Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but let me share a little pro tip: try clubbing in a new country! If you want to get to know a place, ditch the tourist traps for a night and hit the clubs.
There’s no better way to meet locals and experience the real vibe of a city than by throwing some shapes on the dance floor. And trust me, Ireland’s club scene is not one to miss.
I’ve done the hard work for you, exploring everything from traditional pubs with live music to thumping nightclubs with international DJs. Keep reading to discover my top picks for the best spots in Ireland – you won’t regret it!
1. 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 has been the longest-running LGBTQ+ club in Ireland since 1985. When I entered it for the first time, colorful lights greeted me. This is an awesome visual reminder of how it’s all about the pride movement.
There’s a huge dance floor with DJs spinning tracks. But my favorite night was during their Saturgay Karaoke. I was so amazed by the lipsynching and performances of their talents. Some of them were even featured on RuPaul’d Drag Race!
I saw art, memorabilia, and colorful lights everywhere. I looked at The George. Its stories of love, celebration, and acceptance are captivating. I highly recommend it for those who want to let loose, be themselves, and hit the dance floor!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on their signature cocktail, The George Special—a delicious blend that captures the essence of Dublin nightlife.
2. The Temple Bar Pub
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Website: https://thetemplebarpub.com/
Address: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725, Ireland
Contact details: +35316725286
Operating hours: 12:30 PM–2:30 AM
The Temple Bar Pub is an iconic spot in Dublin. It has some serious titles, like having Ireland’s largest collection of whiskies. We’re talking about a collection of over 450 different whiskies! Now, who can top that?
This is where I first tried a whiskey flight, and I could not forget the rich, smoky Islay. But that’s not all. The Temple Bar also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon guitar-playing set.
The pub has plush armchairs and a lively bar. Everywhere you look, you’ll see wooden furnishing and colorful murals telling the bar’s history, including Ireland. I also tried enjoying a whiskey at their beer garden, which is perfect for getting some fresh air.
Pro tip:
Make sure to order their signature drink, the Temple Bar Whiskey Sour. It’s a twist on the classic cocktail and a must-try for anyone visiting this legendary pub!
3. TIME Cookstown
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Website: http://www.timebarandvenue.com/
Address: 40-42 James St, Cookstown BT80 8LT, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442886766676
Operating hours: 12 PM–12 AM
If you’re ever in Cookstown, detour to James St. and head to TIME Bar. It’s become a second home to locals here and even to me. I’ve danced countless times on their dance floor to infectious beats and even old-school favorites.
I also love their drinks because they feature creative cocktails. My favorite is their signature mojito, which I always pair with the loaded nachos to keep me fueled after all the dancing.
If you want a more intimate set-up, TIME also has cozy booths. I love grabbing a booth and spending time there with friends to catch up or celebrate moments.
Pro tip:
A must-try drink at TIME is the signature TIME Tonic. This refreshing twist on the classic gin and tonic combines unique botanicals and flavors exclusive to this venue. It’s the perfect drink to kick off your night!
4. Lavery’s
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Website: https://www.meandu.app/laverys/visualmenu
Address: 12-18 Bradbury Pl, Belfast BT7 1RS, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890871106
Operating hours: 1 PM–12 AM
If you’re visiting Belfast, dedicate one night to the Lavery’s. It’s not just a spot in your pub crawl. It’s a piece of the city’s history as it is the oldest family-owned pub in town. It’s wild to think about how much has happened within those walls since 1918!
Apart from all the drinking and dancing, I love that Lavery has 22 competition-grade pool tables. My friends and I have spent countless nights here competing with each other.
We chill in one of their karaoke rooms on nights after a pool game. It’s become a ritual for us to cool down and continue having fun, this time by belting out our favorite tunes.
Pro tip:
Try their signature drink: the Lavery’s Gin & Tonic. It’s crafted with local artisan gin and garnished with fresh herbs, making it a refreshing choice that perfectly complements the pub’s lively atmosphere!
5. Coyotes Late Bar & Club
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Website: http://www.coyotes.ie/
Address: 34 Shop St, Galway, H91 WY2H, Ireland
Contact details: +35391895785
Operating hours: 8 PM–1 AM
Coyotes Late Bar & Club is best for those having a hen or stag party! It’s an American-themed bar with four floors, making it a mini-playground for adults. For starters, they have a sports bar for the latest games.
Then, they have two dance floors, one of which even has a mechanical bull. I admit I tried riding that, and it was impressive but chaotic. But everyone should take on the challenge!
