Your Guide To The Best Cocktail Bars in Dublin
Looking for the best cocktail bars in Dublin? From hidden speakeasies and rooftop bars to stylish city centre venues, Dublin has become one of the top destinations in Ireland for cocktail bars and drinks experiences.
Whether you’re planning a night out, a birthday celebration, or a group booking, this guide highlights some of the best cocktail bars in Dublin, each offering a unique atmosphere, signature drinks, and standout experiences.
At Find a Venue, we help people secure the right space for every type of event, and many of these cocktail bars are also ideal for private parties, corporate events, and group nights out.
Cocktail Bars for Every Type of Occasion
Not all cocktail bars suit the same type of night. Here are some of the best cocktail bars in Dublin based on what you’re planning:
- Best cocktail bars in Dublin for groups
Opium, Lemon and Duke, The Shelbourne - Best cocktail bars in Dublin for dates
Vintage Cocktail Club, 9 Below, The Blind Pig - Best cocktail bars in Dublin city centre
Zozimus, Nolita, Farrier & Draper - Best cocktail bars in Dublin for luxury experiences
Sidecar at The Westbury, Café en Seine
What to Look for in the Best Cocktail Bars in Dublin
Choosing the right cocktail bar in Dublin depends on the type of experience you’re after. Here are a few things to consider:
- Atmosphere and setting
- Group size and booking options
- Cocktail menu and signature drinks
- Location and accessibility
- Availability for private hire or events
If you’re planning a group night out or private event, these factors can make a big difference.
The Blind Pig
18 Suffolk St, Dublin 2
A hidden speakeasy in the heart of Dublin, known for its 1920s atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. Tucked away discreetly, it delivers a more intimate experience than many of the city’s larger bars.
- Best for: Dates, small groups
- Vibe: Intimate, vintage, low-lit
- Standout: Discreet entrance and classic cocktail menu
A strong choice for a more relaxed and atmospheric night out in Dublin city centre.
Farrier & Draper
Unit 1, 24, 24a, Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, 59 William St S, Dublin 2
Located in the heart of the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Farrier & Draper is known for its stylish interiors and creative cocktail menu. It’s a popular spot that blends classic elegance with a lively city centre atmosphere.
- Best for: Groups, celebrations
- Vibe: Stylish, social, vibrant
- Standout: Themed cocktail menus and central location
A reliable option for group nights out in Dublin, especially if you want a mix of atmosphere and quality drinks.
Bar 777
Castle House, 7 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Located on South Great George’s Street, 777 is a lively Mexican cocktail bar known for its bold flavours and high-energy atmosphere. It’s a go-to spot for tequila-based drinks and casual nights out with a social buzz.
- Best for: Groups, casual drinks
- Vibe: Lively, colourful, energetic
- Standout: Margarita Monday and extensive tequila selection
A great option if you’re looking for a fun, informal cocktail bar in Dublin with plenty of atmosphere.
Nolita
64 South Great George’s Street, Dublin
Located on South Great George’s Street, Nolita blends a New York-inspired cocktail bar with a stylish Italian dining experience. It’s well known for its lively atmosphere and hands-on mixology classes, making it a strong choice for social nights out.
- Best for: Groups, celebrations
- Vibe: Lively, stylish, interactive
- Standout: Cocktail masterclasses and central location
A great option for group bookings in Dublin, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more interactive.
Vintage Cocktail Club
15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Temple Bar, Vintage Cocktail Club is one of Dublin’s most well-known speakeasy-style bars. It’s renowned for its attention to detail, from its refined interiors to its carefully crafted cocktail menu.
- Best for: Dates, small groups
- Vibe: Intimate, elegant, low-lit
- Standout: Speakeasy entrance and premium cocktail experience
A strong choice if you’re looking for a more refined cocktail bar in Dublin with a quieter, more exclusive feel.
9 Below
9 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Located just off St Stephen’s Green, 9 Below is an intimate underground cocktail bar with a refined speakeasy feel. Its smaller layout and carefully designed interiors make it a popular choice for those looking for a more private setting.
- Best for: Dates, small groups
- Vibe: Intimate, elegant, low-lit
- Standout: Vaulted ceilings and cosy alcoves
A great option if you’re looking for a quieter cocktail bar in Dublin with a more exclusive atmosphere.
