their policy. But what I remember about Ireland, they were a bit more relaxed when it came to music. Thanks...if anyone knows of a pub in Dublin that plays traditional music and allows 13 year olds in with their parents, please respond. Thanks everyone. Kim

Ryn is entirely correct! Kids are allowed in many pubs in Ireland, especially those that have music in the evening. When you get to Dublin ask for recommendations at your hotel or phone a few places. The one I remember got a bit rowdy toward closing time!

Dear Kim <BR> <BR>The policy re children in pubs is officially not after 8pm and this is generally applied in Dublin. However in rural Ireland and certainly in holiday areas the policy is not strictly "adhered to". <BR> <BR>If you are planning to visit Dublin in August there is a traditional music week in the National Concert Hall. Dates are the 17th-21st August (if that's Thurs to Sun) and tickets can be purchased via their internet address www.nch.ie and click on August. I would highly recommend all of the concerts and this gets over the pub issue in Dublin. You could try and catch a Sunday morning traditional music session in O'Dohonues Pub in Merrion Street (beside Shelbourne Hotel). Another idea is to try Chief O'Neills in Smithfield. It's a new interpretative music centre for Irish music, and they run sessions there too. <BR> <BR>Have a great holiday.