When the Sun Goes Down - Things to Do in Dublin at Night

The Irish capital comes to life once the sun sets! Find out things to do in Dublin at night with our comprehensive guide!

As any night-owl knows - once the sun goes down is when a city really heats up and Dublin is no different! From cultural evenings and delicious local produce to toe-tapping Irish tunes, pub crawls and more, we've got the low-down on the best after-dark activities with our favourite things to do in Dublin at night.

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Suspend your disbelief and believe in magic for a little bit at Dublin's oldest pub, The Brazen Head. Run daily, these evening sessions are run by Irish storytellers that take you through the history of Ireland and how its mythology is intertwined with its culture. Enjoy dinner over candlelight and live traditional Irish music Dublin Pass holders receive 10% off.

The Abbey Theatre

See the best that Dublin's theatre scene has to offer at the country's national theatre, where some of the greatest stories by Irish playwrights such as JM Synge and Brian Friel have been performed. Discover what's on in their events calendar hereDublin Pass holders receive 10% off.

James Joyce Reading Groups

If you're a massive literature buff, this reading group held in Sweny's Pharmacy is your chance to flex your creative smarts. Dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Irish poet James Joyce's masterworks who popularised the space in his epic Ulysses, they have multiple evening classes on Thursday (Ulysses), Saturday (Ulysses in French) and Sundays (Finnegans Wake).

Ghostbus Tour

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Discover the terrifying history behind some of Dublin's most haunted landmarks on a Ghostbus, which will take you to the city's scariest sites. Running for two hours, this guided tour is full of creepy folklore including the Lady in White, violent Dr. Clossey's bloody history and a visit to St Kevin's Graveyard, which used to be a haven for graverobbers.

Slam! Sunday

Ireland has been home to some of the world's most prolific storytellers and that tradition continues to this day in modern Dublin. Slam! Sunday is a monthly slam poetry competition in which twelve poets face off against one another in a creative battle, after which audience judges choose who wins a cash prize. Poets can sign up at the door and twelve names are randomly selected to compete on the night.

Temple Bar Pub Crawl

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Round up your mates and head out to the bustling Temple Bar district, where the lights are on all night and the beer flows a little too freely. With a number of fantastic bars and pubs to discover, must-visits include the eponymous Temple Bar and Bad Bobs - a mix between a bar and a nightclub perfect for wrapping up the night.

Temple Bar Night Market

If you happen to be around in the summer, the streets of Temple Bar are transformed into a vibrant market full of gorgeous handicrafts and art. Held every Wednesday evening starting from late April to August, it's the perfect place to pick up a unique Irish souvenir made by some of the city's creative talent.

Patrick Guilbaud

As Ireland's only two Michelin starred restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud is representative of the best of Dublin fine dining. Perfect for an extra special date night, the most discerning diners in the capital have been eating here since 1981 and it continues to amaze with dishes such as lobster ravioli and a wine list to die for.

Dawn2Dusk Guided Photography Tours

 

Practice your photography skills with some of the city's local photographers, who cater to hobbyists and professionals looking for their perfect shots. With a special night tour that spans the most beautiful sites along the River Liffey, it's a great way to spend a few hours enjoying the city.

Bernard Shaw

Ready to dance your heart out? One of Dublin's biggest nightlife teams Bodytonic continues to run fantastic events at their sweetheart club, The Bernard Shaw. With both international DJs and local musicians tearing up the decks, there's always something on to help you while the dark hours away.

Hopefully that gives you a few good ideas on things to do in Dublin at night.

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

Regular admission to a number of historical Dublin attractions is available on our Dublin Go City products. Choose as you go from 20+ Dublin activities and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Dublin-based attractions here. So grab a Dublin attraction pass and go explore!

Megan Hills
Go City Travel Expert

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Shop the Stalls: Guide to the Best Dublin Markets

Find the perfect souvenir and explore the best Dublin markets. Venture away from shopping malls and chain stores and discover what Ireland's artisans have to offer at Dublin's best markets. Regardless of the weather, the scene continues on with both indoor and open-air markets delighting visitors with antiques, books and clothing. Find out where to go below and don't forget to grab a piping hot meal from one a street food stall to end your day on a high note. Temple Bar Book Market This weekend market takes over the streets of the Temple Bar district and lovers of literature can get their fill at its numerous stalls. Running from 11am-6pm, there's a wide range of titles including new, second-hand and vintage books lining its shelves. Vinyl heads will also be able to find the occasional stall to beef up their collection. Spend some time exploring the area and its wide collection of street art, then grab a pint of Guinness at the iconic Temple Bar to catch your breath. Open Saturday - Sunday, 11am - 6pm. Liberty Market As one of Dublin's older markets, Liberty Market has made a name for itself as one of the capital's most popular shopping destinations. Beginning every Thursday morning and running through to the weekend, it has a diverse range of stalls that cover everything from organic food to handicrafts. With the motto 'Why pay more?' at its core, even the thriftiest shopper will be sure to find something in their price range. Open Thursday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm. Dublin Flea Market This monthly market is held indoors at the Co-op in Newmarket Square, which makes it a great activity for when a bad spot of Dublin weather inevitably hits. With over 60 stalls selling all manner of goods including secondhand bikes and homemade baked treats, live music plays throughout the day and adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Open on the last Sunday of the month, 11am - 5pm. Ha'Penny Flea Market Hang out with the cool kids at Ha'Penny Flea Market, where its wide range of stalls veer towards vintage clothing and handmade quirks. Hosted in the Grand Social, visitors are guaranteed to lay their hands on a unique fashion find at a bargain. Open every Saturday, 12 - 6pm. Blackrock Market Held in a seaside district of Dublin, Blackrock is an old hand at the Dublin market scene and remains a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. While it's slightly smaller than the other spots on the list, it's worth the picturesque visit to Blackrock and has a diverse selection ranging from 19th century furniture to African art. Open Saturday - Sunday, 10:30am - 5:30pm. Howth Market Forego a sit-down meal at a restaurant and head to Howth Market, where international street food and fresh organic produce reigns supreme. Held beside a stunning Dublin harbour, it's a great place to pick up some freshly made soda bread at its many bakery stalls and take a chance on new cultural cuisine. Open every Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
Megan Hills

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