Let's Go Out-Out: Ten Bars in Dublin We Love

As we're heading into the final days of summer, you're no doubt going to find yourself trying to soak up as much of the stretch in the evening as possible by enjoying a beverage or two. We've collated, collected and analysed the best places to go in Dublin for whatever your reason - be it a first date, a place to go wild or even just somewhere to sit with your pals and while away a couple of hours.

• BEST LIVE MUSIC BAR - The Grand Social, Lower Liffey St.

Although Whelan's, The Workmans and The Mercantile have a bit more cache, The Grand Social's upstairs venue has a great, tight sound and a decent-sized bar too. You're more than likely to find an interesting DJ or singer-songwriter upstairs on any given night with a great selection of beers and cocktails at a reasonable price. Its location is also a big plus as it's right in the heart of the city. We love the cool flea market that appears there on weekends every few weeks; it's totally worth a look.

BEST BAR TO BRING TOURISTS / OUTSIDERS TO - The Hairy Lemon, Lower Stephen's St.

It's a damn sight less crowded than The Quays in Temple Bar and far less expensive, too. Nestled nice and near to the major shopping areas like Grafton St. and St. Stephen's Green, The Hairy Lemon's a wonderful slice of old Dublin without any of the forced, Oirishness you'd see elsewhere. The food's also fantastic as well.

BEST CHILLED OUT BAR - The Workshop, Tara St.

Previously known to Dubliners as Kennedy's, The Workshop got a facelift around Christmas of this year and reimagined itself as a gastro pub. Don't let that put you off. This is still a great little spot, snugly sitting below Tara St. and offering a great pint of Guinness. We haven't yet tried the food during the day, but all reports we've heard say it's very decent.

BEST NEW HOT-SPOT BAR - The Beer Market, Christchurch

The Beer Market caused a bit of a stir when it first opened as it sold one thing and one thing only - craft beer. The bar has twenty taps, with some of the beer on offer being only available there, with each beer on offer rotating every so often. Craft beer enthusiasts know the place well and if you've got an inkling to get into the game, it's a good place to start.

BEST WILD NIGHT OUT CLUB - The George, George's St.

If you haven't spent at least one night in The George, you really are missing out. It's not just the positive energy that reverberates out of the place or the crazy-ass stageshows that happen every night, The George is a hub of activity in the Dame St. / George's St. area. Go with a group of people for the best possible results.

BEST CLUB FOR SINGLE FOLKS - The Workmans, Wellington Quay

Yes, it's almost always overpacked and yes, the queue goes right down to Fitzsimons. There's a reason for that, though. The Workmans is always, ALWAYS hopping on a Saturday night and, by sheer logic of numbers alone, The Workmans is the best place to go if you're fancy-free and single. Very good music, too.

BEST HIPSTER BAR - P.Macs, Lower Stephen's St.

Just up the road from The Hairy Lemon and across from SMS is P. Mac's, the favoured haunt of hipsters and media-types in Dublin. It might have something to do with the fact that Newstalk, TodayFM and TXFM are spitting distance from there. There's a decent range of beers and drinks on offer, along with boardgames hidden underneath some of the tables. The booths, also, offer a good deal of privacy and the place is never so full as to be off-putting.

BEST CELEBRITY SPOTTING BAR - Sophie's Bar At The Dean Hotel, Harcourt St.

The Dean Hotel's become one of Dublin's trendiest hotels in recent months, thanks to its stylish decor and great choices for music, drink and food on offer. The jewel in the crown, however, is Sophie's Bar at the very top. During the day, you've got a beautiful panorama of Dublin and at night, it's not unusual to spot any number of Irish or international celebrities. We saw Robbie Keane in there once, FYI.

BEST SPORTS BAR / BAR TO WATCH A MATCH IN - The Living Room, Cathal Brugha St.

Boasting one of the biggest TVs in Dublin and 3D screens as well, The Living Room's the best place in town to go to watch the match. It might be right beside DIT Cathal Brugha St., but don't let that put you off. It's still a great shout for any of the big matches and there's always a brilliant atmosphere.

BEST BEER GARDEN - Blackbird, Rathmines

Blackbird is a recent entry to South Dublin, but it's more than making up for lost time by offering the best beer garden experience in the city. Not only that, they're prone to breaking out a lovely big BBQ on a decent summer's day and their TV screens are more than ample for the footy or rugby.

Have we left one of your favourites off the list?