37 Dawson Street
37 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Located just off St Stephen’s Green, 37 Dawson Street is a well-established cocktail bar known for its classic interiors and wide-ranging drinks menu. Spanning multiple levels, it offers a mix of spaces that suit both casual drinks and more structured nights out.
- Best for: Groups, corporate drinks
- Vibe: Classic, lively, sociable
- Standout: Multiple bars and central location
A dependable option for group bookings in Dublin, particularly for after-work drinks or client entertainment.
Opium Dublin
26 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2
Located on Wexford Street, Opium is a lively cocktail venue combining Asian-inspired food with a vibrant late-night atmosphere. Its mix of indoor spaces and rooftop garden makes it one of the more versatile options in the city.
- Best for: Groups, birthdays
- Vibe: Energetic, stylish, social
- Standout: Rooftop garden and large group capacity
This venue works particularly well for larger bookings. If you’re planning a bigger event, explore our summer party venues in Dublin for more options.
Planning a Birthday, Group Night Out or Corporate Event?
Many of these cocktail bars in Dublin offer reserved areas and private spaces, but availability can be limited, especially on weekends. We can help you secure the right venue quickly based on your group size and requirements.
Zozimus
Centenary House, Anne’s Ln, Anne St S, Dublin 2
Located just off Grafton Street, Zozimus is a stylish cocktail bar known for its central location and distinctive design. It’s a busy, high-energy venue that attracts a mix of locals, tourists, and after-work crowds.
- Best for: Groups, city centre drinks
- Vibe: Lively, modern, social
- Standout: Iconic umbrella installation and prime location
A strong choice if you’re looking for a well-located cocktail bar in Dublin with a vibrant atmosphere.
Little Pyg
59 William St S, Dublin 2
Located in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Little Pyg is a lively cocktail bar with a strong food and drinks offering. It blends a social atmosphere with a creative cocktail menu, making it a popular spot throughout the week.
- Best for: Casual groups, midweek drinks
- Vibe: Busy, relaxed, energetic
- Standout: Two cocktails for €20 and a varied menu
A great option if you’re looking for a cocktail bar in Dublin that combines value, atmosphere, and a central location.
Lemon and Duke
Royal Hibernian Way, 1 Duke Ln, Upper, Dublin 2
Just off Grafton Street, Lemon and Duke is one of the most reliable cocktail bars in Dublin for groups. It combines a strong cocktail offering with a lively atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for both casual drinks and organised nights out.
- Best for: Group nights out, central location
- Vibe: Lively, modern, social
- Standout: Strong cocktail list with consistently busy atmosphere
A solid choice if you’re planning drinks in Dublin city centre and want a venue that can handle groups with ease.
Cafe En Seine
40 Dawson St, Dublin 2
Café en Seine is one of the most visually striking cocktail bars in Dublin, known for its high-end interiors and expansive layout. It’s a venue that blends food, drinks, and atmosphere, making it suitable for both social nights and more organised events.
- Best for: Corporate events, group bookings
- Vibe: Stylish, high-end, energetic
- Standout: Large capacity with premium cocktail offering
A strong option if you’re looking for a cocktail bar in Dublin that delivers on scale, atmosphere, and presentation.
No. 27 The Shelbourne Bar
27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Located within The Shelbourne Hotel, No. 27 Bar is one of the more refined cocktail bars in Dublin. It offers a polished setting with a strong focus on classic cocktails, making it a popular choice for client meetings and smaller group gatherings.
- Best for: Client entertainment, smaller groups
- Vibe: Elegant, traditional, relaxed
- Standout: Premium setting with a focus on classic cocktails
A great choice if you’re exploring corporate event venues in Dublin, particularly for client-facing occasions or more formal drinks.
Sidecar in the Westbury Hotel
The Westbury, Balfe St, Dublin 2
Located within The Westbury Hotel, Sidecar is one of the most refined cocktail bars in Dublin, known for its elegant setting and expertly crafted drinks. The space blends classic cocktail culture with a modern finish, attracting both hotel guests and those looking for a more elevated night out.
- Best for: Date nights, premium experiences
- Vibe: Elegant, intimate, high-end
- Standout: Tableside martini service and expertly curated cocktail menu
A strong option if you’re exploring private dining in Dublin, particularly for stylish drinks-led gatherings or special occasions.
