The Best Bars In Dublin, Ireland
- MemoirsofaMountainGirl
- Jan 24, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 7, 2020
The Dublin Bar and Nightlife scene has evolved over the last decade (most certainly since my student days) and is now cooler and quirkier than ever with a real continental Europe, cosmopolitan feel. Now its not quite Berlin (we aren't there yet) but there has been a shift away from the stuffy pubs that smell like the night before and have your feet sticking to the floor and the carpet. (Don't get me wrong - the traditional pubs are very much still alive with a great presence in Dubs but for the most part they have cleaned up their acts, and those floors thanks G says She!).
I've been a bit overwhelmed by the amount of new bars popping up all over Dublin, and slightly apprehensive that we could be turning back toward Celtic Tiger Days before it all (the economy that is) came crashing down. That said, I believe this time around we have the people and population to sustain all these new bars, clubs and restaurant, and the demand seems to be there and we are demanding more choice than ever. And sure why not. I travel back and forth to Dublin twice monthly on Business and use it as a great excuse to see what is new (or old) around town. I've put together my fave spots for a cheeky tipple in the capital, so whether you are looking for somewhere to take your date on Friday night or just looking for somewhere quiet to hang and chill with a quiet drink with a friend, or if you are searching for something a bit heavier - there should be something for everyone on the list.
Dublin, I Salute you xx
This is a quirky little establishment located at the top of one of Dublin's busiest streets for night life. The venue is small with opulent decor and great spot to meet a date or for a quiet drink with a friend. It is conveniently located at the top of Dawson street and close to St. Stephen's Green and so a great starting place for a light pub crawl down Dawson street if you were that way inclined. The cocktail list is extensive and also addictive - you have been warned.
Location: 31 Dawson St, Dublin 2
Devitts is by far one of my all time favourite bars in Dublin. It plays traditional Irish music seven nights a week and has always good vibes - even on a Monday. Thursday through Saturdays are typically very busy but this is a great pub if you want to experience some trad music and is conveniently located on Camden Street close to an array of nice bars and restaurants if you wanted to make an evening out of it.
Location: 78 Camden Street Lower, Saint Peter's, Dublin 2
Sam's is a great cocktail bar also on busy Dawson street. it is one of the cities better late night bars with DJ's at weekends and it really draws in the crowds. There is a great little Garden terrace, great for after work drinks or afternoon weekend drinks when the summer rolls around. Great for dancing - usually gets busy from 11pm...
Location: 35/36 Dawson St, Dublin Southside, Dublin 2
At this stage we are just pub-crawling down Dawson Street - stay with me guys - the night is young! Café En Seine has been around since as long as I can remember and I frequented here in my uni days (at weekends only it is by no means a student venue as such).
Think Opulent decor across three floors - this is another great late night venue in the city with DJ's pumping tunes until 3am at weekends. The clientele is typically a mix of young professionals or tourists in town for the weekend. Its great fun. Expect queues.
Iv'e never actually eaten here but the food is supposed to be really good. I'm usually here for the gin.
Location: 40 Dawson St, Co.Dublin, Ireland
The Mint bar is located beneath the Five-Star Westin Hotel in Dublin, within the original vaults of the old bank. I am not normally a fan of underground venues (in the literal sense) but the Mint has an air of sophistication to it and typically a slightly older clientele. This is a great venue for a pre-dinner drink or for a date night if you want to impress. It is typically quite sleek and quiet (as not many are aware of it's existence) but definitely worth checking out if you want a nice setting for some quiet conversation.
Location: Westin Hotel Dublin at, College Green, Westmoreland St, Dublin 2
Bow Lane is a refreshing concept venue / bar / restaurant that frequently hosts Supper Clubs or you can book in advance if you just want to go for some late night / post Theater drinks. Think speakeasy vibes. They have an extensive cocktail and wine list - this is a great intimate setting for a date night based in central Dublin.
Location: 17 Aungier St, Saint Peter's, Dublin 2
Smyths is a neighborhood institution in Ranelagh Village and a local favourite. There is no age discrimination in this pub, come here with your Granny if you like it is open to all clientele. It still has maintained the same decor of a traditional Irish pub and they host live music nights on a Sunday. Great for a casual catch up with a friend or if you want to sample some Guinness.
Location: 75-77 Ranelagh, Saint Peter's, Dublin 6
This is a discrete, prohibition speakeasy in central Dublin in an underground venue. It is quite cosy and snug inside but fabulous for the cocktails and something a little different. A great date spot if you want to impress with your local knowledge of the city and has a very intimate setting.
Location: 18 Suffolk St, Dublin 2
Kehoes is a traditional Irish Pub in the heart of Dublin which is centuries old - one of the few heritage pubs in Dublin. It is busy most evenings and crowds flow onto the street in Summer. Go here for your traditional Guinness or a post dinner drink. Some say you can get the best pint of Guinness in the city here (but I have to admit I can't tell the difference myself). It all goes down too well. #theblackstuff
Location: 9 Anne St S, Dublin
Located of busy fade Street and close to South William Street, this is a perfect venue for catching up with friends for drinks and tapas if you fancy a nibble. It has great high ceilings and is very spacious there are great vibes all week long. There is also the Black Market which is a cocktail bar located above the Market Bar if you wanted a cosier setting.
Location: 14A Fade St, Dublin 2
The 1824 is located in the Five-Star prestigious Shelbourne Hotel just off leafy St. Stephen's green. It is tucked away discretely upstairs and is perfect for a quiet drink with a friend, date or colleague. There is a very impressive art collection hanging on the walls, you may mistakingly think you have wandered into the hotel library. I could spend all evening here (and I have done). This is a great option if you are shopping on nearby Grafton street and want somewhere a bit more private to relax and have a little drink stop - an Irish coffee to perk you up perhaps?
Location: 27 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland
The Black Door is a chic late night bar on Dublin's bustling Harcourt street, a bar / lounge attracting a slightly older clientele - late twenties through to early forties. Resident DJ's play until the early hours. Mid-week nights are slightly more chilled and great for after work drinks.
Location: 58 Harcourt St, Saint Peter's, Dublin
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