Dublin Nightlife

Dublin nightlife - clubs and venues

It's not that long ago since Dublin seemed to close down completely at 11.30 p.m.. Anyone seeking a drink or entertainment after midnight had to make do with the few nightclubs and wine bars around Leeson Street.

In a little over ten years much has changed. Today, Dublin comes alive at night and has become a popular destination for Europe's clubbing set. Many bars in the city centre now stay open till 2 at weekends and most nightclubs and dance venues only begin to get going after 12.

Here's a list of some places you may like to try. Clubs come and go with fashion, so check out the latest information in The Event Guide, a free newpaper available in shops, pubs and hotels around the city centre.

Our recommended clubs and venues:

Lillie's Bordello: Located on Grafton St, Lillie's Bordello is the most exclusive club in Ireland. A regular haunt of the rich and famous, Lillie's is themed on a Victorian brothel. Open seven days a week from eleven till late, Lillie's is the place to go if you want to rub shoulders with Dublin's beautiful people. The cover charge is 15 Euro at weekends and stays open until 3am. Dress to impress.


Crawdaddy: Built in Harcourt Street's old railway station Crawdaddy is one of Dublin's hottest music venues. Spread across two floors with reserved tiered seating on the upstairs balcony plus sound, lighting and artist facilities second to none - CrawDaddy aims to attract the cream of global music talent. Enjoy the intimate, relaxed atmosphere of Crawdaddy and its adjacent Lobby Bar beside CrawDaddy is open from 5pm for pre and post show beers, cocktails or coffees.


The Red Box: In the same building as the Pod, The Red Box occupies the area once taken up by the station's platforms. The Red Box is used for fashion shows, concerts and launches, but mostly for wild club nights. The powerful PA and the state-of-the-art lighting system make The Red Box a versatile venue, and ensure that any event held here is sure to go with a bang!


Club M: Club M is housed in and owned by Blooms Hotel of Temple Bar. One of the city's finest, Club M is friendly and well equipped; the laser-lighting system is particularly effective, and the VIP lounge is frequently playts host to some of Dublin's many stars. Club M is one of Temple Bar's best club venues, and is well worth a visit.


The Sugar Club: on Leeson Street is the place to go if you like live music that you can dance to. The club has tiered seating sloping down towards the dance floor and stage. Table service is provided. It is normally 15 Euro in at weekends (10 Euro before 10pm) but a good night is guaranteed! It has a sophisticated crowd, lively atmosphere and plenty of cocktails.


Spirit Night Club; For some good clubbing and dance you should check out Spirit nightclub on Abbey Street on Friday nights, where you'll get a night of sexy Latin house in their 'Soul' bar. Again, there is a cover charge but you get the benefit of all 4 floors.


Bob's: Located in fashionable Temple Bar, Bob's is a bar come nightclub come restaurant. Downstairs in Bob's is slightly surreal, with old seventies songs played by a DJ, while muted cartoons are played on a big screen. Upstairs is more conventional with live music most nights and chart music also. Bob's is an enjoyable place to spend the night, but if you arrive late, be prepared to pay a cover charge.


Whelans: Whelan's is Dublin's original live music venue with live gigs on nearly every night of the week, followed by a dj. There is a cover charge, the amount varying depending on the gig but is roughly around 10 Euro.


The Gaiety: There's Salsa at The Gaiety on South King Street on Fridays with Salsa Palace: dance-floors, live bands, a music bar and old films showing in the theatre area. On Saturdays they have The Soul Stage, the same set up, but with Jazz, Soul and Rythm'n'Blues. Admission on Friday nights is 9 Euro before 1am and 14 Euro after 1am. Admission of Saturday nights is 14 Euro all night.


The Georgeis Dublin's most popular gay bar and club. It's located just off Dame Street in the city centre. It has two levels with a dance floor and is open 12.30pm until late 7 nights. The Gay Bingo on Sunday nights attracts a large and lively crowd!


Switch: Formerly Club Zazu, Club Switch is in Temple Bar, Dublin's most fashionable, most popular quarter. With different events every night, Switch is definitely a happening club. Mondays are gay nights and there are other regular events weekly. Open 11 till late, Switch is a popular club, with a crowd of regulars who attend every week. If you like clubbing hard, than Switch is the place for you.


Copperface Jack's: This stylish club is on Harcourt St. With free entry Monday to Wednesday, Copperface Jack's is popular with the slightly older crowd. Music played is mixed. Part of the Jackson Court Hotel, Copperface Jack's is softly lit and furnished. It is a relaxing club more suited to those who aren't up for dancing the whole night away, but are more comfortable enjoying some social drinks and just dancing to their favourites.


D2: The D2 Nightclub is part of the Harcourt Hotel. One of Dublin's most fashionable nightspots, D2 is popular with locals and tourists alike. On Harcourt St, home to many of Dublin's best nightclubs, D2 is open from Wednesday until Saturday.