The Dublin nightlife is one of the top attractions of the city. The Irish have brought their lively atmosphere and trademark craic throughout the world with Irish pubs, but the best are sure to be in the homeland. For many travelers, one of their favorite elements of an Irish vacation is Dublin pubs, where music, laughter, and new friends dominate the evenings. This friendly city is full of pubs that pour a perfect pint of Guinness, welcome musicians playing traditional tunes each night, and serve as an extended living room for Dubliners and travelers alike.

If you’re looking for a nightclub in Dublin there are a few options to choose from. Primarily, Dublin is known for its pubs, but there are a few places to go dancing in Dublin. The best Dublin clubs are located in the center of town, along either South William Street or Leeson Street. The clubs along South William Street are half pub, half club, meaning there is music and opportunities for dancing, but they lack the full-on club atmosphere that some visitors might be looking for. Options along Leeson Street including the popular Krystle nightclub in Dublin will allow you to dance until dawn.

Dublin nightlife begins right after work hours. On a Friday at 5 pm the city begins to come alive in Dublin pubs. For a quiet pint in a literary landmark, head for Davy Byrne’s Pub. To experience a classic city center pub, head for Keogh’s and grab a table for some people-watching. Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, including O’Donoghues (traditional music on Sunday afternoons) and Doyles (acoustic sets on Tuesdays), you will be able to find live music just about anywhere in the city on the weekends.

Dublin Map

Another popular area for Dublin nightlife is Temple Bar. This attraction’s cobbled streets are home to a variety of pubs and make a great spot for a Dublin pub crawl. On the weekends, Temple Bar will be crowded with tourists, but during the week it is typically a bit more laid-back and enjoyable. If you’re looking for big action, head here on the weekends. Pubs are open late and are always jam-packed with people looking to party, and there are some great restaurants nearby as well to start your evening. Other forms of Dublin nightlife include movie theaters such as the IFI (Irish Film Institute) and the Lighthouse Cinema.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to have a drink, many of the hotels in Dublin are also good choices. The Shelbourne Hotel has a classy bar overlooking St Stephens Green, and the U2-owned Clarence Hotel has a great bar as well. From a nightclub in Dublin to one of the many pubs, there are many pints of Guinness being poured throughout the city on any given night. Friendly locals, a welcoming atmosphere, and live music are all a part of Dublin’s charms. By the end of the night, you might just be singing along with the rest of Dubliners in a cozy pub.