Student Guide to Dublin Nightlife. Written by a student for students!
The student guide to navigating Dublin’s nightlife (for all students especially those new to Dublin)
Are you looking for a great night out or a quiet drink with friends? Dublin has it all.
From the hustle and bustle of Harcourt Street, where you can party it up until 4am to the calmer and sophisticated Baggot Street where you can enjoy a fine pint of plain with the locals.
Dublin can offer every type of student an enjoyable night out!
Getting around Dublin city is effortless! Due to its size you can easily walk from one spot to another, hop on the ‘Luas’ (that’s Irish for speed, but it’s the city tram), grab a taxi or use the bus. Giving you easy access to all the great pubs, clubs, and bars in the city.
Check out my other blog on ‘Getting Around Dublin City’, for more information on specific public transport in Dublin!
In UCD most students would have pre-drinks or ‘prinks’ also known as pre-game in the US, in an apartment on campus or nearby. Buses from UCD campus tend to stop at 11pm, so if you plan on heading into the city after this time then a taxi is typically the norm with a few friends. Public transport is non-existent in the early hours of the morning, so a taxi is the only option home.
Dublin bars and clubs offer a wide variety of music including mainstream pop, hip hop, techno, dance and live music. You might want to Ceili Dance in a traditional Irish pub or rave it up in a club – the options are there.
Dublin is home to a young demographic, and has plenty of students residing in the city, which means one thing – cheap drinks and busy nights! If you know the right locations, good value can be found.
Monday to Thursday are the best student nights out in Dublin!
Best Clubs in Dublin
If you wish to visit the best clubs in Dublin an app called VIPSY is essential to grab a bargain or for a low-cost night out.
VIPSY can get you into the best Student nights in Dublin, usually for free. Furthermore, allowing you to discover what clubs are hosting student events and student parties.
Another similar app to VIPSY is Guestlist Guide. Although not as popular, it is definitely worth downloading. This is another app that will get you free entry into some of Dublin’s most popular nightclubs and events around the city.
Monday
Dicey’s Garden
Dicey’s Garden is one of Dublin’s busiest clubs and probably the most popular spot for UCD students. It is great value and you won’t find a cheaper place to buy a drink in Dublin. Pints and bottles of beer or cider can range from €1.50 – €2.50. The clientele is usually international. There is also a BBQ area which is a must when you are peckish for some of the best BBQ food in Dublin. The price of drinks usually offsets the cover charge/entry. There is usually a queue for Diceys so best get there early (before 10pm) to avoid disappointment.
Tuesday
Copper Face Jacks
Referred to as Coppers, this is Ireland’s most famous night time venue.
The music is extremely cheesy and this nightclub is usually the last to close its doors in the city. For students drinks here are expensive, apart from the special offers ran on some nights so do ask at the bar. Everyone will ask if you’ve ventured here, so it’s a must for anyone studying in Dublin or further afield!
Wednesday
Xico
A Mexican- themed restaurant during the day that turns into an amazing club at night, this was once the hangout for Justin Bieber and continues to be a popular celeb hangout. If dancing on tables to Despacito is your thing or sipping on delicious frozen margaritas this is the spot for you.
Thursday
Dtwo
This place can often attract a teenage crowd but offers a great mix of dance floors and is much admired by Irish college students as the best night of the week ‘Dtwo Thursdays!’.
Saturday or Sunday
The Globe
A very popular pub at the weekend. This establishment has a great atmosphere and vibe and there is also a nightclub underneath. This spot is tipped to be the student favourite of 2020, so best check it out!
Any night
The Clubhouse
If you are on UCD campus and are too tired to dress up or put some make-up on, the Clubhouse bar is ideal, and no dress code exists. The clubhouse is usually busy during the week, commonly a place for people to meet up after society events or sports. This is a handy and convenient spot right on campus so ideal for those last-minute plans.
However, I wouldn’t plan to party the night away here as it closes quite early and it isn’t the most lively bar in Dublin! Generally, people don’t go here for a night out, but might go for a small bite to eat and a pint or two.
Flannery’s
Flannery’s is free in and sits somewhere between a pub and club. Many student nights begin here and eventually lead to Coppers. Flannery’s tend to attract an older student crowd who have become bored of the typical club scene. It has a very large smoking area and plenty of space to sit indoors.
Doyles
A top student bar located right next to Trinity College Dublin. Particularly known for its friendly atmosphere.
Whelans
A pub and live music venue. This iconic establishment in Dublin city has hosted the likes of Hozier.