About Us

The Irish House Party was born out of a simple idea between two musicians in Dublin – to share our love of Irish music in its most authentic and intimate form.

We’re Declan Quinn and Gerry Nolan.

We first met playing at a traditional music session in a pub in Dublin – Declan on Irish flute and tin whistle, Gerry on guitar and vocals. From the very start, we clicked – not just musically, but in our shared passion to do something we truly loved full time.

So we created The Irish House Party, a show that gave visitors to Dublin a real taste of what an Irish house party is actually like – intimate, lively, spontaneous, and packed with music, dance, and laughter.

We wanted to go beyond the cliched stage Irish performances and really bring people into the culture, to help them understand the instruments, the stories behind the songs, and the warmth of the tradition – all delivered with fun and humour.

For the past 18 years, our show has run in a beautiful 18th-century Dublin townhouse, becoming one of the city’s top-rated experiences. “If you are ever visiting Dublin be sure to visit us in our home and see where it all began.”

← Our Dublin Residency Show

We’re proud of some lovely milestones along the way...

Performing with UK pop group The Wanted, on their massive hit single 'Glad You Came'

Performing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for Liverpool FC TV joined by Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Jason McAteer on Bodhran

...and numerous TV appearances.

But no matter where we are, the heart of the show remains the same: real Irish music, performed with heart and humour.

It was always on our minds to bring the show to UK theatres as there’s always been a special connection between the two countries and this runs deep in the roots of an Irish house party.

These house party gatherings were often held the night before someone emigrated – to Britain, America, or beyond – with friends and neighbours coming together to play tunes, sing songs, and dance on the old stone kitchen floors. That sense of celebration, community, and shared experience is exactly what we aim to recreate every night on stage.

We couldn't believe the reaction to our first shows in the UK and are so grateful to everybody who came out to see us.

Due to the success of these initial shows we are delighted to be returning for more dates.

What really surprises and delights our audiences is the simplicity of it all. There are no backing tracks, no glittery costumes or gimmicks and no big fancy stage sets. It’s minimal by design – because that’s where the magic lives. Just world-class live music, lightning-fast footwork, and spontaneous craic in an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a friend’s home for the night.

The interaction with our audiences is what makes every show feel fresh, intimate, and alive. Here are some clips of our initial UK shows to give you a flavour of what to expect 😊

Tour Moments

So check to see if we are coming to a theatre near you

And we look forward to welcoming you at The Irish House Party – we think you’ll leave with a smile on your face and a little piece of Ireland in your heart.