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The Drunken Poet

The Drunken Poet The Drunken Poet is an authentic Irish pub located at 65 Peel St, West Melbourne. Voted one of the 10 Best Irish Pubs in the World (Outside Ireland) by The Irish Times, this cozy local hotspot serves great Guinness and features a fine selection of Irish whiskey. With free live music six nights a week and special events like Wine Whiskey Women on Wednesdays and Open Mic Nights every second Thursday, The Drunken Poet is a must-visit destination for lovers of Irish culture and atmosphere.
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Recent social media posts

We love the weekenda the The Drunken Poet! Fri 6th June            Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pmFox & Darling a...
05/06/2026

We love the weekenda the The Drunken Poet!

Fri 6th June
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Fox & Darling at 8.30pm

Sat 6th June
Stephen Kennedy at 3pm
Steve Boyd and Chris Surgey at 9pm (pictured)

Sun 7th June
Jump The Shark at 4pm
The Bonafide Travellers at 6.30pm

Open mic night at The Poet tonight! Register from 5pm at the bar, performances from 7pm - first in best dressed
04/06/2026

Open mic night at The Poet tonight!

Register from 5pm at the bar, performances from 7pm - first in best dressed

Tonight at The Drunken Poet! Wine, Whiskey, Women: Yolanda Ingley Trio at 8pm There’s a defining old world charm to Melb...
03/06/2026

Tonight at The Drunken Poet!

Wine, Whiskey, Women: Yolanda Ingley Trio at 8pm

There’s a defining old world charm to Melbourne songstress Yolanda Ingley II – equally wielding smoky vocals and impassioned heart, Yolanda’s songs dip into soul, blues and jazz with inherent sophistication that draw to mind the greats of eras passed.

Tonight at The Drunken Poet! Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: Maeve Phelan plays the songs of Norah JonesJoin Irish vocalist and...
02/06/2026

Tonight at The Drunken Poet!

Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: Maeve Phelan plays the songs of Norah Jones

Join Irish vocalist and guitarist Maeve Phelan at The Drunken Poet for a relaxed one-hour tribute to Norah Jones as part of Tribute Tuesday. Expect all the mellow jazz-pop favorites, including “Don’t Know Why,” “Come Away With Me,” and “Sunrise.” Enjoying these timeless songs is perfect for a laid-back Tuesday night in the pub. Grab a drink, find a cosy spot, and enjoy an evening of great music, good company and just the right amount of midweek escapism.

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet! Tue 2nd June         Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: Maeve Phelan plays the songs of N...
01/06/2026

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet!

Tue 2nd June
Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm:
Maeve Phelan plays the songs of Norah Jones

Wed 3rd June
Wine, Whiskey, Women: Yolanda Ingley Trio at 8pm

Thu 4th June
Open Mic Night! Music from 7pm - first in best dressed

Fri 6th June
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Fox & Darling at 8.30pm

Sat 6th June
Stephen Kennedy at 3pm
Steve Boyd and Chris Surgey at 9pm

Sun 7th June
Jump The Shark at 4pm
The Bonafide Travellers at 6.30pm

We love the weekend.. kicking off with our trad session, every Friday night from 6pm. Later this evening, Bill Barber li...
29/05/2026

We love the weekend.. kicking off with our trad session, every Friday night from 6pm.

Later this evening, Bill Barber live from 8.30pm

Sat 30th May
Stephen Kennedy at 3pm
Dan Dinnen & Shorty at 9pm

Sun 31st May
Steamboat Whistlers at 4pm
The Tipplers Duo at 6.30pm

We love live music at The Drunken Poet - join us tonight! Foggy Josh at 8pmFoggy Josh returns to the Drunken Poet on Thu...
28/05/2026

We love live music at The Drunken Poet - join us tonight!

Foggy Josh at 8pm

Foggy Josh returns to the Drunken Poet on Thursday the 28th May following the release of his debut album "Live & Low".

Josh plays and sings folk/blues originals in a smokey baritone voice accompanied by his exceptional acoustic guitar fingerpicking.

