freetimeguide

DUBLIN
APRIL 2011

Destination Clubland
2night celebrates 30 great nightclubs
 Welcome
to our April issue. It’s been a long time since 2night
contents
magazine ventured into Dublin’s clubland – naturally,
we’re pleasantly surprised by how vibrant the scene
remains. For our special feature this month, we’ve
celebrated game survivors from the past three years,
brand new places, and revivals of popular departed
04
Destination Clubland
clubs – you’ll find 30 great places kicking off on page 2night celebrates 30 great
nightclubs.
4. To give a bit of expert advice, we’ve interviewed
Lectrosoul’s Richie Rock, who regularly delights the
crowd at The Exchequer and the new, re-opened
Kitchen nightclub.
We’ve also had a good chat with Kieran Black, the 12
high-energy frontman for Dublin’s favourite party The Front Row
band, The Amazing Few – he’s a lovely fellah – and All the major films hitting Dub-
lin screens this month.
rounded up the events taking place across the city
this month. Clubbers will be delighted with what’s
on offer, as will theatre lovers. Of course, if you’re
looking for a bit of drama, you’ll find our cinema
previews have plenty: from the sublime to the pat-
14
Competitions
ently ridiculous, 2night’s film buffs shower praise Freebies! Freebies galore!
and barbs liberally. 2night is also showering readers
with free stuff, including a €50 bar tab at Kennedy’s,
a dinner at the Dark Horse Inn, and free concert

16
tickets: we’re the magazine that gives you more!
And as an added bonus, you’ll find hundreds of great
venues, bars, coffee shops and restaurants in our An Amazing Stew
Best of Dublin section from page 30. In other words, 2night talks ‘Psycho Pop’ with
whether you’re a clubber, a gourmand, a shut-in or a Amazing Few frontman Kieran
Black.
mix of everything, you’ll find something to suit your
tastes in this little tome!
18
Events
Your must-have guide to what’s
PUBLISHER: 2night Entertainment Ltd happening this month.
SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR:
Ether Simoncini (ether.simoncini@2night.ie)
EDITOR: Derek Owens (derek.owens@2night.ie)

30
COVER: Daniele Vian
GRAPHIC DESIGN 2night
PRINT: Chinchio Industria Grafica - Rubano - Italy.
Best of Dublin
N°14 - APRIL 2011 Where to eat, drink and party
This is a 2night Entertainment Ltd publication, all rights are reserved. in the city.
2night is copyright of 2night Spa and it is licensed to 2night Entertainment Ltd.
Reproduction of the 2night Magazine, in any form, is strictly prohibited.
For further information email: info@2night.ie
 for za
ckets in ibi Enjoy Corona Sensibly
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of t land
s ets na is Visit
2 ro
win to Co
l e
eop
2p

PrEParE to ExPEriEnCE thE Extraordinary with

Corona SummEr iSland 2011.
the top venues in dublin will host the best parties of the summer.
to find out where and when the parties will take place,
keep an eye on Corona ireland’s Facebook page
and the next issues of 2night magazine.
you can also download the
Corona Bar Shaker iPhone app from the app store
absolutely free and shake it to win ViP tickets
to the parties.
download
thE Corona
Bar ShakEr From
thE aPP StorE For FrEE

note: you must be 18 and older to download the app.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Destination Clubland
2night celebrates 30 late-night havens.

I
t’s been a torrid few months ings, there are several reasons hitting the town. Moreover, So, in that spirit of optimism,
for nightlife lovers in Dublin. to be cheerful. the last 12 months have seen we’ve decided to survey 30
Sin-É’s closure early in the For one, many existing places the emergence of several new great Dublin clubs and cel-
year kicked off a depressing are still buzzing, and have places, including the artsy par- ebrate the things that have
new wave of popular bars and actively raised their game to adise that is The Grand Social, kept them alive in the tough
clubs going to the wall after keep the punters in – since and the unexpected survival of late-night game: good value,
gamely hanging on through we last surveyed Dublin clubs others: who’d have bet, a year top music and, most of all,
tough times. But when you in 2010, we’ve noticed even ago, that The Dragon would good times.
start to look on the bright side more drinks promotions, still be flaming today?
and count your clubbing bless- special offers and class DJs
 EX
PE
have your say
2nighters and their nightlife
RT

Name: Richard Earle Richie Rock, Lectrosoul (famous for

Age: 29 storming The Exchequer, the new revived
Kitchen, and the festival scene)

How does clubbing in Dublin compare to clubs abroad? What’s the key to good DJing?
That completely depends on where you go. What Dublin has to offer is what Tune selection is key: know your audience, mix it up and keep the flow on the
I would like to think any Irish person will say; it’s the people that make it. dancefloor, always leave them wanting more! If it’s a club you want to get them
What I would compare would be the prices, closing times, clientele, service to the dancefloor then, once they’re there, keep them moving till the lights go
you get from the staff and décor of the place. Not that I’m that picky about it. up. If it’s a bar like the Exchequer, I have to keep in mind that people have per-
haps come in for dinner and the trick is to ease people into that dancing mood
What, for you, is the secret to a great clubbing experience? when they move to the bar, with a view to keeping them happy, but always
What makes a great night out, for me, is really good music and having a trying to play new music, mixed in with a sprinkling of stuff they may know.
good group of friends who you know you can have a good time with. If you
have both, you can pretty much put up with anything – well, to an extent. Are Dublin’s DJs getting better, or are things a bit stagnant?
This is actually a difficult question. There are a lot more DJs around now than
What clubs do you like in Dublin? when we started a long long time ago! More does not necessarily mean bet-
My personal likes are what some people might think are the fancier ones ter, for sure there are guys and gals that are gigging week in week out that
like the Grafton Lounge, the Morgan or Café en Seine. The Church is also a have their finger on the pulse. But, with the advent of Laptop DJs (which i
great place. It’s a very hard question though, as going further afield you can use from time to time with a midi controller) and freely downloadable music
get other great venues. there are a lot of substandard DJs that don’t see anything wrong with play-
ing low quality music –badly compressed .mp3 files. Things have gotten a bit
stagnant with one major reason being the ridiculous licensing laws, which all
but killed the club scene. The Give us the Night campaign have been brilliant
in highlighting this and I hope, with the new Fine Gael/Labour Government,
this will change pretty quickly. It was one of their election pledges after all...

Aside from The Exchequer, where do you like to go in

Dublin when you’re in a clubbing mood?
Well, to be honest, because I’m in The Exchequer every weekend, I don’t
get much chance to head out and about! When I do, I love the nights put on
by the Life Festival crew Neutronyx and PTConnection. Also, The Fibre and
Deep into the Bowels of House guys put on some great nights!
5
DESTINATION CLUBLAND - DUBLIN

Alchemy Club M
Fleet Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 0866629575 Cope Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: 016715274

A T
fter a year on the go, Alchemy he excellent door staff at this place
has proved that the city still loves could probably tell you a few sto-
to dance into the night. How do ries. Then again, you’ll come away
they do it? Well, a music policy centred with a few yourself from a Saturday night
around proven floor-fillers works a charm. trip to one of Temple Bar’s busiest clubs.
So does a determined effort to keep out There’s an upscale champagne bar at the
underage drinkers, and a generally chilled mezzanine level, but Club M will always re-
atmosphere. The décor is also pretty cool, main a place for getting rip-roaring drunk,
mixing dark, ultra-modern design with a hilariously bad dancing, and picking up a
few cool older touches. stranger.
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, Opening hours: Open Monday and Thurs-
from 22:30 (23:00 Friday to Sunday) to day to Saturday, from 23:00 to 02:30.
03:00.

ALT Doyles
9, Andrew’s Lane - Dublin 2. Tel: 016779336 9, College Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616

S I
ince being taken over by refugees t’s telling that nobody at team 2night
from the sadly-departed Spy, this can remember a time when this seem-
former theatre has hosted resur- ingly traditional pub wasn’t a heaving
rections of the club’s most popular club- student Mecca by night. The upstairs room
nights, including WAR and Gossip, along hosts late events all through the week, in-
with nights like Party Animal, which feature cluding the Ruby Sessions (a great singer-
giant gorillas and vodka guns – yep, they songwriter night) on Tuesdays, and DJs
push the boat out. The dance floor has who know how to mix indie and alternative
also been reconfigured to create a more tunes with a touch of quality pop preside
crowded atmosphere in the main room. over the weekends.
Opening hours: Opening times vary de- Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
pending on schedule - visit www.2night. from 12:00 to 02:30 (23:00 Sunday).
ie for details.

CitiBar Gypsy Rose

46, Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016794455 1, Aston Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725566

I I
t’s not just the Dame Street spot that s this place the antithesis of the Viper
makes Citibar a nice place to try. The Lounge? Quite possibly. The Gypsy
atmosphere is laid back during the day, Rose is pitched firmly at the fibbers
but it comes to life on weekend nights with crowd and rocker refugees from Bruxelles
more-than-competent DJs churning out and Eamon Doran’s after those places got
chart hits. They’re very proud of their LED a facelift – in that, it succeeds admirably.
dance floor and, to judge by how packed it It’s an old school rocker bar with regular
gets on Fridays, they’re not the only ones free gigs and drinks for €4 before mid-
who like it. night, which makes for a pleasantly rowdy
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, crowd.
from 10.30 (12:00 Sunday) to 23:30 Opening hours: Open seven days a week
(03:00 Thursday to Saturday, 23:00 Sun- from 17:00 to 00:30 (02:30 Thursday to
day). Saturday).
Karma Stone Pantibar
Wexford Street – Dublin 2. Tel: n/a 7-8, Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel: 018740710

I N
t’s hard to keep up with the changes ow run by Rory O’Neill (otherwise
at this bar – what seemed like an ideal known as Panti, one of Dublin’s
spot just down the road from Whelan’s most popular drag queens) Panti-
and The Village appears to have been bar is bright, loud, and positively flaming.
something of a poisoned chalice for previ- It’s also maintained the roomy interior of
ous tenants, including the short lived Cor- predecessor GUBU and a comfy seating
ner Stone bar. We reckon the folks behind area. There’s a varied programme on of-
Karma have cracked it, with a revamped fer, including fundraisers for worthy LGBT
interior and oodles of drink promotions. causes, Brazilian craziness, and a Thursday
This place is particularly popular with the drag show starring Panti herself.
DIT crowd. Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 17:00 to 02:30 (23:30 Sunday to
from 12:00 to late. Tuesday).

Lost Society Pygmalion

Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016111777 59 South William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016334479

S S
et in the plush surroundings of this ince replacing the sprawling, per-
18th-century townhouse, Lost Soci- haps overly plush Ba Mizu, this
ety tries to give the venue a modern comparatively unpretentious place
twist while retaining a certain... grandeur. has been a hit – whether it’s the stripped
They make a good stab at it. The basement back, warren like interior, sets from genu-
club has a selection of themed nights – inely creative DJs, or the interesting arty
we dig Rococo with Ivano Cafolla  – while acts that sometimes preside here, they’re
there’s a menu of tasty classic cocktails doing something right. A good cocktail
and signature drinks on offer too. menu and reliable pints can’t hurt either.
Opening hours: Open Monday to Satur- Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
day, from 12:00 to 02:30 (18:00 Monday from 10:30 (12:00 Sunday) to late.
and Tuesday).

