Johnnie Fox’s: IDM Award Winner for Best Dinner, Trad Music & Irish Dance Show -Dublin

Most visitors make Dublin city a must-see destination on their Ireland tour agenda, but perhaps one of the best-kept secrets is just a stone’s throw away—high up in the Dublin Mountains! If you’re looking to experience the full spirit of Irish hospitality in one night—music, dance, storytelling, and hearty Irish fare—then Johnnie Fox’s Hooley Show is where your search ends. That’s why it was selected as the 2025 IDM Travel Ireland Award winner for Dublin’s Best Dinner, Trad Music & Irish Dance Show. 

Perched high in the Dublin Mountains in the village of Glencullen, Johnnie Fox’s is one of Ireland’s most iconic pubs. Known as “the highest pub in Ireland,” it offers far more than elevation—it serves up tradition, flavour, and a history you can feel in the walls. The nightly Hooley Show features a four-course dinner of standout Irish cuisine—think Guinness beef stew, fresh Atlantic seafood, and traditional apple crumble—served with warm, attentive service and followed by a rollicking, high-energy performance of Irish music and dance that rivals anything seen on a major theatre stage.

The setting is steeped in history. Daniel O’Connell, the “Great Liberator” of Ireland, was a frequent visitor. Michael Collins is said to have sought refuge in the area. The pub itself has hosted everyone from political figures and film stars to generations of Irish musicians and dancers. The walls are lined with memorabilia and photographs that give visitors a true sense of place—of where the culture has been, and where it continues to thrive.

What makes Johnnie Fox’s different from other shows is its genuine atmosphere. This isn’t a polished tourist production—it’s Irish culture served up with laughter, spontaneity, and soul. The musicians are some of the finest in the country. The dancers are powerful, precise, and up close—performing just feet from your table. The crowd is lively and always included in the fun.

Why We Chose It
The Hooley Show delivers the full Irish experience in one unforgettable evening. It’s spirited, it’s joyful, and it celebrates everything we love about Irish music, dance, and hospitality. The food is as good as the show, and the historic setting adds real depth to the experience. For visitors on a limited schedule, this is a must. And for those returning to Ireland again and again, Johnnie Fox’s is the kind of place you never tire of.

How to Get There
From Dublin City Centre (Grafton Street area), Johnnie Fox’s is approximately 14 km (9 miles) south, nestled in the Dublin Mountains. By taxi, the journey takes around 20–25 minutes and costs roughly €25–€31 depending on traffic and time of day. For a more scenic and budget-friendly route, take the Luas Green Line tram from St. Stephen’s Green to Dundrum, then transfer to the 44B bus, which drops you directly outside the pub. Travel time is about 60–75 minutes in total with €4.60 total cost per person.  

Plan Your Visit
Show and booking info: johnniefoxs.com