Capitol Lounge
1 Aungier St, Dublin 2
Capitol Lounge is a long-standing favourite among cocktail bars in Dublin, known for its central location and consistent quality. It offers a mix of classic and modern cocktails in a setting that suits both casual nights out and organised group drinks.
- Best for: Casual groups, after-work drinks
- Vibe: Social, busy, reliable
- Standout: Strong cocktail list with a well-established reputation
A solid choice if you’re planning a group night out and want a cocktail bar in Dublin that delivers a dependable atmosphere in a central location.
House Dublin
27 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2
House Dublin is one of the more distinctive cocktail bars in Dublin, set across restored Georgian buildings with a strong focus on atmosphere. Known for its outdoor garden space and late-night energy, it attracts a stylish crowd throughout the week.
- Best for: Social nights, celebrations
- Vibe: Stylish, lively, high-end
- Standout: Award-winning outdoor space and strong cocktail offering
A popular choice for group celebrations and occasions where atmosphere and setting play a big part in the night.
Bar 1661
1-5 Green St, Rotunda, Dublin 7
Bar 1661 is one of the most respected cocktail bars in Dublin, known for its focus on Irish spirits and expertly crafted drinks. It has built a strong reputation for quality, attracting those who are genuinely interested in cocktail craft.
- Best for: Cocktail enthusiasts, smaller groups
- Vibe: Intimate, focused, authentic
- Standout: Specialises in Irish poitín and high-level mixology
A great option if you’re looking for a cocktail bar in Dublin that prioritises quality, flavour, and a more considered drinking experience.
Booking Cocktail Bars in Dublin for Groups and Events
Booking cocktail bars in Dublin for groups or private events can be challenging, especially for popular venues and weekend dates. Many of the best cocktail bars in Dublin offer reserved areas, private rooms, and drinks packages, but availability is often limited. Planning ahead or working with a venue sourcing team can make securing the right space much easier. This becomes even more important during peak times like December, when demand for Christmas party nights in Dublin is at its highest.
Cocktail Bars in Dublin FAQ Section
Can you book cocktail bars in Dublin for groups?
Yes, many cocktail bars in Dublin offer reserved areas or private spaces for group bookings. Availability can vary depending on the venue and time of year, so it’s best to plan ahead, especially for weekends and larger groups.
What are the best cocktail bars in Dublin city centre?
Some of the best cocktail bars in Dublin city centre include Zozimus, Nolita, Farrier & Draper, and Vintage Cocktail Club. These venues are centrally located and offer a mix of atmosphere, quality drinks, and accessibility.
Do cocktail bars in Dublin offer private hire or event spaces?
Yes, many cocktail bars in Dublin cater for private events, including birthdays, corporate gatherings, and client entertainment. Options can range from semi-private areas to full venue hire depending on the size of your group.
How far in advance should you book a cocktail bar in Dublin?
For busy nights such as Fridays and Saturdays, it’s recommended to book at least two to four weeks in advance. For larger group bookings or private events, giving more notice will help secure the best venues and spaces.
Need Help Finding the Best Cocktail Bars in Dublin?
The best cocktail bars in Dublin can be difficult to secure, especially for group bookings, private events, and busy weekends. That’s where we come in. Here’s why our clients choose Find a Venue.
A Decade of Excellence: Find a Venue boasts over ten years of experience, making us the preferred choice for corporate event organisers seeking the perfect venues in Dublin.
Complimentary Service: Yes, you heard it right! At Find a Venue, our service is absolutely FREE for all our clients. The venues compensate us for connecting them with business, ensuring zero costs for you.
Extensive Venue Network: With a decade of experience collaborating with premier venues across the city, we maintain an unparalleled directory of event spaces. Our strong relationships with venue owners and managers grant us priority access.
Efficiency and Savings: We’re your direct line to all the top-notch venues. Our team takes care of the legwork, saving you valuable time and money.
Diverse Venue Selection: Find a Venue offers an extensive array of event spaces, from unique spaces & rooftops to exclusive dining rooms and VIP function rooms. Whatever the occasion, we have access to the finest event spaces.
Specialised Expertise: At Find a Venue, venue sourcing is our forte. We excel in delivering the best options tailored to your event’s details and requirements.
For more details on all the best cocktail bars in Dublin, enquire with our team today to find the right venue for your event, or click on the link to fill out our short form.