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The Four Courts along the River Liffey, Dublin

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Dublin Nightlife

Nightlife in Dublin has changed beyond all recognition recently. 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's best nightlife hotspots and vibe.

Dublin's rich literary culture has led to a flourishing film industry and varied theatre repertoire of Irish classical and contemporary works. The Temple Bar district is the main cultural centre.

Most tickets can be purchased on the night directly from the venues or in advance at outlets of HMV stores, in Henry Street and Grafton Street, from Dublin Tourism, Suffolk Street (tel: 1850 230 330; www.visitdublin.com; bookings in person only), or from Ticketmaster (tel: 08187 19300; www.ticketmaster.ie).

The fortnightly magazine In Dublin (www.indublin.ie) is good for Dublin nightlife and events listings, with bar, restaurant and club reviews. Dublin Tourism (www.visitdublin.com) also has online events listings that are updated daily.

Bars in Dublin

Cocoon

Is a popular haunt owned by ex racing driver Eddie Irvine. Long deep sofas and plush armchairs are dotted around, while DJs play tunes over the weekend.

Royal Hibernian Way
Tel: (01) 679 6259.

Dawson Lounge

Is the smallest pub in Dublin, with room for about six people in the basement.

25 Dawson Street
Tel: (01) 677 5909.

Palace Bar

For a more traditional pub crawl, head to Temple Bar, where the Palace Bar can be found.

21 Fleet Street
Tel: (01) 677 9290.

Pravda

One of the most popular bars in Dublin is Pravda, which is set to be transformed into a new, funky, live music and club venue.

2-3 Liffey Street Lower
Tel: (01) 874 0090.
Website: www.pravda.ie

Clubs in Dublin

Lillie's Bordello

The exclusive Lillie's Bordello is where all visiting pop stars, actors and celebrities hang out for after-show parties.

Adam Court,Grafton Street
Website: www.lilliesbordello.ie<

PoD (Place of Dance)

Once a clubbing wasteland, Dublin's reputation for top-rack nightclubs is growing year on year. PoD retains its popularity and has won awards for its outlandish décor.

Harcourt Street
Tel: (01) 476 3374.
Website: www.pod.ie

Ri Ra

Combines a chilled bar with a free to enter hip club.

Dame Court
Tel: (01) 671 1220.
Website: www.rira.ie

The Academy

Most live music venues host club nights after gigs. The Academy is enjoying a new lease of life and is attracting some big name international DJs as well as the cream of local talent.

57 Abbey Street Middle
Tel: (01) 877 9999.
Website: www.theacademydublin.com

Live Music in Dublin

Temple Bar Music Centre

Eclectic is the key word for Dublin's 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'. The Temple Bar Music Centre is a great venue for spotting new talent.

Curved Street, Temple Bar
Tel: (01) 353 1 670 9202.
Website: www.tbmc.ie

The O2

The largest concerts (rock and pop) take place at The O2.

North Wall Quay
Tel: (01) 819 8888.
Website: www.theo2.ie

The Royal Dublin Society

Its concert hall also caters for both large pop/rock events.

Merrion Road, Ballsbridge
Tel: (01) 668 0866.
Website: www.rds.ie

Classical Music in Dublin

Gaiety Theatre

Opera Ireland and the innovative Opera Theatre Company perform regularly at a variety of venues, including the Gaiety Theatre.

South King Street
Tel: (01) 677 1717.
Website: www.gaietytheatre.com

National Concert Hall

Dublin's main classical music venue is the National Concert Hall, which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra.

Earlsfort Terrace
Tel: (01) 417 0000.
Website: www.nch.ie

Dance in Dublin

Dance Ireland

Dance Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Dancers) provides information on performances and festivals, including Riverdance. Dublin's dance groups include CoisCéim Dance Theatre, Rubato Ballet and Irish Modern Dance Theatre.

Liberty Corner, Foley Street
Tel: (01) 855 8800.
Website: www.danceireland.ie

O'Shea's Merchant Pub

Anyone can join in traditional Irish dancing after a pint or two at the O'Shea's Merchant Pub.

12 Bridge Street Lower
Tel: (01) 679 3797.

Theatre in Dublin

Abbey Theatre

Ireland's national theatre, The Abbey Theatre, was set up by W B Yeats in 1904 and is a historic and reliable venue for high-quality Irish drama. The Peacock Theatre, in the same building as the Abbey, has a more experimental repertoire.

Abbey Street Lower
Tel: (01) 878 7222.
Website: www.abbeytheatre.ie

The Gate Theatre

Orson Welles and James Mason began their acting careers at The Gate Theatre, which is still going strong.

1 Cavendish Row
Tel: (01) 874 4045.
Website: www.gate-theatre.ie

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