Dublin’s celebrated reputation as a vibrant city with lively nightlife makes it the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip. The city is home to dozens of bars, each with a distinct atmosphere, perfect for date nights, cocktails, or live music.
After you’ve booked a cosy aparthotel in Dublin for your stay, it’s time to think about where you’ll explore the city. Below, we’ve compiled the best-hidden bars the city has to offer.
Peruke & Periwig
The Peruke & Periwig at 31 Dawson Street is a favourite for its Victorian styling. Evenings in the bar’s plush velvet seating and candlelit corners offer an intimate, stylish atmosphere over three floors.
After choosing an antique-furnished spot, you can sample one of the most creative cocktail menus in Dublin. Try the Wiggle & Whiskers blend of pear and citrus notes or the Midnight Mane for a caffeine boost with hints of sesame and coconut while you wonder who the figures in the ornate portraits are.
The Blind Pig
The Blind Pig is an authentic speakeasy, with its location disclosed only to those who have made a booking. After entering behind an unmarked door, you’ll enjoy cocktails in a 1920s Prohibition-style setting.
While sipping on a Grand Alexander or Shin Kicker, you can sample the New York Italian-style menu with maccheroncini, tortelloni, and tiramisu. You’ll find the menus hidden in the pages of old books on the tables and be able to enjoy live soul, blues, and jazz music played by professional musicians, whatever night you visit.
Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop
At 8 Wiclow Street, you’ll find a bar disguised as an old-school hardware shop. It’s got a more relaxed atmosphere, with a quirky and casual setting, making it a great place to unwind over a pint and a ham and cheese toastie.
The Hardware Shop’s central location just off Grafton Street makes it the perfect stop to drop in after checking into your aparthotel. You can enjoy live sports on the TV or live music on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights.
Vintage Cocktail Club (VCC)
The Vintage Cocktail Club at 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, is tucked away behind a black door with just “VCC” written on it. Inside, you’ll be greeted by three floors of shabby-chic rooms, with eccentric retro cigarette ads and a small fire to keep you warm.
VCC offers a vast selection of cocktails to try, featuring nearly 80 options categorised into distinct eras. Don’t miss out on the selection from the early to mid-1880s, featuring unique sours, including Ceylon in the City, an intriguing blend of egg white, citrus, bird’s-eye chilli-infused mango liqueur, and Ceylon Arrack. Crown Alley is renowned for its selection of bars and live music, with Bad Ass another favourite for its Friday night Comedy Café.