When it comes to cocktails, Dublin's got 'em all. Short and sharp; long and frothy - you name it and there's some of the best spots in the city shaking up concoctions just for you. Whether you're after a subterranean speakeasy, a live music hangout or a swanky space to impress your date, check out our guide to the very best cocktail bars Dublin has to offer.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 16th June 2025
This secretive watering hole can be found in Temple Bar, bringing speakeasy vibes to the city with its candlelit tables, deep mahogany furniture and 1920s-inspired decor. Internationally award-winning mixologist Paul Lambert is at the wheel with his selection of signature cocktails, which you'll find on menus hidden in old books. Sip on the Dirty Martinez for a salted lemon and vermouth blend, or opt for a sweeter, honey-based French Connection instead.
One of the most sophisticated haunts in the city, The Odeon is a stylish space spread across two floors of a grade A-listed building in the Portobello area, flaunting touches of gold across the venue. They host their Cocktail Club takeovers every Thursday night, complete with resident DJs and over 35 bespoke tipples to choose from. But if you can't make this cracking event, you'll find classic concoctions like the espresso martini or an amaretto sour any day of the week.
When it comes to cocktails in Dublin, Kodiak is a name that deserves attention. This hidden gem combines a sleek, thoughtfully designed space with a menu that's as impressive as it is creative.
Behind the bar, mixologists serve up a stellar range of cocktails that balance classic techniques with bold flavours, while also boasting a strong whiskey and craft beer selection. The ambient lighting, plush seating, and intimate yet vibrant setting make Kodiak a standout destination for cocktail lovers.
Blending the sophistication of a New York cocktail bar with the charm of an Irish pub, Lemon & Duke promises some of the best drinks in the city. Expect relaxed interiors filled with foliage, wooden furnishings and warm lighting - with talented mixologists behind the bar.
Sip everything from a fruity Appletini to the lemon and honey-based Bees Knees on their extensive cocktail menu. Feeling peckish? They also serve tasty plates such as seafood tagliatelle, chicken supreme and pumpkin risotto.
The Bernard Shaw is a quirky venue that blends the charm of a fun cocktail bar with a lively events space across four floors. Sing your heart out at karaoke, challenge friends to ping pong, and test your wits with quizzes before savouring bites from six delicious food spots and dancing in the basement until dawn.
Spread across three floors of a stylish South William Street venue, Farrier & Draper is a haven of all things booze. Not only does this swanky spot have multiple bars and an impressive selection of beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, but there's even a dreamy Italian restaurant in the basement. They've got a huge collection of classic and signature concoctions, alongside plenty of Irish whiskeys - we recommend the Pink Satin for a fruity blend of elderflower and raspberry.
There are all sorts of quirky sips on the cards at traditional Irish pub-style Disndat, the lively bar on Dame Court that's filled with vintage signs and ornaments. They host talented live musicians every single night, with the party lasting until 2:30am from Thursday to Saturday. Expect kooky ingredients galore in your drinks, from salted caramel and fresh mint to pistachio syrup mixed with yuzu puree.
Taking inspiration from Brooklyn's edgy boltholes and dive bars, dimly-lit Riot is one of the best cocktail bars in Dublin city and it's all about live music, DJ nights, arcade games and pool, with retro-inspired drinks served alongside a range of scrumptious smash burgers. Think seasonal slushies, boozy classics and tiki signatures, at a venue that's been named number 10 on a list of The 50 Best Dive Bars In Europe.
Having been voted the best late bar in Ireland in the Irish Pub Awards, you know you're in good hands at Bad Bobs in Temple Bar. They host live music performances throughout the week, as well as regular DJ sets and club nights. As for the cocktails? All their classic and signature sips come in at just €12, making them some of the best cheap cocktails in Dublin, from a frozen daquiri to the spiced rum mai tai - with a whole lot of shots on offer too.
When it comes to gay cocktail bars, Pantibar should be on your radar. Led by the glamorous Panti just a few minutes from the River Liffey, it's all about live music, sassy performances and quirky entertainment, making it a staple of the city's LGBTQ+ scene. They host regular guest DJs, drag queens and other artists, with everything from a classic Aperol spritz to fruity, frozen concoctions on the menu.
Fancy splashing the cash? Serving some of the best cocktails around, The Ivy prides itself on fine dining and handcrafted concoctions in swoon-worthy surroundings. Ideal for date nights, birthdays and special occasions, this botanical beauty is easily one of the area's top bars for its reputation alone. Can't decide what to pick? You can't go wrong with a salted caramel espresso martini or the classy Champagne mojito.
Located up in Rotunda, this bar is the first permanent venture from Bán Poitín founder Dave Mulligan, decked out in red leather booths and wooden furnishings. Expect contemporary cocktails including the creamy Belfast Coffee, or a Y2K that throws vodka, yuzu sake, rhubarb and meringue into the mix. They offer a number of Irish and international whiskies too, paired with tasty sharing boards, sandwiches and more.
Seeking 2 for 1 cocktails in Dublin? Look no further than 777, where you can nab two margaritas for €18 every single Monday. This vibrant Mexican restaurant and stylish bar serves plenty of other enticing sips, from a frozen daquiri to the mezcal-based Illegal Lobo, which you can pair with scrumptious dishes such as soft shell crab tempura, plantain tostadas or Padron peppers - all served in vibrant yellow interiors.
If you like your spaces on the seductive side and your cocktails to dazzle, head to Peruke & Periwig. Split between a traditional boozer, ground floor bar and quirky lounges above, it provides a totally unique drinking experience with high-quality Irish food to soak it all up. Their drinks are a little on the whacky side, with ingredients like lychee cream cheese, pistachio and toffee caramel making their way into these blends.
Prepare to be treated like royalty as this cocktail joint welcomes you with the largest selection of gin in the city, alongside pub classics like bacon cheeseburgers, half roast chicken, Irish cottage pie and more. Choose your botanical beverage from a list of blends from around the world and prepare for a good time. The Gin Palace maintains many of its Victorian features, adding an element of history and sophistication to your evening.
Looking for a cocktail bar in Temple Bar? Hidden away behind a discreet doorway in this iconic area, Vintage Cocktail Club is perfect for everything from after work drinks to weekend brunch and late night parties. Spend your evenings here exploring their tipples from the vintage-inspired interiors or on the rooftop terrace. Their drinks menu is themed around different eras of time, from a 1600s-inspired High Tea to mint juleps originating from the 1820s.
Looking for hidden cocktail bars in Dublin 2? 9 Below is a luxurious spot for seductive sips, thanks to its low lighting and cosy sofas. Make your way downstairs where this subterranean hotspot is serving up curious concoctions infused with all manner of creative ingredients. We're talking pineapple rum mixed with pistachio or pisco with lemon and raspberry foam, with a premium selection of Champagnes up for grabs as well.
From bespoke gin serves out on the stunning terrace to 360-degree views from the beautiful restaurant, Sophie's pairs a slinky setting with the food and drink to round it off. We're talking succulent steaks and enticing seafood platters, paired with quirky concoctions like the maple syrup-loaded Kevin Bacon or a fruity Pear Of Peaches. Head on over to the rooftop bar for delicious brunches, romantic dinners and creative cocktails all day long.
Looking for a little alfresco drinking in the city centre? Check out one of the best rooftop bars in town, The Marker Hotel, found by the Docklands. This luscious space gives you stunning views out across the city, paired with a special menu of signature cocktails and sumptuous dining options to top it all off. Perfect for the summer months, be sure to refresh with a cucumber and elderflower martini or the fruity Solero from this elevated haunt.
