50+ Exciting Things to Do in Dublin at Night (2024)
Dublin is one of Europe’s best cities for nightlife. There is a constant array of many great things to do in Dublin at night from pubs and drinking to family-friendly activities and plenty of entertainment options for all age ranges and interests.
A note about the author: I spent about 4 months living in Dublin and traveling all throughout Ireland. I learned the ins and outs of what it meant to be both a tourist and a resident during my time here.
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The #1 thing you should do in Dublin at night is take a pub crawl tour!
👉🏽 Learn more and book here
Most Unique Thing to Do at Night: See a Play at The Abbey Theater
Can’t-Miss as a Tourist: Traditional Irish Dance Show
Best Party in Dublin: Dtwo or Pygmalion
Romantic Places for Couples:
• Dublin at Night Drink & Draw
• The Rooftop Lounge at Anantara The Marker Hotel
Dublin Evening Activities for Families:
• Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour
• Jump Zone (trampolines)
Is Dublin Safe at Night?
Yes, overall Dublin is quite safe at night. As a young female, I hardly ever felt unsafe walking around the city of Dublin alone at night. There are usually a lot of people out at night in Dublin, which helped me feel more comfortable.
Of course, always stay aware and use your common sense to stay out of potentially dangerous situations that can come with any big city (for Dublin at night that might mean potentially rowdy drunk people). If possible, never go anywhere at night without a friend. Stay on well-lit, busier streets, and if it gets too late in the night take a cab home.
What Is Dublin’s Nightlife Famous For? Is It Good?
Dublin has very good nightlife. There are over 750 pubs in Dublin, and it certainly feels like there is a pub on every corner! Dublin comes alive at night and is a lot of fun.
Dublin is often the host of many stag/hen (bachelor/bachelorette) and other types of parties. You will also find many live entertainment events, dining, and activities – you will practically never run out of things to do in Dublin at night!
Pubs and Drinking in Dublin at Night
1. Dublin Generation Pub Crawl Night Tour
The Dublin Generation Pub Crawl is one of the best and most affordable pub crawls. It’s perfect for a fun night out to dance, meet new people, and party all night in Dublin! It’s also the best bang for your buck with 1 Complimentary Guinness, Free Shots, Free Entry + Skip the Line / Drink Deals.
Drinking in Dublin can get expensive quickly, so book ahead to save money with this pub crawl.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR DUBLIN GENERATION PUB CRAWL TOUR
3. Dublin at Night Drink & Draw
Take a painting class while enjoying a beverage of your choice. Boozy paint sessions have become one of the more popular things to do in Dublin at night. Get your creativity flowing while hanging with friends, and bring home an artistic masterpiece or, if you’re like me, an extremely mediocre and basic artwork, but at least you had a fun night out with friends!
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN PAINT AND DRINK
3. Dublin Authentic Brewery Tour
Branch out from the typical Guinness factory tour to instead take a guided tour of a modern Irish brewery, Rascals Brewing Company. Discover how a brewery makes beer and try a sample of Rascals’ best beer.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN AUTHENTIC BREWERY TOUR
4. Nighttime Dublin Whiskey Tasting Tour
This two-hour whiskey tour led by an expert will take you to some of the best pubs for whiskey tasting and teach you more about the history of Ireland and whiskey. You will taste 5 premium Irish whiskies and visit 3 Irish pubs in Dublin.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN WHISKEY TASTING TOUR
5. Dublin Private Pub Crawl Tour
For an exclusive experience and thing to do in Dublin at night, book this private pub crawl tour. Take a group of up to 5 on this private tour where you will visit and have a drink in at least 3 of Dublin’s best, off-the-beaten-path pubs.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN PRIVATE PUB CRAWL TOUR
6. Get a Drink on a Rooftop Bar to Take In Dublin at Night
For the best views of Dublin’s lights at night, try out a rooftop bar at one of these places:
- The Rooftop Lounge at Anantara The Marker Hotel
- Layla’s Restaurant & Terrace at The Devlin Dublin
- The Roof Garden at Fitzsimons Hotel – Much more casual than the other two and located in the Temple Bar area
7. Go Out for Some Dancing and Cheap Drinks at O’Reilly’s Bar
8. Or, Play Some Board Games Like Guess Who or Jenga at Cassidy’s Pub
9. End the Night Out at One of Dublin’s Best Nightclubs
One of the typical things to do in Dublin at night is to visit a pub or two and end up at a nightclub to dance the rest of the night away. A few of my recommendations:
- Dicey’s Garden Club
- Copper Face Jacks (Coppers)
- The George (LGBTQ Club)
- The Academy
- DTwo
Evening Events and Tours in Dublin
10. Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour
I’m guilty of really enjoying podcasts and shows about murder/crime and all things spooky, anyone else? If so, this tour is for YOU!
