Sunday Night Music Session at The Toby Jug, Armagh

What to Expect

The Toby Jug, a long-established family bar on Irish Street in Armagh city, runs a Sunday night music session from 6:00pm every week. Hosted by local musicians including Mick and Laura McCool, Paul Meehan and the Vallely Sisters, the session is open to musicians to join in - no pressure to lead or perform, just come along and take part on whatever instrument you play, or simply sit and listen. It leans towards traditional and folk tunes, played in a relaxed circle rather than a formal stage set-up.

The same venue also runs an open mic night every Thursday from 9:00pm and an acoustic “Two Song Club” session on alternate Mondays at 7:30pm, so between the three nights the Toby Jug has become one of the more consistent spots for live and participatory music in Armagh city. The Sunday session in particular has built a reputation for its warm welcome to visiting musicians passing through the city.

Good to Know

• Every Sunday, 6:00pm onwards

• Free entry; no booking required

• Musicians welcome to join in; listeners equally welcome

• Also at this venue: Thursday Open Mic (9:00pm) and Two Song Club, alternate Mondays (7:30pm)

Getting There

The Toby Jug is on Irish Street at the corner in central Armagh, within easy walking distance of the Market Place Theatre and the Cathedral Quarter. Armagh is around 40 minutes from Belfast via the A3 and roughly an hour from Dublin via the M1 and A28, with Translink buses serving Armagh bus station on Lonsdale Road, a short walk from the pub.

While You’re in Armagh

A Sunday evening session pairs well with an afternoon walk around the city’s two St Patrick’s Cathedrals or the Georgian Mall beforehand. On-street and pay-and-display parking is available around Thomas Street and Scotch Street, both a short walk from the pub.