Dublin Entertainment

The booming economy and young population has led to an explosion of trendy new bars, cafés and clubs. The restaurant industry is also thriving and visitors will probably be bewildered by the choices available. There are also other entertainment options on offer including theatre, cinema, comedy and many festivals.

Nightlife

Pubs have long been an integral part of Irish hospitality and Dublin certainly won't disappoint on this front. The city has over 800 drinking establishments and you will find a good selection of traditional Irish pubs, which are an essential part of any visit. The charm of many of these watering-holes is that they are welcoming for friends and strangers alike. They are always very simple and have remained unchanged for years.

Meanwhile, the last few years have seen many new trendy and sophisticated bars opening, with some arguing that the city is losing its authenticity and character. A lot of the best nightlife is in the Temple Bar area, where the pubs and clubs are constantly packed with visitors.

The club scene has really taken off in recent years, so you will be sure to find something that you like; check local listings for details. A lot of the popular places are very expensive and difficult to get into. There are also a number of lower-end clubs in and around Leeson Street that cater for those desperate to carry on drinking when everything else has closed.

Dublin's licensing laws are somewhat primitive compared to many other European cities. Pubs usually close at 23:30 (00:30 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays), with the exception of some of the larger pubs that have special late licenses. Nightclubs stay open later, until around 02:00 or 03:00. Local listings for bars, restaurants and clubs can be found in the free events guide, Totally Dublin.

Theatre and music

Live music is a long established tradition all over Ireland and you'll find a range of styles to choose from including traditional, rock, pop, jazz, blues and folk. There's always something going on, so check the local listings for full details.  It may be hard to find a traditional music session in the city centre, as a lot of these bars now cater for the young and hip crowd, meaning you might have to travel a little further afield for something more authentic.

Music and dance concerts take place at a range of venues including bars, theatres, clubs, parks, universities and sports stadiums. Dublin's varied culture means there is a range of good theatre, such as Irish classics. at the established venues and fringe shows at some smaller venues. Drama is popular and accessible, and shows are usually of a high standard. There are also a large number of cinemas around O'Connell street, showing current mainstream films. The Screen Cinema on D'Olier street is an old-fashioned venue that is good for art house films.

Festivals

Festivals are a big part of Irish culture and Dublin plays host to the following:

• St Patrick’s Day Festival in March: this week-long celebration of the country's patron saint attracts huge crowds. Locals and visitors fill the streets of the city to enjoy parades, street performers, a music festival and fireworks.
• Handel’s Messiah in April: the very first performance of the Messiah took place on Fishamble street in Dublin, in 1792. This historic event is commemorated each year with a performance at Neal’s Music Hall.
• Bloomsday in June: a five-day literary festival comprising Joyce-related readings, performances and dramatised walks around the city, following the route of the main character in the novel, Ulysses.
• Dublin Jazz Festival in July: live jazz performances from numerous locations around the city.
• Kerrygold Horse Show in August: a five-day show jumping event at the Royal Dublin Showground featuring the Kerrygold Nations Cup.