McGowan’s Phibsboro Q Bar

18, Phibsboro Road - Dublin 9. Tel: 018306606 1, Burgh Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: 016777435

T T
hough the layout of the main bar his place has survived an influx of
and restaurant at McGowans is slicker establishments by doing
traditional, they’ve recently opened what it does best: serving good
a spiffy nightclub section that’s popular drinks at a decent price. ‘Monday Mania’,
with local students and young ‘uns. We offering pints for €3.50 and cocktails for
fancy the two professional dancing poles a fiver, is a very popular night. Between
have something to do with it – it’s hard to the upstairs bar and a more ‘clubby’
believe that this place was one of the last downstairs, there’s ample room for many
men-only bars in the city. drinkers, and the music is dominated by
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, popular dance tracks.
from 10.30 (12:00 Sunday). Late opening Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
Friday and Saturday. from 10.30 (12:00 Sunday) to 02:30
(23:00 Sunday).
DESTINATION CLUBLAND - DUBLIN

Renards The Grand Social

23, Frederick Street - Dublin 2 Pravda Lower Liffey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: 018740076

R W
obbie Fox’s original playground e may miss Pravda’s selection
for Celtic tiger cubs has been re- of vodkas, but The Grand So-
opened with new faces in charge, a cial is a more than adequate
spiffy new layout and a more broad-based replacement. Designed with a specific
appeal. The bar opens during the daytime, New York factory feel in mind, it’s split into
while the club is open till the wee hours four venues – the ballroom, the loft, the
from Thursday to Saturday, with three garden and the parlour, all hosting a mix of
Dublin DJs spinning everything from funky live music, exhibitions, cinema screenings,
house to chart-toppers across the three comedy and performance. A late night,
floors of the venue. artsy wonderland.
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, Opening hours: Opening times vary de-
from 12:00 to 23:30 (02:30 Thursday to pending on schedule - visit www.2night.
Saturday, 23:00 Sunday). ie for details.

Sin The Sugar Club

17-19, Sycamore Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016334232 8, Lower Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016787188

I ‘P
t’s handy to find, open late and well run: lush’ and ‘intimate’ are two
a simple formula for a club in theory, words we rarely associate with
but one that’s difficult to get right. Sin’s Dublin’s clubs or performance
décor is ultra modern, and the is particu- spaces. Little wonder, then, that The Sugar
larly popular for a €50 open bar deal offer- Club has established itself as a fixture on
ing clubbers V.I.P. area access and cloak- the late night scene. The owners, a pretty
room facilities, plus all your drinks for the passionate pair about promoting the arts,
evening (excluding champagne or shots), also work to put on a varied schedule with
meaning it’s prone to selling out. live music, club nights, and more fringe
Opening hours: Open Friday, Saturday interests.
and Sunday from 21:30 to 02:30 (01:30 Opening hours: Opening times vary de-
Sunday). pending on schedule. Typically open from
Wednesday to Sunday, 21:00 to 03:00.

South William The Twisted Pepper

52, South William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946 54, Middle Abbey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: 018734038

T B
his laid back bar and club has re- odytonic’s flagship venue hums
cently embraced a Brazilian vibe with activity most nights – and
that was always present here, with days for that matter. There’s in-
some impressive results: the first-ever variably something interesting on in the
Dublin Carnaval last month was a big hit. four-level venue, from celebrity DJ sets to
The vibe is continued with Tuesday’s private parties, gigs and even the odd flea
Groovalizacion, featuring South American market. The focus generally is on under-
tunes and fejoada stew. ground acts with a fervent following. We
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, also dig the ground floor bar, which by day
from 12:00 (16:00 Sunday) to 23:30 serves some of the best coffee in the city.
(02:30 Thursday to Saturday, 01:00 Sun- Opening hours: Opening times vary de-
day). Food served from 12:00 (15:00 Sun- pending on schedule - visit www.2night.
day) to 22:00. ie for details.
The Dragon The Village
64-65, Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014781590 26, Wexford Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555

R S
umours that the Dragon was slain ince setting up next to indie-haven
have turned out to be somewhat Whelan’s, Village has done a few
exaggerated: The newest and pos- things to distinguish itself. Quite
sibly the slickest of Dublin’s city-centre gay apart from hosting live gigs by niche artists
bars is still going strong. There’s a chill out with fiercely devoted followers and inno-
section near the entrance, a long bar and vative club nights: the rock’n’roll karaoke
dance floor area on the ground floor, then that is Songs of Praise every Wednesday
a bar and smoking area on the first floor. is our pick, though Saturday’s Mixtape
The décor - dark with Asian influences, (featuring Fionn Davenport’s bag of indie
mosaics, and statues - is similarly hip. tricks) is also popular.
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
from 17:00 to late. from 12:00 to late.

The Purty Kitchen The Workman’s Club

34/35, East Sussex Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016770945 10, Wellington Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: 016706692

O T
ne of the best gastropubs-and- his new venue is a great addition to
clubs to emerge in the Temple the indie-club and live music scene.
Bar area, The Purty Kitchen by Downstairs, the bar remains almost
day is a quiet, handy place to grab a meal. untouched from its days as, well, a work-
By night, however, the scene transforms, ing man’s club, but you’ll find a live music
and the Kitchen has three floors of action and clubbing venue that’s attracting some
cooking on most evenings. A mix of alter- top-tier Irish artists and international acts
native bands, singer-songwriters and DJs upstairs.
with flare ensures a lively evening, as do Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
generous drinks promotions. from 18:00 to 00:00. Special club nights
Opening hours: Open Seven days a week, may vary – visit www.2night.ie for details.
late club Monday to Friday.

The Underground (Kennedys) The Wright Venue

31, Westland Row – Dublin 2. Tel: 016799077 South Quarter, Airside – County Dublin. Tel: 018900099

T W
he positively hopping subterranean ith a capacity of 2700, this
club to the old-school Kennedys venue houses a club and
downstairs has an industrial-chic performance space, a terrace
look, an eclectic line-up of nights, and a bar, a members-only Penthouse Club, the
heaving atmosphere. Exciting DJs includ- laid-back Purple Room plus The Cities –
ing Maurice Fulton, Andrew Weatherall luxurious private hire booths. The club has
and Ivan Smagghe have all played intimate residencies and regular slots from the DJ
sets here. elite including Roger Sanchez, Dirty Vegas
Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday and more.
from 12:00 to late. Nightclub open Friday Opening hours: Open every Wednesday,
and Saturday from 23:00 to 02:30. Visit Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Sunday
www.2night.ie for club night details. from 22:00. Also available for private hire,
launches and film shoots.
DESTINATION CLUBLAND - DUBLIN

Thomas House TwentyOne

86, Thomas Street - Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 21, D’olier Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016712089

A M
great little dive bar, with an atmo- aybe it’s the high proportion
spheric interior, good live acts of students trying to scheme
playing downstairs and a discern- their way past the bouncers or
ing DJ selection policy. The music varies the funny lighting, but this place vaguely
from ska and punk to fairly accessible reminds us of a school disco on Craggy
soul and funk at the weekends, without Island. In a good way. Floor thumping
ever going totally commercial. Up until re- hip-hop, screens playing music videos, a
cently, rumours abounded that this place packed dance floor and impressive drinks
would be replaced by another superpub, promotions aren’t everyone’s cup of tea –
but it seems to have survived every scare but they certainly get some people excited.
admirably. Opening hours: Open Monday to Satur-
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, day, 23:00 (22:00 Friday and Saturday)
from 18:00 to late. to 03:30.

Tramco Vanilla
121, Lower Rathmines Drive – Dublin 6. Tel: 014968050 19, Morehampton Road - Dublin 4. Tel: 016379805

T T
ramco’s club nights are unasham- his boutique nightclub attached
edly geared towards the student to hampton hotel has gone for
market – it’s impossible to avoid a distinctly decadent look, with
given the location. Some cracking one-off ultra-modern furnishings, cool lighting
gigs and a range of popular club nights pull and luxury at every corner - a great mix of
them in. Wednesdays and Thursdays see signature and classic cocktails adds to the
tempting promotions run for the students pampered vibe. The music spans across
of the area – selected bottles and shots are decades, from the 1970s through to the
offered for €2, a price that’s hard to match modern day, and genres from Barry White
anywhere else. to Lady Gaga. Admission is for over-26s.
Opening hours: Open Wednesday to Sat- Opening hours: Open Friday and Saturday,
urday from 17:30 to 03:00. from 23:00 to late.

Tripod Wrights Café Bar

Old Harcourt Street Station, Harcourt Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 The Plaza, Forster Way - Co Dublin. Tel: 018406744

Y W
ou can’t discuss clubbing in Dublin ith a decade on the go, this
without at least a nod in Tripod’s di- bar and club can rightly claim
rection. As the name suggests, Tri- to be more than just a flash in
pod is three venues rolled into one, mean- the pan establishment with fancy décor.
ing there’s something for everyone, while That said, the setting is lush and interest-
top notch lighting and sound systems ing, with everything from patterned walls,
make for an excellent experience. Live metallic surfaces and richly-coloured fur-
bands play regularly, as do top DJs includ- niture somehow blending into a cohesive
ing Mr Scruff, Felix da Housecat and more. whole. Even late at night, there’s a nice
Opening hours: Opening times vary de- mellow vibe here.
pending on schedule - visit www.2night. Opening hours: Open seven days a week,
ie for details. from 12:00 to 02:30 (23:30 Monday,
01:00 Sunday).
Bowes
31, Fleet Street – Dublin 2. to encourage a longer stay. You drinking away a few productive Dame Street), turn right and head
Tel: 016714038 can usually get a table to yourself, hours, and watching the football. down Westmoreland Street. Take
The sister pub to Doyle’s around which is nice, and the bar staff Opening hours: Open seven days a right turn onto Fleet Street, and
the corner is the gold standard seem to know everyone who’s a week, from 16:00 to 23:30 Bowes will be on your right.
in ‘old school’: there’s beautifully visited more than twice. On any (00:30 Friday and Saturday, 23:00
crafted, comfortable furniture, a day off (or just an off-day) you can Sunday).
firmly unpretentious atmosphere, do a lot worse than spending the Getting there: From the front gates
and a bevy of top-line whiskeys afternoon here reading the papers, of Trinity College (facing onto

11
CINEMA

The front row

2night previews the major films hitting Dublin screens this month.

