The best bars in Dublin

When it comes to the best bars in Dublin, you’re spoilt for choice. And with the amount of culture, museums, theatres and shops on offer in the city, you need a place to land after all that exploring.

Whether you’re a keen wine drinker, cocktail lover, whiskey fanatic, or simply looking for a big night out, you’ll find plenty of options, ranging from independent haunts and sports bars to huge entertainment bars with arcade games, pool and darts.

But enough from us; you’re looking for your next night out. Let’s take a look at the best bars in Dublin.

Dublin bars at a glance

Bar	Area	Best For
Loose Canon	The Creative Quarter	Natural wine and cheese toasties
Pygmalion	The Creative Quarter	Cocktails before a night of dancing
Vintage Cocktail Club	The Creative Quarter	Candlelit dates and classic cocktails
The Whiskey Reserve	Temple Bar	Whiskey tastings and whiskey cocktails
Bad Bobs	Temple Bar	Live music that turns into a late night
Buskers On The Ball	Temple Bar	Watching sport and challenging your mates
The Temple Bar Pub	Temple Bar	Live Irish music and a classic Dublin experience
Peadar Kearney’s Pub	Dame Street, Temple Bar	Live Irish music and comedy
Frank’s	Camden Street	Wine and a relaxed catch-up
Opium	Wexford Street	Cocktails in a botanical setting
The Camden	Camden Street	Big matches and bigger group nights
Fidelity	Smithfield	Craft beer with a serious soundtrack
Bonobo	Smithfield	Pizza, craft beer and beer garden catch-ups
A Fianco	Stoneybatter	Exploring Italian wine
Bar 1661	Green Street, just off Capel Street	Discovering poitín through cocktails
Pantibar	Capel Street	Queer nightlife, drag and dancing
The Black Sheep	Capel Street	Craft beer and an easygoing pub evening

The best bars in Dublin

The Creative Quarter

Loose Canon

Image: @loosecanondublin / Instagram.com

Best for: Natural wine and cheese toasties

When: Monday–Tuesday: 11am–10:30pm; Wednesday–Saturday: 11am–11:30pm; Sunday: 12:30pm–10:30pm

Where: 29 Drury Street

When the wine bottle has a funky label on the front, you know this is a little bit more fancy than your usual supermarket fare. You’ll find Loose Canon at the heart of Dublin’s creative quarter, serving up a selection of natural wines by family-run and independent vineyards from across Europe.

Complimenting their wine rotation is a selection of Irish cheeses, which are also used for some incredible-looking cheese toasties. No booking system here, just walk in, grab a table and immerse yourself in the seemingly endless choice of natural wine. Make it your starting point for the night, or settle in and share a bottle until closing time. Whichever you choose, rest assured you’ll be sampling some high-quality drinks.

 

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Pygmalion

Image: Pygmalion / Facebook.com

Best for: Cocktails before a night of dancing

When: Daily: 12pm–late

Where: 59 South William Street

Not only does Pygmalion look gorgeous, it essentially gives you three nights in one. Kick off your night by grabbing a bit of food and sipping on a cocktail or two. The bar calls them Pygtails, and you can expect fruity and citrus options alongside classics, zero percenters and draught beer.

While you’re at it, admire the deep purple lights and botanical decor hanging from the ceiling. Once you move into the later hours, drop into the club space and get your groove on. Pygmalion has hosted the likes of The Blessed Madonna and Black Coffee in the past, along with a regular lineup of local talent. Club events require separate tickets, but atmosphere, booking quality and the fact you can eat, drink and dance under one roof make Pygmalion one of the best bars in Dublin.

 

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Vintage Cocktail Club

Image: Vintage Cocktail Club / Facebook.com

Best for: Candlelit dates and classic cocktails

When: Monday–Wednesday: 4:15pm–11pm; Thursday: 3:15pm–11pm; Friday: 3:15pm–midnight; Saturday–Sunday: 12pm–midnight

Where: Powerscourt Townhouse, 59 South William Street

Date night in Dublin calls for something warm and considered. So, head to Vintage Cocktail Club and find it in droves. The unmarked black door and bell might look a bit rogue on first glance, but once you’ve rung the bell and entered, you’ll be welcomed into a three-floor wonderland of stone ceilings, low lighting, and, of course, amazing drinks.

