Ireland » Entertainment in Dublin

The nightlife scene in Dublin has changed beyond all recognition in the last few years. Alongside the traditional Irish pubs sit stylish bars and buzzing pre-club haunts. The trendy Temple Bar area is the district most associated with the city best nightlife hotspots and vibe. Pubs are generally open Monday to Saturday 1100-2330 and Sunday 1200/1600-2300, although some serve until 0200. Casinos are limited to private clubs that are not open to non-members. Ireland is somewhat anti gambling and no public casinos exist.

Pod (Place of Dance), Harcourt Street, retains its popularity and has won awards for its outlandish dcor, while the new Spirit nightclub, 57 Abbey Street Middle, provides competition north of the Liffey. The exclusive Lillies Bordello, Adam Court, Grafton Street, is where all visiting pop stars, actors and celebrities hang out for after-show parties. Ri Ra, Dame Court, combines a chilled bar with a hip club. D2 (formerly known as Velvet), Harcourt Street (open Thursday, Friday and Saturday), was the first club in Dublin to latch on to UK Speed Garage. In addition to Dublins clubs, most live music venues host club nights after gigs.

Eclectic is the key word for Dublins music scene, with most venues playing something of everything, from jazz, blues and soul to rock and pop, English folk and Irish traditional (known as trad). Trad is played in countless pubs, often in free impromptu sessions. Larger venues or venues hosting high-profile performers could charge on the night or tickets may be bought in advance.