Just a word and observations. You have to check around. Many "bars" in larger, more popular tourist towns court the youth crowd--rock and roll and disco--or the country music from the 40-70's, especially on the weekends. You really have to ask if and what kind of music the pub will have. Most live taditional music doesn't start until 9:30 or 10:00. If you are lucky the musicians will be having craic and after a pause at 11:30 or 12:00, continue on. So, not much point in getting to a pub before about 9:00 unless you just want the atmosphere and an extra pint and a table next to the music. However, it may get so noisy with people in there just to drink that you will be distracted from the music itself. I found that many out-of-the-way pubs often had local musicians that played in a folk style, catering to locals that just enjoyed being there and playing and singing along with the music. They don't play like they are in a race.