Dublin has many pubs, but if you’re after something with a bit more garnish than a pint of plain, cocktails in Dublin City Centre are very much on the menu. Within a 15-minute walk of the Spire, you’ll find everything from hidden basement speakeasies to sleek hotel bars shaking classics and experimenting with seaweed-infused gin (yes, really). The cocktail scene here isn’t just alive—it’s well-organized, menu laminated, and usually comes with a bartender who takes ice seriously. Whether you’re near Dawson Street, South William Street, or somewhere in the maze of laneways behind George’s Street Arcade, there’s a spot pouring something stirred, shaken, or smoked. This guide sticks to central Dublin and only includes places that actually focus on cocktails, not bars with one dusty bottle of vermouth and a “cosmo” that tastes like flat cranberry juice. Let’s get into the ones worth your time.

Bar 1661 is a cocktail bar located at 1–5 Green Street, Dublin 7, opened in April 2019. It’s named after the year poitín was banned in Ireland and is all about bringing back the spirit through a carefully curated cocktail menu. The design is modern and dim, with old-looking seats, deep blue paint, and an outdoor area for nice weather. They’re famous for their signature drinks like the “Belfast Coffee” (poitín and cold brew) and the “Ban and Black Boilermaker” (poitín with Guinness). They host Irish whiskey tastings and showcase local distillers as well. Bar 1661 has won multiple awards, including Ireland’s Bar of the Year (2022), Best Cocktail Experience at the Food & Wine Awards (2023), and Cocktail Bar of the Year at the Bar of the Year Awards (2023).

Address: 1-5 Green St, Rotunda, Dublin, D07 YT6H, Ireland

The Lucky Duck is located at 43 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. A four-storey venue that combines Victorian pub charm with modern cocktail lounges. The ground floor is a traditional Victorian pub with a copper-topped antique bar, dark tufted leather seating, and walls adorned with archived streetscape photographs. Upstairs, the Digges Room has dual aspect views, dark wood parquet floors, and peacock blue velvet sofas. The Reilly Room has a smoke grey velvet bar, marble fireplace, and jewel-toned velvet armchairs. Clarke’s Bar on the top floor is a cozy snug around an original fireplace with walnut bar finishes and smoked glass mirrors. They serve Indian tapas, and the cocktails are inspired by a “closed loop” concept of sustainability. The building dates back to 1756 and has been restored after over 20 years of vacancy.

Address: 43 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 KP08, Ireland

Sophie’s

Sophie’s is a rooftop restaurant and bar on the 5th floor of The Dean Hotel, 33 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2. The modern glasshouse design has floor-to-ceiling windows with 360-degree views of Dublin city and the countryside. The interior has an open plan dining area with a central bar, open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, and a heated and blanketed terrace for year-round comfort. The menu is a mix of New York, Italian, and Irish influences with dishes like wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and fish specials. Sophie’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The menu features signature drinks like the “Mad Ting,” a mix of Ting grapefruit soda, Havana Especial Rum, and lime served in the Ting can.

Address: 33 Harcourt Street, Dublin, D2

The Little Pig Speakeasy is a tiny, reservation-only cocktail bar located at 6 Glendinning Lane, Dublin 2. The interiors comprise rich red velvet walls, copper ceiling, and vintage furnishings, just like a 1920s speakeasy. The menu has classics like martinis and Old Fashioneds and unique drinks like the “Swine Club” (Copeland Gin, infused Benedictine, lime, and multiple bitters). There’s also an absinthe fountain for those who want the full experience. The bar serves New York Italian-inspired food to match the drinks. The Little Pig hosts “The Green Hour,” an Absinthe & Blues event with live music and themed cocktails as well!

Address: Glendenning Lane, Wicklow St, 6, Dublin, D02 NP97, Ireland

The Bar With No Name, also known as No Name Bar or Snail Bar, is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located at 3 Fade Street, Dublin 2. There is a staircase with a carved wooden snail above the door, the bar resides in a former apartment, and it is a cozy, loft-like space. Mismatched furniture, red velvet curtains, and oversized black and white photographs create a relaxed, eclectic vibe. They serve a range of cocktails, including mojitos and passion fruit caipirinhas, and a weekend brunch menu. A covered outdoor area with circus tents adds to the charm. It is open daily with extended hours on weekends. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as it’s very popular.

Address: Fadebrook House, 3 Fade St, Dublin 2, D02 NF77, Ireland

One of the best bars in Dublin City Centre is 9 Below in the historic Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club basement (est. 1756). This bar features four intimate rooms, each decorated with Art Deco velvet seating, brass accents, and walnut paneling. The central bar area includes a glass display of premium spirits (rare whiskeys and cognacs). The menu of cocktails is curated by expert mixologists with seasonal offerings and high-quality ingredients.

Address: 9 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 C891, Ireland

One of the best places to visit in Dublin is the Vintage Cocktail Club (VCC, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar located at 15 Crown Alley in the Temple Bar area. Inside, VCC spans 3 floors, including a rooftop. The interior is filled with vintage trinkets, antique furniture, floral wallpaper, and reclaimed floor tiles to create a 1920s vibe. The menu is divided into eras and features classics belonging to the 1400s to the 1940s. Signature cocktails include the Ceylon in the City, a combo of house-made mango liqueur infused with chili, citrus, egg whites, and Ceylon Arrack. The bar also serves small plates such as antipasti platters and baked Camembert. VCC has won multiple awards, including Overall Best Cocktail Experience at the National Hospitality Awards.

Address: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229, Ireland

These places are great for enjoying cocktails in Dublin's city center. Each one has its own style and tasty drinks, perfect for a night out.