Dublin’s Nightlife Scene: An Overview
Dublin’s nightlife is a lively mix of old and new. You’ve got classic pubs where the Guinness flows and the music never stops.
But if that’s not your vibe, no worries. There are plenty of sleek cocktail bars and nightclubs scattered around the city.
Whether you’re into the traditional scene or you’re looking for something more modern, Dublin’s nightlife is full of character and atmosphere, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Decoding Dublin’s Nightclubs
Hyde is split over three floors, including a wine bar, cocktail bar, event space and two rooftop bars. A unique venue nestled between Grafton and Dawson Street. They have a venue called Seek Nightclub. You can find all the different parties here.
Twenty Two Dublin offers an eccentric and quirky late-night experience. Fire breathers, knife eaters and snake charmers will perform while guests dance to some of the hottest sounds in town including special International DJ acts monthly.
Aerialists will dangle from silks, ropes and swings tethered from the decorative double-height ceilings in this magnificent venue, while burlesque dancers move from the stage to the floor and onto the tables. The music will also differ in every room so there is most definitely something to suit everyone!
Izakaya offers an underground experience in Dublin City Centre. Its bunker-style venue offers good vibes with DJs from all over the world.
The George is not just any bar or any gay bar. It is the first port of call for young gay people in Ireland, it is the venue where gay and straight people mix and where international visitors stop to check out the gay scene in Ireland. The George features two bar areas. The main club venue has been graced by the presence of some of the hottest international acts.
PantiBar is the ideal destination for a lively night out in Dublin – you’ll be plenty of thirsty after the stylish strut to Capel Street. So what better excuse to dust off your glad-rags and party Panti-style in fabulously flamboyant style?
Expect everything from karaoke nights, pub quizzes, drag shows and some vintage tunes. Don’t miss Panti’s famous Saturday night extravaganzas, full of drama, humour, and more than fabulous!
Pygmalion Bar & Restaurant boasts a multi-cultural array of affordable dishes in the elegant surroundings of the Powerscourt Townhouse. Renowned for its boutiques and galleries, the shopping centre was originally purchased as a Townhouse for Lord Powerscourt in 1774 for entertaining purposes.
The Pop Up is therefore bringing the Townhouse back to its roots – as a top venue for parties. You will always find good vibes & good tunes at PYG
Late Bars for Every Taste
37 Dawson Street is an enchanting food and drink emporium heart of Dawson Street, one of Dublin’s busiest nightlife neighbourhoods.
Stepping inside, you will find an assembly of the wonderfully weird, from vintage paintings and posters to giant gargoyles and moose busts.
They go late 6 nights a week from Tuesday to Sunday. With four bars throughout the building, you won’t ever have to wait long to quench that thirst. Each bar boasts an extensive range of cocktails with twists on traditional recipes and a range of new concoctions, catering for the avid connoisseur.
ZOZIMUS is a bar serving unique food located on the ground floor of Centenary house, Anne’s Lane in Dublin, capturing the vibrant and artistic spirit of the area.
The atmosphere there is abuzz, sit front and centre as cool cocktails are created by passionate bartenders with a panache for the finer details. Playing a mix of the latest beats and some all-time classics that are guaranteed to get you out of your seat, an evening at Zozimus is an experience to remember.
Situated in Aungier St, Capitol opens Late 7 nights a week and admission is always free! Well known for their drinks, Capitol serves up a cosmopolitan mix of excellent cocktails (2 for €15), great music and sophisticated surroundings.
A funky venue located down Dame Lane, 4 Dame Lane is slightly hidden away. It has an edgy attitude spread over 2 floors. Located bang in the middle of Dublin city centre, 2 minutes walk from Trinity. Attracting friendly and fun people for cocktails and dancing. The Beat Suite every Friday and Saturday has some of Dublin’s best DJs with Indie, Electro & Pop.
Bootleg is a disco lounge often playing groovy house and disco tunes from the week into the weekend. You can also enjoy some small plates and their speciality Apervito-style cocktails, perfect for summer nights!
The Living Room is a Party Venue in Dublin’s city centre. With Dublin’s largest beer garden, Europe’s largest outdoor screen, and word on the street – they have the best crowd in the city! There is always something going on day or night. All Sporting events are live and a late bar with a DJ or live music.
The Evolution of Dublin’s Nightlife
Dublin’s nightlife has transformed over the years. It used to be all about cosy pubs and traditional music, but now it’s a whole different vibe. You’ve got trendy cocktail bars, cool lounges, and clubs pumping with beats from all over the world.
