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Just because your daytime sightseeing is over doesn’t mean it’s time to go back to your hotel in Dublin and call it a day. After dark, the capital city comes alive with busy, bustling pubs and restaurants and quirky city tours perfect for night owls.
Want to capture the essence of Dublin City? Read on as we uncover 10 of the best things to do in the city from dusk to dawn, according to night-loving locals.
1. Visit great pubs to sample local craft beers
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What comes to mind when you hear Dublin nightlife? Bustling pubs, of course. If you love good booze, good people and good music, then you should never miss the Irish pub culture.
Locals take pride in their world-famous Guinness, a dark Irish dry stout (dark beer). You can either get it straight from its source at the Guinness Storehouse or enjoy it with a group of fun people in a local pub – or both. You may also sample a velvety glass of Irish coffee with Jameson whiskey and authentic selections of local craft beers, scotch, and bourbons.
2. Enjoy traditional Irish music
Your Ireland trip won’t be complete without listening to live Irish music being played in a traditional Irish pub. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions (country, folk music, and Celtic Gaelic ballads), where musicians play tunes together using fiddle, tin whistle, Uilleann pipes, accordion, violin, guitar, and flute.
3. Dance the night away
Love dancing? Dubliners suggest heading North and visit O’Shea’s Irish music and dance experience, where you’ll learn the “Jigs and Reels” of Irish dancing. Come with great spirits and get involved!
4. Have your own self-guided night city tour
Dublin city comes to life at night, so you’ve got a lot to see when you take a nighttime stroll through the busy city streets.
Wander along the dreamy bridges of the River Liffey including the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. Pass by the Trinity College, one of the world’s best universities. Don’t miss The Customs House, Ulster Bank Buildings, and the Four Courts which make stunning photos after dark.
Love street musicians? You’ll enjoy the presence of talented buskers, particularly around Grafton Street and Temple bar, keeping the streets alive. Before heading back to your accommodation in Dublin, cap the night off with ice cream or a pint of local craft beer.
5. Liffey River kayaking adventure after dark
Kayaking is often done when the day is bright, and the rivers are raging – Dublin has a different take.
Here, you can experience a splendid kayaking tour of the city’s romantic canals at sundown and see Dublin’s historic buildings gleaming. Glide comfortably along the River Liffey while certified guides tell the stories behind the important landmarks in the area.
6. Explore the city via double-decker bus
Not in the mood to explore the city by foot or by boat? Sit back, relax, and visit popular tourist attractions through a double-decker bus. There are convenient hop-on, hop-off city tours that operate 24/7 so don’t miss them.
7. Get spooked by joining Dublin ghost tours
If you’re a sucker for anything eerie and paranormal, you’ll surely love to go on a spooky ghost walking tour to uncover Dublin’s dark past. Notable spooky destinations include Dublin Castle, Bully’s Acre Cemetery, and Kilmainham Gaol.
Ghostbus tours also exist. Here, you’ll be spirited into the world of felons and ghosts as your tour guide or storyteller takes you to the city’s most haunted and wicked sites.
8. See the beauty of Dublin Castle at night
Missed the chance to see the castle’s astounding beauty during the daytime? Worry not – the Dublin Castle sparkles at night, with plenty of atmospheric lighting on the grounds. The lovely attraction is perfect for sightseeing and picture-taking with loved ones.
9. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a theatre show
If you’re a true theatre connoisseur, don’t miss The Abbey Theatre a.k.a Ireland’s national theatre. It’s one of the country’s leading cultural institutions where you can watch live performances for a wide variety of audiences, from traditional Shakespeare-style plays to modern musicals and concerts.
Dublin is also home to several great theatre houses, including Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Gaity Theatre, and Olympia Theatre. You may also catch great shows on The Helix, a small theater in Dublin City University (DCU), and find cheap accommodation in Dublin and dining options around the corner.
10. Visit museums and art galleries
Want to get your art fix in the city? You may check out National Gallery of Ireland, which houses the artworks of Ireland’s best artists. It’s open until 9:30 pm every Thursday.
If you’re more of a history buff, head to the infamous The Little Museum of Dublin, which tells the amazing story of the capital of Ireland. The museum’s final guided tour starts at 5 pm.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate lifestyle writer for DCU Rooms Dublin, an ideal hotel for frugal travelers who’d love to experience the astonishing beauty of Dublin Ireland on a budget. This travel buff enjoys writing and sharing articles about money-saving hacks on accommodation, airfare, dining, and getting around the city.
