Alas, the final part of my Dublin Drinking Guide. These places are guaranteed to make your night fun, and they also all serve some good drinks for any occasion. This list is a mixture of places which may not have the absolute best drinks in Dublin, but provide a memorable night, as well as places which do a variety of drinks well, but just didn’t fit my first two lists. So if you’re looking for good craic, be sure to consider one (or many) of these fun bars & lounges on your next evening out!
Capitol Lounge
This is one of my first choices when it comes to meeting a group for drinks. Nearly every day they have some sort of deal selling their cocktails for only €5! Sometimes you can get lucky and hit a two-fer deal, too. Though their cocktails are honestly not the best (sometimes I wonder if there is alcohol in them), you can’t beat a deal like this. Capitol Lounge is also a great choice because it’s a 23 and over bar, keeping the crowd a bit more mature. There is generally ample space with nice seating and bars both downstairs and upstairs. I’ve spent two New Year’s at Capitol Lounge, and they’ve definitely been nights to remember!
Ryan’s
Out of all the clubs and bars on Camden Street, this has got to be my favorite choice for a night of fun. Pints are cheap as with any Irish pub. You’ll find both locals and tourists enjoying an evening out in Ryan’s. Everyone sings along to the music, and you may even get a good enough crowd to dance. I mean who can resist when they actually play good tunes – hard to come across in Dublin! It can certainly get packed in this bar but that’s never a bother when your a couple of pints deep and it’s cold outside anyways. If you’re looking for a good time Ryan’s is guaranteed to help you make new friends and grow closer to the ones you’re with.
The Globe
Ask anyone who has spent their night drinking and dancing away in this bar – they’ve all had a fantastic time (if they remember). No special drinks, but a good selection of beer & spirits. It definitely tends to be a younger crowd, but overall the mixture of age is good. A great choice if you’re out in city centre past midnight and looking for more fun!
Bernard Shaw
This pub is ideal in spring and summer as weather starts to get nicer. With plenty of outdoor patio space, you’re bound to find a nice spot in the sunshine. They also always have great food to accommodate your long stay at the pub. With EatYard next door, and Big Blue Pizza Bus in the back, you could definitely settle here for the day. Another reason I really appreciate this pub is that it serves great craft beer! Unfortunately they are now closing down The Shaw so you better grab a pint quick to experience this Dublin classic!
The Church
This is definitely one of the coolest places. The Church is what it sounds like: An old church turned into a cafe, restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a celebratory meal and/or drinks. Their food is really nice and they have an extensive drink menu – offering quality wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits. For the nice summer evenings, you can even enjoy a drink in the back patio or inside their sun-filled terraces. They also have a separate party space you can rent out for bigger groups/celebrations!
Sam’s
I only recently discovered this bar via some friends who claim it as their favorite. Now I know why! Seems like a normal fancy bar from the outside. But walking in, you become even more in awe. Classy, yet fun. A clash of vintage and modern. Great music as well as a good selection of drinks. The perfect choice to avoid younger crowds and celebrate with your friends – and get a bit of dancing in too!
Dingle Whiskey Bar
Okay so you won’t be able to enjoy any other drinks at this bar other than whiskey. But I guarantee you it’ll be damn good whiskey! With one of the widest whiskey selections in all of Dublin, this bar is definitely a must for any whiskey lover. It’s cousin to the Porterhouse, so if you fancy a whiskey tasting, you can pop in to Dingle Whiskey Bar and make your way to Portherhouse afterward for food & pints. I highly recommend going to one of Dingle’s whiskey tasting classes, offered every Tuesday at 7pm. At only 25 quid, it’s a bargain – you’ll be led through a tasting of three to four incredible whiskeys by a literal whiskey expert, Fionnán O’Connor.
The Lep
I may be biased because this was one of my old neighborhood pubs. A pub with a touch of class that serves great food and cheaper quality drinks. The Lep also pours a great Guinness. Always plenty of space and a great pub for a good time! During any holiday or sporting event, you’re bound to find a good crowd at The Lep (especially on race day – so make sure you get seats fast!).
Sandyford House
My other old neighborhood pub. Nestled in the heart of Sandyford Village, this pub is definitely worth the trip outside of Dublin city. They cook some delicious traditional Irish food, and offer a selection of drinks. From the classic Guinness to incredible cocktails, Sandyford House is a great place to get your drink on. Pints are cheap, the beer is good, and the spirits and cocktails are surprisingly delicious.
Johnnie Foxes
As this is the highest pub in Ireland, it is a tourist spot. But, who can blame the tourists, because Johnnie Foxes is a pub which offers a fun setting and great drinks. They have a great food menu, and classic pints are poured well, like Guinness. They’ve even begun brewing their own beers! You’ll find many people making their way into Johnnie Foxes after hiking through the mountains behind Sandyford (Glencullen). I highly recommend this adventure!
Okay I’ll touch on a controversial point…Yes, everyone also raves about Copper’s and I’ll mention it because it is a Dublin legend. However, it’s just not my scene. A young, grimy club in my opinion. I’ve never been so I guess I can’t actually say lol and I don’t plan to visit. But anyways I’ve had loads of friends who enjoy their [very late] evenings out there (as well as others who never want to go again haha)!