This guided walking tour of Dublin at night will take you to unique spots in the city while hearing Dublin’s gruesome stories of murder, torture, cannibalism, grave robbing, brothels, and more. This is one of the darker (but incredibly interesting) things to do in Dublin at night.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN DARK SIDE TOUR
11. Dublin at Night: Haunted Ghost Tour
If murders and crime aren’t quite your thing, just stick to this haunted tour! This tour is a lot of fun because you will be solving clues that take you to the next haunted location in Dublin. The Haunted Ghost Tour has an escape room-type feel to it with the twist of exploring the city along the way.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK HAUNTED DUBLIN GHOST TOUR
12. Dublin at Night: True Crime Tour
Or, if murders and crime are REALLY your thing, check out this Dublin True Crime Tour that explores some of Dublin’s darker history of art thefts, kidnaps, murders, robberies, and much more!
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN TRUE CRIME TOUR
13. Dublin Ghostbus Kids Tour
Last darker tour, I promise. This ghost bus tour is one of the fun things to do in Dublin at night for families with children aged between 7 and 14. Learn about fascinating Dublin history from a professional storyteller and play fun and interactive games along the way.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN GHOSTBUS KIDS TOUR
14. Watch the Sunset in Howth After a Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail Walk
Howth is an adorable seaside fishing village just outside of Dublin that is a fun, off-the-beaten-path place to visit.
This coastal trail walk tour will teach you tales of Howth’s past including the Viking and Norman invasions and the history of the 700-year-old castle. You will sample at least 5 local craft beers and taste an abundance of locally caught, fresh seafood.
After the tour, stop to watch the sunset over the harbor!
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK HOWTH COASTAL CRAFT BEER & SEAFOOD TRAIL
15. Tour Windmill Lane Recording Studios
Learn about the music recording process with this exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour. The Windmill Lane Recording Studio has had a global impact on music history since 1978 and has hosted top artists from Lady Gaga and Hozier to U2 and the Rolling Stones. This is certainly one of the more unique things to do in Dublin at night.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK WINDMILL LANE RECORDING STUDIOS TOUR
Nighttime Food and Dining Experiences in Dublin
16. Traditional Irish Dance Show + 3 Course Dinner
A traditional Irish dance show with a 3-course dinner is one of the most Irish, need-to-do things in Dublin at night. As a former competitive Irish dancer myself, I am definitely impartial to this dinner and a show event. Watching Irish dance, especially these world championship level dancers, is beautiful and great entertainment to go with a delicious dinner.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK IRISH DANCE SHOW + DINNER
17. Dine at a Michelin-Star Restaurant
Michelin-star restaurants are the best of the best, and Ireland currently has 21 Michelin-star restaurants across the country, a few of which are found in Dublin. Have an exquisite dinner and check out Patrick Guilbaud (Modern French) or Variety Jones (Modern Cuisine).
18. Make Sure to Eat Some Good Ole’ Irish Grub
You will of course need to try some traditional Irish food while in Dublin. My favorites are an Irish lamb stew, full Irish breakfast, Guinness pie, or Irish soda bread.
Some of the best restaurants in Dublin to try Irish food are: Sheehan’s, The Winding Stair, Trocadero (fine dining), or The Brazen Head (oldest pub in Dublin).
19. Branch Out and Try Some of Dublin’s Asian Cuisine
After moving to Dublin from California, I had to find the best Asian food the city had to offer. Dublin is not necessarily known for having the best ethnic cuisine, but there are still a few delicious places for a nice night out and a different dining experience in Dublin.
Chinese food: Wok Station or Hakkahan Chinese
Sushi/Thai food: Ninja Sushi Japanese Restaurant or Honkaku Sushi and Thai Restaurant
Indian food: Dosa Dosa or Spice Village Indian Restaurant (noted as one of the best Indian food restaurants in Dublin!)
