Tired of the pub? Nightlife Editor Charline Chatelain showcases the countless options alternatives to the Pub/Club scene in Dublin on a night out.
Dublin is a city rich in pub and club culture, but for those looking for a more relaxed or intimate outing, it requires a bit more thought or research. Together we’ll go through a few of my top alternatives to the regular pub or club night out that we all know too well.
The Big Romance
If you’re like me and you love jazz, you need to check out The Big Romance on Parnell Street. It is the ideal spot for casual drinks with friends or simply a romantic date. In this dimly lit space, with vinyl albums decorating the walls, the talented band Organ Freeman comes to perform each Sunday from 6pm to 8:30pm. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the live music with a pint from their selection of craft beer or unique cocktails, and if you’re hungry you can order pizza straight to your table. I recommend booking in advance or arriving slightly early to secure a table, as Sunday nights tend to get pretty busy.
If you’re looking to catch up with friends in the evening over non-alcoholic drinks, escape the crowds, noise and agitation of the Dublin streets at night, a good alternative is a café. Unfortunately, most cafés in Dublin close around 5pm, that is why I have chosen two of my favourite locations that stay open late for you.
Irish Film Institute Café Bar
One place I love visiting is Temple Bar; if you’re looking for a coffee and silence in the evening, there is the Irish Film Institute Café Bar, which stays open until 8pm. If you feel like seeing a movie, there are plenty to choose from, and if not you can get a hot drink or a cold beer and chat with friends over a cigarette (or not) in their private outside seating area.
Mind The Step
Next on the list is Mind The Step, located in a small street behind Jervis shopping centre, which remains open until 11pm Monday through Saturday, and 8pm on Sundays. Here, you can take part in an evening dance class in one of their studios or sip on your choice of origin coffee or loose leaf tea in one of their cosy leather couches.
Alternatively, you can spend your night in a wine bar, especially if you want to dive deep into conversation or practise your wine tasting skills, all the while still having an early night.
Brindle
Brindle is a charming coffee shop by day and wine bar by night located in Portobello that stays open until 8pm from Monday to Wednesday and on Sunday, and until 9pm Thursday to Saturday.
Brindle focuses on supporting small, independent producers and gravitates towards organic and sustainably produced wine. It is definitely one of my favourite places to go for conversation and drinks, whether you go alone or with friends, rest assured your night will be filled with conversation.
If you’re not in the mood to talk too much, you can also plan a night of comedy in the city centre. There are countless comedy clubs and events to choose from, many of which have entrance fees, but there are still a few, completely free of charge, waiting for you.
Crash & Burn Comedy show
One of them is the Crash & Burn Comedy show in Sin é every Thursday night at 8pm, where both experienced and striving comedians come to perform their jokes to an audience.
Pitchfork Comedy
Similarly, Pitchfork Comedy hosts stand-up comedy, every Wednesday night at 7:30pm in J. T. Pim’s, and in The Stags Head you will find The Comedy Crunch shows every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, from 9pm along with some free ice cream to enjoy with the performance.
Be sure to check out some of these recommendations the next time you are struggling to think of an alternative to heading to the pub or out to a club.