The Temple Bar
The Temple Bar is the big name in Dublin. This is the seasoned, world-famous sister of the other drinking districts – it’s a fantastic whirlwind of old-school boozers, live music bars and the odd late night lounge. You may struggle to find a gorgeously chic cocktail bar, but that’s not why you visit the notorious Temple Bar. The streets are jam-packed with likeminded folk – particularly lively hen groups – looking to experience the renowned and characterful Dublin nightlife, and get a slice of the cosmopolitan Emerald Isle.
![Three tiled images - including one of the exterior of The Temple Bar pub, the dance floor with a huge staircase at Club M, and the seating and table area with people in at Porterhouse, Dublin](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/302/302-Templebar-750.jpg)
The Temple Bar Pub is, naturally, the first stop on your hen party. This is the most popular venue in the district, perhaps even in Dublin – tourists have flocked here in their droves for more than 160 years. Steeped in history, this is a super friendly watering hole with great craic, a spectacular range of booze, the best pint of Guinness and traditional Irish music. The Porterhouse is another Temple Bar institution. Originally the first pub brewery in the party capital, Porterhouse has gone on to become a landmark – priding itself on offering the largest selection of classic beers in Ireland, and a healthy dollop of live music every day of the week. For those intending to celebrate way past their bedtime, Club M is a hen do paradise. The ‘home of clubbing in Dublin’, this colossal club is spread over two floors, with grand sweeping staircases surrounding the huge dance floor. The club nights are famous, and there are VIP booths and chill out areas for the 1000 partygoers. Similarly, Alchemy – housed within the Temple Bar Hotel – is glittering from wall to wall. The renaissance-inspired interior, luxury booths and cutting edge music sees this place packed every weekend.
Grafton Street to George Street
Grafton Street is a younger and slightly more affluent area than Temple Bar. It encompasses a fabulous selection of sophisticated restaurants, bars and clubs – and, not only that, but Grafton Street is also synonymous with shopping. In fact, it’s one of the biggest shopping thoroughfares in the whole of Dublin. The Dawson Lounge, proudly laying claim to the title of Dublin’s Smallest Pub, has a capacity of just 40. The authentic venue is an intimate and laid-back spot for your hen weekend.
![Three tiled images - including one of an orange cocktail on an empty table, one of people queuing for a bar in a busy club, and one of people sat at tables in The Chelsea Drugstore, Dublin](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/302/302-Graftonstreet-750.jpg)
Lillie's Bordello is a celebrity rich haunt – a Footballer’s Wives style bar, with a distinct and opulent member’s only aura. It’s all deep red hues, chandeliers, expensive drinks and ‘it’ crowds. There’s also La Cave, Dublin’s oldest and original wine bar, with over 350 wines to choose from and delicious, gourmet cuisine to dine on. Perhaps the best, and newest spot, is The Chelsea Drugstore – around the corner from the ‘world’s oldest shopping market’. This decadent basement bar, set in an old pharmacy, has a real touch of illegality to it – with the exposed brick walls, atmospheric lighting, unique drinks and trendy and charming crowd. They even have a seriously cool cocktail list, and you can sample The Penicillin (a homage to the past business), The Regal Negroni and the alluring The Truth Behind Augustus.
North of the Liffey
North of the River Liffey may be slightly quieter than the many other decadent drinking districts – but it’s perfect for those who may be struggling after a night on the cocktails. This is where you can live the life of a real Dubliner, with sweeping views of the river thrown in for good measure.
![Three tiled images - including one of people stood on the bottom level of The Church Bar and Restaurant, one of tables and chairs in an empty room with a red roof, and one of people dancing with neon lights surrounding them](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/302/302-NorthoftheLiffey-750.jpg)
The Quartier Bloom, just over the Millennium Bridge in the Temple Bar, is a winding lane of bars and restaurants – with a real charming and Italian-esque feel. However, The Grand Social is in a league of its own. The fun and hugely popular club is decked out like a circus tent, with colourful lights adorning the roof, and has carved a fantastic reputation for club nights – as well as the ideal destination for musicians, performers and DJs. It also has a stunning rooftop beer garden, adjacent to the performance space. The Church, a straight walk up from the Quartier Bloom on Jervis Street, is a wonderfully hidden gem in the party capital. The bar / restaurant / club is set in a disused church – this breathtaking conversion even houses a barbecue for those warm and warm Dublin nights.
Camden / Wexford / Harcourt Street
As you head out of Grafton Street, you’ll stumble across this district – a district that has a different name on every street. It’s a lot more alternative up here, with live music venues on almost every corner. Whelan’s is an iconic live music venue on Wexford Street, with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Bloc Party performing to a massive crowd. This pub was even used as a location for the film, PS I Love You.
![Three tiled images - including one of a female DJ performing with a crowd in the background, one of the beer garden at Dtwo, Dublin, and one of Ed Sheeran on stage performing to a crowd](https://media.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/images/articles/gallery/302/302-Camden-750.jpg)
The Palace Nightclub, on bustling Camden Street, is a huge spot in Dublin. This venue is imprinted in the hearts of locals as it was the focal point for one of the city’s best loved movies, The Commitments. Spread over two floors, with giant chandeliers dripping from the opulent ceilings, it’s a regular on the nightlife scene - home to Dublin’s best DJs. Dtwo, set on the heart of Harcourt Street and mere minutes from Camden Street, is an award-winning bar / garden / club. The all-weather beer garden is fantastic, situated over two floors with a capacity of 500; it’s a charming oasis in the city centre. There’s also a club downstairs, which can hold 400 people and three DJs, playing everything from old school classics to hip hop.
You can find out even more on our wide selection of activities and accommodation on our Dublin hen weekends page.