20. For Dublin Nighttime Drunk Food, Try Kebab
Kebab is one of Europe’s favorite drunk foods. To try kebab in Dublin, head to either Saray Kebab House (noted as the best kebab in the city) or Kebab House.
Where to Stay in Dublin at Night: Activities Through Your Accommodation
21. Get a Spa Treatment
Head to The Marker or The Shelbourne for a relaxing night in Dublin. You can book tailored treatments to suit your personal needs.
22. Stay the Night at this Chic, Up and Coming Hotel in Dublin
In addition to the hip decor and great selection of rooms (including a penthouse with a foosball table), The Dean Hotel Dublin features complimentary bikes for guests, a rooftop restaurant, POWER gym, and more. Staying at The Dean is one of the more fun things to do in Dublin at night.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE DEAN HOTEL DUBLIN
23. Or, Find Your Own Perfect Hotel for a Special Night in Dublin
24. Try a Hostel to Meet New Friends
I have always loved staying at hostels to make friends with other like-minded travelers and Jacobs Inn in Dublin is one of the top-rated hostels. It is clean, in a great location, and most importantly has a great onsite bar and lounge to socialize and meet new people.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK JACOBS INN
25. Karaoke, Pool Tables, Quizzes, DJs… What Other Things in Dublin at Night Do You Need?
The Generator Dublin is a great hostel with a never-ending array of things for visitors to do. This boutique hostel that is within a 10-minute walk from Temple Bar is hands down one of the more fun places to stay in Dublin.
A few of the things that The Generator hosts at night: drink promotions, karaoke, DJs, quizzes, pool competitions, drinking games, monthly themed parties, and regular movie nights in the in-house cinema room.
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK GENERATOR DUBLIN
Need a car to get around Dublin?
My go-to car rental service in Ireland is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the lowest prices and best deals.
🚗 CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR RENTAL CAR
Where to Go in Dublin at Night for Activities and Entertainment
26. Private Nighttime Music Show + Kayak Tour Under Dublin’s Bridges
I was so stoked to learn this is something you can do in Dublin at night! What a beautiful way to start your night, by seeing Dublin’s nightlife and lights from the Liffey while listening to your own private concert. This tour makes you feel like you’re actually in Venice, Italy!
‼️ CLICK HERE TO BOOK DUBLIN MUSIC UNDER THE BRIDGES KAYAKING TOUR
27. Watch a Drag Show at The George
Dublin is surprisingly welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Enjoy a show where everyone is always having a good time at The George.
28. Explore a Late Night Museum
Discover Dublin’s museums after hours with late-night options. The National Gallery of Ireland extends its Thursday hours until 8:30pm, The National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History stays open until 8pm on Thursdays during the summer, and The Little Museum of Dublin offers an entertaining “After Hours Tour” on Thursdays-Saturdays starting at 5pm, featuring a mix of history, humor, and a glass of wine.
29. Listen to Traditional Irish Music at the Pubs
There are many pubs across Dublin that have live bands playing traditional Irish music at night. The Temple Bar area especially has a constant flow of Irish musicians coming through.
30. See a Play at the Abbey Theater
The Abbey Theater hosts some of Dublin’s unique plays and on-stage entertainment.
31. Watch a Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theater
If musicals are more your speed, catch one at the Bord Gáis Energy Theater one night in Dublin.
32. Listen to Music at the National Concert Hall
Immerse yourself in world-class music and entertainment at the iconic National Concert Hall venue, adding a touch of high-class culture to your Dublin evenings.
33. Watch the Greyhound Races
In Dublin, one captivating sport that locals enthusiastically embrace is greyhound racing. The action happens at Shelbourne Park Stadium, kicking off at 8pm on race nights year-round.
34. Catch a Concert
Dublin is constantly hosting a number of popular artists and performers. Find a concert such as Snoop Dogg, The Lumineers, or even Celine Dion.
35. Watch a Debate at Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin’s societies such as the History or Philosophical societies are often hosting evening debates around relevant and timely topics.
36. Challenge Your Friends to Pool
Have a night of playing pool and table tennis at The Hideout.
37. Watch a Film at the Irish Film Institute
If you’re a movie buff, the Irish Film Institute (IFI) offers a unique and diverse selection of Irish and international cinema.
