10 Things to Do After Dark in Dublin… That Don’t Involve Alcohol

Dublin is synonymous with many things. Nightlife is one of them – ask anybody what’s one of the best things to do after dark and they’ll mention a night in a local pub. Rubbing elbows with revellers isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. For those not wishing to spend a night in a crowded bar there are still lots of options. Here are 10 of them.

• 1 - Irish Music and Céilí in O’Shea’s

  There’s no better way for groups to experience some real Irish Culture than to listen to live Irish music being played in a traditional Irish pub while learning the ‘Jigs and Reels’ of Irish step dancing. In O’Shea’s on Talbot St in the heart of Dublin’s north side your group can soak up all the atmosphere and most importantly, get involved!

• 2 - A Stroll Along the River Liffey and an Ice Cream

  

  Like most cities around the world, Dublin looks even prettier at night than it does during the day. O’Connell Bridge, The Customs House, the Ulster Bank Buildings, the Four Courts and the Ha’penny Bridge all make for beautiful photos after dark. Along the way we personally recommend an ice-cream in Sweet Republic on Bachelor’s Walk. They are a-may-zing!

   

• 3 - Go to the Cinema

  While you can watch movies in most of our hostels, sometimes there might be a movie showing in the cinema that your group are just dying to see. In this case, it’s good to take note of the cinemas to go to Dublin. If you’re thinking mainstream you’ve got the Savoy Cinema on O’Connell Street or Cineworld on Parnell St, while if there’s something suitable that’s more arthouse you’re likely to find it in the IFI in Temple Bar or the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield.

   

• 4 - A pizza night in the hostel

  If you fancy a movie but don’t want to have to go to the cinema, we can bring the cinema to you… and then some! Just let us know what night you want pizzas and we’ll organise the booking for you. We can then finish it off with a movie and popcorn making it the ultimate night in!

   

• 5 - Go See a GAA Game

  Thanks to our friends at Experience Gaelic Games you can see what it’s like to enjoy an Irish football game (‘Gaelic’) at night – perfect for sports groups. You might even be able to get involved and see just exactly how tough the game is!

   

• 6 - Greyhound Racing

  If you’re looking to see a different type of sporting event after dark then greyhound racing is one to consider. Extremely popular in Dublin, it’s cost effective too (once there’s no gambling involved of course!) Race meetings take place in Shelbourne Park and the current schedule is racing every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday night | Open Tues at 6.30pm, First Race 7.45pm | Open Thurs & Fri at 6.30pm, First Race 8.00pm | Open Sat 6pm, First Race 7.40pm

   

• 7 - Enjoy the Busking

  

  As you wander the streets of Dublin during the day you’ll encounter lots of buskers, particularly around Grafton Street and Temple Bar. Things don’t change at night, particularly in Temple Bar. The city’s tourist quarter is constantly buzzing and worth a wander no matter what time of day it is.

   

• 8 - Catch a Play in the Theatre

  Dublin might not be able to compete with the likes of Broadway or the West End, but the arts scene is thriving in the Irish capital. Theatres like The Abbey, The Gate and The Gaeity regularly have some of Ireland’s best actors playing roles in some of the world’s best-loved plays.

   

• 9 - Have Fun and Keep Fit at the Rink at D12 ( formely’Spin Roller Disco’)

  Mention the word ‘dancing’ to most people and they think of something fun. Mention ‘roller skates’ to most people and they think the same. Combine the two and you’ve an evening of letting your hair down to the latest hits while keeping fit at the same time!

   

• 10 - Go Bowling or Enjoy ‘Quasar’ at a LeisurePlex

  Another sport that’s perfect for groups is bowling. ‘Leisureplex’ have branches all over the city. If you don’t fancy another night in, they offer the perfect alternative. All offer a game too called ‘Quasar’ – an all action laser game also great for groups!