His songs tell the stories of travel, love lost and found and the joys and fears of the crazy world we live in.

Michael GT Blair at 9pm

Get ready for a night of groove, soul, and energy as Michael GT Blair takes the stage.

Blending iconic influences with original music, Michael delivers a seamless mix of familiar classics and fresh, expressive sounds. Expect a dynamic fusion of rock, jazz, funk, and acoustic vibes—driven by rich, emotive vocals and a deep rhythmic feel that keeps you locked in from start to finish.

Our iconic weekly series Wine, Whiskey, Women is back this evening with Ingrid Saker at 8pm & Jessey Jackson at 9pm. Ing...
27/05/2026

Our iconic weekly series Wine, Whiskey, Women is back this evening with Ingrid Saker at 8pm & Jessey Jackson at 9pm.

Ingrid Saker is the lead guitarist and singer of swampy punk-blues outfit Ingrid and the Ministers. Her solo set delves into her folk, old school blues, and psychedelic influences, creating an atmosphere full of warmth, soul, and mysticism.

A rare gem indeed; Jessey Jackson is quite simply a force to be reckoned with! Far from your average ‘run of the mill’ female performer; this self taught singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is often likened to celebrated artists such as the immortal Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman and Stevie Nicks.

Join us! All gigs are free entry - check out our website for all the info.

Tonight at The Drunken Poet - we welcome back the legendary Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy!
26/05/2026

Tonight at The Drunken Poet - we welcome back the legendary Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy!

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet! Tue 26th May        Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies do...
25/05/2026

Coming up this week at The Drunken Poet!

Tue 26th May
Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm:
Stu Thomas and Tanya-Lee Davies doing Lee and Nancy

Wed 27th May
Wine, Whiskey, Women:
Ingrid Saker at 8pm
Jessey Jackson at 9pm

Thu 28th May
Foggy Josh at 8pm
Michael GT Blair at 9pm

Fri 29th May
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Bill Barber at 8.30pm

Sat 30th May
Stephen Kennedy at 3pm
Dan Dinnen & Shorty at 9pm

Sun 31st May
Steamboat Whistlers at 4pm
The Tipplers Duo at 6.30pm

Wrap up your weekend the right way with us at The Drunken Poet! Sunday arvo tunes from: El Rollo at 4pm This Bass Coast ...
24/05/2026

Wrap up your weekend the right way with us at The Drunken Poet!

Sunday arvo tunes from:

El Rollo at 4pm

This Bass Coast outfit throws surf music into the blender and cranks the heat, serving up a scorching, guitar-drenched mix with a twist of swamp and psychedelia. Drawing inspiration from surf bands across the globe—from Sweden to Venezuela to Italy—El Rollo’s original tunes fuse Balkan, Middle Eastern, Latin and Californian rhythms into a reverb-soaked brew that’s impossible to sit still to.

Fables at 6.30pm

Fables are an Irish acoustic duo who cover a wide range of sounds, from Rock, Pop, Folk, and Country to Irish heartfelt Ballads. Comprising lead singer Tara Raftery and singer-guitarist Kevin McGinley, the duo brings an intimate and dynamic sound that resonates with their audiences.

Join us for a weekend of great music, fresh pints and delicious toasties at The Drunken Poet! Fri 22nd May        Tradit...
22/05/2026

Join us for a weekend of great music, fresh pints and delicious toasties at The Drunken Poet!

Fri 22nd May
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
The Northwest Grifters at 8.30pm (pictured)

Sat 23rd May
Tim Scanlan and Mana at 3pm
Adam Waldron Trio at 9pm

Sun 24th May
El Rollo at 4pm
Fables Acoustic Duo at 6.30pm

Our Open Mic nights happen on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Sign up at the bar anytime from 5pm, perform...
21/05/2026

Our Open Mic nights happen on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Sign up at the bar anytime from 5pm, performances start from 7pm.

First in best dressed!

