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
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
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