Are you feeling sick and tired, both literally and figuratively, as you reluctantly venture into Hillary term? Are you fed up with your group chats blowing up the second you’ve spent the last morsel of your Christmas pay check? Most of all, are you exhausted hearing the words Coppers, Diceys and DTwo? Well, this pub crawl guide might be for you!
The peer pressure and coercion to traipse around at the clubs in sub-zero temperatures resumes as students fight the internal conflict between being sick with the flu or being sick with fear of missing out. As the Hillary term commences, ticketed club events and Pav Fridays are shoved down students’ throats, convincing us to throw on that same black going-out top we’ve had since the age of sixteen, or worse, buying an entirely new outfit for an entirely mediocre, freezing and expensive night. You’re not boring for craving the comfort of a bustling pub or bar over a suffocating nightclub – your frontal lobe might just be developing!
Dublin’s student nightlife is not limited to the clubs we hear so much about. The city has a plethora of bars and pubs to offer which can make an exceptional night out with your friends, whilst remaining somewhat financially stable and without the need to dress up, especially when you just don’t feel like it. From reflecting on my own nights out and listening to the opinions of my close friends, I have compiled a list of five clubbing-alternative spots for this Re-Freshers week which are immensely popular amongst students.
Chaplin’s
We all know it. Located on the doorstep of Trinity, Chaplin’s is a go-to spot for our students, and for good reason. It is a quaint pub on the corner of Hawkins Street, making it the perfect place for a post-lecture pint. Strolling over to Chaplin’s is always a treat, knowing the energy will always be lively inside. Whether you manage to secure yourself a cosy snug seat, or find yourself standing chatting to your mates beside the bar, Chaplin’s does not fail to deliver an easy, comforting setting for casual (or not so casual) drinks with your pals.
Disndat
An iconic spot for the broke but spirited college student. Offering both cheap drinks and vibes, Disndat is an obligatory spot for Re-Freshers week. It is impossible to walk past Disndat without stopping by for a drink or two or three. Every night Dame Lane is enveloped by the live music flooding out of the pub, inviting people of all ages to enjoy the fun. Disndat appeals to everyone, but it especially catches the keen eyes of students for its generous six euro pint deal every Sunday to Thursday. In this economy, don’t let Disndat slip your list of Re-Freshers destinations this term.
Mary’s
The perfect spot for the students who long for the warm but lively atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub as well as the convenience of food to line their stomachs. Mary’s on Wicklow St has become a mandatory spot amongst my peers. Offering good music, good energy, good people and good food, with a WowBurger conveniently located just downstairs, Mary’s is an exceptional spot. Whether you’re looking for chill beers over garlic fries, a bit of fun giggling over their pub quiz hosted every Monday, or looking for some fuel before heading on a heavier night out, Mary’s is undoubtedly a memorable pub for Trinity students.
O’Regan’s
O’Regan’s does not fail to deliver a good night out, without the hassle of buying tickets or dealing with massive queues. It’s roomy, with three floors and a basement that gives you the feeling of clubbing with the option of an immediate escape. Drinks are relatively affordable (as affordable as drinks in Dublin go, these days) and you are guaranteed to bump into at least one person from college on any night of the week (both a blessing and a curse). If you end up in O’Regan’s, you know you will have a good time. The music and lighting is vibey, and you can choose to dance the night away with your friends inside, sit and enjoy a cocktail or linger mysteriously outside when it’s too jammed. The bar is also conveniently located on George’s Street, making it easily accessible by public transport, especially 24-hour services like the 15 bus.
Kodiak
Heading a little outside of the City Centre now, Kodiak in Rathmines has crawled up my list of favourite bars in Dublin this college year. Only a brisk 15-minute walk from Trinity Halls, Kodiak is a spacious, snazzy but inexpensive bar that makes the perfect spot for casual drinks, especially for a birthday or special occasion. Their cocktail menu is to die for, and they also offer delicious and affordable pizzas, making it an amazing place for a casual dinner date. It has a large, heated outside area with loads of seating for friends who want to catch up without yelling over the crowds inside. Kodiak is a different but worthwhile bar to visit this Re-Freshers week, especially for students who are trying to avoid the sometimes overwhelming hustle and bustle of town at night.
