The Shaw is gone? Here are five options to fill the void

The Bernard Shaw is closing its doors for good this October, another cultural loss to the city of Dublin, which has seen several such pubs and spaces close in the past few years. 

The Shaw is not just a pub, it’s a cultural centre that brings people from different parts of the world together, provides good live music and works as a space to exchange cultural experiences. 

With this latest blow to the Dublin’s youth culture, a lot of people are feeling like they are losing space in the city, or that they are running out of options. But, there are still a few good places that may fill the void left by the likes of The Bernard Shaw. 

Berlin D2

In the heart of Dublin’s hipster area, Berlin D2 is a great option for a Saturday afternoon or a Friday night out. Actually, it’s a great option for any evening. There are live performances on weekends and a DJ almost every night. Although the outdoor area is not as large as the Shaw – it’s actually the alley behind it – the pub does add its style with a soap bubble maker and string lights. 

Berlin D2 is located at 14-15 Dame Lane, Dublin 2.

Sin É

This rock pub with its low lighting and intimate couches will charm you as soon as you walk in. They also offer live performances in the downstairs area of the pub, where you can get cozy in its large couches – if you’re lucky enough to get a seat. They also have a great pizza and pint offer for €12,50. Although the outdoor area is very small, Sin É is a good option for rock lovers and hipsters alike. 

Sin É is located at 15 Ormond Quay Upper, North City, Dublin

The Bar With No Name

Right across from George’s Arcade Market, the Bar With No Name looks unpretentious from the outside. A simple door with a snail sign above it. Once inside, you must climb the double flight of stairs and then you will find yourself in a large pub that looks like a cool apartment. It has tables, couches, mirrors, more staircases, string lights and lamps. The outdoor area is large enough, but the pub can get a bit crowded at times. Still, a great option to get some drinks after work. 

The Bar With No Name is located at 3 Fade Street, Dublin. 

Blackbird

Another rock style pub, this one will catch your attention right away because they have a big drawing of “Eagles of Death Metal” on the outer wall. Inside, it’s very cosy and there area few snugs, which can be nice to hang out with friends or even on a date. Don’t worry, those snugs don’t have an actual door, but it does provide privacy to the tables.  It also offers the pizza and pint promo, so it’s a good option if you want to go to a place where you can also get something to eat at a fair price. 

The Blackbird is located at 82-84 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin.

Whelan’s

And of course, let’s not forget good old Whelan’s. This traditional pub offer a lot of live music and a few scenes of the romantic drama film P.S. I Love You were shot there. It’s always a good option and it’s such a strong part of Dublin’s culture that it’s very unlikely to ever close. 

Whelan’s is located at 25 Wexford Street, Dublin.