As for the menu? Well, expect a tour of the cocktail world from the 1400s all the way through to the 1990s via the popular drinks of the day. With dedicated absinthe, punch, vodka, martini, Manhattan and vodka sections, and a brief primer of the context behind the drinks, you get a free mini-history lesson, which could be perfect conversation fodder for you and your beau. Ring that bell, consult that vast menu and settle in for a date night in a cosy, intimate spot.

 

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Temple Bar

The Temple Bar Pub

Image: Temple Bar Pub / Facebook.com

Best for: Live Irish music and a classic Dublin experience

When: Monday–Wednesday: 10:30am–1:30am; Thursday–Saturday: 10:30am–2:30am; Sunday: 12:30pm–2:30am

Where: 47–48 Temple Bar

You’ve probably seen its red frontage in more Dublin holiday snaps than you can count. But step inside The Temple Bar Pub and there’s plenty to keep you occupied beyond getting that obligatory photo.

Live Irish music runs every day, giving you a soundtrack while you explore the beer and whiskey selection. It’s a lively shout for visitors who want to get stuck into the city’s famous pub atmosphere, with food available if your afternoon drinks turn into an evening out. There are no reservations, so wander over, find yourself a spot and let the musicians take it from there.

 

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Peadar Kearney’s Pub

Image: Peadar Kearney's Pub / Facebook.com

Best for: Live Irish music and comedy

When: Monday–Saturday: 11am–12:30am; Sunday: 11:30am–12:30am

Where: 64 Dame Street, Dublin 2

Fancy pairing your pint with a little Dublin history? Peadar Kearney’s occupies a building once home to the man who wrote the words to Ireland’s national anthem. These days, music remains central to the experience, with live sessions every night in the main bar.

Downstairs, regular comedy gigs give you another reason to stick around, particularly if your mates reckon their own jokes deserve an audience. Its Dame Street location also makes it a handy stop after exploring Dublin Castle or before heading further into Temple Bar. Grab a Guinness, settle in and let someone else handle the evening’s entertainment.

Find tickets to events at Peadar Kearney's Pub - HERE

 

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The Whiskey Reserve

Image: The Whiskey Reserve / Facebook.com

Best for: Whiskey tastings and whiskey cocktails

When: Monday–Friday and Sunday: 11am–11pm; Saturday: 11am–midnight

Where: Temple Bar, beside The Temple Bar Pub

Where’s the best bar in Dublin for whiskey, we hear you ask? We’d put The Whiskey Reserve right up there. Whether you know your single malts from your single pot stills or simply don’t have a clue, you’ll find an inviting bar with knowledgeable staff ready to help you branch out from the usual brands.

It’s a perfect place to land after a few hours spent at the Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum, and the bar offers a mammoth list of tasting experiences. But if you simply want a drink, pull up a seat and marvel at the lights, glass fixtures and seemingly endless whiskey on offer.

 

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Bad Bobs

Image: Bad Bobs / Facebook.com

Best for: Live music that turns into a late night

When: Monday–Wednesday: 4pm–1:30am; Thursday–Saturday: 12pm–2:30am; Sunday: 12pm–1:30am

Where: 35–37 Essex Street East

Don’t get us wrong, intimate nights in swish-looking bars are great. But sometimes you need to go all out, and at Bad Bobs, you can.

Housed in an old Victorian building on Essex Street East, it’s got five floors, each adorned with a host of trinkets and treasures. Grab a bite to eat and stay the course until late, or pop in for a lively evening packed with music. Food, cocktails, whiskey, DJs, live music and even saxophone players – Bad Bobs really does it all.

 

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Buskers On The Ball

Image: Buskers on the Ball / Facebook.com

Best for: Watching sport and challenging your mates

When: Monday–Thursday: 3pm–11pm; Friday–Saturday: 12pm–midnight; Sunday: 12pm–11pm

Where: 13–17 Fleet Street

So, you’ve got a big group in tow, and you’re thinking: ‘Where are the best bars in Dublin?’ Well, we’ve got just the place: Buskers on the Ball.

