Whether you prefer the cosy surrounds of a local pub, or the massive arena of the Electric Picnic, the midlands has become a great space to host large and small events. Also included here is the Music Generation in the Midlands which has three strong groups of music educators across the region.
Music Venues in the Midlands
Laois
Kavanaghs Bar & Venue, Portlaoise. Live Music, Comedy and Sports Bar at the centre of Portlaoise. There is a large outdoor covered space for live music and an intimate venue upstairs often used for comedy or smaller events including parties. View here Kavanaghs Bar & Venue, Portlaoise
Bob’s Bar, Durrow is a traditional family run pub for parties, celebrations or just a quiet pint. For parties Bob’s Boathouse leads onto the riverside beergarden. Their newly added Bob’s Hideout is an intimate venue and perfect room for a training session View here Bob’s Bar, Durrow
The Anvil, Portarlington has live music throughout the year with many local musicians showcasing their talents. It is a family run pub, venue and sports bar. Food is served daily (Mon –Sat). View more on their fb page The Anvil
Offaly
Lukers Shannonbridge consists of the original Old Bar and the music venue The Boatyard, it also serves delicious food. The Boatyard hosts regular events across all genres including Indie, Rock, Pop, House eg. Hudson Taylor, Wild Youth, & Declan O’Rourke. View here Lukers Shannonbridge
John Lees Bar and Venue, Tullamore. The bar has both a quiet bar and seperate venue promoting local and national talent. A unique and intimate venue experience. View here Lees Bar
Birr Arts Centre – Offaly’s Centre For The Arts. Music, Theatre, Festivals, Comedy, Visual Art, Children’s Events and much, more! View here Birr Arts Centre
Westmeath
Danny Byrnes Bar is situated in the centre of Mullingar and is well knows for live music, events, parties & sports coverage. Danny’s main music stage is where top acts have played such as The Blizzards, Ham Sandwich, Relish, Damien Dempsey, and Niall Horan. View more Danny Byrnes
Smiddy’s Bar and Stables Venue, Dominic Street, Mullingar . A lively family run pub. Open Mic every Wed. Live & Local music every Saturday. Rooftop Beer Garden complete with retractable roof. View more Smiddys Bar
The Piano Bar, Athlone has over three floors, and something to suit all tastes. Their new Cellar Venue hosts bands from midnight to late on Saturdays. Open four days a week, Thursday & Friday from 5pm and Saturday & Sunday from 1pm. View more The Piano Bar
Longford
Backstage Theatre, Longford offers a lovely space for audiences to enjoy all art forms. Backstage has a dynamic program of exciting and inspiring theatre, dance, comedy and live music. View more Backstage Theatre
PVs Bar & Lounge – Longford’s newly renovated venue. Bar, kitchen, accommodation and live music. Their new Tapas Tuesday evening has just been introduced. DJs every Saturday night. View more PVs
Edward J Valentines – Landmark pub located in Longford’s main street. Renowned for its live music and events. Comedy on Friday nights 9pm. View more on their fb page Valentines
Music Generation
Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme which helps children and young people access vocal and instrumental tuition locally.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved across the midlands region
Laois – Locally, Music Generation Laois is part of Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (lead partner) and supported by Laois County Council. More info here Music Generation, Laois
Offaly/Westmeath – Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath has worked in partnership with Youth Work Ireland (Midlands) to bring children and young people in Mullingar and Edenderry together through music. The goal of the programme is open up access to music in an inclusive way, to champion young people’s own creativity and provide a space in the community where they can meet, make and share music. The success of the programme to date is the outcome of a strong partnership between the Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath team and the staff at Mullingar EYE and the Acorn Project, Edenderry. View more Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath
Longford – Music Generation Longford has some of Ireland’s best musicians delivering classes across the county with a massive variety of talented, hard working Music Educators. Their Music Educators work as part of music hubs and in Early Years Facilities, Youth Facilities, Primary and Secondary Schools across Co. Longford. View more Music Generation, Longford
