McKenna's Bar is the oldest family-run pub in Monaghan town, trading on Dublin Street since the 1930s. It is really two rooms in one: downstairs, the Anchor is a traditional bar with a jukebox and a pool table, while upstairs, the Brewery is the live room, hosting bands, jam sessions and a weekly open mic every Thursday that draws players well beyond the county. The last Friday of every month brings the Monthly Blues Jam, which the pub bills as the longest-running blues jam in the country, kicking off around 10pm. Expect a classic pub menu of comfort food alongside the stout.
Monaghan · Every Thursday · Free
McKenna's Bar Open Mic
Monaghan's thursday open mic.
Open mic at a glance McKenna's Bar · Monaghan
Thursday
Open mic night
Sept 2026
Listed since
12 Sept
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Verified
Listing status
Run a Monaghan open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 12 September 2026
McKenna's Bar Open Mic — Quick Facts
✓ Verified activeLast verified
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayThursday
Start–
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
McKenna's Bar62 Dublin St
Monaghan H18 HD92
Monaghan — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
How do you rate this open mic?One tap, no sign-up required.
Spotted something wrong with this listing?Closed, moved night, different start time? Let us know and we'll re-verify within 48 hours.
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About McKenna's Bar
About This Open Mic
Every Thursday in Monaghan
Start time — we’re on it, no info yet
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
Gear & backline — we’re on it, no info yet
Part of the Monaghan open mic directory
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How McKenna's Bar’s Thursday night runs.
Every Thursday Free entry
Find McKenna's Bar
62 Dublin St, Monaghan H18 HD92
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. Bring your own gear.
Part of the Monaghan live music scene.
What should you charge for paid gigs?Most open mic musicians are ready for paid work sooner than they think. Check live UK rates by role, city, and venue size.
Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Monaghan's McKenna's Bar open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Monaghan open mic nights for alternatives.
BYO PA, mics and instruments.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Monaghan mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
62 Dublin St, Monaghan H18 HD92.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Monaghan regulars across the Monaghan open mic scene. Monaghan open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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