Best Bars In Dublin

Claiming the impressive accolades of being both the birthplace of the world's favourite stout (Guinness) and the world's number one Irish whiskey (Jameson) - Dublin does boozin' proper... and not just in the distilleries. Although making up just a microscopic sliver of the continent, the Irish capital boasts some of the sexiest, booziest and most atmospheric watering holes in Europe - from stunning rooftops to hidden haunts. And fortunately for you, you've stumbled across a pot of gold: here's our guide to the best Dublin bars.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 13th June 2024




Pacino's

On the hunt for cool bars in Dublin for adults, but looking to dose up on a bite to eat too? Then why not join Pacinos for a charming meal, as not only do they promise Italian food made with authenticity and flair, but also there's a sommelier serving international wines and intimate interiors filled with hanging plants and black and white photos. They've got an absolutely huge list of whiskies to choose from, as well as signature cocktails like the coconut-flavoured Quella Bella Ragazza and classics such as an espresso martini.

Farrier & Draper

From the vintage-style paintings through to plush velvet seats and grand chandeliers, Farrier & Draper is one of Dublin's most beautiful bars. Take some time to explore all the floors of this South William Street venue, which include an atmospheric basement restaurant and sexy back bar. They've got mojitos and margaritas aplenty on the cocktail menu, as well as signature blends like the raspberry and gin-based Pink Satin and an extensive collection of Irish whiskies. 

The Blind Pig Dublin

Make like a fed-dodgin' prohibition bootlegger and sniff out this super-secret speakeasy on Clarendon Street. Step inside a candlelit lair for mind-blowing creations which will undoubtedly tantalise the taste buds, imploring you to work your way through the entire list on offer. Their kooky cocktail menu features ingredients like Mexican chilli and chocolate bitters or hemp milk, making for some pretty unique blends in gold and red surrounds, courtesy of award-winning mixologist Paul Lambert.

Disndat

After the very best bars in Dublin for live music? Disndat is a quirky Temple Bar location hosting musical sessions every single evening from a range of local performers. The wooden interiors and kooky decor create the feel of a traditional Irish pub, with sport on in the day and great tunes by night, promising refreshing pints, cocktails and tasty toasties to boot. 

Café en Seine

Found just shy of Trinity College, Café en Seine is a quirky cocktail bar in Dublin that has to be seen to be believed. From its gilded ceilings and its greenery down to its lanterns and hidden spots, hunker down for bespoke concoctions and gastro inspired plates. Sip on signature blends like the floral La Vie En Rose or a refreshing, cucumber-based Greenhouse, while tucking into butternut squash risotto, rotisserie chicken and more.

The Market Bar Group

A former Victorian warehouse and fish market has been transformed into one of Dublin's buzziest spots. The Market Bar is a popular Fade Street space that's home to two restaurants, six bars and a nightclub, so head over for flavour-filled dishes that include homemade meatballs, crispy fish tacos and whipped goat's cheese salads alongside your delicious drinks. They're open until 1:30 on weekends too, so its perfect for a few late-night cocktails.

The Rag Trader

For a traditional feel to your bar, The Rag Trader is a boozer that has your back with vintage furnishings, fireplaces and wallpapered or wood panelled walls. But that's not all, as there's over 100 different kind of whiskey stocked here, as well as craft beer, stout and cocktails in store. They host live trad Irish music every Wednesday and Thursday, with a late bar on weekends thanks to their 2:30am finish.

BrewDog Outpost Dublin

Vegan Monday and 1 other offer

Flaunting a beautiful outdoor space, shuffleboard and 32 taps of craft beer, BrewDog Outpost Dublin is one of our favourite watering holes on our list. This urban venue can be found inside a 10,000ft red shipping container, with two floors, an outdoor terrace, shuffleboard tables and even a photobooth. And if you get peckish, get stuck into meat or plant-based burgers, spicy chicken wings and wood-fired pizzas - with two for one vegan mains available on Mondays.

Pantibar

One of the most iconic gay bars in the city, Pantibar has been an LGBTQ+ institution in Dublin since 2007. Led by the sassy Panti, you can expect live entertainment from drag queens, musicians and DJs here. Tunes range from pop to indie and disco, while frozen cocktails and refreshing spritzes are what's on the menu.

Guinness Storehouse

Craving a pint of Guinness? Go to the mothership and indulge your inner tourist a little, with customised pints with your face on, an insider-look at how the beer is made and a sky-high bar overlooking the whole of Dublin. It really is one of the city's quirkiest bar experiences, and you may well learn some interesting facts about our city's favourite drink. 

Grogan's Castle Lounge

One of the best-loved pubs in the city, Grogan's is a no-nonsense, traditional Irish bar. They're dishing out fresh pints of Guinness and their signature ham and cheese toasties to pair with them, whether you're drinking in the cosy, old-school interiors or on their sunny streetside terrace. The venue is decorated with locally produced artwork that's available to buy, and every evening promises a lively atmosphere and great craic.