APRIL 1
Sucker Punch
Watching the heroine of Sucker Punch, Babydoll (Emily Source Code
Browning), get locked away in a 1950s lunatic asylum by If last year’s Inception showed us that a blockbuster can
her evil step-father at the start of the movie, it’s easy to im- challenge its audience and still prove successful, Source
agine that what follows will be distinctly bleak. But this film Code comes as a stark reminder that films still need to
is directed by Dan Snyder, the same peculiar man who gave make sense. For this semi-sci-fi effort, Jake Gyllenhaal
us 300 and Watchmen. He describes it as “Alice in Won- plays decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens, who’s part
derland with machine guns”. Add dragons, B-25 bombers of a government experiment called the ‘Source Code’ – a
and brothels, and you’re nearly there – the bulk of the ac- useful, inexplicable program that enables him to cross over
tion in Sucker Punch takes place in Babydoll’s head as she into another man’s identity in the last eight minutes of his
and her fellow patients try to dream up an escape before life. Here, the Government have used it to virtually place
they’re lobotomised. This allows them to wage fantastical Stevens aboard a train that’s about to explode, and he
warfare against everything from samurais to serpents, with has to find the bomber before another attack occurs. The
the help of a wise man (Scott Glenn) guiding them. When weird hybrid of Quantum Leap and Groundhog Day has
Glenn outlines all the things that Babydoll and her friends a certain appeal, but the logical wheels start to come off
need to find and do, however, Sucker Punch starts to feel when Stevens messes with the rules in the name of love.
more like a video game in its series of isolated challenges Which he must do, of course. It’s visually impressive, and a
than a real movie. There’s one critical difference, how- wide-eyed Gyllenhaal has a knack for inciting empathy, but
ever – good video games these days have coherent nar- Source Code will leave any viewer who tries to understand
ratives that pull us in. Even though it’s visually impressive it stumped – and not in a good way.
as it traipses across time and space, and the random crew
of enemies make it feel like a 12-year-old gaming freak’s
dream, Sucker Punch lacks that crucial ingredient.
APRIL 8
Killing Bono Tomorrow When the War Began
If Killing Bono was a violent farrago in which the world’s The tense-mangling title alone is enough to make the
smuggest rock star met his grisly end, most of the world average wordsmith weep. Still, this adaptation of John
would turn away in revulsion – a sizeable chunk of Irish Marsden’s young adult novel has an intriguing premise: a
fans, though, would probably lap it up. Sadly, this isn’t that group of youthful Australians on an idyllic camping holiday
film. Killing Bono is a straight-up comedy about Neil and discover that their province has been invaded overnight
Ivan McCormick, two Irish brothers who attempt to be- and that local citizens are being held captive by a hostile
come rock stars but can only look on as their schoolfriends foreign force, leaving them with no option but a campaign
U2 begin their dizzying rise. The film compensates for a of guerrilla warfare against the occupying power. If you can
distinct lack of wanton violence with plenty of knowing ref- get over the vaguely discomforting race issues and a few
erences to the late-70s and early-80s music scene, while patchy performances, Tomorrow When the War Began is
Ben Barnes and Robert Sheehan are hugely enjoyable as an exciting, action-heavy affair that balances its explosions
the McCormick brothers. Also look out for a turn from Pete with a welcome bit of moral complexity. A sequel is already
Postlethwaite in his final film role. in the works.

12
 CINEMA
APRIL 15 APRIL 22
Red Riding Hood Arthur
Adaptations of classic stories on screen usually go in one Consider this star vehicle as one more step in Russell
of three directions. Some follow the original text faithfully. Brand’s conquest of Hollywood: whether people love or
Some tinker around the edges or add a few playful tweaks, loathe it will pretty much depend on their feelings towards
like Disney’s delightful Tangled. Others have only the vagu- Brand himself. A remake of the 1981 classic, Arthur stars
est of connections to the original story, and Red Riding the funnyman as a comically-spoilt and childlike heir to a
Hood falls into this third category. The only thing Amanda vast fortune, forced to choose between an arranged mar-
Seyfried’s Red Riding Hood has in common with the broth- riage to an affluent socialite (Jennifer Garner) – which will
ers Grimm heroine is her dress sense – in this Twilight- ensure his lavish lifestyle – or an uncertain future with the
influenced piece, she plays a young woman set to marry a woman he loves (Greta Gerwig). Brand is his usual manic
perfectly decent bloke from her village, but head over heels self as he acts out Arthur’s ill-fated attempts to make his
in love with another man who is, of course, wrong for her. own way in the world, while Hellen Mirren is charming as
We know this because he tells her. With a grating, emo- his long-suffering nanny. Brain food it ain’t, but at least this
esque sense of self-absorption. The film’s fetish for explain- offers a few giggles.
ing everything in a tone pregnant with meaning continues
when the film kicks into gear and a mysterious werewolf
starts killing off the villagers. Do you reckon it could be Red APRIL 27
Riding Hood’s bad-boy-beau? Most teenagers with more
than two brain cells to rub together will be offended by this Thor
lazy, pandering nonsense. Marvel are clearly building towards something big in the
various plot non-sequiturs that they keep dropping into
their increasingly samey blockbusters. It may be a sound
The Way investment in pre-marketing but, as we trundle towards
Martin Sheen and his son, Emilio Estevez, have built up an The Avengers or whatever big-screen blow-off the pow-
impressive fund of goodwill down the years – so much, in ers that be have planned, it’s increasingly making films that
fact, that many in the industry still give the human car crash should be major events feel like b-list affairs. This movie is
that is Charlie Sheen far too much leeway. On balance, The a case in point. For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Thor
Way takes more from the goodwill fund than it contributes. tells of a partially disabled medical student, Dr. Donald
The story, as you’d expect, is worthy – an American doctor Blake, who discovers his heretofore unknown alter ego
(Sheen) goes to France to collect the remains of his adult in the legendary Norse warrior. For all the 3D effects and
son, killed in the Pyrenees during a storm while walking CGI we’ve come to expect from these big-budget flicks,
the Christial Pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago. Thor still feels fundamentally unfulfilling, like a prequel to a
However, he decides to walk the path himself in grief and hit movie we haven’t seen yet – and are increasingly less
homage to his son, encountering several other travellers excited about. The first films in the current wave of comic-
looking for meaning and comfort on the way. Sheen’s per- book adaptations were funny, universal, and interesting
formance is winning and affecting – in fairness, there’s no – this joyless, vapid spectacle, the visual equivalent of an
weak link in the small cast – but the film itself is a gruel- all-you-can-eat buffet, is none of those things.
ling 140 minutes. By the time the credits roll, the sheer
weight of the film (which is hardly lightened by Estevez’s
languid directorial hand) will make the audience feel like
they’ve been on a pilgrimage themselves – only without
the epiphanic payoff.

Where to see them

For full city centre cinema listings,
visit www.2night.ie.
13
 Competitions
Win free tickets and great nights out with 2night!
Café Carlo Esben & The Witch Kennedys
A friendly little Irish-Italian joint, with a Since forming in Brighton during On its ground floor, Kennedys is a pleas-
fresh decor and a menu with flavour to 2008,  Esben & The Witch  have forged ant, old-school bar – good Guinness,
spare, Café Carlo has a warm and laid- a unique sound springing from a hugely plenty of wooden furniture, a relaxed
back feel – though there’s a pleasant buzz broad range of influences: the trio cite vibe, and even the odd link to a histori-
at evening times – while the service is nature and literature, art and science, his- cal figure (Oscar Wilde once worked in
snappy without rushing people through tory and the unknown – along with some the building when it was a grocery store).
their meals. Their new ‘steak on a stone’ Scott Walker and PJ Harvey records. Dan- You’ll also find hearty pub grub, including
special is a real treat, and we’re delighted iel Copeman  (guitar, electronics),  Rachel a particularly warming bangers and mash,
to be giving one lucky 2nighter (and a Davies  (vocals, bass) and  Thomas Fish- along with friendly service too. There’s an
friend) the chance to experience it! er  (guitar, keys) are rising fast, and set altogether different feel downstairs: ‘the
to perform an intimate gig at Crawdaddy underground’ is a positively hopping club
on April 4. We’ve a pair of tickets to give with an industrial-chic look that couldn’t
away. contrast more wildly with the bar upstairs,
but definitely works. We’re delighted to be
giving away a free bar tab of €50 to one
lucky 2nighter!

HOW TO ENTER
Entering our competitions is easy and free – simply head to the ‘free and promo’ section of our site, www.2night.ie, and
answer the question posed in the competition. We’ll select an entry, and announce the winner on our Facebook page.
 FREE TICKETS
Steve Mason The Dark Horse Inn The Wave Pictures
The former Beta Band frontman made a Long one of the most popular early With 12 years under their belts, this Eng-
big impression in his last Irish appearance, houses in Dublin, The Dark Horse Inn has lish three-piece are starting to finally get
an intimate Other Voices gig for RTÉ, and undergone a major renovation in the last the recognition their sound, which owes
is currently touring his well-received al- year, sprucing up considerably without something to the bittersweetness of The
bum Boys Outside, released in 2010. losing its characteristic charm. It’s be- Smiths and Pulp, deserves. The band
He’s traversed from indie to idiosyncratic come a cool evening jazz venue too, with released Beer in the Breakers earlier this
electronic pop, and done it rather well. regular live entertainment supplemented year on Moshi Moshi and are embarking
Mason will be performing at The Button by some one-off gigs and interesting on a UK and Ireland tour. They play Craw-
Factory on April 16 – tickets are normally events too, while top chefs have been re- daddy on April 30, and we’re giving away
€17, but we’ve a pair to give away. cruited for the kitchen. We’re delighted to a pair of tickets to the show.
be giving away dinner for two with a bottle
of house wine to one of our readers.

We’ll ask for your contact details to get in touch when you’ve won, but will respect your privacy – have a read of the
privacy policy on our site by all means. 
15
INTERVIEW FEATURE

