Top 12 Clubs in Dublin

Dublin has over 30 different night clubs in the city centre alone. With so many options it can be difficult to decide where to go when you’re wanting a party. Luckily, Babylon Radio’s found our Top 12 Clubs in Dublin to help you narrow down the search!

Izakaya Basement

As you descend down the steps into Izakaya’s Basement, your surroundings transform into a far east inspired dive with manga cartoons adorning the walls. In addition to the unreal aesthetic, Izakaya plays host to some of the finest DJ’s Dublin has to offer starting from 10pm till late. Additionally, the bar offers a drink selection to match the avant-garde Japanese-inspired decor including a selection of sake cocktails, japanese beers, as well as craft beers, premium spirits, and craft cocktails. Bonus: The smoking area outside is just as cool as the inside with graffiti styled to look like the back of a tokyo dive bar as well as a beer vending machine. All in all, Izakaya was bound to be on the Top 12 clubs in Dublin. For More information, check out their facebook page here.

Special Nights:

• Sunday Service (every week)

Address: 12/13 South Great George’s Street
Hours: Mon-Sun 10pm – late (2:3  0/3:00)
Entry: Free

Yamamori Tengu

Just across the river is Izakaya Basement’s sister club, Yamamori Tengu. Known for its similarly enchanting aesthetic, Tengu is named after a legendary dog-man creature found in Japanese folk mythology. The fantasy doesn’t stop there, however. Tengu also offers its loyal following an unbeatable sound system, a selection of Japanese beers, and as plenty of friendly bar staff on hand to take drink orders. The space is avant-garde, with masks and illustrations of the tendu creature adorning the walls, as well as the red and pink glow to the room really adds to the other-worldly experience. Likewise, the level of style at Tengu is matched by their music with acts like OR:LA, Gadget and the cloud, and many more artists gracing the stage. A night at Tengu is one to remember (that is if you haven’t been blessed by the bartender one too many times.) for more information on events, check out their Facebook page here. 

Special Nights:

• Lumo (Monthly); 
• Telephones (Monthly)

Address: 37 Strand Street Great, North City, Dublin
Hours: Sun-Tues: Closed; Wed-Thurs: 5pm-11:30pm; Fri-Sat: 5pm-3am
Entry Fee: Varies

South William Wah Wah Club

A pop up club venue with three rooms, a custom sound system, and light installations designed by visual design crew Algorithm, the Wah Wah Club offers pretty much everything and more. Located in the basement space of The South William, this city centre spot has claimed a stake in Dublin nightlife since it’s debut at the Grand Social in 2016. Three years and a new location later, Wah Wah Club has become a premier spot for both international and local DJs alike. With sets by Sarah Mooney (ΜΝΞ), Rebūke, and more patrons can expect anything from progressive house and techno, to 90’s rave and more. To see what events are on, check out Wah Wah Club’s Facebook page here. 

Address: 52 South William Street, Dublin 2
Hours: Thurs-Sat: 12pm – 3am (check events ahead)
Entry Fees: Varies

Pygmalion

Hidden in the vaults of Powerscourt Townhouse is Pygmalion (aka PYG): a bar, restaurant, and club that’s acts as a stop on the trail for many international acts. Since opening its doors in 2009, PYG as offered a great night out in the unique space 7 nights a week with music ranging anywhere from soul to house; funk to edm, etc. Previous guest DJ’s at PYG include Session Victim, Lil’ Louis,Olympias, and more. All in all, at PYG you never know what to expect, but you know it’ll be good. Bonus: they do 2 for one ‘pygtails’ (aka really good cocktails). To see what events are coming up, check out their website here or their facebook page here. 

Special Nights

• Thursdays: Secret Thursdays: Free Entry
• Saturday: Division Saturday
• Sundays: Pyg Sundays

Address: 59 William Street South, Dublin
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12pm-2:30am; Fri-Sat: 12:00pm-3:30am; 12pm-2am
Entry Fee: Varies

The Workman’s Club

This next spot on our top 12 clubs in Dublin is a city favourite. The Workman’s Club is a venue for music lovers, with infamous acts passing through including a killer Cillian Murphy DJ set, Father John Misty, and more. The multi-level space allows for representation of all different flavours of music, drawing in an artsy, ecclelectic, and inclusive crowd. Additionally, The Workman’s Club is the perfect stop to get over the mid-week slump with Somewhere? Club offering 4 euro cocktails and pints as well as 2 rooms of tunes. To see what events are on, check out their facebook page here.

Special Nights:

• Wednesday: Somewhere? Club (Weekly)- Free before 11pm, 5 euro after

Address: 10 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin
Hours: Mon-Sun: 5pm-2:30am
Entry Fee: Varies (Sun-Tues: Free; Thurs-Sat: Free)

The Button Factory

The Button Factory is the epitome of versatile; it’s the venue for showcasing an array of both local and international talent. From hard rock, to disco, to electronic music, The Button Factory is the home of many insane club nights, after parties, and gigs to suit everyone’s taste. Likewise, the space is modern, sleek allowing the music to really set the tone for the evening. The talent changes every night, to see what’s on check out their facebook page here. 

Address: Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin
Hours: Monday
Entry Fee: Varies

Wigwam

Friday and Saturday are the nights where this exceptional bar/restaurant transforms into the ultimate party. With acts changing from week to week, Wigwam caters to an eclectic range of tastes building it a loyal following amongst Dublin’s party-goers. They offer funk, disco, afro-beats, calypso, with a little bit of house and techno thrown in. What’s more: They have ping pong every day until 10pm so you can catch a game or two to amp you up for the night ahead. For more information on what’s on, check out their Facebook events page here (this is for both the bar/restaurant and the club).

