Boutique hotels in Dublin
-
Dylan
- Style
- Boudoir-chic Victorian townhouse
- Setting
- Dublin's foliage-rich fringe
-
Morrison
- Style
- John Rocha genius
- Setting
- Riverside Dublin
Dublin
Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Dublin.
Restaurants
(+353 (0)1 887 2400)
Halo
For dining as classy and stylish as the John Rocha-designed hotel, try Halo at the Morrison hotel, where the kitchen uses only the finest, freshest, organic Irish ingredients to turn out its Modern International cuisine. There's a midweek menu featuring three courses for €35; there is also a tapas menu available from midday to 11pm.
Morrison, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
(+353 (0)1 679 0291)
4 Dame Lane
Predictably located at 4 Dame Lane, this is one of the latest, achingly trendy all-star hangouts.
4 Dame Lane, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 873 2266)
Chapter One
Granite walls and the freshest of produce make this place a favourite for pre- or post-theatre eats.
18–19 Parnell Square, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 676 1494)
Dax
One of a clutch of hot new Gallic restos in town, Dax is where southwestern cuisine comes in a wine bar setting.
23 Pembroke Street Upper, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 675 3708)
L’Gueuleton
Wildly popular, this restaurant – whose unpronounceable French name means ‘gluttonous feast’ – is the place to go for hearty pan-European food.
1 Fade Street, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 660 3000)
Still
Like a perfectly smooth spoonful of crème fraîche, hotel Dylan’s restaurant, Still, is a symphony of glistening off-white, with marble floors and cream leather seats. Padraic Hayden's modern Irish fine-dining menu is a revelation in such a calming, laid-back setting.
Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, Ireland
(+353 (0)1 677 8611)
Balzac
This restaurant at the La Stampa hotel, formerly the Guildhall, serves international cuisine in the city’s sexiest dining room. Have a drink first at the Samsara bar.
La Stampa Hotel & Spa, 35 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 676 4192)
Patrick Guilbaud
With two Michelin stars, this restaurant is an absolute must-book; its modern classic cuisine has made it Ireland’s top restaurant.
21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 662 4724)
Town Bar & Grill
This relaxed trattoria-style restaurant serving mouthwatering Modern Italian dishes in vaulted cellars beneath a wine merchant; try osso bucco with saffron risotto and ask the knowledgable sommelier to choose you a suitable wine.
21 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Bars and clubs
(+353 (0)1 660 3000)
Dylan Bar
Popular among in-the-know Dubliners for its decadent decor and killer cocktails; slurp a trademark Dylan mixed with Stolichnaya vodka and Galliano while perched on a peacock-blue velvet stool at the bar, or flirt with flutes of champagne in a scarlet-clad nook.
Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, Ireland
(+353 (0)1 407 0800)
Octagon Bar
The Clarence hotel is part-owned by U2, and houses this trendy drinking den, where the bartenders will rustle you up a superior martini.
The Clarence, 6–8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 672 7696)
Dakota
A long, narrow, laid-back, low-lit lounge bar, with good sofas and armchairs.
9 South William Street, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 667 0014)
Spy
Located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion with marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers, Spy is a civilised set of three bars and a club, open till 3am, six nights a week.
Powerscourt House, South William Street, Dublin 2
(+353 (0)1 887 2400)
Lobo
A leather-settee'd lounge bar – sleek and smart.
The Morrison, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin
(+ 353 (0)1 678 7188)
The Sugar Club
Settle into one of Sugar Club's plush red banquettes for cocktails and live cabaret, then stay there for dancing till late... Perfect for a fun, frivolous night out. Check what's on at www.thesugarclub.com.
8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2
(+ 353 (0) 1 405 3604)
Carnival
For indie thrills, this late bar gets packed to the gills. Funky music includes Northern Soul and 60s classics, too.
11 Wexford Street, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 874 0091)
Pravda
Housed in a former parcel office, this Soviet-themed bar is full of Russian curios for that cosy dacha atmosphere. Perfect for Bloc parties…
25 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1
(+353 (0)1 878 7212)
Zanzibar
This exotic-looking bar is big, busy and full of the beautiful people.
34–35 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
(+353 (0)1 679 9204)
Lillie’s Bordello
This exclusive night-spot hauls in a regular crowd of dressed-to-the-nines Dubliners for club nights; entry for non-members is €15 at weekends.
Adam Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Pubs
(+353 (0)1 677 0527)
Auld Dubliner
Situated in the heart of the thriving Temple Bar district, this is the place to come if you're looking for a bit of 'Ceol agus Craic': live music to be heard in two sessions, daily.
17 Anglesea Street, Temple Bar district, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 677 5217)
Davy Byrne’s
Proper-pub credentials confirmed by a mention in 'Ulysses'.
21 Duke Street, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 677 9549)
Brazen Head
Head to this fine drinking spot for a taste of 'real' Dublin.
20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin
(+353 (0)1 676 2945)
Doheny & Nesbitt
A 'must' for those seeking the authentic traditional Dublin pub experience.
5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin
