A popular European destination for travelers from all across the globe, Dublin is a city with the kind of charm that keeps people falling in love. It features several attractions that draw tourists from far places. It also offers a number of great places to stay, including private-room hostels and affordable Airbnbs. Poetry, art, history, and an active after-hours pub scene are just a few of the amazing qualities that add to the allure of this historic Irish capital. Read on to discover 10 of the best things to do in Dublin at night.
1. Self-guided night stroll (from 26 USD)
If you’re open to a quiet evening of reflection and meditation, a nighttime stroll through the streets of Dublin may be just the thing you need. Wander along the romantic bridges of the River Liffey, passing by the tranquil campus of Trinity College, and cap the night off with an ice cream or decadent dessert. Word to the wise: convenient hop-on, hop-off city tours make it easy to visit popular tourist attractions while saving you time and much-needed energy.
24-Hour Hop-on, Hop-off Tour
Price: from 26 USD
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Access: Departs from Dublin’s City Centre
Near by Food: Gino’s Gelato, 34B Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
Website:
2. Evening devotion
While it may not be the first idea that comes to mind, attending an evening devotion at one of Dublin’s many churches can be a uniquely enriching experience for many. The Saint Patrick’s Cathedral often accepts visitors as late as 7 or 8pm, with its choral evensong beginning at 5:30pm most nights. It is occasionally accompanied by the lovely musical notes of a reverent and harmonious orchestral chorus. The Christ Church Cathedral also prides itself on its musical scores and even has a choir of all female choristers. Both churches are open for worship and guided tours.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin
Address: St. Patrick’s Close, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
Access: 11 minute walk from Dublin Castle
Contact: +353 14539472; info@stpatrickscathedral.ie
Website: More Info
3. Kayaking tour (from 31 USD)
A splendid kayaking tour of the city’s canals is a spectacular use of a traveler’s curiosity and adventurous spirit. With departures lasting well into the late evening hours, the tour includes a safety jacket and instructional pre-departure briefing. Meanwhile, certified guides are more than happy to recount the histories of important landmarks in the area as you glide comfortably along the River Liffey.
2-Hour Liffey River Kayaking Adventure
Price: from 31 USD
Opening Hours: Hourly departures from 9am - 8pm.
Duration: around 2 hours
Website:
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
City centre Georgian one bedroom apartment
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Irish Stay - George Street Apt. 3
Dublin 2, County Dublin, Ireland
Unique Oval Georgian Studio Gr. Fl.
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Modern Apartment w/Free Parking in Central Dublin
Dublin 1, County Dublin, Ireland
Spacious apartment overlooking a fantastic park.
Dublin 2, County Dublin, Ireland
4. Haunted night tours (from 27 USD)
If you’re a sucker for all things eerie and unsettling then you won’t want to miss the city’s extensive selection of haunted ghost walks, cemetery resurrections, and night tours. Be sure to uncover the dark mystery of Dublin as knowledgeable guides take you back in time through a complex look at its sordid past. Notable destinations include the Bully’s Acre Cemetery, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Dublin Castle.
Dublin Gravedigger Ghost Tour
Price: from 27 USD
Duration: around 3 hours
Access: Departs from College Green
Website:
5. Irish Film Institute
Incredibly moving documentaries, international works, and independent movies help fuel the artistic underbelly of Ireland’s national film institute. Located in Dublin’s hip Temple Bar area, IFI aims to educate and engage its viewers by showcasing some of the finest cinematic talent of the past and present. In addition to guided discussions and other events, it also features an on-site cafe and gift shop.
Irish Film Institute
Address: 6 Eustace St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact: +353 16795744; info@irishfilm.ie
Website: Learn More
6. Theatre
The theatre holds a very special place in the heart of Dubliners as one of many places in the city where literature, poetry, and visual performance all come together in a spectacular display of artistic creativity. The Bord Gais Energy Theatre of Grand Canal is one of the city’s most popular performing arts theaters, exhibiting award-winning plays, shows, concerts, and musicals. Other notable performance venues include the nearby Abbey Theatre and National Concert Hall.
Bord Gais Energy Theatre
Address: Grand Canal Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact: +353 16777999
Website: Explore Shows
7. Visit a distillery
Ever notice how a lot of Ireland’s tourism and nightlife centers around the common theme of alcohol? There’s a reason for that. Head over to the nearest distillery to get a better understanding of the origins of its long-held drinking culture as well as an in-depth explanation of how to make such potent night elixirs such as Irish whiskey. Both the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Bow Street Distillery are located in the heart of the city.
Old Jameson Distillery
Address: Bow St., Smithfield Village, Dublin 7, Ireland
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm, Monday - Saturday; 10am - 7pm, Sunday
Contact: +353 18072355; bowst@amesonwhiskey.com
Website: Old Jameson Distillery
8. Local pub crawl
No trip to Dublin is complete without a tour of the city’s finest pubs. Start your journey on the rooftop bar of the Guinness Storehouse, where you are met with a breathtaking view of the Dublin City skyline wherever you turn. Next, the Temple Bar is the Irish pub excellence. Pop over for a sample of delicious craft beers and authentic selections of the local scotch and bourbons. As an added bonus, live Irish music is played daily around 8pm.
Temple Bar Pub
Access: 6 min walk to Trinity College
Contact: +353 16725286/7; thetemplebar18@gmail.com
Website: Temple Bar Pub
9. Get the VIP treatment
Widely known as the highest pub in all of Ireland, Johnnie Fox’s is a traditional Irish pub set on top of the Dublin Mountains. Although live music plays daily here, Fox’s infamous Hooley Night is the star of the show. A splendid 4-course meal precedes delicious evening performances of Irish folk ballads, a traditional dance show, and live bands. Plus, not only do independent shuttles offer nightly services, but children as young as 6 are also welcome to join in on the excitement!
Johnnie Fox's Pub
Address: Glencullen, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Opening Hours: 11am - 11:30pm, Monday - Thursday; 11am - 12:30am, Friday - Saturday; 12 - 11pm, Sunday
Access: Bus Route 44B; Private Shuttle Service
Contact: +353 12955647
Website: Reservations
From 0 to 100 in Dublin
Do you enjoy laid-back, moonlit explorations of the city or sophisticated encounters of the artsy, bohemian nature? How about a stiff drink followed by a late-night of wild, drunken debauchery? No matter what your preferred travel persona is, Dublin has a multitude of great nighttime things to do for your pleasure. Start filling your bucket list today!