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Best Nightlife in Dublin (2026)

Nightlife in Dublin revolves around the pub, and the best evenings usually combine a pint with live music. For traditional Irish music, The Cobblestone in Smithfield hosts sessions every day of the week, O'Donoghue's on Merrion Row has live music every night, and The Brazen Head on Bridge Street, which dates its history to 1198, mixes trad sessions with hearty stews and storytelling. The Palace Bar on Fleet Street is a Victorian pub with a literary past and a fine snug.

For something different, Whelan's on Wexford Street is a live music venue with several rooms and late opening, and Vintage Cocktail Club hides behind an unmarked door at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, serving cocktails and small plates until late. Pubs in Temple Bar are lively but crowded at weekends, so walk a few minutes to Smithfield, Camden Street or George's Street for a more local feel. Respect session etiquette by keeping conversation down near the musicians, book cocktail bars ahead on Friday and Saturday, and plan your journey home in advance, as taxis can be in short supply at closing time.

6 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 nightlife in Dublin

  1. The Brazen Head Historic pub with traditional music, Merchants QuayA pub on Bridge Street Lower that dates its history to 1198 and calls itself Ireland's oldest, with food daily, stews and traditional music.
  2. The Cobblestone Traditional music pub, SmithfieldA family-run pub on Smithfield Square, famous for traditional Irish music sessions every day of the week and gigs in its Backroom.
  3. Whelan’s Live music venue and bar, Wexford StreetA long-running live music venue and bar on Wexford Street, with a main venue, upstairs room and several bars open until late every night.

Bar

1. The Brazen Head

Historic pub with traditional music$$Merchants Quay

A pub on Bridge Street Lower that dates its history to 1198 and calls itself Ireland's oldest, with food daily, stews and traditional music.

View details — The Brazen Head

Bar

3. Whelan’s

Live music venue and bar$$Wexford Street

A long-running live music venue and bar on Wexford Street, with a main venue, upstairs room and several bars open until late every night.

View details — Whelan’s

Bar

6. The Palace Bar

Victorian heritage pub$$Temple Bar

A Victorian heritage pub on Fleet Street with a famous snug and a whiskey collection, praised by Patrick Kavanagh as a wonderful temple of art.

View details — The Palace Bar