The Cobblestone

We took a taxi to the Smithfield district to hear some traditional Irish music. Our friend Drew assured us that The Cobblestone was the place to go.

It’s nothing to look at, but is popular enough that when a developer wanted to tear the building down, protesters closed the streets. The pub remains.

There are times when polished acts perform, but this was not one of those times. That was fine by me. What we experienced was the pure form of the art; local folk with varying degrees of experience playing solo, in small groups, and working out what they could all play together.

Pub talk continues while the music plays, except when a singer performs a Capella. Then, a chorus of “Shhhh” quiets the house. Speak, and you’ll be told.