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16
 INTERVIEW FEATURE
O
n stage, The Amazing everything in be- band that has kept growing to this day. “The storyline is great – two kids
Few’s Kieran Black is tween – that strange “We started picking people who re- who are unpopular and one’s in
as much a demented melange made him an ally liked the band. That keeps going love with his teacher. I think we
ringmaster – jumping unusual fixture on the – when we play gigs, we try to get the can all identify with that! I’m sure,
around and co-ordinating cute Seattle music scene whole audience to become the band, even if you were the most popu-
spectacles with a childlike delight even before he came to get on stage and have them play for lar kid in school, there was some
– as he is a frontman for the band. Ireland. “I started writing us. I think we’re at thirteen members point where you felt you were
He’s served as the manic host for when I was just a kid – I now, actual players in the band, and tarred and feathered,” he says.
a New Year’s Eve 3-D show, had a think I had one string on then we have other people who do “It’s challenging now, because I
crowd planting seeds in a festival a guitar and was writing props and visuals,” he reveals. haven’t met the actors yet. I’m
field, and co-ordinated a ‘Tennes- songs. I was in high school, With more people in the musical going to see them this week and
see Sweepstakes’-themed show and thought I was pretty mix, the songwriting process has see how far, as actors, they’re
including a kissing contest. You serious then, but I didn’t shifted. “Traditionally, it was my- willing to go. Talking to Lee, the
can forgive us then, for having a really know what I was doing. self coming up with the ideas. director, is amazing – he’s on the
little trepidation about interview- Then I moved to Seattle But now I’d try to get same buzz as I am. We want it to
ing the diminutive dynamo. We and started playing in everybody involved. be a really great song, like Dream
needn’t have worried – Black bands there. I real- That’s how I feel Theatre meets Queen.”
is unfailingly polite and almost ised that, not only anyway – I’d More than that, however, The
disconcertingly calm. And ap- did I like playing, encourage Amazing Few face a serious chal-
parently, we’re not the only ones I liked telling sto- everybody to lenge in capturing the quirky,
who think that.“In my head, I find ries, and I started do different manic energy and imagery of
everything funny off-stage and, my own thing things,” says their live shows in a recording
on-stage, it all comes out. I’m writing songs. I Black. “The – no iTunes download can quite
pretty reserved at home, chilled played with loads last few times, capture the bouncy, feel-good
out. And when I’m out with my of bands there, I’ve sat down vibe of their audio-visual spec-
friends, I’m pretty quiet. I think with some great with Dan, and taculars. “That’s our Achiles heel,
people would say I’m a social musicians, and songs say ‘these are it really is,” he admits. “When we
bumblebee, but I’m not really – that I wrote were often the words’ or ‘this record, we always try to keep it
I’d hide in the corner!” he says. whacked-out, completely is the kind of buzz I’m really live. But then there’s the
From a purveyor of a musical different to what everyone else going for. Then he’d come visual aspect of it – how do you
style he’s dubbed ‘psycho-pop’, was doing,” he says. up with an amazing composi- get that across? It’s quite tough.
it’s an unusual admission. A quick holiday in Ireland with tion, and approach the whole That’s one of the reasons why
For a word coined to describe a parents, however, turned into band with it. That was the last we’ve only put out singles. But
sound that’s refreshingly tough a ten-year stay, and he soon eight songs, and it’s definitely we’ve made a decision that we’re
to pigeon-hole, ‘psycho-pop’ is found himself sucked into the changed things a lot. It’s made going to put out an album and
a surprisingly well-defined style. world of Dublin indie. “I was do- it more dramatic and more see how it goes: we’re going to
“It’s a name we made up, be- ing my own thing, and getting theatrical.” The band evidently put everything in it. We’re using
cause ‘what kind of music do you some good gigs – at the time aren’t afraid of trying out new effects for the first time, we’ve
play?’ is the first question people when the Spiegeltent came to things, however, as they’ve just got the brass, three guitarists,
ask. It’s a mixture of everything, the Jervis Centre, I got to do a become involved in writing mu- three singers, and loads of other
taking the best of psychobilly and residency there, every night at sic for The Masterplan, a surreal things. It’s like when you’re in
anything that is pop. It’s a mixture midnight. That’s when I realised new show featured on RTE’s school and going on the field
of ska, punk,country, jazz, theat- ‘jeez, I really like what I’m doing Storyland competition. The trip. The teacher has to organise
rics – loads of things,” explains on my own. This is a lot of fun.’ story of two unpopular teens everything – it’s the same thing
Black. The fusion of influences People were dancing just to me who enter a battle of the bands running this band. It’s crazy, like
mirrors Black’s own distinctly on a guitar,” he recalls. Hooking competition – with a song by orchestrating a school bus of
eclectic tastes, which range from up with his future wife Sorcha The Amazing few – has an in- kids. In a good way.”
Iron Maiden to Frank Zappa and and Dan Shanahan kicked off a nate appeal to Black.

17
 EVENTS
WEEK 1 - 9 APRIL LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING
EATING AND DRINKING
ongoing event
THEATRE ARTS

April 5, 7 and 8
HAMLET*
It’s Leaving Cert season again, which often leads to by-the-numbers Shakespeare plays dominating
Dublin stages. This incarnation of Hamlet, conceived by Second Age Theatre Company, is a mercifully
different beast. With contemporary dress and a frankly ingenious set, it promises a fresh-but-faithful
take from the off and doesn’t disappoint. Conor Madden (pictured) plays the doomed Danish prince as
a distinctly manic character – he turns it up to 11 as soon as Hamlet sees his father’s ghost, and doesn’t
take his foot off the pedal for the next two hours – but Frank McCusker’s Claudius, simmering with
beta-male menace, is a superb counterweight. Jane Brennan is a similarly understated queen, Darragh
Kelly gives a wonderful comic turn as Polonius, and Aonghus Óg McAnally is a natural Laertes. The
show finishes up its Helix residency on April 8 before taking off on a national tour.
€25, 20:00

The Helix. DCU. Collins Avenue. Dublin 9

April 1 friendship - or anything. The

play will run until April 16.
Acoustic’ – a free Saturday after-
noon jam – will see Colin Doyle,
DUM DUM GIRLS From €13, 19:30 The Modfathers, Ray Gilligan and
Sandy, Jules, Dee Dee, and The Abbey Theatre. 26, more playing the Harcourt Hotel.
Bambi have ridden a wave of Lower Abbey Street – Dub- €49.50 (weekend pass), vari-
garage rock onto the sub-pop lin 1. Tel: 018872200 ous performance times
label, with a poppy knack for hooks The Village. 26, Wexford Street
thrown into the mix to boot. THE ARABIAN NIGHTS* – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555
€17.50, 19:30 DIT Conservatory of Music and
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Drama’s 23 BA Graduates have PAUL BRADY
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 produced this take on the classic He’s been described as “The
Middle Eastern collection of stories, best melody writer I can think
which finishes up tomorrow. Tripod. Old Harcourt Street of” (Bonnie Raitt), a “secret hero”
INSPIRATIONS Station, Harcourt Street – Dub-
Glen Hansard is the main attrac- €15 (€10 concessions), 20:00 (Bob Dylan) and “The iron fist in
Project Arts Centre. 2, Essex Street lin 2. Tel: 014763374 the velvet glove of Irish music”
tion at this showcase night in aid
of Children’s charity Barretstown. East – Dublin 2. Tel: 018819613 (Bono) – nobody can say that Paul
MODFEST* Brady is lacking in admirers in the
€30, 19:30 Ready your scooters: organised by
The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame GREEN VELVET fifth decade of a storied career.
The sometime Curtis Jones may Modernmedia in association with From €33.60, 20:30
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 indesit, Modfest 2011 promises
go by many names – he answers, Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
apparently, to Geo Vogt, Half Pint, two days of fantastic mod-rock at – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
THE EAST PIER* The Village. Secret Affair, Purple
An interesting romantic drama Curan Stone, and Gino Vittori – but
the Chicago man is best known as Hearts, From the Jam (featuring
by Paul Mercier looks at a cou- Bruce Foxton) and Irish favourites
ple unexpectedly reunited, and Green Velvet tag, a tag he’s used
to produce four studio albums. The Lambrettas will perform today
whether they’ll pursue love, and tomorrow, while ‘Afternoon
€20, 23:00
18
April 2 SARAH MILLICAN April 4 April 5
The Geordie comic is a relative
THE PHILIP LYNOTT latecomer to the stand-up game LITTLE GEM* CHILDREN OF BODOM
EXHIBITION* – she first performed at age 29, Playwright Elaine Murphy’s The Finnish death metal outfit
It’s your last chance to check and hadn’t been in a comedy hugely successful debut about have had a busy few years since
out this homage to one of the club before the night of her first three generations of Artane 2008’s Blooddrunk propelled them
most charismatic rock front- gig – but has made a mighty big women has become the Play That onto the U.S. hard rock scene.
men Ireland ever produced. impression in a short space of time. Would Not Die, and returns for €35.50, 17:30
€10, 12:00 €21.40, 20:30 a quick Olympia run to April 9. Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
Stephen’s Green Shopping €22.65, 20:00 – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
Centre. Stephen’s Green – The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame
Dublin 2. Tel: 014780888 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 THE SOUND OF MUSIC*
This new and lavish production tell-
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF* BETWEEN FOXROCK AND A ing the story of the Von Trapps on
Jim Molloy Promotions bring this HARD PLACE* the stage is already generating huge
new staging of the classic musi- Ross O’Carroll Kelly is in a bind: excitement – it kicks off a run to-
cal about holding to traditions in his parents are forced to sell their night that will continue to April 30.
changing times – and the ebbs and palatial home because of the From €25, 19:00
flows of family life – to The Gaiety recession and, as the family gath- Grand Canal Theatre. Grand
Theatre. This is the last night of ers to learn how much they’ve Canal Square, Docklands –
the production’s planned run. received, fall victim to a tiger Dublin 1. Tel: 016777999
From €18.50, 19:30 kidnapping. This second produc-
The Gaiety Theatre. 46, South King tion of Paul Howard’s play kicks off
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016771717 tonight, and runs until April 16. April 6
€25, 19:30
NO ROMANCE* BOWLING FOR SOUP
Nancy Harris’ tender-but-funny sto- After a sold-out October show with
Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
ry about the secrets people keep, the rest of their band, Bowling For
– Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
even in the closest of relationships, Soup frontman Jaret Reddik and
finishes up its Peacock Stage run. bass player Erik Chandler play a
From €13, 19:30 WESTLIFE* one-off acoustic show for their
The Abbey Theatre. 26, Lower Abbey Nicky Byrne and chums still have a uniquely dedicated Irish fans.
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018872200 place in our hearts – this is the first €25, 19:00
of four 02 gigs, and tickets will have The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
to be begged, borrowed or stolen. The Gaiety Theatre. 46, South King
THE BLACKOUT Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
From €54.80, 18:30 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016771717
After playing as part of two sold-out
The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay
Academy shows in the venue on BELL X1*
– Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888
the 2010 Kerrang! tour, the Welsh THE PARTING GLASS* The radio-friendly indie stalwarts
hardcore six-piece The Blackout re- A one-man show about love, friend- return to Vicar Street, which
turn in support of their third album. ship, family and loss, The Parting they comfortably sold out last
€18.50, 20:00 April 3 Glass is a deeply personal piece November. This time, they’re
The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey that’s resonating with an Ireland playing tonight and tomorrow.
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 NOAH AND THE WHALE experiencing mass emigration once €33.60, 20:30
Even though drummer Doug again. Dermot Bolger’s play will run Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
THE SAW DOCTORS Fink has left to pursue a career in at Project Arts Centre to April 16. – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
The Galway soft-rockers are still medicine, the Twickenham folksters €20 (€16 concessions), 20:00
have clung together and released Project Arts Centre. 2, Essex Street
in demand internationally – a THOUSANDS
recent sell-out tour of the UK, an acclaimed second album, The East – Dublin 2. Tel: 018819613 The new Bella Union signings
including their customary stop- First Days of Spring, late last year.
come to Dublin as part of their
offs in The Glasgow Barrowlands €18, 20:00
first UK and Ireland tour.
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
and a pair of Shepherds Bush €13, 20:00
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
Empire shows showed that. The Grand Social. 35, Liffey
€24, 19:00 Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018740076
The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323
19
 April 7 ESBEN & THE WITCH
The Brighton indie-poppers have
JESSIE J come a long way quickly, sharing
Fresh from picking up the pres- stages with artists including The xx,
tigious Critics Choice prize at Wild Beasts, Efterklang, The Big
the Brits, UK singer-songwriter Pink and Deerhunter. Debut album
Jessie J – who first came to at- Violet Cries is mighty exciting too.
tention after writing songs for €14, 20:00
Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt
Christina Aguilera – continues to Street Station, Harcourt Street
bend genres and gain increas- – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374
ing notoriety in her own right.
€14.50, 19:30 April 9
The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 BROOKE FRASER
20 year-old singer-songwriter
RYAN SHERIDAN Brook Fraser is well on her way
With a sell-out Whelan’s debut to national treasure status in her
under his belt from February, native New Zealand, thanks to
the Monaghan singer-songwriter her well-received debut album
makes a quick return as single What to do with Daylight.
Jigsaw continues to chart well. €13.50, 20:00
€12, 19:30 The Sugar Club. 8, Lower Leeson
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016787188
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT
These highly-rated indie rock-
April 8 ers have more than just a cool
name to their credit: their self
CLAUDE VON STROKE titled debut album was a sleeper
Growing up in the suburbs hit on its release in 2009, while
of Detroit, Barclay Crenshaw follow-up All At Once is due for
wanted to be a filmmaker, but worldwide release this month.
natural talent, a dose of luck and €18.50, 19:30
hard work have all propelled The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
Kennedys him onto the a-list DJ circuit.
€17, 23:00
Tripod. Old Harcourt Street THESE CHARMING MEN
Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- Feeling like a walk home in the rain?
31, Westland Row - Dublin 2 Let Ireland’s premier Smiths tribute
lin 2. Tel: 014763374
Tel: 016799077 act unleash your inner mope.
The underground club downstairs is pretty cool, and the main bar at CRY BEFORE DAWN €15, 20:00
Kennedys has plenty of charm too. It’s an old-school place, with good 18 years since we last heard The Village. 26, Wexford Street
Guinness, plenty of wooden furniture, a relaxed vibe, some of the best from them, Celtic rockers Cry – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555
pub grub in town – trust us, you’ll have to sneak out early to grab a table. Before Dawn are back with two
A particularly warming bangers and mash makes our day, as does the special shows – one in their na- PAUL HEATON
friendly service too. tive Wexford, and another here in The former Beautiful South
Open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to late. Nightclub open Friday and Dublin’s Vicar Street on April 8. and Housemartins man is fly-
Saturday from 23:00 to 02:30. €28, 20:30 ing solo these days, and touring
Getting there: From Pearse Street DART station (facing onto Westland Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street third album Acid Country.
Row), turn left and head up the street towards Merrion Square. Kennedy’s – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 €19.50, 20:00
will be on your right. Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
EVENTS
WEEK 11 - 17 APRIL LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING
EATING AND DRINKING
ongoing event
THEATRE ARTS

