PHOTOS - Top Ten bars for a good time in Dublin slideshow

In Spring of 2010 I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland. After soaking up the cultural offerings of Dublin by day, my friends and I were more often than not ready for a night on the town, any night of the week.

After prowling Dublin’s pub scene for four months, I’ve compiled my ten favorite spots for a night on the town around Dublin’s City Centre:

1. Flannery’s

Simply put, this is my favorite place in the whole world. I’ve never been to Flannery’s when everyone in the bar wasn’t in a good mood. It can get a bit crowded, but there’s a heated beer garden towards the back. Ladies, you’ll get your fix of authentic Irishmen here as well. The line can get long so get there early!

2. Fitzsimons

A good mix of everything to please everyone and conveniently located in the Temple Bar area. The basement is a dance club, the main level is a bar area that features live music, and there’s a rooftop bar for when the weather’s nice. Drinks are a bit pricier as it’s in Temple Bar and pretty well-known, and there’s usually more than a handful of nationalities here.

4. PorterHouse

They make all their beers in house so don’t make the mistake I did and ask for a Coors! Make sure you try the Strawberry Beer. There's lots of levels to move around, good food to be ordered and live music on some nights.

PHOTOS - Top Ten bars for a good time in Dublin slideshow

3. Turk’s Head

More often than not, my friends and I would move over here if we were getting bored with PorterHouse right across the street. With no cover between the two places, it’s easy to move back and forth to make sure you’re not missing a thing! Turk’s Head is decorated with really beautiful mosaic walls on the inside too, a step away from Dublin’s typically dark or wooden interiors.

5. The Temple Bar

Yes, the one that’s always plastered on postcards. One of those places that you need to go once to say you’ve been there. Usually it’s packed due to it’s fame.
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6. The George

Dublin’s premiere gay bar at the intersection of Dame Street and Aungiers Street, just steps away from Temple Bar. I may be a bit biased on this one as one of my roommates worked here, but the vibe is always great and the drag-queen shows are a must see! Good if you want to mix it up a bit for the evening.

7. Dicey Reilly’s, aka Dicey’s

Right in the neighborhood of Flannery’s and Copper’s, this tends to be a pit stop during our travels around Harcourt Street and Lower Camden Street. Dicey’s does great drink specials, but they aren’t always worth it with the impossible crowds it attracts.
 

PHOTOS - Top Ten bars for a good time in Dublin slideshow


8. CopperFace Jack’s, aka Coppers

As a late night bar, Copper’s attracts a more “lively” crowd and has a pretty notorious reputation. But, a bar doesn’t get famous for being boring. The place is massive and has a cover charge to match. Make sure you’ve had a few before you head in!

9. The Woolshed

An Australian-themed bar on the North side near the Henry Street shopping district. Great for some pub food, and a must if 6 Nations is on! But make sure to get there early because it can certainly fill up. They cater to big matches with a section of stadium like seating.

10. The Glimmerman

Again, I'm probably a bit biased because this was the first pub my friends and I went to on our first night in Dublin, and again on our last night. Definitely more of a locals bar and more casual than the others across the Liffey, it’s nice if you want to take it easy for the evening with friends. The bar staff here got well acquainted with the ever revolving American students who lived down the block so we were often met with welcome arms.

*Bonus tip - I know I’m not the only one who’s up for some grub after a night on the town. Head to Mezza in Temple Bar for falafels and kebabs to round out your evening!

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PHOTOS - Top Ten bars for a good time in Dublin slideshow

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