Now, bear with us, it’s got 4 lanes of interactive darts, 3 ping-pong tables, 7 pool tables, 2 American pool tables, 2 foosball tables, air hockey and shuffleboard. Still with us? There’s also Street Fighter, Pac-Man and Outrun on the arcade machines. Plus, in between smashing your mate for the fifth time at air hockey, you can fuel up on classic pub grub. It’s the perfect spot for a couple of hours of good, old, competitive fun.

 

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Camden & Wexford Street

Frank’s

Image: @franksdublin / Instagram.com

Best for: Wine and a relaxed catch-up

When: Monday: closed; Tuesday–Thursday: 4pm–10pm; Friday–Saturday: 4pm–11pm; Sunday: 4pm–10pm

Where: 22 Camden Street Lower

Seasoned Dubliners may remember Frank’s as a butcher’s, but it now operates as one of the best bars in Dublin for wine, with a communal table slap bang in the middle of the room. So, if your idea of a great night out is a low-key evening based around conversation, good food and good wine, it’s absolutely spot on.

The bar specialises in ‘low intervention wine’, which, if you aren’t well versed in the subject, essentially means wines made with as little human manipulation or chemical addition as possible. Alongside the hefty selection, Frank’s serves up small plates designed to complement what’s in your glass. Oh, and did we mention? It’s a bottle shop, too. Just get down early; it’s not a huge space, and there are no reservations.

 

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Opium

Image: Opium / Facebook.com

Best for: Cocktails in a botanical setting

When: Monday: closed; Tuesday–Wednesday: 4pm–11:30pm; Thursday: 12pm–11:30pm; Friday–Saturday: 12pm–2:30am; Sunday: 12pm–11pm

Where: 26 Wexford Street

When it comes to cool bars in Dublin, Opium is up there. For starters, we’re not sure where else you can experience Asian-fusion food and cocktails alongside a vibrant lineup of house and techno heavyweights.

Sip on a range of sweet, sour and refreshing cocktails in the botanical gardens, which opens come rain or shine thanks to its retractable roof. Then, there’s Opium Live. The likes of Sasha, Todd Terry and Maya Jane Coles have blessed the decks in the past, and it offers top-quality DJs in a vibrant, Tokyo-inspired space.

Find tickets for events at Opium - HERE

 

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The Camden

Image: The Camden / Facebook.com

Best for: Big matches and bigger group nights

When: Monday–Thursday: 5pm–midnight; Friday–Saturday: 12pm–2:30am; Sunday: 12pm–midnight

Where: 84–87 Camden Street

Everyone and their dog probably has an opinion on the best sports bar in Dublin, but we’re making a case for The Camden. For one, it’s massive. And, two, it’s still kept its Art Deco styling from when it first opened in 1912.

You’ve got two massive 4K screens, a packed atmosphere and a long bar, which makes getting served that little bit easier. Away from the sport, there’s the Brewery Bar, Noel & Annies Speakeasy, Jimmy Rabbites and dedicated darts areas all to explore. Round up the group, book your spot and leave room in the evening for whatever happens after extra time.

 

Find tickets for events at The Camden - HERE

 

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Smithfield & Stoneybatter

Fidelity

Image: @fidelitydublin / Instagram.com

Best for: Craft beer with a serious soundtrack

When: Monday–Wednesday: 4pm–midnight; Thursday: 1pm–midnight; Friday–Saturday: 1pm–1am; Sunday: 1pm–11:30pm

Where: 79 Queen Street, Smithfield

An audiophile bar might conjure up images of chin-stroking purists who hate any music released in the last ten years. But Fidelity is far, far away from that.

Instead, you’ve got a cosy bar with craft beers from renowned brewery Whiplash, expertly crafted cocktails, a custom sound system, and local DJs playing everything from house and techno to rare groove and beyond. In the studio, Fidelity’s venue, you’ll find some of electronic music’s finest, with the likes of Mad Professor, Joe Goddard, Bradley Zero, Ron Trent and more gracing the decks. Check the programme before visiting, or simply settle in for a pint and let the soundtrack introduce you to your next favourite record.