Signature Drinks and Bar Specialties
Oozing elegance, 9 Below, is a contemporary bar located just across from the spectacular Stephen’s Green Park.
This beautifully designed underground space is like stepping back in time into the glamorous Gatsby era, brought to life with a modern twist. They have a range of cocktails, each one based on a movie, a must-try if you’re out.
The Chelsea Drugstore is a cool cocktail bar and basement club located on George’s Street, Dublin. Bohemian-styled bar. A decadent basement dive bar with an essence of Illegality hence its charm. The building where the Chelsea Drugstore resides was originally a pharmacy at the turn of the 1900s.
Go check out the great variety of cocktails they offer, like the fresh, light, and intriguing Mid Morning Fizz! Made with Beefeater Gin, mixed with Green Chartreuse, a few dashes of Dandelion and Burdock bitters, shaken with egg whites, and topped with soda.
Dublin’s worst-kept secret – look out for the large wooden snail hanging above the door and then walk up the stairs to what feels like a loft house party. At weekends the bar is particularly busy, serving artists, rock n rollas…and many others. ‘The Bar With No Name’ is famous for its mojitos.
Dress Codes and Entry Requirements
Most venues and pubs in Dublin have a no-tracksuit policy. Most venues have this listed on their website or the ticket page, so just be sure to check beforehand. Many themed events will encourage you to dress up and join in with the theme, again this is normally mentioned in the event description.
Usually, events will be uploaded on the venues page or DublinTown What’s On page and you will need to buy a ticket. Some venues/clubs have a cover charge at the door. This will normally be €5- €15.
Most bars and clubs are 18+, There are a few venues or events that are 21+ and some pubs will be 21+ on Friday – Sunday. Some venues are also 25+.
The Role of Live Music in Dublin’s Nightlife
Live music is huge in Dublin’s nightlife scene. From cosy pubs filled with the sounds of violins and guitars, to cool spots with all kinds of tunes like rock, jazz and pop.
The Grand Social is a thriving live music venue and bar in the heart of Dublin Town. The venue is known for its fantastic facilities for musicians, performers, DJs and audiences.
The venue has many different spaces including the Ballroom, the Parlor and the Loft which offers another space upstairs equipped with a bar and spacious rooftop beer garden.
Whelans is famed for its atmosphere, quality and live music. A traditional country pub in the heart of the city, the venue has played host to such musical legends as Jeff Buckley, Nick Cave, Christy Moore, Peter Buck and Mike Mills from REM. A life-sized statue, complete with a pint of Guinness, stands at the bar ensuring that you ‘never need to drink alone’.
Bruxelles is a cosmopolitan bar which is located just a step away from Grafton Street, Dublin’s busiest shopping thoroughfare. Bruxelles is the ideal venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s a sports bar and a music bar, with DJs in three bars and regular live music.
Bruxelles Bar played a huge part in the birth of the Irish music scene. From Skid Row to Thin Lizzy, this became their second home around the late 1960s-early 1970s. It is worth checking out the history of all the different musicians whilst you dance the night away
The Academy burst onto the Dublin music scene featuring 4 different venues within one building, The Academy gives punters a big choice of acts, clubs & events. Here is where some of the biggest acts play, and where their weekly club nights take place. Academy in the basement is the baby venue, with a capacity of 230.
Here you will find new up-and-coming acts, both local and international, as well as smaller club nights. Green Room is a recently renovated ground-floor venue. With a capacity of 450 and a new stage installed, it’s the perfect location for club nights, DJs, private parties & special events.
Not only is the flowing tide one of Dublin’s best-known pubs, it is also one of the oldest, with a history that makes it a must-see for both locals and visitors. A proudly traditional pub in the heart of the city where a great atmosphere comes as standard. It is one of those increasingly rare establishments where the character of ‘auld Dublin’ is preserved.
They have live music 7 nights a week. If you are looking for traditional Irish music this is the spot to go!
Electric Circus is an eclectic destination bar, full of colour and character that invites you to interact with your surroundings. It’s a place where you can expect to see anything around the next corner, and when you do you’re likely to smile.
LoSt LaNe plays host to a hugely diverse range of acts from across the Irish and International music scene and in its first year open has welcomed all genres of music, comedy and panel discussions from folk, jazz, indie, trad, dance, rock, metal, ska.
Map: Dublin’s Nightlife at Your Fingertips
South of Dublin City
North of Dublin City 
Conclusion: Embracing the Nightlife of Dublin
Dublin’s nightlife has so many options for everyone whether you’re into live music, disco nights or underground, there is a venue for each one. Don’t forget to plan your night out in Dublin, have your way home planned and of course, drink responsibly