April 14 and 15
BEADY EYE*
Songwriter Noel Gallagher may have jumped ship, but that doesn’t mean that the other members of Oasis
are retiring back to their mansions just yet. Following Noel’s 2009 departure, Liam has hooked up with the
other core members of the group, Gem Archer and Andy Bell – recruiting a very accomplished drummer
in Chris Sharrock – to bang out more old-school, Beatles-influenced rock. Successful promotional singles
Bring the Light and Four Letter Word show there’s still an appetite for that kind of thing, and debut album
Different Gear, Still Spinning has already been pegged as a hit for 2011. The band are embarking on a
UK and Ireland tour to support the release, which will include their first-ever Irish shows at the Olympia.
From €36.60, 19:30

The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame Street. Dublin 2

April 11 she takes off on tour – tickets for April 13 THE VIEW
this show have already sold out. The View have been enjoying life
AFRICA UNITE From €30, 19:00 THE GIRL WHO FORGOT TO SING since debut album Hats off to the
An accomplished reggae out- The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame BADLY* Buskers became a surprise number
fit all the way from Turin. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 A family-friendly story staged in one hit. The LP, which was also nomi-
€17.50, 20:00 collaboration with The Ark. sees the nated for the 2007 Mercury Music
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street TIR NA NOG tuneless Peggy leading the audience Prize, was torn relentlessly by the
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 Leo O’Kelly and Sonny Condell’s on a journey across snowy lands and hard-working band, who still found
outfit are one of the first ‘progres- wild seas. The show kicks off today time to unleash their distinctly darker
April 12 sive folk’ outfits and certainly one of with some school performances and follow-up Which Bitch? in 2009.
the longest running. They’ve been will continue through to April 30. They’re back in the saddle this year
ADELE playing together on and off since From €5, 12:15 with third album, Bread and Circuses,
Having made an instant splash 1985, and 2010’s Live at Sirius The Abbey Theatre. 26, Lower Abbey released in March, and are embark-
with her chart-topping 2007 debut show they’re still sharp as ever. Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018872200 ing on an initial UK and Ireland tour.
single, Chasing Pavements, singer- €15, 20:00 €23, 19:30
songwriter Adele has watched as Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street MALEVOLENT CREATION The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
her star continues to rise. Debut – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 These rockers have 23 years on Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
album 19 snagged a Mercury Music the go, a Spinal Tap worthy list of
Prixe nomination and two Grammy ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER former members and 11 studio J MASCIS
Awards (for Best New Artist and Daniel Lopatin’s big, atmos- albums to their credit, including He may be best known for his days
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance pheric digital pieces are set to last year’s Invidious Dominion. in Dinosaur Jr, but the accomplished
for Chasing Pavements), plus too fill this fittingly large venue. €20.35, 19:30 guitarist and songwriter has had
Grammy nominations for Record of €16, 20:00 Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt several side bands and a solo career
the Year and Song of the Year. She The Button Factory. Curved Street Station, Harcourt Street spanning five albums, including this
also became the first winner of the Street, Temple Bar – Dub- – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 year’s Several Shades of Why.
BRIT Awards Critics Choice award in lin 2. Tel: 016709202 €23, 20:00
2008. With second album 21 landing Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
in January, the critical drumbeats – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
of acclaim have begun again as
21
 POSSIBILITIES 2011 April 15 Passage, in Summer 2011, but Ritter 2008’s Button Factory appearance,
Now that Irish voters have unleashed insists he’s not taking the eye off though a storming set at 2009’s
their fury on Fianna Fáil, a new event WWE WRESTLEMANIA REVENGE the musical ball – he’ll be joined by Electric Picnic also helped snag her
is challenging us to once again“be the The 02 Arena is once again gearing the Royal City Band for this gig. a few fans. Her critically acclaimed
revolution”. Possibilities 2011, a social up for musclebound action, as the €30, 20:30 debut Youth Novels doubtless did
forum organised by three non-profits stars of the WWE hit these shores as Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street most of the hard work, while the
(Children in Crossfire, SpunOut.ie, part of their Wrestlemania Revenge – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 free-to-download release of latest
and Afri) will feature luminaries in- tour. The card remains a closely single Get Some catapulted her to
cluding former president Mary Rob- guarded secret, but will probably DIGITAL MYSTIKS top spot on the Hype Machine chart
inson, Kila, and the Dalai Llama. The involve follow-ups from wrestling’s The Dubstep duo of Mala and as the most blogged about artist in
Tibetan leader is coming to Ireland to big jamboree and should feature Coki have an ample discography, the world. Expect the hype to peak
speak for the first time since 1991. the biggest stars in the company– including last year’s Urban Eth- with the arrival of her long-awaited
€49, 09:00 including Dublin’s own Sheamus. ics, and a rabid following. follow up album, Wounded Rhymes.
Citywest Hotel. Saggart – County From €33.60, 19:30 €17.45, 22:30 From €20, 19:30
Dublin. Tel: 014010500 The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay The Twisted Pepper. 54, Mid- Tripod. Old Harcourt Street
– Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 dle Abbey Street – Dublin Station, Harcourt Street – Dub-
April 14 1. Tel: 018734038 lin 2. Tel: 014763374
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
BUCK 65 This Melbourne-based outfit are MAEVE HIGGINS April 17
How many rappers have performed part of a new crop of bands steadily Stand-up may be a game dominated
songs about a road trip with their dispelling the notion that no good by the boys, but the Cork lass is well N-DUBZ
dog and a bunch of Johnny Cash music comes from down under. able to tangle with the best of them. With over 500,000 albums sold,
records on the go? Not many, we Their latest album, Moment Bends, €17.45, 20:00 three MOBO awards, a 21 date
fancy. This Canadian is a unique was being talked up as the first great Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street sold out UK tour, over 20 million
performer with influences rang- contemporary pop album of 2011 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 views on Youtube and a number
ing from blues, rock and avant long before its release this month. 1 UK single, N—Dubz are as hot
garde thrown into his hip-hop. €18.50, 20:00 an act as any in British hip-hop
€16.50, 19:30 The Button Factory. Curved April 16 today. They’re currently touring
The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Street, Temple Bar – Dub- latest album Love. Live. Life.
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 lin 2. Tel: 016709202 STEVE LAWLOR €30, 18:00
Birmingham’s most popular clubbing The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame
PJ GALLAGHER O EMPEROR export may have been raised on Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323
The Naked Camera host and mo- Waterford’s finest O Emperor are Acid House, but has spent his entire
torbike enthusiast is well known rolling into town for their biggest career so far pushing the boundaries JENNY TALIA
from his TV work, but still makes headline date yet. Since their first of genres in the dance world. Across The Australian-born com-
time to try out his live material at Dublin headliner at Whelan’s in residencies with top clubs including edy singer songwriter makes
venues across the globe – and May (sold out with several weeks to Ibiza’s Space, The End and Twilo, his a rare Dublin appearance.
Dublin’s home of top-tier stand-up. spare), the post-rockers have con- Lights Out series featured on Boxed, €17.50, 20:00
€28, 20:30 tinued to wow audiences and build along with his work with the now- The Sugar Club. 8, Lower Leeson
Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street a strong live following: their Electric defunct Harlem Records, he’s striven Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016787188
– Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 Picnic set was a highlight of last year’s to craft “deep” and “sexy” house
festival, and tickets for their recent music that’s difficult to pigeon-hole. JEDWARD
MARTIN A. EGAN Sugar Club gig were like golddust. €17.50, 23:00 Call them tone-deaf, but you can’t
Few singer-songwriters ever reach €18.50, 19:00 Tripod. Old Harcourt Street question the work ethic of our
multi-platinum status without ever The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- troll-haired, indefatigable Eurovi-
releasing an album. However, Egan’s Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 lin 2. Tel: 014763374 sion standard bearers. They return
had plenty of success writing for again to Dublin for what’s sure
Christy Moore, with the Hothouse JOSH RITTER AND THE ROYAL LYKKE LI to be a well attended show.
Flowers, The Black Romantics, Poppy CITY BAND Following a whirlwind run of sold out €25, 19:30
Gonzalez and Hush Collector. Here, The Idaho man returns to a city that shows in London, Paris, Berlin and Grand Canal Theatre. Grand
he’ll be dusting off his solo work. can’t seem to get enough of his London, Swedish sensation Lykke Canal Square, Docklands –
€12, 19:30 lush Americana. Random House Li whisks into Dublin for a show Dublin 1. Tel: 016777999
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street will publish his first novel, Brights that sold out with time to spare. The
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 gig marks her Irish headliner since
22
EVENTS
WEEK 18 - 24 APRIL LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING
EATING AND DRINKING
ongoing event
THEATRE ARTS