Find tickets for events at Fidelity - HERE

 

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Bonobo

Image: Bonobo / Facebook.com

Best for: Pizza, craft beer and beer garden catch-ups

When: Monday–Thursday: 4pm–midnight; Friday: 4pm–1am; Saturday: 1pm–1am; Sunday: 1pm–midnight

Where: Church Street Upper, Smithfield

Beer and pizza are a match made in heaven. And yes, it’s been done many times, but when it’s done the way Bonobo does it, you really can’t go wrong.

First, the pizza. Neapolitan-style, wood-fired, with options like carbonara pizza topped with hot honey. Drinks-wise, you’ll find craft beers, super smooth stout and cocktails, with tequila and mezcal a fixture of the menu. For our money, it’s a great shout for low-key occasions, relaxed dates and those occasions where you want to turn up, settle in and don’t fancy watching the clock.

 

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A Fianco

Image: afianco.ie

Best for: Exploring Italian wine

When: Monday: closed; Tuesday–Thursday: 4:30pm–11pm; Friday–Saturday: 4:30pm–11:30pm; Sunday: 4:30pm–11pm

Where: 6 Norseman Court, Manor Street, Stoneybatter

Sure, Stoneybatter might be awash with rain for most of the year, but you can rock up to A Fianco and take a little trip through Italy without having to leave the country.

This wine bar, found on Manor Street, focuses on sparkling, white, red and orange wines made by organic producers. Food-wise, it’s all about small Italian and Irish producers, with an emphasis on natural, seasonal ingredients. Come here for a lovely date night or when you want to try something new and compare your favourites; as you might end up leaving with a new tipple of choice.

 

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Capel Street

Bar 1661

Image: Bar 1661 / Facebook.com

Best for: Discovering poitín through cocktails

When: Monday–Thursday: 5pm–late; Friday: 5pm–late; Saturday–Sunday: 2pm–late

Where: 1–5 Green Street, just off Capel Street

Ever tried poitin? Never heard of it but want to get involved? Get down to Bar 1661. This independent cocktail bar just off Capel Street puts the Irish spirit front and centre, with its Belfast Coffee leading the charge.

Made with Ban poitin, cold brew, cream, demerara and nutmeg, it’s the signature order for good reason. If that’s whet your whistle, why not delve even further and try out one of the bar’s tasting experiences? The Distilled Experience features 14 mini serve cocktails, while The Immersive Experience serves a total of 28 drinks, kicking off with the famed Belfast Coffee. For adventurous drinkers, it’s an absolute must.

 

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Pantibar

Image: Pantibar / Facebook.com

Best for: Queer nightlife, drag and dancing

When: Monday–Thursday: 3pm–11:30pm; Friday: 3pm–12:30am; Saturday: 1pm–12:30am; Sunday: 1pm–11pm

Where: Capel Street

Dublin has many LGBTQ+ bars, but you can’t go wrong with Pantibar. Open since 2007 and run by drag queen Panti Bliss, it’s an institution of the city’s queer scene.

On the weekdays, it’s a relaxed, quiet space to unwind over a few drinks, but once Thursday rolls around, the fun really gets started. From Thursday to Sunday, you’ll find DJs, drag queens and all sorts of shenanigans. Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the weekend or getting to know its queer scene, Pantibar deserves a place on your night-out shortlist.

 

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The Black Sheep

Image: The Black Sheep / Facebook.com

Best for: Craft beer and an easygoing pub evening

When: Monday–Thursday: 12pm–midnight; Friday–Saturday: 12pm–1am; Sunday: 12pm–midnight

Where: 61 Capel Street

Sometimes, a proper pub with a load of exotic beers is exactly what you need. Enter The Black Sheep. It’s laid-back, easy-going and full of character, with an expansive beer line-up to rival the best of them.

Here, you’ll find hazy pales, nitro stouts, red ales, ciders, as well as pilsners and lagers. For the less beer-inclined, you’ve got an expansive cocktail menu featuring all the classics. Throw in pub food, cheese boards and Italian delights, and you’ve got the perfect place to spend a few hours catching up with your nearest and dearest.

 

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A bottle of wine shared over cheese toasties, cocktails by candlelight or a fiercely competitive game of pool with your mates. However you like to spend your evenings, the best bars in Dublin give you plenty to work with. Pick your area, round up your favourite people and get your plans in motion. Fancy keeping the night going? Explore our guide to the best clubs in Dublin or check out what’s on in Dublin with Skiddle.

 

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