If you're looking to experience Dublin like a true local either with your friends or by yourself then you have come to the right place! Be ready to discover and explore the top unknown entertainment venues that Dublin has to offer! Aside from the obvious tourist locations like the famous Temple Bar and other popular pubs, Dublin has so much more to offer in terms of untapped entertainment venues that provide individuals with a quality immersive experience into Irish culture!
1. Whelan's
Whelan's may look like your standard Dublin pub from the outside, but it is far from it! For any music lover or explorer in search of a unique nightlife experience this is the place for you. Whelan's is a unique live music venue which hosts a myriad of indie bands with local Irish roots and even bands with international acclaim like Ed Sheeran, Artic Monkeys and more— So always keep an eye out for their show list.
Whelan's is broken down into a few main sections and offers various experiences on your average night out due to the venue's unique layout. On any given night you and friends can experience a more quiet evening in the pub or can go to the concert venue in the back and enjoy live music! Whelan's is a must for anyone looking to venture a little off the beaten path and experience real Dublin culture!
Check out their website here for more details on the venue.
2. Bad Bob's
Next on our list is the legendary Bad Bob's. Like Whelan's, Bad Bob's offers a distinct experience unlike any other, with a fairly lively restaurant experience during the day and live musicians and performances by night. Bad Bob's is a little bit off the beaten path, but is still located in the famous Temple Bar area of Dublin and is easy to get to! This bar and restaurant provides an exciting atmosphere unlike traditional Irish pubs and clubs of Dublin for tourists and locals alike! The main contributor to this exciting atmosphere being the 3 different levels within the venue itself! The first level is more of a traditional pub atmosphere equipped with a dance floor, the second being more of a club atmosphere and the third is an open rooftop bar. As one can see, Bad Bob's is perfect for a casual cocktail amongst friends or even a night out to meet new people if you care to venture into the different levels that the venue has to offer!
Check out their website here for more details on the venue.
3. The Palace Bar
If you are looking for a more traditional and quiet nightlife experience The Palace Bar is the place for you. Established in 1823 on Fleet Street in Dublin City, The Palace Bar has stuck to its traditional roots and is critically praised for its victorian atmosphere, elegant style and 'intellectual refreshments'. This pub has more of a mixed crowd of both young and old but is an exciting melting pot of different cultures with a traditional twist replicated by few pubs.
Nevertheless, The Palace Bar is the perfect venue for a romantic evening with a date, as well as is perfect if you're looking for a different type of atmosphere from the more rowdy pubs and clubs that Dublin also has to offer. Having said that, The Palace Bar is a must for any travelers looking to experience some real traditional Dublin culture.
Check out their website here for more details on the venue.
4. Sophie's Rooftop Bar & Terrace
Sophie's Rooftop Bar is a unique venue in itself. The bar is primarily run as a chic restaurant and cocktail bar but what sets this restaurant apart from any other venue is its amenities. Sophie's is joined with a local hotel called the Dean and offers a gorgeous 360 degree view of Dublin City, which only a handful of venues and buildings in Dublin can offer to their customers.
Besides just the beautiful view, the food and drinks are fairly inexpensive and are both of great quality! Making this the ideal venue for a romantic dinner and cocktails as you watch sun set on the terrace! Although this all sounds amazing, try to make a booking for a table in advance as Sophie's is very popular— especially in the summer time! Having said that, Sophie's clearly isn't the most unknown venue, but is a necessity for all tourists to experience if and when they come to Dublin!
Check out their website here for more details on the venue.