Dublin travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland.
Dublin's nightlife revolves around its legendary pub culture, but the city has expanded well beyond the touristy Temple Bar strip to offer craft beer bars, DJ venues, late-night clubs, and a thriving live music scene. The legal closing time for pubs is 23:30 Sunday–Thursday and 00:30 Friday–Saturday, with some venues holding late-bar licenses until 02:30–03:00. The after-hours club scene is centred around the city centre and the Docklands.
Pubs are open from midday; traditional music sessions begin around 21:00–22:00 in trad pubs; DJ bars get going after 22:00; clubs open at midnight and run until 03:00–04:00. The best value is always away from Temple Bar — areas like South William Street, Rathmines, and Stoneybatter offer far better pubs for locals.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Pubs busy from 21:00; DJ bars peak 23:00–01:00; clubs peak 01:00–03:00 on weekends.
- Average drink
- Pint of Guinness: €5.50–€6.50 (~$6.05–$7.15) in a neighbourhood pub; €7–€9 (~$7.70–$9.90) in Temple Bar. Cocktails: €11–€15 (~$12.10–$16.50). House wine by glass: €7–€10 (~$7.70–$11).
- Dress code
- Most Dublin pubs are casual. Upscale cocktail bars and clubs on Harcourt Street have smarter dress codes — no tracksuit, no caps in some venues. Always check the venue website before visiting.
- Cover charge
- Drinking age is 18 in Ireland. ID may be requested at bars and clubs — carry a passport or national ID card. The Gardaí (police) patrol Temple Bar on weekend nights.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
The Cobblestone
Known for: Traditional Irish music sessions nightly; best trad in Dublin
77 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E749, Ireland
Mulligan's of Poolbeg Street
Known for: Established 1782; famous for serving Dublin's finest pint of Guinness; no music, no frills, pure pub
8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, D02 Ireland
Bruxelles Bar
Known for: Belgian beer selection; live rock music; iconic Phil Lynott statue outside
7–8 Harry Street, Dublin 2, D02 Ireland
The Bernard Shaw
Known for: Street-art bar with outdoor beer garden; DJ nights; wood-fired pizza from the Big Blue Bus
11–12 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2, D02 Ireland
O'Donoghue's
Known for: Where The Dubliners started; traditional music most evenings; atmospheric Victorian bar
15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, D02 Ireland
Toner's
Known for: Established 1818; W.B. Yeats drank here; Victorian snugs and authentic character; locals' favourite
139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 Ireland
The Long Hall
Known for: Licensed since 1766 with an ornate Victorian interior dating to 1881; carved mahogany bar and mirrors; no music, no TV — pure conversation pub
51 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02 DV74, Ireland
Grogan's Castle Lounge
Known for: Bohemian literary pub long favoured by writers and artists; toasted sandwiches and no music; original artwork lines the walls
15 South William Street, Dublin 2, D02 H336, Ireland
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
The Workman's Club
Cover: €5–€15 (~$5.50–$16.50) depending on event
Hours: Mon–Sun 17:00–late; club nights from 23:00 Fri–Sat
Copper Face Jacks
Cover: €10–€15 (~$11–$16.50)
Hours: Fri–Sat 23:00–03:00; occasional weeknight events
District 8
Cover: €10–€20 (~$11–$22)
Hours: Fri–Sat 23:00–04:00; Thu events periodic
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music venues
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Avoid Temple Bar bars if you want local prices — walk 5 minutes east or west for neighbourhood pub rates (€5.50–€6.50/pint vs €7–€9)
Traditional music sessions are typically free and informal — arrive before 21:00 to get a seat near the musicians
Pre-book popular late venues on weekends — many clubs have guest-list systems that save queuing
Dublin Bus Nitelink services run on Friday and Saturday nights after midnight (€3.80 / ~$4.20); route details at dublinbus.ie
Free Now app (freenow.com) is the reliable way to get a licensed taxi home — demand surges after 02:00 on weekends so book early