These 10 nightclub gems in Dublin had us sparkling all night long!
I remember when my friends and I decided to explore Dublin’s nightlife. We stumbled from one club to another, each with its unique vibe. Some were packed with energetic crowds, while others had a more intimate, underground feel.
We danced the night away, made new friends, and created memories that still make us smile. Finding the best clubs in a new city can be a gamble. You don’t want to waste precious time at places that aren’t your scene.
That’s why I’m sharing my top picks with you! These are the clubs that truly made our Dublin adventure unforgettable. Get ready to discover the perfect spots to dance the night away!
1. Copper Face Jacks
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Website: http://www.copperfacejacks.ie/
Address: 29-30, Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 XV58, Ireland
Contact details: +35314255300
Operating hours: 11 PM–3:30 AM
Copper Face Jacks, or as the locals call it, “Coppers,” has been this legendary nightclub since 1996. The name is a nod to John Scott, the 1st Earl of Clonmell, who was quite the character known for his heavy drinking.
It’s packed with off-duty professionals—think teachers and nurses—who know how to let loose after a long day. There are six bars, two beer gardens, and even a VIP area, so there’s plenty of room to find your groove.
Coppers’ decor has a fun, slightly retro feel, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy yourself. It’s a melting pot of locals celebrating after work and tourists eagerly diving headfirst into Dublin’s nightlife.
| Pro tip: If you stay at the Jackson Court Hotel, you can get free entry by showing your room key at the door! |
2. Dicey’s Garden
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Website: http://www.diceysgardendublin.com/
Address: 21-25 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 YF24, Ireland
Contact details: +35314784066
Operating hours: 4 PM–2:30 AM
Dicey’s Garden is tucked away on Harcourt Street, right in the heart of the city, and this vibrant hotspot screams fun! You might hear locals call it Dicey Reilly’s, and it lives up to the hype as one of the go-to spots for nightlife in Dublin.
The award-winning beer garden is great no matter what the weather decides to do! Plus, the late-night DJ sessions are on point, turning it into a party every night of the week.
When I visited, I was immediately struck by the variety of food and drink options. Who doesn’t love a €5 lunch deal, especially for students? And if you’re a fan of late-night snacks, they have BBQ items for just €2.
| Pro tip: For the sports fans out there, you’ll be pleased to know they have 23 large screens scattered around. So you can catch the game while sipping your drink and soaking in all the energy around you. |
3. Pygmalion
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Website: https://pyg.ie/
Address: 59 William St S, Dublin, Ireland
Operating hours: 4 PM–3 AM
Pygmalion transforms from a cozy café and bar during the day into an intimate nightclub at night. Since its opening, it has made a name for itself, especially with its eclectic music scene.
They’ve got everything from local talent to big-name international DJs playing. The colorful plant-themed decor and trendy lighting is a total eye candy. It’s one of those places that’s just as much fun to look at as it is to hang out in.
When you step inside, you’re greeted by this awesome bar famous for its “Pygtails. ” They’ve got this fantastic deal: two-for-one every day of the week! Plus, the tapas-style dishes are perfect for sharing with friends.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their special events! Pygmalion often hosts free gigs featuring up-and-coming local artists, which are entertaining and provide a fantastic opportunity to discover new music. |
4. Xico
Address: 143 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 PH39, Ireland
Contact details: +35316618829
Operating hours: 8 PM–2:30 AM
Xico is this cool underground Mexican spot that feels like a little slice of Mexico in the city’s heart. It has this rustic charm with crumbled walls and cozy nooks that just screams, “Come hang out with friends.”
Every night feels like a fiesta, celebrating everything Mexican — think amazing food, delicious drinks, and fantastic music. It’s where you can leave any worries behind, dive into the festive atmosphere, and have a good time.
The bartenders know their stuff and whip up some seriously memorable drinks. Pair that with their menu, packed with mouth-watering Mexican favorites like tacos to die for and the most addictive sweet potato fries I’ve ever had.
| Pro tip: Attend their “Taco Tuesdays,” where you can enjoy discounted tacos with their signature cocktails. It’s a fantastic way to experience what Xico offers while enjoying the lively atmosphere that makes this place so special! |
5. Opium Live
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Website: https://opium.ie/spaces/club/
Address: 13-1, Liberty Ln, Portobello, Dublin, D08 NF86, Ireland
Contact details: +35315267711
Operating hours: 4–11:30 PM
Opium Live is located on Wexford Street. As soon as you step inside, you’re transported into a vibrant, almost whimsical world that reminds me of Tokyo, mixed with the charm of classic manga.