Midweek sorted at The Drunken Poet with Wine, Whiskey, Women. 8pm - Georgia Rodgers Bringing to the stage a combination ...
20/05/2026

Midweek sorted at The Drunken Poet with Wine, Whiskey, Women.

8pm - Georgia Rodgers
Bringing to the stage a combination of Blues and Jazz marrying an array of ambient guitar riffs and skilful use of a loop pedal; Georgia Rodgers is an artist you won't want to miss.

9pm - Candice Alisha
Candice Alisha is a blues and folk singer songwriter originally hailing from Wodonga, Victoria but now local to Melbourne. After working as a full-time musician in various bands for the better part of a decade, Candice has struck out on her own with her strong, deep and powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence.

Tonight at The Drunken Poet, Tribute Tuesday with The Otago Players playing the songs of the one and only B.B King! Join...
19/05/2026

Tonight at The Drunken Poet, Tribute Tuesday with The Otago Players playing the songs of the one and only B.B King! Join us from 8pm.

Join us for another week of oustanding music at The Drunken Poet!Tue 19th May        Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm:  The Otago...
18/05/2026

Join us for another week of oustanding music at The Drunken Poet!

Tue 19th May
Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: The Otago Players play the songs of BB King

Wed 20th May
Wine, Whiskey, Women:
Georgia Rodgers at 8pm
Candice Alisha at 9pm

Thu 21st May
Open Mic Night!
Music from 7pm - first in best dressed

Fri 22nd May
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
The Northwest Grifters at 8.30pm

Sat 23rd May
Tim Scanlan and Mana at 3pm
Adam Waldron Trio at 9pm

Sun 24th May
El Rollo at 4pm
Fables Acoustic Duo at 6.30pm

All gigs are free entry!

We've got your weekend sorted ahead at The Drunken Poet - join us! Tonight (and every Friday) Traditional Irish Music Se...
15/05/2026

We've got your weekend sorted ahead at The Drunken Poet - join us!

Tonight (and every Friday) Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Then..Mr Alford at 8.30pm
(Pictured)

Sat 16th May
Rhythm Kitchen at 3pm
Kid James at 9pm

Sun 17th May
Backyard Banjo Club at 4pm
Maggie Carty Band at 6.30pm

Live music tonight at The Drunken Poet! Rory Newman at 8pmRory Newman is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Naa...
14/05/2026

Live music tonight at The Drunken Poet!

Rory Newman at 8pm

Rory Newman is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Drawing from a wide array of influences including folk, blues and jazz, he blends intricate fingerstyle guitar and a rich baritone voice to create a vivid tapestry of sound.

Shayne Cook at 9pm

Shayne Cook returns to Drunken Poet on the back of recent releases of his upcoming album. With recent release of single I don't recognise and Single launches along Australian East Coast. A true natural fit for the venue with influences a many adorning the walls of The Drunken Poet, shayne is known for timeless songwriting and vocal presence. Joined by friend and collaborator Sean Frayne - an Irishman himself well known to the Poet who brings an eclectic mix of pop / folk .

We love live music, 6 nights a week, all gigs are free entry.

Wine, Whiskey, Women - every Wednesday from 8-10pm at The Drunken Poet.Tonight - Grace King at 8pm & Connor Moore at 9pm...
13/05/2026

Wine, Whiskey, Women - every Wednesday from 8-10pm at The Drunken Poet.

Tonight - Grace King at 8pm & Connor Moore at 9pm

Our iconic weekly series is a night not to be missed!

Tonight at The Drunken Poet! Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse "10 years of Blindfaller" pe...
12/05/2026

Tonight at The Drunken Poet!

Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse "10 years of Blindfaller" performing the album front to back.

Huge week of live music and good times ahead at The Drunken Poet! Tue 12th May       Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm: Rufous Whi...
11/05/2026

Huge week of live music and good times ahead at The Drunken Poet!

