Entertainment in Dublin
-
A
Café en Seine
The wildly extravagant art-nouveau style of this huge bar has been a massive hit since it first opened in 1995, and while it may not be the 'in' place it once was, it is still very popular with suburbanites, the after-work crowd and out-of-towners. Maybe it's the glass panelling, or the real 12m-high trees; but most likely it's the beautiful people propping up the wood-and-marble bar.
reviewed
-
B
Gravediggers (aka Kavanagh’s)
The gravediggers from the adjacent Glasnevin Cemetery had a secret serving hatch so that they could drink on the job – hence the pub’s nickname. Founded in 1833 by one John Kavanagh and still in the family, this pub is one of the best in Ireland, virtually unchanged in 150 years. In summer time the green of the square is full of drinkers basking in the sun, while inside the hardened locals ensure that ne’er a hint of sunshine disturbs some of the best Guinness in town. An absolute classic.
reviewed
-
C
Church
We don’t normally go in for superpubs, but this one deserves a mention. Irish patriot Wolfe Tone, who was baptised here, and Arthur Guinness, brewery founder, who married here, might have conflicting views on the fate of this remarkable early 18th-century church. The glorious restoration features an enormous organ and historically important wall plaques and inscriptions. Expect a well-heeled crowd.
reviewed
-
D
Abbey Theatre
Ireland’s national theatre has been plagued by uncertainty over its future for so long that few can quite remember a time when all was well in the box on Abbey St. Nobody likes the building it’s in – built to replace the original building that burnt down in the 1950s – but plans to move it a purpose-built facility in the Docklands have been derailed by the economic crisis, leading to a proposal to move it to the GPO. However, even that has been the subject of controversy. What was staged here in the past also provoked grumblings of disapproval, but current director Fiach MacConghail has transformed the hitherto stale program by rendering old classics by the great…
reviewed
-
E
Temple Bar
The most photographed pub facade in Dublin, perhaps the world, the Temple Bar (aka Flannery's) is smack bang in the middle of the tourist precinct and is usually chock-a-block with visitors. It's good craic though, and presses all the right buttons, with traditional musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and even a beer garden. It's also one of the most expensive pubs in Dublin.
reviewed
-
F
Auld Dubliner
Predominantly patronised by tourists, 'the Auld Foreigner', as locals have dubbed it, has a carefully manicured 'old-world' charm that has been preserved – or refined – after a couple of renovations. It's a reliable place for a singsong and a laugh, as long as you don't mind taking 15 minutes to get to and from the jax (toilets).
reviewed
-
G
Davy Byrne's
James Joyce would barely recognise the bar that Leopold Bloom popped into for a gorgonzola sandwich and a glass of burgundy in Ulysses. It doesn't stop Davy Byrne's from making the most of its Joycean connections, even though today's version is strictly for out-of-towners and the rugby crowd.
reviewed
-
H
Market Bar
An architectural beauty, this giant redbrick and iron girder room that was once a Victorian sausage factory is now a large, breezy bar that stands as a far more preferable alternative to many of the city's superbars. Unlike virtually every other new pub in town, there's no music. It also does a roaring trade in Spanish-influenced pub grub .
reviewed
-
I
Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety's program of plays is strictly of the fun-for-all-the-family type: West End hits, musicals, Christmas pantos and classic Irish plays keep the more serious-minded away, but it leaves more room for those simply looking to be entertained.
reviewed
-
J
Brogan's
Only a couple of doors down from the Olympia Theatre, this is a wonderful old-style bar where conversation – not loud music – is king. The beer is also pretty good.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Oliver St John Gogarty
You won't see too many Dubs ordering drinks in this bar, which is almost entirely given over to tourists, who come for the carefully manufactured slice of authentic traditionalism…and the knee-slappin', toe-tappin' sessions that run throughout the day. The kitchen serves up dishes that most Irish cooks have consigned to the culinary dustbin.
reviewed
-
L
Bruxelles
Although it has largely shed its heavy metal and alternative skin, Bruxelles is still a raucous, fun place to hang out and there are different music areas. It's comparatively trendy on the ground floor, while downstairs is a great, loud and dingy rock bar with live music each weekend. Just outside, a bronze Phil Lynott is there to remind us of Bruxelles' impeccable rock credentials.
reviewed
-
M
Donnybrook Rugby Ground
Leinster has had similar fortunes to the national side – good, but not quite good enough. They have performed steadily in the European Cup, the premier provincial tournament that sees sides from the Six Nations countries play each other from December to May. The 2006 season culminated in a final that their great rivals Munster won. Leinster has done better in the lesser Celtic League (played against teams from Scotland and Wales), which runs from September to January, but mostly because everyone is gearing up for the European Cup. If you want to see them play, you can do so at the Donnybrook Rugby Ground. Tickets for both competitions are available at Elvery’s ((679…
reviewed
-
N
Ice Bar
Not to be confused with the Dice Bar in a taxi – practise your elocution because the bars are worlds apart in every sense. Young, single 20-somethings with infinite disposable incomes come here to see and be seen, making this either the most sought-after destination in town or somewhere to avoid like a bad dose of plague. Flash your convertible-beemer car keys at the door for speedy access. The all-white chichi interior with central chrome and marble bar is softened by some lovely, specially commissioned wall hangings by Irish artists. Vodka-based cocktails are the house speciality.
