Dublin is the ultimate city to party, and these are some buzzing bars that need to be on your radar.
If you’ve set your heart on a memorable night out in the capital, this is the article for you.
These fantastic bars and clubs in Dublin have something to suit everyone, no matter where the night takes you, and you can enjoy live music, comedy nights, candle-lit cocktails, or drag shows all in this bustling city.
So, don those dancing shoes and prepare for a cracking night out in Dublin with these ten bars and clubs you need to experience.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for experiencing Dublin nightlife:
- Take time to discover some of the city’s best off-the-beaten-path pubs and clubs.
- Popular among tourists, Temple Bar is notorious for being the most expensive area, so be prepared for high prices if planning a night out there.
- Camden Street, Harcourt Street, and the Temple Bar area are great for a pub crawl.
- For a budget-friendly night out, look for student nights around the city for cheap drinks and fun.
- It goes without saying, but treat yourself to a pint of Guinness.
10. DTwo – the place to party
DTwo nightclub on Harcourt Street is a firm favourite with locals and visitors, featuring an extensive drinks menu and award-winning beer garden to lure in the crowds.
However, the biggest draw here is the nightclub, which features three resident DJs throughout the venue and caters to all music tastes.
Address: 60 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P902, Ireland
READ MORE: The IB4UD guide to the best nightclubs in Dublin.
9. Dicey’s Garden – themed nights and cheap booze
Dicey’s is renowned for its cheap booze, food, and garden party vibes. Located on Harcourt Street, this no-frills club draws in a mixed crowd, who take advantage of the quirky themed nights, such as Wild Monday Students Night.
Address: 21-25 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 YF24, Ireland
8. The Stags Head – for top quality stand-up
This award-winning traditional Irish pub is an excellent choice for a night out. You’ll experience authentic Irish culture and their comedy nights and traditional Irish music nights are unbeatable.
Every Sunday and Monday, the iconic pub hosts the Comedy Crunch, which makes for a great night of laughter paired with stunning pints.
Address: 1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 TW84, Ireland
7. The Grand Social – a fantastic live music venue
Live music enthusiasts cannot overlook this popular venue for some of the best entertainment in the city.
Featuring a rooftop beer garden with DJ sets, a cocktail bar, ballroom, and traditional Irish music sessions, there is something to suit everyone at the Grand Social.
Address: 35 Liffey St. Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 C3N0, Ireland
READ MORE: Our guide to the best bars in Dublin for live music.
6. Street 66 – one of Dublin’s most unique bars
Street 66 is one of the best spots for Dublin nightlife in the heart of Temple Bar.
This LGBTQ+-friendly spot is one of Dublin’s most original and frequented bars, where visitors can enjoy a range of music styles whilst sipping on craft beers and bespoke cocktails in stunningly decorated surroundings.
Address: 33-34 Parliament St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
LEARN MORE: Our guide to the best gay bars in Dublin.
5. Whelan’s – an unmissable spot for gigs
Whelan’s is one of the best live music venues in the city and is at the core of Dublin nightlife, especially if you want to enjoy a piece of the city’s history.
This iconic venue has hosted some big names over the years and features live music and events seven nights a week, plus there is free live music every Sunday.
Address: 25 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 H527, Ireland
4. Vintage Cocktail Club – for candle-lit cocktails
This gorgeous little spot is an excellent choice for experiencing Dublin nightlife at its finest, especially for a classy evening or a romantic night out.
The speakeasy-style bar is iconic for its quirky bespoke cocktails, fabulous décor, and vintage vibes, which make it a haven for those seeking a unique experience.
Address: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229, Ireland
RELATED: Ireland Before You Die’s top ten cocktail bars in Dublin.
3. The Workmans Club – an eclectic mix of goodies
The Workmans Club attracts art lovers and music enthusiasts and has consistently been a popular choice for nightlife. Here you can enjoy a range of eclectic gigs, comedy nights, new band showcase nights, club nights, and several dancefloors to let loose on.
Address: 10 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 VX36, Ireland
2. Pygmalion – one of the busiest clubs in Dublin
This elegant restaurant by day, transforms into one of the city’s best nightclubs at night, and this is one of the spots you need to experience in the city.
Located on South William Street, Pygmalion boasts theme nights with excellent DJs, a wide range of yummy beverages, and a contagious electric vibe.
Address: 59 William St S, Dublin, Ireland
1. Café en Seine – voted the best bar in Dublin
For great reason, Café en Seine is one of the capital’s most iconic bars. Not only will its stunning décor blow you away, but the vibe at this popular late bar cannot be beaten.
Voted the best bar in Dublin in 2022, it features a Parisian Street Garden, bespoke event areas, and a 50-seater restaurant.
Address: 40 Dawson St, Dublin, Ireland
Notable mentions
Wigwam: This hip cocktail bar features excellent music events, delicious food, and regular drink specials.
The Bernard Shaw: This iconic northside pub has a lot going on, with an art area, a bar, an extensive beer garden, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Copper Face Jacks: Coppers is a legendary spot for a cracking night out in Dublin, with plenty of dancing space and eclectic music for all tastes.
Your questions answered about Dublin nightlife
Still got questions in mind about Dublin nightlife? Don’t worry! In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions on the topic. We also include questions that appear regularly in online searches.
Where to stay in Dublin for nightlife?
Dublin is a small city, so staying central is perfect for enjoying Temple Bar and the northside and southside bars and venues.
What is the famous drinking area in Dublin?
Temple Bar is a famous drinking area in Dublin.
What is the dress code in Dublin clubs?
Generally, smart casual is the dress code, so choosing shoes instead of trainers is acceptable.
So, if you are planning a night out in Dublin, you have many excellent choices, from cocktail bars to live music venues and drag-themed nights, all of which will guarantee an unmissable evening in the capital.
