Nightlife & the Arts in Dublin

Dublin Nightlife

Dubliners have always enjoyed a night out, but during the Celtic Tiger years they turned nocturnal pleasures into a high-octane works of art. Things have slowed down with the economic downturn, but the clubs still draw regular party crowds on weekends. In Dublin's clubs the dominant sound is still hip-hop and house music, and the crowd that flocks to them every night of the week is of the trendy, under-30 generation. Leeson Street—just off St. Stephen's Green, south of the Liffey, and known as "the strip"—is a slightly frayed and uncool nightclub area aimed at the over-30 crowd that revs up at pub closing time and stays active until 4 am. The dress code at Leeson Street's dance clubs is informal, but jeans and sneakers are not welcome. Most of these clubs are licensed only to sell wine, and the prices can be exorbitant (up to €30 for a mediocre bottle); the upside is that most don't charge to get in.

Some of Dublin's classic pubs—arguably some of the finest watering holes in the world—were unfortunately remodeled in the boom years with modern interiors and designer drinks, to attract a younger, upwardly mobile crowd. Beware Dublin Tourism's "Official Dublin Pub Guide," which has a tendency to recommend many of these bland spots. Despite the changes, however, the traditional pub has steadfastly clung to its role as the primary center of Dublin's social life. The city has nearly 1,000 pubs ("licensed tabernacles," writer Flann O'Brien calls them). And although the vision of elderly men enjoying a chin-wag over a creamy pint of stout has become something of a rarity, there are still plenty of places where you can enjoy a quiet (or not so quiet) drink and a chat. Last drinks are called at 11:30 pm Monday to Thursday, 12:30 am Friday and Saturday, and 11 pm on Sunday. Some city-center pubs have extended opening hours and don't serve last drinks until 1:45 am.

A word of warning: although most pubs and clubs are perfectly safe, the lads can get lively and public drunkenness is very much a part of Dublin's nightlife, especially around Temple Bar and South Great George's Street. If you will need late-night transportation, try to arrange it with your hotel before you go out.

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