Making the most of Dublin’s student nightlife

Situated in Ranelagh, this cosy spot is open until 9pm on weekends, where you can continue to sip coffee and enjoy snacks while you watch the world go by. Nick’s Coffee Company is an independent spot that’s really popular in Dublin, and is great if you want to enjoy the evening without alcohol.  

Pubs, bars and clubs 

Pubs have always been intertwined in Irish culture and many pubs in Dublin can claim a history of operation spanning hundreds of years. For those new to Ireland, the late-night culture can be a big change, so I recommend signing up to the student society-led nights to find the best places and to meet friends.  

A staple pub for a good student night out, Doyle’s is also popular with young professionals and tourists and offers a 19th century charm with traditional pub décor and good pub food. It’s a must-try if you’re a fan of people watching and pints.  

Downstairs, old barrels make tables with high stools and upstairs there is a dancing area with extra seating. I’ve had some of my favourite nights with friends up here dancing until late. I recently saw world famous DJ, Fred Again.., pulling pints and playing music after his show in Dublin.  

You can find Doyle’s across the road from Trinity College at 9 College Street. 

The Wetherspoons pub chain will be well known to British students. It’s a low budget option with spacious pubs in every city, cheap food and lots of drinks options, including an extensive gin selection.  

In Dublin there are five ‘Spoons’ and my favourite is Keaven’s Port on Camden Street. It’s a great place to start the night because of its proximity to other good nightlife spots, and for the affordable drinks and food.  

They even serve traditional Irish breakfasts in the morning with sausages, eggs, bacon, toast, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and black and white pudding. I like to head back to Wetherspoons after a night out, or even before lectures start in the week.   

Bonobo has quickly become one of my favourite bars in Dublin. It’s a gem on the northside of the city, with tasteful living room decor on the inside and intimate chic seating in the garden area. The bar staff are friendly and outgoing and offer a premium table service experience. The beer selection is expansive with over 20 draught options and a wide range of craft cans.  

There is an undeniable relaxed vibe that flows through the bar, which I think is best suited for a couple of pints or cocktails with friends. Bonobo also has a delicious pizza menu which offers classics like pepperoni to more adventurous options and they cater to dietary requirements too.  

Copper Face Jacks, better known as Coppers, is likely Ireland’s most famous nightclub with seven bars across three floors. It even has its own musical that tells the story of an Irish country woman who falls for a Dublin man in an incredible night at Coppers.  

I’ve even heard my professors talking about their nights out at Coppers, which shows how popular it is. Located on Harcourt Street, it’s close to other popular club venues like D2 and Dicey’s Garden. 

Index nightclub on the Northside Quays has to be a personal favourite. It’s more concealed than most clubs and appeals to a more techno-oriented crowd, hence a lot of students.  

The club has two dance floors and three bars, to cater for the raving crowds. The famous Dublin DJ collective Midnight Disco, many of whom also study at Trinity College, have held many memorable sold-out events here.  

A ‘no flash’ policy is in effect as well here (stickers will be put on phones at the door by the way), so the atmosphere is focused on enjoying the music.  

Sometimes our energy can be depleted after a week of studying and a laidback night is more beneficial. You might like to play pool, listen to live music or catch a movie. If you’re interested in reading about more chilled places to try by yourself or with friends, check out my list of Dublin’s top places to escape from exam season. 

​​Just 10 minutes’ walk from Trinity College Dublin, The Hideout pool hall offers an hour of playing pool for €15 and dive-bar decor that puts you instantly at ease. On weekends you may need to reserve a table in advance, as it can get busy.​  

The best time to head to The Hideout is around 6pm, beating the post-work crowd. Food is not served at the Hideout but it’s located on South Williams Street, one of the best places to eat in the city.  

The Irish Film Institute has every right to claim itself as the film hub of Ireland. It’s located in the beating heart of Dublin too, on Eustace Street in the Temple Bar quarter.  

As a cultural enterprise, IFI spreads a love of film in Ireland and to shine a light on local productions. It’s well worth a visit for anyone with interest in film or those new to Ireland who would like to watch Irish culture on a big screen. The IFI also has a cafe and restaurant area too.  

The IFI student membership​ costs €20 annually and offers students one free cinema ticket and reduced rates on future tickets, food and shop purchases. ​ 

One of Dublin’s popular student gig venues, The Workman’s Cellar is welcoming to student bands and young musicians, some playing their first gigs here. It's an eight-minute walk from Trinity College Dublin and is literally in the cellar of The Workman’s Club, a large bar and larger gig venue.  

As well as music, it’s a club and comedy venue too. University societies and club members often host their social events here.  

Dublin has a thriving night life with new places popping up all the time. You can use these suggestions as a guide on your night out until you discover your own favourites. Make sure to drink responsibly and keep an eye on your valuables when out and about.