April 24
LAURENT GARNIER
Already a legend in the electronic music community, Laurent Garnier is bringing dancefloor-filling
show, L.B.S., on a live tour. Conceived after 18 months on tour with a full live band, L.B.S. (‘Live
Booth Sessions’) features Garnier alongside two live musicians churning out an eclectic set with
plenty of experimentation. “After eighteen months on tour with my musicians, I began to realize that
I could get as much pleasure from playing live in a festival as I could from DJ-ing in clubs. Whilst
on tour, we developed a very open style of playing: interacting, improvising, and expressing our-
selves freely, something that I thought I could only achieve through my DJ sets,” explains the man
himself. This show will see Garnier joined in the booth by Benjamin Rippert on keys and Stephane
‘Scan X’ Dri on machines, for a fluid five-hour improvised fusion of jazz, house and techno.
€29.50, 21:00

Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Station. Harcourt Street. Dublin 2

April 18 estate. In particular, the beautiful in the nineteenth century. BIG COUNTRY
but desperate Maggie ‘the cat’ Free, 10:00 Having delighted fans across the
PRINCE SUNLESS* (married to the alcoholic Brick) Museum of Decorative Arts UK with their reunion tour, the
Artist William McKeown has will go to any length to secure and History. Collins Barracks band behind anthems includ-
created this temporary exhibi- what is hers. This production is - Dublin 7. Tel: 016777444 ing Fields of Fire and In A Big
tion at The Golden Bough, directed by Mark Brokaw, and Country are continuing their lap
which will run until May 1. designed by Francis O’Connor of honour. The 80s rockers made
Free, 12:00 with lighting by Mark McCullough. April 19 an instant splash with debut
Hugh Lane Municipal Gal- Owen Roe plays the patriarch, album The Crossing in 1983,
lery. Parnell Square – Dublin Big Daddy, Richard Flood is BROTHER and scored a number one with
1. Tel: 018471903  Brick and Fiona O’Shaughnessy Maybe it’s their self-proclaimed follow-up Steeltown. Six albums
is Maggie ‘the cat’. The cast also ‘Gritpop’ sound, or the swagger (all top ten hits) later, the band
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF* includes Donna Dent, John that calls to mind a younger Oasis, wound down, but they reunited
With the centenary of Tennes- Kavanagh, Barry McGovern, but Slough outfit Brother have the last year to celebrate their 30th
see Williams’ birth, expect to Marion O’Dwyer, David O’Meara. music critics in a tizzy. They’ve anniversary. The Alarm’s Mike
see many productions of his The show runs through April. been tipped by both The Guardian Peters replaces co founder Stuart
tense, emotive dramas on Dublin From €20, 19:30 and the NME as a breakthrough Adamson, who passed away in
stages. This Pulitzer Prize winning The Gate Theatre. 1, Cavendish act for 2011 – in fact, the latter 2001, and has been performing
classic tackles issues of family Row – Dublin 1. Tel: 018744045 featured the Britpop revivalists well alongside Tony Butler, Mark
and the deep south, centring on its front cover – while their Brzezicki, Mike Peters, Bruce
on a wealthy family as it gathers BLAZE AWAY* snarling vocals and anthemic Watson and Jamie Watson.
to celebrate Big Daddy’s 65th This exhibition examines duel- guitar sound is winning devotees €26.50, 19:00
birthday. He is dying of cancer, ling in Ireland and the work of among the UK indie scene. The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
which the family decide to hide two Irish families – the Rigbys €13.50, 19:30 Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
from him and Big Mama as they and the Reads – who made The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
try to boost their own cut of the fine swords and guns in Dublin Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
23
 THE BIG FELLAH* The display contains jewellery, Damien Rice and Rod Stewart. run at Vicar Street tonight.
At once a straight-up madcap cult objects, amulets, coffers, Second album Doing Their Thing €32.50, 20:00
comedy and sharp satire, Richard chests, chairs, weapons, a stun- made them the first gospel act to Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
Bean’s play focuses on Michael ning golden chariot, large golden crack the top 30 album chart, and – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
Doyle, a young New York fire- shrines and King Tut’s iconic death they continue to spread the joy
man who joins the IRA. Soon, mask. Crowds have been impres- at charity events and one-off gigs INVASION*
however, his Bronx apartment sive to date, so book in advance. like this in Ireland and the UK. Fans of George Lucas’ Star Wars
is overrun with a fast-quipping From €16, 12:00 €30, 20:00 are in for a treat: the Emerald
Irish killer, a beautiful woman RDS Main Hall. Merrion The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame Garrison, a body of die-hard
who he really mustn’t fall in love Road, Ballsbridge – Dublin 4. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 fans, is heading to the RDS for a
with and charismatic boss David Tel: 016680866 weekend long celebration of the
Costello, the “Big Fellah” himself. series. Organisers promise an all
Spanning three decades, and INDIA 9 April 23 round science fiction event that
veering from farce to deadly This Dublin five-piece blend will feature the highest calibre
danger, The Big Fellah is a witty contemporary acoustic sounds THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS props and backdrops ever to be
story of loyalty, disillusionment with solid rock rhythms. Tickets These trailblazers of basketball seen in Ireland, as well as amazing
and betrayal. Tonight is open- will be sold on the door. were founded in 1926, long life-size Star wars sets. If you’ve
ing night for the production, €TBC, 19:30 before the sport was integrated – ever longed to see a life-size scout
staged by Out of Joint, and The Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt indeed, it was their thumping of walker or Y-wing fighter, or to sit
Big Fellah will run to May 7. Street Station, Harcourt Street the World Champion Minneapolis on the emperor’s throne while
From €15, 19:30 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 Lakers in 1948 and 1949 that Darth Vader kneels before you,
The Gaiety Theatre. 46, South King helped break down the barriers your time has come. Stars of the
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016771717 to Afro-Americans entering the series including David Prowse
April 21 NBA. The Globetrotters them- (Darth Vader), Jeremy Bulloch (the
selves, though, have stayed aloof original Boba Fett) and Kenny
April 20 RUBBERBANDITS from the rigours of America’s Baker (R2-D2) have been lined up
The joke is wearing thin – to put domestic league, instead develop- to appear over the weekend, along
TUTANKHAMUN – HIS TOOM it bluntly, you don’t need to be ing a worldwide fanbase through with celebrated enthusiasts and
AND TREASURES* a comic genius to laugh at poor live and interactive shows. authors on the Star Wars Universe.
Whether it’s the colossal struc- people – but the Limerick hip- €39.20, 20:00 From €20 (€12 children), 10:00
tures it left behind, the engineer- hoppers are still going strong, with National Basketball Arena. RDS Main Hall. Merrion
ing genius its people displayed, or a new single in I Wanna Fight Your Tymon Park, Tallaght – Dub- Road, Ballsbridge – Dublin 4.
the fact that its history has to be Father and this Olympia show. lin 24. Tel: 014597500 Tel: 016680866
pieced together so carefully, the €19.45, 19:15
empire of ancient Egypt has been The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame JEDWARD April 24
a subject of lingering fascination Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 Still boasting plenty of energy
for historians and the public alike from their Grand Canal Theatre MEATH V DUBLIN
for centuries. And of course, few show, the pop due perform Croker fills with the roar of
aspects of the nation’s history April 22 tonight and tomorrow. the crowd once more, as the
are quite as intriguing as the ‘boy From €20, 19:30 blues take on their neigh-
king’ Tutankhamun, whose tomb DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame bours in the Allianz league.
was uncovered by archaeologist This all-volunteer collective has Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 €15, 12:30
Howard Carter. That’s presumably been going strong since forming Croke Park Stadium. Jones’
why this exhibition – which uses in Dublin’s inner city during 1996, DUNBELIEVABLES* Road – Dublin 3. Tel: 016070000
the expertise of leading Egyptolo- and are still the choice for anyone After seeing a huge response
gists, sketches and diary notes in the mood for holly rolling to their February run of shows,
made by Carter, and original tunes. Their main stage residency the comedy double act of Pat
photographs taken by exploration at Electric Picnic (five years and Shortt and Jon Kenny return
photographer Harry Burton to counting) shows no sign of abat- with their surreal, slightly creepy
recreate three burial chambers ing, even as they collaborate with and frequently hilarious look
and an extensive collection of the a-listers such as Stevie Wonder, at Irish rural society. The new
famous Pharaoh’s most important Nitin Sawhney, John Legend, tour, entitled One Hell Of A
treasures - has been a major hit. Riverdance, James Brown, Do!, finishes its short second
24
EVENTS
WEEK 25 - 30 APRIL LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING
EATING AND DRINKING
ongoing event
THEATRE ARTS

April 27 and 28
JAMES VINCENT MCMURROW*
Singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow may have only picked up a guitar at age 19, but he’s
made up for lost time. Having released his debut album Early in the Morning to critical acclaim
last February, he’s snagged a Choice Music Prize nomination here and, more importantly a North
American deal with Vagrant Records – putting him in the esteemed company of the Eels. He’s com-
ing back from a tour of the states to play The Pepper Canister Church. The church, one of the city’s
most unusual landmarks, only opened its doors to music in December 2008 – the venue usu-
ally hosts classically orientated chamber fare, meaning McMorrow’s unique style will be a first.
Tickets for the April 27 show sold like hotcakes, so he’s set to perform the following night too.
€20, 20:00