They also have themed nights, like Karaoke Wednesdays, which are best for frustrated singer friends. If you want to celebrate a drink off, go during their BOGOFF Tuesdays, when you get two drinks for the price of one.
Pro tip:
When you visit Coyotes, don’t miss out on their Chocolate Martini. It’s an experience that encapsulates this amazing club’s fun and festive vibe!
6. The Foundry
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Website: http://thefoundrybelfast.com/
Address: 68-72 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1GW, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442890942010
Operating hours: 9 AM–1 PM, 2–5 PM
The Foundry has been crowned as Ireland’s Number One Nightclub in 2019 and 2023. And they deserve it. They have music rooms, dance floors, lively bars, and the best drink concoctions.
I remember hitting their Bamboo Bar with my friends. This area has a chill, a laid-back fee, and even a patio. We love spending some time here before the game before diving into the energetic clubbing scene in other areas.
The Foundry’s decor is a perfect mix of modern and lively. It has bright colors, funky wall art, and chic furniture that screams fun. Even the lights dance to the beat of the music, so you can always feel the club’s energy.
Pro tip:
The Foundry’s signature drink is the Foundry Fizz. This refreshing cocktail perfectly complements the club’s lively spirit. You won’t want to miss it!
7. Sean’s Bar
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Website: http://www.seansbar.ie/
Address: 13 Main St, Athlone And Bigmeadow, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 DW76, Ireland
Contact details: +353906492358
Operating hours: 10:30 AM–12:30 AM
Sean’s Bar, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, has welcomed thirsty patrons since 900 CE. That’s over a thousand years of history in every pint! I remember entering the bar and looking at the walls filled with artifacts and photos of the bar’s history.
According to legend, Luain Mac Luighdeach, the original innkeeper, first welcomed travelers who crossed the River Shannon at this pub. I love sitting there with a pint of Guinness and listening to live music from local musicians.
You should try their additional Irish dishes. Who would love to pair a good meal with a good drink? I always pair my go-to meal at their Irish site with a local whiskey. Chef’s kiss, indeed!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on trying their signature Irish whiskey cocktail—a unique blend that captures the essence of Ireland in every sip. This experience will connect you to this pub’s rich heritage!
8. Pulse Nightclub
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Address: 55-61 Port Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Contact details: +353749122689
Operating hours: 12–3 AM
Letterkenny might be a charming little town, but it has a hidden gem: Pulse Nightclub. It opens mid-week, which will help you kick off the weekend. Who says partying is only saved for the weekend anyway?
The dance floor is the heart of the Pulse. It’s like a magnet for fun. I remember the DJ dropping an old-school hip-hop track, and it instantly had my friends and me breaking our nostalgic dance moves.
When we need a break from all the dancing, Pulse has comfy seating throughout the venue. This is one of my favorite features because I can stop mid-party to share stories, catch up, or meet someone new.
Pro tip:
Be sure to try their signature cocktail, the Pulse Punch—a fruity blend perfect for kicking off your night!
9. 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: 10 PM–3:30 AM
Copper Face Jacks, or as the locals call it, “Coppers,” opened its doors in 1996. It’s been a staple for anyone who wants to embrace the wild side of Dublin. It’s inspired by John Scott, the 1st Earl of Clonmell, known for his “enthusiastic” drinking habits.
The sheer size of Coppers still amazes me. It has three floors and six bars ready to serve your liver’s desires. I remember dancing along to classic 90s bangers on these dance floors with my friends all night.
There are also two beer gardens and a VIP area for a more relaxed drinking session. We love staying in these beer gardens after a long night of dancing, as they provide a place to have late-night conversations.
Pro tip:
Try their signature drink, the Copper Face Jacks cocktail. This refreshing blend perfectly captures the vibrant energy of this iconic venue!
10. Izakaya Basement
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Address: 13 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, D02 RD36, Ireland
Contact details: +353899619823
Operating hours: 11 PM–2:30 AM
Izakaya Basement is my recent discovery, and it has been added to a special spot on my social calendar. Over the years, it’s built a reputation for having the best DJs who drop the most awesome beats.
This place delivers on audio with its Funktion One setup. The music is so crisp and clear that the bass rolls in your body, making you dance like nobody’s watching!
My favorite part, though, is the bar. It has an impressive selection of cocktails and beers. I tried their “Yuzu Bliss,” which transported me to cocktail heaven with its sweetness and citrus notes.
Pro tip:
Try their signature “Yuzu Sour” cocktail—a refreshing twist on the classic sour that perfectly captures the essence of Izakaya’s unique blend of flavors!