50 Best Bars in Dublin, Ireland

A music hub with four floors of entertainment of every kind, the Academy is anchored by big-name local and international DJs and gigs. It attracts a young, dance-crazy crowd who like to party until the wee hours.

This cool bar for lovers of electronic music is based around a custom-made sound system and an enviable vinyl collection . . . oh, and they specialize in craft beers and daring cocktails, too.

A hop and skip from O'Connell Street, the Celt offers traditional Irish music seven nights a  week and draws a nice mix of locals and tourists. On busy weekends, to quote the natives, the place is "heaving."

The sacrilege of bopping the night away in a former church might add a little spice at this mainstream weekend club. Nondancing churchgoers can check out the pub and restaurant upstairs.

Directly across from the Abbey Theatre, the Flowing Tide draws a lively pre- and post-theater crowd. No TVs, quality pub talk, and a great pint of Guinness make it a worthwhile visit (although the decor won't win any prizes).

Dublin's two-floor main gay pub, the George draws an almost entirely male crowd; its nightclub stays open until 2:30 am nightly except Tuesday. The "alternative bingo night," with star drag act Miss Shirley Temple Bar, is a riot of risqué fun. Saturdays are always packed.

A Ballsbridge institution, the Horse Show House is a favorite of the boisterous but welcoming rugby and show-jumping set. A great spot to watch sports of any kind. They have a full à la carte menu.

This hidden speakeasy is a fabulous spot for a late-night cocktail with its luxurious red velvet walls, polished bronze ceiling, dark velvet seating, and dimmed tassled lamps. The martinis are said to be the best in town, and the sublime Italian dishes (some served in porcelain teacups) are a delightful surprise.

One of Dublin's most ornate traditional taverns, the Long Hall has Victorian lamps, a mahogany bar, mirrors, chandeliers, and plasterwork ceilings, all more than 100 years old. The pub serves sandwiches and an excellent pint of Guinness.

In the basement of the Westin Hotel and set in a former bank vault, the Mint Bar is a classic cocktail bar presenting live jazz, lounge, and swing music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The converted main building of Harcourt Street's old railway station houses this large, modern cocktail bar. Both the lunch and dinner menus include fish-and-chips, burgers, and good salads. Sunday brunch is served between noon and 5.

One of the oldest pubs in the city, the Old Stand is named after the now demolished Old Stand at Lansdowne Road stadium, home to Irish rugby and football. The pub is renowned for great pints and fine steaks.

One of the few bars in Ireland to brew its own beer, their Plain Porter has won the best stout in the world award at the Brewing Industry International Awards (often referred to as the "Brewing Oscars") beating out the mighty Guinness. The tasteful interior is all dark woods and soft lighting.

There's a touch of Vegas about this landmark venue with the tables and chairs on tiered levels that look down on the stage. The Sugar Club has regular music and performance (some touted as burlesque) nights.

Housed in a former workingman's club, this no-frills, hip spot specializes in indie club nights and attracts an artistic and hipster crowd. It has three floors of music and live gigs. Check the website for upcoming nights.

Though billed as a Victorian bar, Toner's actually goes back 200 years, with an original flagstone floor to prove its antiquity, as well as wooden drawers running up to the ceiling—a relic of the days when bars doubled as grocery shops. Oliver St. John Gogarty, who was the model for Buck Mulligan in James Joyce's Ulysses, accompanied W. B. Yeats here, in what was purportedly the latter's only visit to a pub.