Nightlife in Dublin is a mixed bag of traditional old pubs, where the likes of Joyce and Behan once imbibed and where Irish music is often reeling away, and cool modern bars, where the hottest new international sounds fill the air and the crowd knows more about Prada than the Pogues. There’s little in the way of crossover, although there are a couple of quieter bars and a few with an alternative angle.
Aside from the eternal elderly pubs, things change rapidly in the world of Dublin nightlife, so pick up a copy of local listings magazines, such as Totally Dublin if you’re looking for the very latest in the club scene. The tourism website www.ireland.com offers a “what’s on” daily guide to cinema, theater, music, and whatever else you’re up for—click “Destinations” and “Dublin City” from the front page, then follow the “Things to Do” link. You can search by type of experience or view complete events listings by date. The Dublin Events Guide, at www.dublinevents.com, also provides a comprehensive listing of the week’s entertainment possibilities.
As with any big city, ticket prices for shows vary considerably, from around €5 to over €100. Advance bookings for most large concerts, major plays, and so forth can be made through Ticketmaster Ireland (www.ticketmaster.ie; [tel] 81/871-9300 or 353/818-719-300 internationally, including Northern Ireland). The best way to arrange tickets is online or by phone, but if you prefer to speak to a human being in person, you can also drop by one of their small Ticket Centres—central Dublin locations are at Ticketron, Jervis Shopping Centre, Jervis Street, and St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, St. Stephen’s Green; FAI Umbro Store, the Football Association of Ireland, 15 Westmoreland Street; and the Pavillion at The Hub, Dublin City University, Glasnevin.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.