reviewed
-
Strawberry Hall
Strawberry Hall alone makes it worth the trek to the Strawberry Beds, a totally unspoilt bit of countryside. The Strawberry Beds run alongside the northern banks of the Liffey between the villages of Chapelizod and Lucan, roughly along the western edge of the Phoenix Parkand, and is one of the city's most beautiful getaway spots. Have drinks at the utterly wonderful Strawberry Hall, reputedly Dublin’s second-oldest pub and one of the best-kept secrets in town. This place alone makes it worth the trek.
reviewed
-
O
Irish Rugby Football Union
The association with privilege has pretty much always been there with rugby, until the game decided to go global, kick its branding into a whole new gear and Dublin began witnessing some pretty successful local teams at both inter-provincial and international level. Irish rugby’s governing body, the Irish Rugby Football Union, has done a brilliant job of selling rugby outside its traditional domain, so much so that the game has finally generated a genuinely national interest.
reviewed
-
P
Eno Wines
A wine bar in a financial services centre sounds like a formula for insufferable pretentiousness, but this remarkable venture is unique to the city so we thought we’d give it a try – and we weren’t disappointed. Basically, this is a wine-tasting centre where you buy a card for whatever amount you like and are then free to try any of the 60-plus wines that are available, deducting the cost of it from your card as you go along. The Shiraz is to die for, darling.
reviewed
-
Q
Searson’s
What could easily be dismissed as yet another characterless superpub, with the warmth and ambience of a train station, is actually a pretty decent bar with the option of Old Man pub at the front and trendy, modern bar at the back. Something for everyone then: lunchtimes it’s packed with office workers, weekend nights it’s packed with the same crowd in jeans and designer shirts and, when the rugby’s on, the Irish green. Two Havana Clubs and Coke, please.
reviewed
-
R
Croke Park
Hurling and Gaelic football games are held from February to November at Europe's fourth-largest stadium (capacity around 82,000), north of the Royal Canal in Drumcondra; see www.gaa.ie for schedules.
reviewed
-
S
Kiely’s
Fans of satirist Paul Howard’s lovable D4 monster Ross O’Carroll Kelly will instantly recognise the favourite hangout of the rugby-loving southsider, where the fortunes of Drico, Shaggy and the Darce are discussed in earnest by hardbodies wrapped in Leinster jerseys…and that’s just the girls. If you’re going to the next-door Donnybrook Rugby Ground, this is the perfect pre- and post-match place to be.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
Morrison Bar
This is the north side’s version of the Octagon Bar, only far more difficult to get into if you don’t look the part. If you haven’t spent a fortune on your outfit (or managed to fake it), forget it. You wouldn’t have enjoyed the luxurious John Rocha–designed dark-oak and cream interior, the views over the Liffey, and the suave and sophisticated clientele. Nah, you didn’t miss much.
reviewed
-
U
Odeon
This former train station is light, airy, and jam-packed with art-deco elegance and Red Bull–loaded punters getting ready for a gig next door at Tripod. The comfy sofas are too scarce but this is the kind of place to be parading or standing along its impossibly long bar rather than sitting down anyway. Sunday afternoons are all about indulgence and taking it nice and easy with Bloody Marys, the newspapers and comfort foods.
reviewed
-
V
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Serious aficionados of traditional music should make the trip here. The name (col -tas kyohl- thory erin) means ‘Fraternity of Traditional Musicians of Ireland’. Here you’ll find the best Irish music and dancing in Dublin, with some of the country’s top players. There are nightly shows, but the ‘craic is mighty’ at Friday night’s céilidh (group Irish dance).
reviewed
-
W
O’Brien’s
The unofficial HQ of media types and advertising execs, old-fashioned O’Brien’s is the embodiment of all the aspirations of the Celtic Tiger, a place where prosperity and forward-thinking can flourish amid the powerfully nostalgic reminders of a time gone by. Which pretty much means that O’Brien’s hasn’t changed its décor all that much, but the bathrooms are absolutely spotless.
reviewed
-
X
Button Factory
Temple Bar's best venue is a top-class joint for both gigs and clubs that deserves a merit badge on two counts: firstly for offering something to the left of the usual Temple Bar cheese; and secondly for being swanky and carpeted. Great sound, big room, terrific spot.
reviewed