Mike The Pies: The small town pub that has rolled out the welcome mat to some of Ireland's most well known artists

Music
30 Mar 23

Credit: Liam Kelly

Ireland has long enjoyed a special relationship with live music. That's why, as part of a special feature, we're celebrating the venues that provide a crucial platform for Irish and international acts to share their music with gig-goers right across the country. Next up, we're heading to Listowel...

MIKE THE PIES
28 Patrick Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry
Tel: (068) 21259
mikethepies.com

Don’t be misled by the unassuming façade of this small town pub – Mike the Pies has rolled out the welcome mat to some of Ireland’s most well known artists, including the likes of Fontaines D.C., Danny O’Reilly and Pillow Queens.

The award-winning bar has been in the O’Connor family for over a century, but it was only in recent years that Aiden O’Connor and the crew decided to focus their attention to live music, with a Frank & Walters gig getting the ball rolling – and it’s been hugely successful ever since! 2021 saw the launch of Hot Press’ podcast series, Backstage at Mike The Pies, centred around the Kerry venue and the artists who play there.

Mike The Pies was honoured with a Special Recognition for Excellence award by Hot Press at the recent IMRO Live Music Venue Awards.

Special Recognition of Excellence winner Mike the Pies at Imro Venue Awards 2023. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Capacity: 100

Recent gigs: Wild Youth, Gemma Hayes, Jack O’Rourke

Upcoming gigs: Peat and Diesel (April 21), Róisín O (April 27), Meryl Streek (April 28), The Service (April 29), Toucan (May 5), Scullion (May 18), HamsandwicH (May 26)

Read our full Venues Feature here.