I know it has been AGES since I’ve written a blog post, I’ve been so focused on growing my YouTube channel, but I promise I will be more on top of it! Since my last post “12 Best Restaurants in Dublin” was such a hit, I thought it would be good to share some of my go-to nightlife spots as well. The following are some of my favorite pubs, cocktail bars, and nightclubs (in that order), so there is a little something for everyone! This is a compilation of both touristy and local spots. Of course, I’m only sharing the places I’ve been, I haven’t been to every single bar in Dublin, but it’s on my list!
The Temple Bar
Ah yes, if you are visiting Temple Bar (the district), then you are bound to wind up stopping into The Temple Bar. It is one of the most famous pubs in Ireland, I’ve linked their website if you are curious about it’s history. However, the reason why I like it is because it holds Ireland’s largest collection of rare whiskeys from all over the world. 450 bottles to be exact. They also always have some sort of live music going on. So whether you’re into whiskey, or you just want an aesthetically pleasing picture outside the bar, it’s worth checking out.
The Quays Bar & Restaurant
Since you’re already in Temple Bar, you may as well make your way over to Quays. They have a great reputation for their live music, which begins daily around 3pm. This is a good spot if you’re looking to stop in for a casual afternoon or evening drink (which will probably turn into 10 drinks and go until midnight), and the music really is fantastic. It’s a great place to meet new people, as everybody is friendly and just looking to enjoy a pint and have a good time.
The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head is the oldest pub in all of Ireland, dating back to 1198. It has loads of character, and you can literally feel the history when you walk inside. It’s also in a cute location right across from the river Liffey. I would definitely consider it to be the most low key spot on this list.
No Name Bar
Yes, it really is the bar with no name. This is a fun spot to come with a group of friends and hangout on their upstairs roof deck. It does get pretty crowded, and I would say the age range is on the younger side, roughly 35 and under. However it’s a cool place to check out and they do make great cocktails. Don’t worry, there are also heat lamps!
The Porterhouse (Central)
The Porterhouse is a larger pub located at the end of Grafton Street on Nassau Street. I prefer this location to their other location in Temple Bar, mainly because it’s situated right beside the Dingle Whiskey Bar. It’s also a fun spot to come if you enjoy watching sports, as they have plenty of large TVs. At night the vibe is a little more upbeat with dance music.
The Market Bar
Market Bar is located on Fade Street (same street as No Name Bar), which was once apart of Dublin’s red-light district in the 19th century. This district spread from Montgomery Street to Talbot Street, and was once the largest red-light district in all of Europe, with over 1600 prostitutes working there. Today however not so much! Market Bar is know for its huge vaulted ceilings and “market-like” atmosphere, if you will, in the downstairs area. Upstairs you can find a smaller, more intimate bar setting, which is generally where I prefer to go.
The Gin Palace
So you were over on Abbey street shopping all day, and suddenly you could use a drink. Well, if you’re into gin, then this is the right spot for you. They hold the title for largest gin collection in Ireland (I’d sure hope so with a name like “Gin Palace“), and boasts a variety of gins from all corners of the globe. It’s more of a pub feel, with an old Victorian era theme. Like I said, great place to come after you’ve spent the day shopping and have onset buyers remorse.
Sophie’s
Sophie’s is a stunning glasshouse restaurant by day, bar by night, located at the top of The Dean. It has an incredible 360 view of Dublin which you just can’t beat. At night it has a fun, upbeat vibe, usually with a DJ who plays dance/hip hop music. It is a younger crowd, I would say typically people 30 and under, but definitely worth stopping in for a drink, even if it’s just for dinner!
NoLita
This is a fun spot to come if you want something a little more modern with dance music. NoLita is a fairly large bar, with plenty of places to grab a drink and sit down, or dance if you wish. You can also reserve tables for special events, I did this for my birthday. While I wouldn’t classify it as a “dressy” bar necessarily, I would say it is on the classier side. That being said, you can definitely get away with being more dressed up than some of the other bars.
House
I just recently went to House for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. I would define it as a classy cocktail bar with a more sophisticated crowd, ages ranging from late 20s-40s. I usually park myself at the main bar, but they have a stunning outside patio as well. The music is usually today’s top hits (dance, pop, and hip hop). Definitely recommend coming here if you’re looking for a more chill, romantic environment.
37 Dawson Street
Often referred to as just “37“, this is again, a more sophisticated environment, with what I call “80s dance remix” music. There are several different bars inside, as well as an upstairs bar area and a dance floor. This is a fun, upbeat spot which I frequent often with friends. Age ranges from 20s-50s, it just depends on the night of the week. Staff is always friendly and the drinks are fantastic!
Sam’s Bar
When you get bored of 37, you can literally head right next door to Sam’s bar. They play your typical today’s hits DJ type music, and there is definitely room for dancing. There is also an upstairs bar if you want to avoid the mayhem, but overall this is a fun spot. I would say it’s more on the “clubby” side, however you are not required to be dressed to the nines. It’s one of those where you can either be on the more casual side or dressed up. Your choice!
Zozimus
I’ve listed this as well in my favorite restaurants post, but this cocktail bar simply CANNOT be beat. The atmosphere alone is absolutely stunning, and the drinks are phenomenal. Great DJ type music with dancing, as well as plenty of places to sit and chat. It’s a fun place to go for a date, as well as a fun night out with friends. I would recommend dressing up, it isn’t a super casual spot. It’s also located right across the alley from Sam’s.
Xico
Xico is, without a doubt, my favorite spot to go (so naturally I share a Halloween photo). It’s situated in the basement and definitely holds a more club type bar vibe. If you enjoy hip hop music and dancing, then this is the place for you. Definitely a younger crowd of people ages 20-30. Again, it’s one of those places where you can either be dressed up, or on the casual side. I typically do something in between. Great spot to go on a night out of serious drinking with friends.
Copper Face Jacks
Better known simply as “Coppers“, this is a late night spot where you only want to go after you are completely plastered and cannot be stopped. I usually make my way here once Xico closes, since Coppers is open until 4am (sometimes later). Not a place to go sober, but it can be fun and there is plenty of dancing. I would say this is the youngest crowd of all, definitely under 30.
