Cool And Quirky Bars In Dublin

Our city's nightlife scene is always bustling, but what if you're looking for something that is a little more unique? From sultry secret speakeasies hidden in basements to vibrant saloons that serve cocktails with a side of cabaret; discover the most interesting places to drink with our guide to cool and quirky bars in Dublin.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 4th February 2025



The Lighthouse

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For something a little different from your usual bar, head to The Lighthouse in Dun Laoghaire. This unique destination combines two bars, a restaurant, a beer garden and a stage all in one - where you'll find a regular lineup of live music and DJ sets.

Nab refreshing beers or cocktails while you're here, with brunch and dinner served from the kitchen. Think full Irish breakfasts or chicken and waffles, with hearty burgers and Neapolitan pizzas up for grabs in the evening.

The Blind Pig Dublin

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Hailed as one of the best watering holes for its bootlegger-inspired style and Prohibition cocktails, The Blind Pig is a haunt that promises a true flavour of the 1920s. Head down for concoctions made with flair alongside candlelit tables and plenty of vintage furniture to go around.

The Back Page

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Shake up your usual night with a trip to The Back Page, where arcade games, foosball, and an electric atmosphere await. From a karaoke room for belting out tunes to a darts room for aiming your best shot, there's no shortage of entertainment here. Plus, their pizzeria serves up tasty bites like the Antonio Cassano (semi-sundried tomato goodness) and the bar whips up mean signature sips like the salted caramel-flavoured Bohs-Tini. Add in Fifa Mondays, chess on Tuesdays, and Thursdays packed with hot wings and ping pong, and you've got a night full of unforgettable fun.

Flight Club Dublin

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Located on Dawson Street, Flight Club is a stunning bar that offers a high-tech version of a classic pub game: darts. The fairground-inspired space promises multiple interactive boards that come equipped with all kinds of fun minigames, and they even add up your scores for you.

The bar itself is slinging out lots of creative cocktails, as well as tasty pizzas and sharing plates. And for something a little bit special, their brunch socials on weekends offer four beers or a bottle of prosecco per person, alongside two hours of endless pizza and an hour at the oche.

Opium

People may know Opium as a late-night clubbing spot, but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to this Wexford Street location. Throwing out more than a few nods to Asian culture, there are quirky cocktails, aromatic dishes and one of the most quirky rooftop bars in Dublin.

Bad Bobs

Searching for the best places for drinks in Temple Bar? Bab Bobs is definitely up there, thanks to its eclectic menu of signature sips and rebellious attitude. Swing by for live music and bites to eat before heading up to the oh-so cool rooftop terrace.

Piglet Wine Bar

Piglet is a Temple Bar staple serving a, 'carefully selected mess' of biodynamic, natural and organic wines, all with classic European appeal. Championing simplicity in its interiors design and laid-back approach, this is a proper cool haunt for kicking back and trying a few new sips.

Riot

One of the most unique places to drink in Dublin, Riot has a punk attitude through and through; think neon lights, graffiti and cult movie artwork strewn across the walls. This bar is keeping its patrons entertained with live music, DJ nights, arcade games and pool. 

1661

Named after the year Poitín was banned in Ireland, Bar 1661 is an award-winning cocktail bar. If you're in search of a quirky bar with uniquely Irish tipples and independent spirits, there's no other place that compares to this Green Street haunt.