There has been proposals in recent years to extend the closing times of Dublin pubs past the standard 12:30am, but at the time of writing this article, they are yet to materialise.
Instead, most pubs in the city will close around midnight, some even earlier on weekdays, with other bars needing a late license to carry the party on into the early hours.
And if you’re in Dublin city centre and looking to stay out a bit longer but not find yourself in a nightclub, we’ve picked out some of the best pubs for exactly that.
Whelan’s Pub, Camden Street
Famous for its live music events, the main bar in Whelan’s is always a popular spot even if there’s no massive gig on in the back.
This well-known pub is situated on Camden Street where many people throng for a late night but instead of being a proper nightclub vibe, it is very much a vibrant pub that happens to stay open that bit later.
If you’re looking to continue the night sipping on drinks with a group of friends, meet new people and have a chat while still being able to hear each other or maybe even continue a date, Whelan’s is an ideal location.
Closing times
Monday to Thursday – 1:30am
Friday and Saturday – 2:30am
Sunday – 1am
Doyle’s pub, College Street
A character-filled pub a stones throw in from the quays, Doyle’s is set over multiple floors and tends to attract big crowds at weekends for its live music, traditional feel and welcoming atmosphere.
This is a top spot for a meet-up with friends, a first date or any occasion where you wish to sit and chat with a bit of atmosphere in the background.
This, unlike some of the other pubs on this list, is a bit brighter than some others so it doesn’t completely feel like you’re trapped away for the night when you emerge in the early hours.
Closing times
Tuesday to Thursday – 1:30am
Friday and Saturday – 2:30am
Sunday and Monday – 12am
Bar With No Name, Fade Street
A slightly hidden pub in the centre of the city that mixes a number of styles inside with varying rooms, a fireplace and a speakeasy vibe that makes it perfect for a night out.
You’ll get a real eclectic mix of people in this great spot, with something for everyone. It is great for cocktails, pints, wine and a chat with pals and also good if you’re looking to mingle as people tend to stand and even dance as the night gets going.
Worth noting this is only a late bar on Friday and Saturday.
Closing times
Monday to Wednesday – 11:30pm
Thursday – 12:30am
Friday and Saturday – 2:30am
Sunday – 11pm
Bad Bobs, Temple Bar
We could put pretty much every bar in Temple Bar on here – just read here to get the lowdown on Temple Bar as a whole – but for a great late night option that attracts locals and tourists alike, Bad Bobs is the place to go.
An old-fashioned style pub inside, live music usually ramps up the atmosphere here where you’ll find people up dancing, sitting in the corner chatting, nursing pints at the bar or trying to socialise with new people.
It has something for everyone if you’re looking to keep socialising past midnight but don’t fancy going all out to a nightclub.
Closing times
Sunday to Wednesday – 1:30am
Thursday to Saturday – 2:30am
The Bleeding Horse, Camden Street
This is one of the pubs on the list that definitely appeals if you’re hoping to grab a seat and keep talking to your friends for the night rather than heading to a nightclub or a place where you won’t be able to hear yourself.
The Bleeding Horse is a great place to head to watch a match or meet-up in the evening time and then get to stay on even later, but that said, there is often music and if you want to mix with people, it’s definitely possible.
The smoking area in particular is a great spot to strike up a conversation.
Closing times
Monday to Wednesday – 12am
Thursday – 1am
Friday to Saturday – 2:30am
Sunday – 11pm
Jimmy Rabbittes, Camden Street
A Camden Street spot that’s actually attached to a nightclub in the Camden, but stands alone as a lovely little bar that stays open late into the night.
Here is a lovely little pub where you might be lucky enough to grab one of a few seats in the main bar or head back towards the large smoking/open area in the back, but don’t worry there are heaters.
This spot is a great option when you want a pub over a nightclub but it can get extremely busy on a big night out so might not always be the top choice.
Closing times
Sunday to Tuesday – 12am
Wednesday to Saturday – 2:30am
The Irish Pub Guide 
Leave a comment