There’s more to a night out in Dublin than grabbing a pint in the Pav or knocking back shots in Coppers. Beneath the surface of this vibrant city lies a collection of hidden speakeasies, uniquely themed bars, and historically rich pubs, perfect for students who want an experience that goes beyond the usual pint.
Vintage Cocktail Club:
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Temple Bar, the Vintage Cocktail Club invites guests to step back into the glamour and decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Since opening in 2012, the softly illuminated rooms exude vintage charm, filled with art deco furnishings, velvet upholstery, and the romantic ambiance of flickering candle lights.
The menu pays homage to history, serving meticulously crafted classics such as the Martinez, Manhattan, French 75, and Sidecar, each recreated authentically using recipes that date back nearly a century. With vintage touches, including absinthe fountains and authentic recipe recreations, it provides not just drinks but an immersive historical experience, transporting you directly to the Golden Age of cocktails.
The Blind Pig:
Tucked away discreetly behind an unassuming entrance on Suffolk Street since its founding in 2011, The Blink Pig has earned its reputation as Ireland’s longest-running speakeasy. Its hidden doorway secured by a reservation-only policy transports guests directly into the clandestine glamour of the Prohibition era. Once inside, guests are enveloped by softly lit booths, vintage decor, and the warm tones of live jazz drifting through the air each night.
A throwback to the 1920s speakeasy culture, The Blind Pig specialises in classic prohibition cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Negronis. Its exclusivity and attention to historical detail create a uniquely captivating experience, perfect for students who crave both intrigue and authenticity. With each visit, guests feel part of a secret tradition, joining generations in savouring the exclusivity and historical mystique in Ireland’s longest-running speakeasy.
Fidelity:
Nestled off Capel Street, Fidelity is Dublin’s quintessential audiophile haven, a bar dedicated not only to expertly mixed cocktails but to an unparalleled appreciation of sound. Since its doors first opened in 2019, Fidelity has become an intimate retreat for students seeking an authentic experience beyond the usual bustle.
Every evening, the bar spins carefully selected vinyl, enhancing the sensory experience with its state-of-the-art surround sound system. The drinks menu perfectly complements this, featuring not only craft cocktails but also local brews from Whiplash, a Dublin founded beer company. Fidelity is the ideal spot for a classy yet laid back evening, offering both musical immersion and a true appreciation for Dublin’s flourishing craft beer culture.
The Long Hall:
Stepping into The Long Hall feels like travelling back in time to the golden age of Dublin’s pub culture. Established in 1766, this Victorian-era gem on South Great George’s Street is one of the city’s oldest and most visually striking pubs. Ornate chandeliers, deep mahogany woodwork, and mirrored walls create an atmosphere of timeless elegance, while the long wooden bar – after which it takes its name – has been a fixture for over two centuries.
Despite its historic grandeur, The Long Hall remains a favourite for students, locals, and even rockstars like Bruce Springsteen, who famously stopped in for a pint. Known for pouring one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin, it maintains a dedication to tradition, with bartenders serving up classic Irish whiskeys, stouts, and simple yet well-poured drinks. With its warm lighting, vintage decor, and lively yet intimate atmosphere, The Long Hall stands as a testament to Dublin’s enduring pub culture, where history, conversation, and a perfectly settled pint come together in one unforgettable space.
Doyle’s Pub:
Doyle’s Pub, a staple for generations of Trinity students, is more than just another well-known watering hole. Established in 1880, it was previously known as Dunphy’s Corner, with the name immortalised in Ulysses and the ballad William Bailey. In the mid 1890s, John Doyle took over and renamed it Doyle’s Pub.
The pub witnessed fierce fighting during the 1916 Easter Rising, as British forces fortified Trinity College, yet survived unscathed, continuing to serve Dubliners through the War of Independence and Civil War. For over a century, it has been a cornerstone of student life, offering a warm, traditional setting steeped in history. Still run by the Doyle family, Doyle’s remains a testament to Dublin’s resilience, where literature, rebellion, and student culture converge over a well-poured pint.
Chaplin’s Bar:
Located on Hawkins Street, Chaplin’s Bar is a family-run traditional Irish pub known for its cozy atmosphere and cinematic charm. Named after Charlie Chaplin, the pub pays tribute to its namesake with vintage movie posters. While there is no confirmed record of Chaplin visiting the bar, he did perform at the Theater Royal Hippodrome on the same street, cementing his connection to the area.
With warm wooden interiors and an almost ecclesiastical feel, Chaplins is perfect for a well-poured pint, a pizza, or a quiet chat. Its multiple sections cater to casual gatherings, GAA matches, and private events, while the upstairs hosts Chaplin’s Comedy Club with lively stand-up acts. A true local favourite, Chaplin’s blends tradition, storytelling, and community, offering a relaxed space in the heart of Dublin.
The Workman’s Club:
Located on Wellington Quay, The Workman’s Club has been a cornerstone of Dublin’s cultural scene since opening its doors in 2010, but the building itself carries a much longer history. Originally a gentlemen’s club, it was home to the Workingmen’s Club from 1888 to 2003, serving as a space for social gatherings and community activities. After standing vacant for several years, it was transformed into one of Dublin’s most beloved independent music venues, hosting a mix of live gigs, comedy nights, and literary events. The club has welcomed both local and international artists including acts like Future Islands, Anna Calvi, and Father John Misty, cementing its reputation as a cultural hub.
In 2021, it was expanded with The Workman’s Cellar, a new performance space equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system. Blending its historical past with a thriving alternative nightlife scene, The Workman’s Club remains a go-to spot for students, musicians, and creatives looking for an intimate and diverse night out.
Dublin’s nightlife is far more than just pints and packed clubs, it’s a city brimming with hidden speakeasies, historic pubs, and uniquely themed bars that offer something for every student looking for a break from the usual routine. Whether it’s sipping a meticulously crafted cocktail in a Prohibition-style hideaway, stepping into a centuries-old pub steeped in history, or embracing the alternative music scene, the city offers a diverse range of experiences waiting to be discovered. Each venue tells its own story, making a night out in Dublin as much about the atmosphere and history as the drinks themselves. So, for those willing to venture beyond the familiar, Dublin’s rich and varied bar scene promises more than just a night out – it delivers an unforgettable experience.
