Bars For A First Date in Dublin

First date nerves? Let the effortlessly stylish vibe of NYX Hotel Dublin's bar take the pressure off. With moody lighting, statement art, and cosy yet upbeat surroundings, it's the perfect place to sip a signature cocktail, share some small plates, and ease into great conversation.

Stay for the DJ sets if things go well - or just enjoy the excellent people-watching and laid-back luxury.

Disndat is a live music pub in the heart of Dublin, providing locals with a place to gather for laid-back pints, cocktails and toasties among friends. With musicians entertaining the crowds every night of the week and a drinks menu that includes tiramisu martinis and a Snickers old fashioned, there's no reason not to visit this buzzing haunt. 

Sitting above the Bull & Castle and offering views of Christchurch Cathedral, Dausie's Bar is a stylish yet characterful spot just outside Temple Bar. Known for its extensive whiskey selection - over 100 to choose from - and tasting trays, it strikes the perfect balance between contemporary cocktail bar and cosy pub.

Guests can enjoy inventive drinks like the peach blossom negroni or a classic Irish coffee, alongside a menu of elevated bar bites and hearty dishes like the slow-cooked beef dip sandwich with roast potatoes and gravy.

Break the ice by getting competitive at one of Dublin's top activity bars, Wigwam. Pair tropical cocktails, from a mai tai to the classic piña colada, with ping pong, tiki bingo, karaoke and comedy nights. There's also a range of food options if all the fun sees you work up an appetite – think homemade pizzas, loaded fries and vegan burgers. 

Break the ice by having a go at the fun activities at Shuffleboard Bar Dublin. When you're not showing off your skills in pool or the game that is its namesake? Get to know the lineup of cocktails, craft beers and pizzas.

BrewDog was made for casual first dates; boasting 32 taps of amazing craft beer, shuffleboard, fire pit seating and a huge menu of pig-out food, you're sure to find everything you're looking for. Whether you're hungry for wings, Korean loaded fries, Buffalo burgers or a sourdough pizza, there's something for everyone. 

For a first date that's effortlessly cool and genuinely enjoyable, Kodiak is a top pick. This dog-friendly Dublin bar blends rustic charm with modern flair, offering a warm, laid-back vibe that's perfect for breaking the ice.

Share a Neapolitan pizza topped with unique ingredients like purple potato and prosciutto, sip on carefully crafted cocktails, or explore their wide range of whiskeys and craft beers. With its welcoming atmosphere and stylish decor, Kodiak makes those early date jitters melt away.

The Blind Pig is hidden away in Dublin's city centre, with a speakeasy aesthetic and signature blends from award-winning mixologist Paul Lambert. Expect to encounter candlelit tables, mahogany furnishings and plenty of paraphernalia at this romantic cocktail bar. 

First date jitters? Head to TapHouse Bar and Kitchen in Dublin for an atmosphere that's as laid-back as it is fun. Share some bold small plates - like Wagyu sliders or calamari - and sip handcrafted cocktails or one of their many beers on tap.

The vibe downstairs is warm and welcoming, perfect for easy conversation, while the upstairs hi-fi lounge with music and a rooftop terrace gives you the option to turn up the energy if things go well. Casual, cool, and full of flavour - ideal first date territory.

If you're looking to impress without trying too hard, The Bank on College Green is your secret weapon. Think soaring glass ceilings, warm lighting and plush Victorian grandeur.

Start with a French Martini or Negroni Bianco at the bar, then slide into the mezzanine for a relaxed bite from their seasonal, locally sourced menu. It's atmospheric, central and full of conversation starters (see: the enormous columns or the literal vaults downstairs). First date nerves don't stand a chance.

Make a great impression at The Old Orchard Inn with a first date that feels both casual and special. Share Dublin smokies or a black angus beef burger, followed by a winter berry crumble for dessert.

The mix of cosy booths, lively bar areas, and attentive staff creates a relaxed, conversational atmosphere that encourages connection. For evening dates, enjoy the warm glow of the heated terrace or settle into a quieter corner for a more private experience.

If you want somewhere relaxed, charming and conversation-friendly, Searsons ticks all the boxes for a first date.

Its warm interiors and subtle buzz create an unfussy but memorable backdrop, whether you're starting with a cocktail, a pint or something from their all-day menu. Outdoors, the garden seating offers a casual alternative, while indoors, the atmosphere is soft, inviting and just lively enough to ease the nerves.

For a first date in Dublin, LJ's Restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that lets you focus on conversation while enjoying excellent food.

The bright and airy setting makes it feel comfortable, while the menu features crowd-pleasing dishes like a classic beef burger with smoked Applewood cheese and beer-battered fish and chips. Whether you're pairing your meal with wine or simply enjoying a light bite, this spot is the perfect place to keep things easy and charming on a first date.

Looking for a stylish spot to take your date to? Then check out Lemon & Duke, a cool cocktail bar that's inspired by the stylish haunts of New York City. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, warm lighting and a ceiling lined with foliage, as well as live DJ sets on the weekend.

They serve all kinds of classic and signature cocktails, from a blueberry margarita to an Orange Blossom. Fancy some food too? There's mozzarella arancini, pan-fried cod, chicken supreme and more on the menu.

Opium really does do it all; fronting a cocktail bar, swish restaurant, roof terrace and club all under one roof. One of Dublin's hottest tickets for a night out, its sure to impress that special someone with an evening full of eating, drinking and dancing, all in an undeniably cool location.

A laid-back wine bar with pretty in pink interiors, Bobbys is an Insta-haven with equally impressive food and drink to match. Stop by on your first date and you'll get to try high-quality wine list of classic bottles and unique finds with sharing boards of Irish cheese and charcuterie.

Sprawling over one of Dublin's most luxurious hotels, Rooftop Bar and Terrace is the perfect spot for taking in the sights of the city and sipping world-class cocktails. Offering sun-soaked views by day and a luxurious lounge when night falls, this bar caters to any date night plans. 

Bison Bar combines hearty grub off the grill with the largest selection of whiskies in Ireland, making for one quirky date night location. Head over to this American-inspired gem and dive into the menu of mouthwatering smoked meat paired with impressive signature sips. 

Ohana offers a sense of paradise from its home in Portobello, serving up some of the finest rum creations in the city within its colourful interiors. A gorgeous date night idea in Dublin, the venue is not only beautiful to look at but its cocktail menu is really something special.

One of the city's most elegant eateries and bars, Isabelle's is a stunning choice for that all-important first meeting. With its stylish decor, impressive food offering and curated list of expertly blended cocktails, this bar is sure to make your date swoon. 

This hideaway on Dawson Road offers quirky cocktails and an old school speakeasy vibe, perfect for those seeking out cosy first date bars in Dublin. Snuggle up in Peruke & Periwig's plush seating surrounded by vintage decor as you sip on quirky concoctions from the expert bartenders. 

Proof is a trendy pizzeria and cocktail bar in The Liberties, offering a relaxed approach to first dates in Dublin. The bar's cocktail wall offers a plethora of mixes on draft, from Aperol spritz, espresso martini and old fashioned. Felling peckish? Try out the menu of Romano-style crispy pizzas.

Sophie's is definitely one swish rooftop bar for a date in Dublin. With ample list of cocktails alongside a curated selection of gin and alcohol-free options, the place is a great all-rounder with a lovely suntrap terrace for alfresco outings in the warmer months.