The Pepper Canister Church. Upper Mount Street. Dublin 2

April 25 opening night this evening to May 7. HELLO MONROE The Abbey Theatre. 26,
From €30, 20:00 The pop-rock five-piece fronted Lower Abbey Street – Dub-
GOOD MOURNING MRS The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame by Rona McHugh play this inti- lin 1. Tel: 018872200
BROWN* Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 mate gig at The Academy 2.
Mrs. Brown, all told, has been good €10, 13:00
to Brendan O’Carroll – the comic has April 26 The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey April 28
written three plays centred around Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
the blue-collar Dublin widow, and ANDRE RIEU TWIN ATLANTIC
returned to RTE with the surprise hit The Violin master returns to Dublin Sam McTrusty and his Glasgow
Mrs. Brown’s Boys in January – a after being forced to cancel a April 27 alt-rock buddies are touring sec-
BBC run is set for the Autumn. Now, September date due to ill health. ond album Free, set for a May
Carroll has turned his attention to €TBC, 18:30 PYGMALION* release on Red Bull Records.
part two of the Mrs. Brown stage For the first time in its storied history, €13.00, 18:30
trilogy, rewriting the funny, affecting The Abbey will be presenting Ber- The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
tale to include plenty of Mrs. Brown’s nard Shaw’s classic play, Pygmalion, Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
popular boys. Dermot and his now on its main stage tonight. The story
pregnant wife Maria are living with has plenty of modern resonance in GLASVEGAS
Mrs. Brown, much to Maria’s dis- a X-Factor age – an impoverished As fellow Glaswegians Twin Atlantic
may - and the pressure from her to flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, is taken in play The Academy 2, these Columbia-
get a place of their own has Dermot hand by linguistics professor, Henry signed rockers hit the big stage.
contemplating giving a return to Higgins, and turned into a lady for a €23, 19:300
a life of crime with his old partner bet – while the sharpness of its satire The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
Buster Brady. Cathy Brown, mean- hasn’t blunted in the slightest. This Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
while, interrupts her new romance new production features full period
to give partnership counselling to costumes and some heavy hitters
Rory and Dino, and Father Quinn The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay of Irish theatre too. Risteard Cooper
is beginning to doubt his vocation. – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 plays Higgins, and Annabelle Comyn
With O’Carroll in the title role, the directs. The play runs to June 11.
play promises good clean fun from From €18, 19:30
25
 BEARDYMAN first ever stand-up to play 14 sold- April 29 April 30
The Londoner is renowned for both out nights at London’s 02 Arena.
his beatboxing skills and his use €44.20, 18:30 FUNERAL SUITS ADRIAN EDMONDSON AND THE
of live looping technology – the The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay With a debut EP, Eye Spy, hav- BAD SHEPHERDS
BBC has already dubbed him “king – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 ing sold well, the Dublin-Limerick The English comedian and actor is
of sound and ruler of beats”. trio are hard at work on a new also pretty handy performing punk
€21, 19:30 DES BISHOP: MY DAD WAS album. They’re still making time and new wave classics and tradi-
The Twisted Pepper. 54, Mid- NEARLY JAMES BOND* for the odd live show, however. tional instruments with this band.
dle Abbey Street – Dublin As a teenager, American-born Des €10, 19:30 If that sounds odd just reading it,
1. Tel: 018734038 Bishop loved to tease his father for The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey imagine what it’s like to listen to.
coming second place in casting to Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 €25.00, 20:00
BIPOLAR EMPIRE succeed Sean Connery as James The Village. 26, Wexford Street
Formed in the haze of a mud- Bond, before eventually giving up on THE QUARRYMEN – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555
laden Punchestown field at acting for a career in retail and raising The skiffle and old-school
Oxegen 2007, this Tallaght three- a family. But today, Bishop’s father rock’n’rollers – who once LÚNASA
some dish up old-fashioned, is dying of lung cancer, and the counted John Lennon among Seán Smyth, Trevor Hutchinson, and
folk-influenced rock’n’roll. comedian has come up with a funny, their founding members – are still Donogh Hennessy have been play-
€7, 20:00 affecting tribute that, like all Bishop’s touring at an impressive clip. ing their modern trad together since
The Workman’s Club. 11, best shows, skirts around deeply €24, 19:30 1996, and have seven studio albums
Wellington Quay – Dub- personal revelations, edgy material The Village. 26, Wexford Street – including last year’s excellent Lá
lin 2. Tel: 016706692 about porn and erectile dysfunction, – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 Nua – under their collective belts.
and deeper points about facing real- €19.85, 20:00
PETER KAY* ity and dealing with emotions. The BATHS Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
Bolton-born comedian Peter Kay show has won rave reviews down Will Wiesenfeld, otherwise known – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
has seen unprecedented public under, and in a nationwide tour. He as rising electro producer Baths,
demand for a run of shows at the performs tonight and April 30. is set to release his debut album THE WAVE PICTURES
02 from tonight to May 3. It’s been €28, 20:30 Cerulean on June 22. The LP has the This hard-working, prolific indie
a long road to the a-list stand-up same lo-fi, electro-hip-hop that has outfit unveil their new album,
circuit since Kay lost a job at his the Pitchfork crowd very excited. Beer in the Breakers, this month
local cinema and, rather than looking €15, 20:00 on Moshi Moshi Records.
for another menial gig, decided to The Workman’s Club. 11, €14, 20:00
pursue his dream of comedy. Even Wellington Quay – Dub- Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt
though success has come relatively lin 2. Tel: 016706692 Street Station, Harcourt Street
quickly (he entered and won Chan- – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374
nel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny MARY GAUTHIER
contest in 1997, and snagged a The folk singer-songwriter is tour-
Perier award at the Edinburgh Fringe ing seventh album, The Foundling
Festival the following year), he only Alone, which had several critics
really cracked the mainstream after gushing on its 2010 release.
2000’s Live at the Top of the Tower €23, 20:00
and a string of chat-show appear- Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
ances. However, he moved quickly, – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
unveiling Phoenix Nights in, spin-off
Max & Paddy’s Road to Nowhere,
and plenty of live work. A spot in
his Mum Wants a Bungalow tour
won first prize in a 2006 Channel 4
poll to find the 100 greatest funny
moments of all time. Though you’ll
see him on the odd film and TV
role – including a cameo in the last
Wallace and Grommit movie – his
focus is firmly on touring nowadays. Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street
It makes sense - after all, he’s the – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800
26
EVENTS
REGULAR EVENTS LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING
EATING AND DRINKING
ongoing event
THEATRE ARTS

Mondays PISS UP WITH PEACHES MAKE AND DO WITH PANTI ANDREW STANLEY’S COMEDY
A student-friendly gay night, The queen bee of Dublin drag does MISH-MASH
LOUNGE LIZARDS with all drinks €4 or less, and arts and crafts with her adoring fans. Comedy laissez faire with a
The ever-popular Lounge Lizards three Jagerbombs for €10. Free, 22:00 laid-back evening of stand-up,
sees guest DJs step up to the Free, 21:00 Pantibar. 7-8, Capel St - Dub- sketches, songs, messing about
plate and spin their favourite The George. 87-89, South lin 1. Tel: 018740710 and free biccies hosted by Comedy
tunes for lounging. Expect Great Georges Street – Dub- Cellar man Andrew Stanley.
a chilled-out evening with a lin 2. Tel: 014782983 €TBC, 21:00
surprise guest on occasion. Tuesdays The International Bar. 23, Wicklow
Free, 20:00 TASTE Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016779250
Solas. 31, Wexford Street - Lady Jane takes over the Solas SHEBEEN FLICK
Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 decks, spinning soul classics A new film night showing much- BATTLE OF THE AXE
and a few more modern tunes. loved Irish films and some unseen Looking to start in comedy? Look
THE HEP CAT CLUB Free, 21:00 work. Each night has a short film no further than this open-mike
The Grand Social swings to the Solas. 31, Wexford Street - followed by a full-length feature. night at the Ha’penny Bridge Inn.
strains of jazz era classics, kicking Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 Free, 19:30 €7, 21:00
off with a beginners swing class. Shebeen Chic. 4, South Great The Ha’penny Bridge Inn.
€8, 20:00. DOLLY DOES DRAGON George’s Street – Dublin 2. 42, Wellington Quay – Dub-
The Grand Social. 35, Liffey This evening of €4 cocktails, candy, lin 2. Tel: 016770616
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018740076 and fabulous tunes has been pre- TASTE
sided over by the inimitable Dolly Classics, Soul and more make GENTLE TUESDAYS
SKA NIGHT since 2006. Together with Dj Lee, for an easy Tuesday night. The Mighty Stef and chums
It’s not just ska on the menu Dolly entertains the crowd until Free, 20:00 sing their favourite songs on
– there’s a bit of rocksteady the wee hours. Admission free. Solas. 31, Wexford Street - out-of-tune acoustic guitars.
and house to be danced This evening of €4 cocktails, candy, Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 Free, 21:00
to at this evening. and fabulous tunes has been pre- The Workman’s Club. 10,
Free, 20:30 sided over by the inimitable Dolly THE IRISH BLUES CLUB Wellington Quay – Dub-
Thomas House. 86, Thomas since 2006. Together with DJ Lee, Rather like it says on the tin, lin 2. Tel: 016706692
Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 Dolly entertains the crowd until these guys do great straight-up
the wee hours. Admission free. blues every Tuesday night. GROOVALIZACION
KING KONG CLUB Free, 22;00 €8, 20:00 Brazilian food and music fill this
The top musical gameshow is now The Dragon. 64, South JJ Smyths. 12, Aungier Street hopping club every Tuesday.
in its third year, with free live music Great George’s Street – Dub- – Dublin 2. Tel: 014752565 Free, 21:00
and a knock-out tournament to lin 2. Tel: 014781590 South William. 52, South William
win a free recording session. SUBTERANNEAN Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946
Free, 21:00 HEFTY HORSE Rock, punk and metal sounds
The Village. 26, Wexford Street A simple concept for a Monday are on at Thomas House. THE RUBY SESSIONS
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 night club - live music and bands Free, 20:30 This singer-songwriter night has
playing their own DJ sets to 02:30 Thomas House. 86, Thomas been on the go for over 10 years
- is made all the sweeter by cheap Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 and features some great perform-
drinks and free admission. The line- ers in an intimate setting.
up varies, but the post-gig atmos- €6, 21:00
phere is almost always rocking. Doyles. 9, College Street –
Free, 22:00 Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616
Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766
27
 WHITE CHOCOLATE the full playlist on www.theres- VOGUE MASH
Classic rock and modern covers cuesquad.com/songsofpraise. Pop, pop, and more fantastic pop Matjazz, Lex Woo, Baby Dave,
are on offer from a soulful outfit. Free, 21:00 – with lots of drinks promotions. Marina Diniz and friends spin late
€TBC, 21:30 The Village. 26, Wexford St – €8 (€6 with flyer), 23:00 into the evening at South William.
The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Free, 21:00
– Dublin 2. Tel: 016707655 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – South William. 52, South William
SPACE’N’VEDA Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946
JUICY BEATS Veda Beaux Reeves and Davina
The Village’s resident DJs churn Devine rule the big gay roost at MUZIK
out the best of indie, rock, classic this club-cum-cabaret evening. Thursdays An unabashed student night,
pop, synth pop and electro music Free before 22:00/€10, 21:00 Muzik is packed with upbeat
at this weekly Tuesday nightclub. The George. 87-89, South PHANTOM 105.2 DJS AND indie and electro tunes, with
€5, 22:00 Great Georges Street – Dub- GARAGE BAR RESIDENTS plenty of drinks promotions to
The Village. 26, Wexford Street lin 2. Tel: 014782983 Dublin’s favourite alternative get the party going in earnest.
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 music station provides the €6, 21:00
THE SONG ROOM tunes downstairs, while 60s The Button Factory. Curved
C. U. NEXT TUESDAY Hamlet Sweeney presents this sounds are on the first floor. Street, Temple Bar – Dub-
There’s more than just a naughty showcase of up-and-coming Free, 18:00 lin 2. Tel: 016709202
name to recommend this new club artists at The Globe. The Workman’s Club. 10,
night – indie, electro, pop and Free, 21:00 Wellington Quay – Dub- OCTOPUSSY
dance tunes make a varied mix. The Globe. 11, South Great lin 2. Tel: 016706692 Resident DJs, an 18-foot pool,
€12/5, 23:00 Georges Street – Dub- twister, and charting hits rec-
Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt lin 2. Tel: 016711220 ISOTOPE ommend this new club.
Street Station, Harcourt Street Dublin’s longest-running jazz €8 (€4 early bird, €5
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 THE ZODIAC SESSIONS session is still going strong. students), 22:00
An acoustic showcase featuring €10, 20:00 The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey
some promising talent at Bruxelles. JJ Smyths. 12, Aungier Street Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999
Wednesdays Free, 21:00 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014752565
Bruxelles. 7-8, Harry Street – THE PANTI SHOW
THE WORKMAN RESIDENTS Dublin 2. Tel: 016775362 THE ODEON MOVIE CLUB Pantibar’s fabulous proprietor
Indie and Alternative sounds are on Relax to classic films while be- takes to the stage in all her glory
offer at the venue bar, while electro SEVEN DEADLY SKINS ing pampered by a full bar and every Thursday, with Bunny and
predominates on the first floor. Ignore the lame pun in the name, waiter service. To reserve seats or some special guests for support.
Free, 18:00 and focus on the musicianship of a table, e-mail hello@odeon.ie A medley of music, dramatic re-
The Workman’s Club. 10, this quality reggae cover band. Free, 20:00 constructions, connect 4 (yes, that
Wellington Quay – Dub- €TBC, 21:30 The Odeon. Old Harcourt one throws us too) and puppets
lin 2. Tel: 016706692 The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street Street Station, Harcourt Street makes for a very dramatic night.
– Dublin 2. Tel: 016707655 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 Free, 22:00
LAUGH OUT LOUD Pantibar. 7-8, Capel St - Dub-
A regular comedy night featuring INTERGALACTIC GARAGE INC lin 1. Tel: 018740710
MC Aidan Killian and special guests. Indie and electro bliss is on of- The clue is in the name – good
€7/€5, 20:30 fer at the Whelan’s late club. garage tunes in a cool setting. TANKED UP
Anseo. 18, Camden Street – Free, 23:00 Free, 20:30 Dublin’s biggest student night
Dublin 2. Tel: 014751321 Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Thomas House. 86, Thomas in an ideal location. You’ll find
– Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 drinks promotions aplenty.
SONGS OF PRAISE €5, 22:30
It’s karaoke, Jim, but not as we know Tramco Brewery. 121, Lower
it. This long-running DIY rock’n’roll Rathmines Road – Dublin
night has moved to Wednesdays 6. Tel: 014968050
after tiring of kicking everyone
out early on Sundays. Check out