Address: 54 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin
Hours: Fri-Sat: 11am-3am
Entry Fee: Varies

The Grand Social

With four different rooms, The Grand Social is one of the largest venues/clubs on our top 12 clubs in Dublin. What’s more, what it has in size, it matches in quality. With a wide range of drinks on offer at the front bar, you can grab a bevy and head on down to the ballroom for a cheeky boogie. Or, if you’re feeling a more relaxed vibe, head on up to the rooftop garden/smoking area to sit back and relax with one of their many drink specials. To see what events are on (as well as the drink specials) check out their Facebook page here

Special Nights:

• Typhoon Thursdays (3 euro drinks) 
• Friday: Granny (Free); Space Talk (weekly, free)

Address: 35 Liffey Street Lower, North City, Dublin 
Hours: Mon-Fri: 5:00pm-2:30am; Sat: 4pm-2:30am; Sun: 4pm-1am
Entry Fee: Free (provided no event is on)

4 Dame Lane

Next on our list is a great spot for all your late-night party needs. 4 Dame Lane is a chill spot tucked away from the hustle and bustle of South Great George’s Street. This is one of the coolest spots in town, featuring some of Dublin’s best DJ’s busting out indie/electro-pop tunes at ‘The Beat Suite’ nights every Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking for an a laid back, friendly atmosphere for your next night out, head down Dame Lane and see where the night takes you. Bonus: on Fridays there’s a deal for  2 old fashioneds for 15 euro! To see what’s going on at 4 Dame Lane, check out their Facebook page here.

Special Nights:

• The Beat Suite: Friday and Saturday

Address: 4 Dame Lane, Dublin
Hours: Thurs-Sat: 5pm-2:30am
Entry Fee: Free

Xico

Looking to liven up your nightlife experience? We’ll we have a treat for you! Xico offers a club experience unlike anything else Dublin has to offer! A ‘party cavern with nightly fiestas,’ Xico is bringing a bit of Mexican flavor to Dublin’s nightlife scene. With a selection of 50+ tequilas on the bar, patrons can expect nothing less than some of the best Mexican-inspired cocktails like their bulldog margarita, or their Mayahuel (a tequila based old fashioned.) Also, if you’re not into cocktails, no worries! They also have loads of craft beer on tap! To see what specials/events are on, check out their Facebook page here.

Special Nights:

• Wednesday: Banditos (Entry fee 10 euro)

Address: 143 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 
Hours: Mon-Sat: 5pm-Late
Entry Fee: Varies

The Bernard Shaw

The closure of the Bernard Shaw’s South side doors brought a tear to many loyal party-goers eyes, but never fear! They’re reopening their north side location on November 15th and the reopening will be met with much anticipation. Open 7 days a week, this bar/cafe/club has offered loyal patrons great fun, food, and festivities since they opened their doors in 2006. Everyday (and every night) is a different adventure at the Bernard Shaw, with pop-up markets, art exhibitions, local band debuts and much more! Musically, the Bernard Shaw has all the possible bases covered, with anything from jazz to grime, to roots reggae and more on display. This is a great go to spot when you’re not totally sure where to head on your next big night out. The Bernard Shaw’s 13 years of fantastic nights have definitely garnered it a spot in our top 12 clubs in Dublin. For updates on the reopening check out their Facebook page here. 

Address: Cross Guns Bridge, Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Hours: Mon-Sun: 12pm till close
Entry Fee: Unknown

The George

A staple night out for all in Dublin looking for a care-free crazy night, the George is a party paradise located on South Great George’s Street. With some of Dublin’s premier Drag Queens, patrons can expect some of the most beautiful and talented entertainers this city has to offer. Additionally, there’s a series of shows every night of the week, catering to all your night out needs. On any given night you one could participate in one of their drag game shows, pop in for a masterful lip sync performance, or simply ‘mon in for a boogie and dance the night away. There’s never a dull night at the George. To see what’s on, check out their Facebook page here. 

Special Nights:

• Monday: Win Lose Or Drag – weekly game show featuring drag queens/kings/laughs/prizes
• Tuesday: The Dolly Grip and her Grippettes
• Wednesday: Witchy Wednesdays With Lady Vera and her Coven
• Thursdays: Thirsty Thursdays
• Friday: Glitter Bomb
• Saturday: Saturgays
• Sunday: Bingo with $hirley Temple Bar

Address: 89 South Great George Street, Dublin 2
Hours: Mon-Fri: 2pm-2:30am; Sat: 12:30pm-2:30am; Sun:12:30pm-1am
Entry Fee: Mon-Thurs: Free; Fri: 8 euro after 10pm; Sat: 10 euro after 10pm; Sun: 5euro after 10pm (bank holidays it’s 10 euro after 10pm)

Whelan’s 

Last but not least on our top 12 clubs in Dublin is certainly a doozy. One of Ireland’s most famous and well loved venues since 1989, Whelans has established itself as a kingpin of late-night drinking and merriment in Dublin. Located on Wexford Street, Whelans has hosted a number of international acts including Ed Sheeran, Jeff Buckley, and Arctic Monkeys. Additionally, this late night hub offers some of the coolest indie club nights in town. Weather it’s Silent Disco Night orIndie Rock Club, Whelan’s has something for everybody. To see what events are on/who’s performing, check out their Facebook page here.

Special Nights:

• Wednesday: Silent Disco (Free, weekly)
• Friday: Indie/Rock Club (10ero entry)
• Saturday: Indie/Rock Club (10ero entry)
• Sunday: Sonntags

Address: 25 Wexford Street, Portobello, Dublin 2
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-2am; Friday-Sat: (5pm-1:30am)
Entry Fee: Varies

So get out there! Support local venues and have fun doing it! If your favourite club isn’t listed, leave it in the comments and tell us why you love it!