7 Things to do in Dublin at Night
Don’t think your day in Dublin is finished once you’ve done your sightseeing. The city comes alive in a different way after hours. Whether you’re after a bustling pub, restaurants or something a little different to finish off your night, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite after-hours activities to take you through the night in Dublin.
1. The Irish House Party
While you are sure to see plenty of parties happening in residential areas, The Irish House party is a specially curated night that was created by local musicians and dancers who wanted visitors to experience an authentic traditional Irish party.
You won’t find any clichés here, just extremely talented dancers and musicians, all served up alongside a delicious three-course dinner.
Taking place in a beautiful 18th-century townhouse in the city centre, you’ll be sure to be on your feet in no time, dancing the night away.
2. Dublin Ghost Tours
It won’t come as a surprise that this historical city, which is also the home of Bram Stoker (author of Dracula), has a lot of ghosts walking its streets and plenty of night tours on offer to find them.
One of the most well-known tours is the Dublin Ghost Bus. Departing from O’Connell Street every night, the tour guides are all professional actors who will have you captivated for the entire trip with their perfect balance of comedic and horror.
The tours are open to everyone over the age of 14 but please note that the buses are not wheelchair accessible.
3. Outdoor Cinema
Dublin in the sun is a site to behold and if you’re not quite ready to turn in for the night, why not head on over to Merrion Square for the Happenings pop-up cinema.
These are regular events throughout the summer months where families, friends and couples gather in the beautiful surroundings of the Georgian garden square to watch either a classic or recent blockbuster.
You can bring your own picnic blanket and supplies or take advantage of the vendors on the night for a delicious mix of food and drink to suit everybody.
4. Theatre
Dublin is the home of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett so it’s no surprise that theater is a huge part of life in the city.
No matter when you are in town, be sure to check the schedules of Dublin’s theatres.
The Abbey Theatre is probably one of the most well-known theatres in Ireland and is also the national theatre of the country. It was opened in 1904 by the literary great W.B. Yeats. Here, you will find a schedule jam-packed with homegrown talents.
Visit their website for more information.
5. Hooley Night
Johnnie Fox’s pub is probably one of the best-known traditional pubs and restaurants in Ireland and it is loved by visitors and locals alike. It offers traditional music every night but if you are in town for one of its infamous Hooley Night events, you won’t want to miss it as it is unique.
The Hooley Night consists of a delicious 4-course meal, followed by some Irish folk ballads, Irish dancing and more live music. You can grab a shuttle in town every night and it’s open to children as young as six, so it’s an exciting night that the whole family can enjoy together.
6. The National Concert Hall
For music fans, The National Concert Hall is a must-see when you are in Dublin. The building itself has a fascinating history dating back to 1865 and it is now regarded as a national cultural institution, and the home of music in Ireland.
With everything from world-class music to arts and cultural events and entertainment, the venue packs in over 1,000 events a year with something to suit the whole family.
If you don’t have time to get in for a show, you can still stop by for a tour of the beautiful building and some lunch or afternoon tea.
7. The National Gallery of Ireland
This museum is unique because no matter when you visit, you will always get to see the permanent exhibits for free. It can get busy during the daytime as a result but there is a secret way to get to see everything after-hours – visit on Thursday evenings.
On Thursdays, the museum keeps its doors open until 8:30pm so you can peruse the large collection of Irish and international art with ease. Oftentimes, there will also be a local musician or DJ playing on the late nights, with some other form of entertainment on offer, like a doodle artist or even a pop-up nail salon.