21 of the best places in Dublin for your Girls' Christmas Night Out
You may have one, you may have many. Whatever the number, we have the best places in Dublin for your Girls' Christmas Night Out sorted.
If you're free this weekend make the most of it because it's only six weeks to Christmas and party season will soon be a-go. If you're planning on getting together with the girls but don't have much of an actual plan,
Warning! You will have to book tables in most of these places and be aware that spaces are filling up fast. But if you don't get to them for your Girls' Christmas Night Out, remember them for your next birthday bash or hen party or baby shower... We've mixed up the list with places to eat, places to drink and places to eat and drink. They range from the low-key to the seasonal hotspot, so take your pick from whatever takes your group's fancy.
This writer has been to all of the venues, multiple times, and I've kept it to the city centre. But let us know in the comments where you would recommend in the surrounding areas!
The Grayson
It's one of two new fancy hotspots around Stephen's Green and it's a gorgeous option for day drinks. Formerly known as The Residence, it reopened as The Grayson this summer. The Atrium is like being outdoors without feeling the chill, but there are plenty of indoor spots with soft velvety seats to snuggle in too.
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House
It has been one of Dublin's premium 'after hours' destinations for years now, but did you know it also does very nice food? It has a really nice, chilled but sophisticated vibe. Start with lunch, end when the National Anthem plays.
The Alex
The Alex is the newest incarnation of the Alexander O'Callaghan hotel in the heart of Dublin. Its new vibe gives it a chic edge and it is next to two very cool but very different establishments, the famous Gingerman Pub and the quirky 'wine bar' Probus. Did someone say a mini pub crawl?
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Peruke & Periwig
It's a cocktail bar with a difference. Dressed up like an old-school Dublin pub - or is it? It's three floors of interesting seating, gorgeous drinks and they do food, too.
9 Below
It's one of the newest venues on the list and it really is a veritable hotspot. Located smack bang on St Stephen's Green, you will be in the midst of the madness but in the chicest way possible.
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Fade Street Social
Another prime location in the heart of Dublin (to be honest, they pretty much all are, I don't venture outside the city centre much) this is a classic Girls' Night Out destination. The Rooftop Garden is open all year round and the atmosphere is always festive.
No Name Bar
Right next door is the No Name Bar which has been hosting Dublin's coolest crowds for ten years. There is an impressive smoking area and plenty of nooks and crannies for every type of group to enjoy.
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Drury Buildings
In the Drury Buildings, across the road from Fade Street Social, you can always be guaranteed good food, drink and atmosphere.
Farrier and Draper
Just around the corner, in Powerscourt Centre, you'll find Farrier and Draper, and excellent spot for the girls' gettogether. It's next to the infamous Pygmalian and across from the famous Grogan's, so another mini pubcrawl may be on the cards here...
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The Iveagh Garden Hotel
Or did you think I would say the Ivy Hotel? Not this time. No point. It's probably booked out till next Christmas. But the Iveagh Garden Hotel, on Harcourt Street is another good option with a comfortable bar area and plenty of room for fun. Not only that, it is has the distinction of being Europe's first sustainable hotel.
Sophie's
Sophie's is the rooftop bar in the Dean Hotel, also on Harcourt Street, and it's one of the most popular spots in Dublin. Known for its brunch and its incredible view of the city, Beaut had its Christmas party there a couple of years ago and we saw Roy Keane, just sayin'.
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The Lucky Duck
Another brand new venue, although it describes itself as 'a Dublin landmark reimagined.' It's a Dublin 'old man pub' for the new generation.
Zozimus
It's hidden away off Anne Street down a laneway across from Kehoe's pub (another fantastic option, but it will be packed). You can identify it by the bright umbrellas hanging outside it from the sky.
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Lemon & Duke
In the same area, down the road from Kehoe's is Lemon and Duke. Plenty of space for a big group of you - and you might even spot Rob Kearney - he's the boss.
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'Triple Seven' is a Mexican resturant with the best Margaritas in town. It's on George's Street, but blink and you'll miss it! If it's only a couple of tacos (you have to) and a margarita you're after, sit at the bar.
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Opium
Recently reburshied, Opium on Wexford Street was one of THE places to go this summer. But its 'garden' areas are repurposed this Christmas for cocktails in the cold. Once you're ready for music and pints, Whelan's is right next door.
Fallon & Byrne
If you like wine, you're going to the right place. Food, too. F&B on Exchequer Street is one of my favourite places in the city full stop. It also has venues in Rathmines and Dun Laoghaire's People's Park.
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Roberta's
Roberta's is a restaurant, bar and terrace situated right on the quays. Italian food, good wine and a guaranteed 'something's gonna happen later' atmosphere.
Vintage Cocktail Club
Shh! It's a secret! The Vintage Cocktail Club is decadence in middle of Temple Bar. Grab your friends and decide who is the one to knock on the door...
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The Liquor Rooms
It's another venue where 'cocktail' is the keyword. Multiple rooms for multiple goings-on, you won't have a bad night here.
The Devlin
They say its Dublin's newest, coolest place to stay and...we might just have to agree. There are places to eat and drink and hang and a mini version of the Stella cinema (which, it has to be said, has a very fine cocktail bar, too). It's in Ranelagh, which is a hop, skip and jump from the city centre. But you'll probably just want to stay put.
DISCLAIMER: In case you think I've deliverateyly left out some amazing pubs, you'd be right. I have to keep somethings secret...
But, let us know if you'd like to know Dublin's best kept pub secrets, or a list of the best 'traditional' pubs, or if you just want to know of more cool places to go. And let us know your recommendations for a night out at Christmas with the girls.