Piglet Wine Bar

Adopting a kind of no-frills-attached attitude, Piglet is a wonderful treasure trove of organic wine and rare finds. Created out of love, this quirky wine spot in Temple Bar Dublin pairs its brilliant bottles with an ever-changing menu of mouthwatering sharing boards, perfect for date nights. Sink your teeth into fresh cacio e pepe, pan-roasted cod fillets, confit duck leg and more while sipping deilcious vino.

Bad Bobs

Boasting five floors for eating, drinking and dancing, Bad Bobs is the go-to spot for every type of nightlife escapade in Dublin. Not only one of the biggest venues for a night out in the Irish capital, found inside an old Victorian townhouse, but it's also one of the cheapest cocktail bars around - with all their classic concoctions coming in at just €12. 

Vintage Cocktail Club

With fine cocktails, regal interiors and an air of darling debauchery, the Vintage Cocktail Club is a chic spot. Whether you're here for some late night tipples with a date or you're tied into evening meal with a client, you'll be sure to impress whoever you've taken along with you. On top of the 1920s-inspired surrounds, they've got an extensive menu of enticing concoctions themed around different time periods, from highballs to vermouth blends.

Peruke & Periwig

Prepare for some sensational cocktails when you visit Peruke & Periwig, as the drinks here often come with fire on top, alongside other quirky presentations. The ingredients in these concoctions are equally whacky, from lychee cream cheese to toffee caramel, promising Instagrammable sips every time. You'll find a traditional boozer downstairs with a stylish lounge bar above, with top-notch Irish pub food on the cards as well.

Bobbys

Bobbys is a pretty-in-pink wine bar with a chilled-out, modern vibe. Offering an ever-rotating selection of rose, white and red wines from independent producers across the world, it's got both style and substance, plus there's an impressive menu of charcuterie to pair. They host live music sessions and late-night DJ sets on a regular basis, and if you swing by on the weekend then you can indulge in a bottomless brunch for just €39.50 per person, promising 90 minutes of unlimited booze. They've even got a pretty outdoor terrace too.

777

Looking for a night of Iberian-inspired inebriation? Head to 777. This Mexican restaurant bar touts top-quality tacos, burritos and some of the best cocktails in the city. Famed for their selection of 100% blue agave tequilas, you better make sure you're ready for some heavy hitting shooters. As for the interiors, expect quirky yellow tiles and colourful table tops, with candlesticks lining the walls.

9 Below

Cocktail bars don't get much more secretive than 9 below, a sophisticated basement haunt on St Stephen's Green. Think vaulted ceilings, art deco interiors and brass fixtures lining the walls, with a friendly atmosphere despite the opulent interiors. There are four intimate lounge areas here, ideal for a romantic date night, and the well-stocked golden bar promises plenty of premium spirits and creative concoctions.

Pygmalion

From perfectly-executed classics like the old-fashioned to more modern mixes like the Tangle Twister, Pygmalion is more than just a party spot - found inside an 18th century Powerscourt Townhouse. Of course, with some of the biggest international DJs on the bill, you can't go wrong with a night out here. Even better? There's also a spacious terrace area outside that's bustling all day and night.

Sophie's

For a stunning rooftop bar in Dublin city centre, look no further than Sophie's. This stylish space offers 360-degree views of the city from their sky-high terrace, located at the top of The Dean. They've got a curated list of gins to sip your way through, alongside plenty of bespoke cocktails, while the food menu blends New York, Italian and Irish cuisines to create wood-fired flatbreads, pasta dishes and more.

The Mint Bar

On the hunt for one of the best bars in Dublin city centre? With super stylish decor and vintage finishes, The Mint Bar oozes class. Embark on a refined drinking escapade with signature cocktails and aged spirits. But this sleek spot isn't just adept in the art of Alchemy, they also plate up some gorgeous gourmet grub too - think oysters, beetroot risotto, charred beef burgers or even an afternoon tea.

Opium

One of the most notorious hybrid bars in Dublin, Opium is so much more than just a party bar. Home to deluxe Asian cocktails that whip up quite the storm, head on down for the best in drinks alongside a selection of delicious vegetable gyozas, pork dumplings, chicken satay skewers and more. They've got a gorgeous outdoor terrace here too, covered with a greenhouse-style roof and filled with fairy light-adorned trees and plants.

The Sin Bin

One of the best bars in Dublin for young adults, The Sin Bin is re-inventing your idea of the quintessential sports bar by serving expertly-crafted cocktails, whiskies and award-winning gin alongside a menu of gastropub dishes. Kick back in one of their plush leather seats and you can catch all the latest fixtures in pure luxury, with a violet spritz or mayflower martini in hand.

La Cave Wine Bar

Hailing itself as the city's oldest wine bar, La Cave is a quirky hideaway of colourful interiors and even more vibrant wines from across the globe. That's not all though, as this place pairs its many bottles of wine with seasonal French-inspired cuisine, giving it's guests an all-round experience, with tasting sessions often available as well. There are some cracking deals up for grabs here too, whether you fancy a two course lunch for €23.95 or a three-course group feast for €42 per person.