Tue 12th May
Tribute Tuesdays at 8pm:
Rufous Whistler play the songs of Mandolin Orange / Watchhouse (pictured)

Wed 13th May
Wine, Whiskey, Women:
Grace King at 8pm
Connor Moore at 9pm

Thu 14th May
Rory Newman at 8pm
Shayne Cook at 9pm

Fri 15th May
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Mr Alford at 8.30pm

Sat 16th May
Rhythm Kitchen at 3pm
Kid James at 9pm

Sun 17th May
Backyard Banjo Club at 4pm
Maggie Carty Band at 6.30pm

Bring on the weekend at The Poet! Fri 8th May           Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pmWaz E James & Andrew Pendl...
08/05/2026

Bring on the weekend at The Poet!

Fri 8th May
Traditional Irish Music Session at 6pm
Waz E James & Andrew Pendlebury at 8.30pm

Sat 9th May
MacCrimmin at 3pm
Paper Jane at 9pm (pictured)

Sun 10th May
Tall Dan & The True Stories at 4pm
Rossa Murray at 6.30pm

OPEN MIC NIGHT TONIGHT!! Register at the bar from 5pm onward, performances start from f 7pm.
07/05/2026

OPEN MIC NIGHT TONIGHT!!

Register at the bar from 5pm onward, performances start from f 7pm.

Wine, Whiskey, Women tonight! Cate Taylor at 8pmCate Taylor is an award winning, indie-folk/alt-country singer songwrite...
06/05/2026

Wine, Whiskey, Women tonight!

Cate Taylor at 8pm

Cate Taylor is an award winning, indie-folk/alt-country singer songwriter from Melbourne who has worked with a swathe of talented musicians including Justin Brady, Matthew Arnold, Nina Rose, Greg Hamilton and Ben Franz.

Cate’s music is rich, natural and grounded in resonant, spacious lyrics with a performance style that is authentic and engaging. Her songs reflect social, personal and environmental themes moving between raw, sparce arrangements to fuller compositions.

Rachel Clark at 9pm

Rachel Clark returns to The Poet for Wine, Whiskey, Women!

Self-taught Singer-Songwriter, Rachel Clark, has crafted a musical journey that blends heartfelt storytelling with a sultry and soulful acoustic folk vibe. With raw honesty, she delves into the depths of the human experience, heartache to humour, offering introspective narratives on loss, love, and the battles we all face.

Tribute Tuesday at the night brings us Kier Stevens playing the songs of Tex, Don & Charlie from 8pm!
05/05/2026

Tribute Tuesday at the night brings us Kier Stevens playing the songs of Tex, Don & Charlie from 8pm!

Address

65 Peel Street
West Melbourne, VIC
3003

To reach Peel Street in Melbourne, you can take the tram route 19, which runs along Sydney Road and Elizabeth Street. The closest stop is just a short walk to Peel Street.

If you prefer driving, there are several parking options nearby. The closest parking lot is on the corner of Queen Street and Franklin Street, while street parking is also available along Peel Street and neighboring streets.

Once you arrive at Peel Street, look for the pub and Irish pub on the corner of the block.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3pm - 1am
Wednesday 3pm - 1am
Thursday 3pm - 1am
Friday 3pm - 1am
Saturday 12pm - 1am
Sunday 12am - 11pm

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What people say

The Drunken Poet is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Irish pub experience in Melbourne. This cozy and friendly venue has been voted into the 10 Best Irish Pubs In The World (Outside Ireland) by The Irish Times, making it the only Australian pub to make the list.

What sets The Drunken Poet apart from other theme-pubs is its genuine Irish atmosphere. The walls are adorned with portraits of poets from Ireland and around the world, while the bar serves up some of the finest Guinness and Irish whiskey in Australia.

But it's not just about the drinks at The Drunken Poet - they also offer free live music six nights a week, including Tribute Tuesdays, Wine Whiskey Women on Wednesdays, Open Mic Nights every second Thursday, and Irish Music Sessions on Fridays. And if you're a musician looking to perform, just show up for Open Mic Night and put your name on the list - no booking required!

Overall, The Drunken Poet is one of Melbourne's finest small venues for live music and a great spot to enjoy a pint or two with friends.

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