The first thing you notice is how spacious it is, with a capacity of 700 people. They’ve hosted some incredible DJs like Sasha and Grandmaster Flash. They also have LED screens that create a dazzling light show and two bars that serve delicious cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, one of my best experiences at Opium was chilling in the Botanical Garden section. I had a Thai-inspired cocktail, which was like a burst of flavor that perfectly matched the energy of the place.
| Pro tip: Check out their themed nights or live performances—these events often feature renowned tribute acts or local talent that can turn an ordinary night into an unforgettable experience. |
6. The George
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Website: https://www.thegeorge.ie/
Address: 89 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 R220, Ireland
Contact details: +35314782983
Operating hours: 2 PM–2:30 AM
The George is Ireland’s longest-running LGBTQ+ club—it has been around for over 36 years! It opened its doors at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in Ireland, and its existence is a huge milestone for the LGBTQ+ rights movement there.
They host all sorts of drag performances and live music events that are just electric! I’ve had some of the best nights there, especially on those themed nights like “Saturgay Karaoke.” You can bet I was up on stage, channeling my inner diva!
Walking into The George is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of queer culture. The place is decorated with colorful portraits of iconic LGBTQ+ figures lining the walls. It creates an inviting vibe that makes you want to connect with others.
| Pro tip: Attending one of their famous drag shows is an absolute must! These performances showcase incredible talent and create a sense of community and celebration that embodies the spirit of The George. |
7. Mother Club
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Website: http://www.motherclub.ie/
Address: Lost Lane, Adams Court, Grafton Street, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Operating hours: 11 PM–3 AM
Mother Club feels like walking into a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. It’s been lighting up the city since June 2010, and let me tell you, it’s become a real gem on the nightlife scene.
Over the years, amazing artists Rina Sawayama and Peaches. They have performed there, and the venue plays a role in events like the Pride Block Party and the Love Sensation Festival.
There are two separate bars, and the dance floor can hold up to 500 people! One of my favorite memories was during their “Disco Bloodbath” event. It was wild, and the vibe was infectious. The crowd was alive.
| Pro tip: Catch one of their special events, especially during holidays like Halloween when they host their infamous “Disco Bloodbath.” It’s an unforgettable experience filled with performances, themed decor, and an atmosphere embodying the spirit of celebration. |
8. The Workman’s Club
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Website: http://www.theworkmansclub.com/
Address: 10 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 VX36, Ireland
Operating hours: 6 PM–2:30 AM
The Workman’s Club has existed since about 1820, so you can imagine the stories its walls have seen. It started as a working men’s club for dockers and brewers until 2003 when it was transformed into a vibrant pub and nightclub.
When you look at it, you can’t help but admire the architecture; that striking red brick façade and the classic timber sash windows give it so much character. It’s recognized for its artistic and historical significance.
The club has several performance spaces, but my favorite is the main room. Here, they host everything from indie gigs to comedy nights. This intimate space makes connecting with both the performers and the people around you. easy
| Pro tip: Don’t miss the “Next Big Thing Festival,” which showcases emerging artists across genres. This is an incredible opportunity to discover new talent while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that The Workman’s Club is known for! |
9. Whelan’s
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Website: https://whelanslive.com/
Address: 25 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 H527, Ireland
Contact details: +35314780766
Operating hours: 5 PM–1:30 AM
If you ever find yourself in Dublin, you must experience Whelan’s! What started as a humble public house has transformed into a legendary live music spot. Over the years, incredible artists like Jeff Buckley and Arctic Monkeys have played there.
There are three different areas to explore: the Main Venue, which feels super intimate for live performances; Upstairs@Whelan’s, where you can catch some fresh, emerging talent; and The Parlour, which has this cozy, retro feel.
I’ll never forget seeing an up-and-coming band in the Main Venue. I had a pint of local craft beer in hand, and the buzz in the air was electric, with everyone singing along, creating a beautiful sense of community.
| Pro tip: Catch their “Whelan’s Wednesdays,” where they often host surprise gigs featuring established artists and fresh talent. This is an excellent way to experience Dublin’s vibrant music culture while enjoying the intimate setting that Whelan’s is famous for. |
10. Button Factory
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Website: http://www.buttonfactory.ie/
Address: Curved St, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Operating hours: 12–11 PM
Button Factory has become an incredible cultural hotspot, buzzing with life and creativity. With room for about 550 people, it’s hosted everyone from up-and-coming local musicians to big-name international acts.
They have a great dance floor where you can let loose, and the bar is stocked with craft beers and cocktails. One of my favorite spots in the venue is the Crowbar, a cozy little nook where you can grab pre-show drinks.
Let’s talk about the vibe—it’s a cool mix of modern and understated decor, which gives it a welcoming yet energetic feel. The industrial-chic look paired with dynamic lighting pulls you in.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on their themed club nights! These events often feature special guest DJs or live acts, which can transform an ordinary weekend into an extraordinary experience. |