38. Keep an Eye on Eventbrite
For the most current and up-to-date things to do in Dublin at night, keep an eye on Eventbrite for events and activities happening across. Dublin.
Family-Friend Dublin Evening Activities
39. Watch a Movie in the Theater
It’s always nice to catch a movie in theaters. Check out Cineworld or ODEON Cinemas. Or, during the summer months, Happenings hosts pop-up cinemon events in Merrion Square.
40. Embrace Your Inner Kid and Go Jumping!
Indoor trampoline gyms are not just for kids or gymnasts anymore, even adults can enjoy jumping at night in Dublin! Jump Zone has trampolines, climbing frames, foam pits, and more.
41. Go Mini-Golfing
Check out Rainforest Adventure Golf for two indoor mini-golf courses.
42. Try to Get Out of a Dublin Escape Room
Head to Incognito Escape Room or The Clockwork Key Escape Room to try and solve the puzzles in their fully immersive escape rooms.
43. Have a Fun-Filled Night at the Leisureplex
Dublin’s Leisureplex has everything from bowling to arcade games and a “zoo playland” for kids.
44. See a GAA Game at Night
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is Ireland’s largest sporting organization and encompasses sports such as Gaelic football and hurling. Watching a GAA game is a unique thing to do in Dublin at night for those of us not from Ireland.
45. Go Roller Skating
The Rink at D12 has a fun, old-school disco vibe and is great entertainment for something to do at night in Dublin.
46. Go Ice Skating
Have some fun on the ice at Ice Skating Blanchardstown or Dundrum on Ice.
47. Go Rock Climbing
Head to an indoor climbing and bouldering gym such as the Dublin Climbing Centre for a more active thing to do in Dublin at night.
Free Things To Do in Dublin at Night
48. Go to a Nighttime Service at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin has services on weekday evenings starting at 5:30pm. The Cathedral is beautiful during sunset when the lights hit the stained glass windows.
49. Walk Down Grafton Street
Grafton Street is always bustling and a great place for shopping, watching street musicians, and visiting pubs. Or, simply heading to Grafton Street to people-watch is always an interesting thing to do in Dublin at night.
50. Walk Along Ha’Penny Bridge
Walk across Ha’Penny Bridge and stop to take in Dublin’s skyline at night and the city lights over the river. Stop for dinner or a drink on either side of the river, and don’t forget to take photos of Dublin’s most scenic bridge!
51. Stroll Along the River Liffey
Meander down by the river awhile to take in Dublin’s bustling nighttime scene. Watch the pubs and restaurants come alive as the sun goes down and get some great people watching in!
🍦 Stop somewhere for ice cream along the way such as Cloud Nine Temple Bar or Gino’s Gelato by the Grand Canal Dock.
52. See a Comedy Show
One of my good friends while living in Dublin was a comedian and we spent many nights at his shows around the city and always had a blast – Irish people are HILARIOUS!
There are a few pubs across Dublin that host open mic nights for comedians and musicians. You will most likely not need to purchase a ticket for the show, but you might be required to buy a drink.
Check out these pubs for comedy shows: The Ha’Penny Bridge Inn, The International Bar, and The Workman’s Club.
Or, the Craic Den Comedy Club or Laughter Lounge are consistently hosting ticketed comedy shows.
53. Have a Sunset Picnic in Phoenix Park
The Phoenix Park in Dublin is one of the largest enclosed parks in any capital city across Europe. It is open 24 hours every day, which means you will be able to have a lovely sunset picnic and take a stroll around the park at night.
54. Visit the Temple Bar Night Market
Every Thursday night in Dublin from May to September the Temple Bar area turns into a night market. Wander through the streets and visit some night market vendors to do a bit of shopping, listen to the street musicians, or stop into a pub for a pint. This is the perfect summer thing to do in Dublin at night!
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WRAPPING UP: Best Things to Do in Dublin at Night
There you have it, over 50 excellent things to do in Dublin at night. Whether you are looking for a romantic night with your loved one out for dinner and datenight, or you want to take the kids on a fun activity after dark, you will find something excellent to do in the evening. There are truthfully so many great things to do in Dublin a night, you may never run out of options!
☘️FAQs About Ireland☘️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland
🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.
