Whether you're on a stag, hen, or just want something fun to do with your pals, this pastime is a popular one for groups of all sizes across the world - and the Irish capital is no exception. But where to head for your next singing sesh? From an intimate den tucked away in the basement of a Japanese restaurant to a live music bar with a late-night singing club, let us lend a hand across our guide where you'll find the best karaoke bar Dublin has to offer.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 25th September 2024
Nestled in the heart of the city, The Bernard Shaw is spread across four vibrant floors and invites you to unleash your inner child with a lively karaoke duet or a friendly game of ping pong. Savour culinary delights from six diverse food stalls, each offering something unique to tempt your palate. As the night unfolds, head down to the basement for a boogie under the lights, creating the perfect backdrop for fun shenanigans.
Fronting ping pong competitions and singing dens, Wigwam keeps getting better and better. It's a diverse venue slap bang on Abbey Street serving scrumptious pizzas, putting on gigs and so much more. You can also head to its killer karaoke room and rent it out for a cracking evening of cocktails, epic singalongs and a cool atmosphere. Fit up to 20 of your mates in a multi-coloured room for 45 minutes (€30) and order food and drinks directly to you from a QR code.
Ukiyo Bar & Restaurant's club nights are the stuff of legends, and its private karaoke experience is unmatched. Book for up to ten guests at €50 a head to enjoy an evening of tunes, accompanied by a Bluetooth sound system, laser lighting and a dancefloor. Included in the package is an Asian-inspired menu, ideal for sharing, that includes the likes of crunchy trolls filled with carrots and peppers, a nigiri sushi selection and Korean fried chicken.
On of the best karaoke rooms Dublin has to offer is on Dawson Street and combines Japan's love of the activity with food from the country as well. There's a choice of room sizes decked out with eclectic furnishings such as red leather sofas, lip sculptures and neon lights at Maneki, and its ethos is all-encompassing, friendly and open to all levels of experience. Packages start from €35 per hour for a small studio, and while you're there you can enjoy devouring some modern sushi (like nigiri or California rolls) and noodle dishes to help fuel your inner diva.
The George doubles as a karaoke bar in Dublin city centre, bringing you singing sessions alongside drag, cabaret and more. A pivotal venue across Ireland's LGBTQ+ scene, this one is a must for fabulous happenings. It boasts over 30 years of history; originally run as a shellfish tavern, today it exists as a popular haunt for glamorous nights out, which include Saturdays when Pop 'n' Bottles, its karaoke sing-off hosted by Davina Devine, Veda Lady and DJ Conor Behan, is in full swing. Entry is free before 8pm and €10 after, so get down early if you don't want to miss some of the best chart music going, alongside prizes.
When you're in dire need of a karaoke session, whether it's a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or otherwise, Marrakesh By Mingo delivers. Think Moroccan-heritage-meets-pop culture fun with this quirky restaurant where head chef Azizi is at the helm directing the food and then beckoning diners to sing the night away in its state-of-the-art studios. Thanks to bookable rooms open 'til midnight all week, this place is a must-visit (and that's before you've even had a bite of the zaalouk or the Mogador tagine).
When it comes to finding a private karaoke bar, Dublin steps up to the mark with this beauty. Located on Wellington Quay, the live music venue has seen heaps of raucous sets over the past couple of years, and not just from revellers looking to burst into song. It spans various spaces from the musical oasis of The Workman's Cellar to the kitsch set-up of The Vintage Room. Head here for The Karaoke Club every Sunday from 11.30pm where you'll find a special weekly event taking over the bar. Think 80s, 90s and 00s guilty pleasures across a laid-back space.