28
PARTY ANIMAL WAR PROPAGANDA M.A.S.S
Gorillas with vodka guns, all The popular Spy club night relo- The legendary club night now has Power FM curates a blessed-
drinks costing €3.50, and the cates to Andrew’s Lane. Drinks a Dublin colony in The Academy. out night of music, arts,
hot and sweaty Andrews Lane promotions abound, and the first €10/8, 22.30 sights and sounds.
Theatre dancefloor – you guessed 40 people (and the first 40 to show The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Free, 19:00
it, it’s a student-friendly night. up with dog tags) get in free. Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 Hogan’s. 35, South Great Georges
€8 (€6 concession), 23:00 €5 before 00:00 (€10 Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775904
ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. thereafter), 23:00 GOSSIP
9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Yes, the popular Spy club night SUNDAY SUSHI
Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – has moved – it’s still loaded with Jazz is dished up with a
Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 indie-pop and fun times though. Far Eastern flavour.
THE LITTLE BIG PARTY €TBC, 23:00 Free, 19:30
DJ Brendan Conroy takes over the ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Yamamori Sushi. 38/39,
decks at Rí Rá, beneath the Globe Saturdays 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – Lower Ormond Quay – Dub-
bar, every Thursday. An eclectic mix Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 lin 2. Tel: 018720003
of soul, indie and rock prevails. THE MATINÉE BRUNCH CLUB
Free, 23:00 Another Odeon film club, this PENTAGON COMEDY CRUNCH
Rí-Rá. 11, South Great George’s time featuring more family- Local residents and special Free comedy + free
St – Dublin 2. Tel: 016711220 friendly movies. But then again, guest DJs play across five food = great night.
who wouldn’t like to see Up rooms of the Tripod complex. Free, 21:00
over brunch with a pint? €12, 23:00 Shebeen Chic. 4, South Great
Fridays Free, 12:00 Tripod. Old Harcourt Street George’s Street – Dublin 2.
The Odeon. Old Harcourt Train Station, Harcourt Street
FRIDAYS AT MY HOUSE Street Station, Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780225 SAUCY SUNDAYS
The master room includes – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 A new weekly live music ses-
upcoming DJs Ray Shah, TRANSMISSION sion running in the loft venue.
Keith Feely and Rafiq. DADDY OR CHIPS This club night is on a mission to Free, 14:00
€TBC, 23:00 Techno, house and hip-hop break down the barrier between gui- The Grand Social. 35, Liffey
Buck Whaleys. 67, Lower are all offered across three tar and DJ culture in the city. Good Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018740076
Leeson Street – Dublin 2. rooms at this new club. luck with that, we hear you say, but
€8, 22:00 it’s made a great start thus far. SWING NIGHT
LECTROSOUL The Good Bits. 1, Store Street €12, 23:00 The Dublin City Jazz Orchestra
Richie Rock, Mark Kiernan and – Dublin 1. Tel: 018197635. The Button Factory. Curved has a new home on Sunday
Warren Kiernan hit the decks Street, Temple Bar – Dub- nights in the Tivoli. A 17 piece
from 23:00 to 03:00, with INDIETRONIC lin 2. Tel: 016709202 big band plays from 21:00, and
a set from Marina Diniz. DJ Eamonn Barrett promises the novices can enjoy a free lesson.
Free, 23:00 soundtrack to your big Saturday €10, 20:00
The Exchequer. 3-5 Exchequer night out, mixing classic rock, indie Sundays The Tivoli Theatre. 135 –
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016706787 anthems and big beat electro tunes. 138, Francis Street – Dublin
Free, 22:00 PLAY! 8. Tel: 014544472
SHAKEDOWN The Grand Social. 35, Liffey DJ Ronan O’ does a mix of classic
A hot new Friday club with 70s- Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018740076 80s and 90s tracks, drawing on DANCEHALL STYLES
influenced rock’n’roll from original disco, pop and feel-good tunes. The button factory becomes Reg-
bands playing lengthy sets. The MICROFUNK Cocktails are available from €5. gae Central on Sunday nights from
line up varies from week to week. A hopping clubnight in the bowels Free, 18:00 23:00, with foundation reggae,
Free, 23:00 of this cavernous bar and club. The Odeon. Old Harcourt dancehall classics and contemporary
Pacinos. 18 Suffolk St - Dub- €5, 22:00 Street Station, Harcourt Street Jamaican music getting an airing.
lin 2. Tel: 016775651 Pygmalion. Powerscourt – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 €5, 23:00
Townhouse, South William The Button Factory. Curved
Street – Dubin 2. Tel: n/a Street, Temple Bar – Dub-
lin 2. Tel: 016709202

29
 BEST OF DUBLIN
After Work Brian Boru. 5, Prospect Café Aroma. 84, Middle Carr & O’Donnell.
Road, Glasnevin – Dublin 9. Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1.
4 Dame Lane. 4, Dame Lane Tel: 018304527. A welcoming N/A. A very pleasant little Tel: N/A. Formerly known as
- Dublin 2. Tel: 016790291. northside bar. place just off O’Connell Street. Panama, this bar does just as
Yummy cocktails and great DJs busy a night-time trade as its
make this place a winner. Bruxelles. 7-8, Harry Street Café en Seine. 40, Dawson predecessor.
- Dublin 2. Tel: 016775362. St - Dublin 2. Tel: 016774017.
Against the Grain. 11, A favoured indie/metal music The club/restaurant is as Chorus Café. Fishamble
Wexford Street – Dublin 2. Tel: bar, this place gets packed out enjoyable as ever – now with Street – Dublin 2. 7, Scarlett
014705100. A new bar with a by 18:00 most evenings. added elbow room. Row, Fishamble Street – Dublin
host of craft beers on offer. 2. Tel: 016167088. A bright
Busy Bean Café. Talbot Café Urbano. 4, Upper little place to enjoy a quick
BiaBar. 30, Lower Stephens Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: sandwich or salad.
Street - Dublin 2. Tel: fun café that’s bustling without 018786823. Part of a popular
014053653. Appealing food, being too frantic. There’s a new chain of coffee shops. Citibar. 46-49, Dame Street
great drinks on tap, and live selection of sandwiches and – Dublin 2. Tel: 016794455.
music are on offer here. whatnot, plus daily specials. Caffe Cagliostro. Mille- An enjoyable bar, club, and
nium Walkway, Abbey Street hotel located right at the heart
Borderline Records. 17, Busyfeet & Coco Café. – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A decid- of things – their ‘Irish tapas’ is
Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: 41-2, South William Street – edly authentic Italian café. also an interesting twist.
016799097. One of the most Dublin 2. Tel: 016719514. A
popular punky record stores characterful little place with a Café Werburgh. 2, Lord Cobbler’s Café. Leeson
around, and deservedly so. particularly nice atmosphere Edward Street – Dublin 2. Lane - Dublin 2 Dublin City.
after dark. Tel: N/A. A very welcoming Tel: 016785945. Popular
Brannigans. Cathedral Stre- little spot, and a great place to lunchtime café. Soups are
et - Dublin 1. Tel: 018725315. Butler’s Café. 24, Wicklow linger a while. particularly favoured by office
An old-school northside pub Street – Dublin 2. Tel: worker crowd.
with a friendly welcome. 016710599. Hot drinks, and Capitol. 18/19, Lower
some of the best little choco- Stephen Street - Dublin 2. Coffee Society. 2, Lower
Brewbakers Café. 23, lates around: it’s a winning Tel: 014757166. A popular Liffey Street – Dublin 1. Tel:
South Frederick Street – Du- combination. cocktail bar, particularly with 014781064. A favourite coffee
blin2. Tel: N/A. A very popular the younger crowd – we shop for many years now
spot for a sandwich – the Café 7. 7, St Andrew’s Street think drinks for €5 may have among shoppers seeking a
chicken and bacon effort is – Dublin 2. Tel: 016792988. A something to do with it. little refuge.
simply delicious. welcoming place with a great
selection of wines.

30
Copper Alley Bistro. 2, Fitzgerald’s Pub. 22, Insomnia. 40-43, Nassau James Joyce Café Bar and
Lord Edward Street – Dublin Aston Quay – Dublin 2. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Ulysses Venue. 52, Middle
2. Tel: 0167965000. Linked to Tel: 016779289. A handy, 017071582. Stuck for a place Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel:
the Harding Hotel, this place welcoming place that’s just to rest just off Grafton Street? 018728188. A lively and fun
has a great menu which isn’t a little bit off Temple Bar’s Look no further. café bar with a great food
too pricey either. beaten track. menu and a tasty selection of
Insomnia. 51B, Dawson cocktails, plus regular gigs and
Dakota. 9, South William Fitzsimons Bar and Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. club nights.
Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Hotel. 21-22, Wellington An excellent spot for people-
016727690. This trendy Quay, Temple Bar - Dublin watching over coffee – grab J McNeill’s. 140, Capel Stre-
place still packs them in on 2. Tel: 016779315. Even if the bay window if you can. et - Dublin 1. Tel: 018747679.
Fridays – it’s just as nice for you’re not looking for a room, Another popular bar on the
a lunchtime visit if you don’t the relaxing bar is a nice place Insomnia. 9, Wexford Street perpetually-rocking Capel
fancy a crowd. to spend an evening. – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A branch Street Strip.
of the popular coffee chain on
Dame Tavern. 18, Dame Graingers. 51, Talbot Street Ireland’s premier gigging strip. Karma Stone. 40, Wexford
Court – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018363249‎. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A.
016793426. A homely place A great place for a slightly-off- Insomnia. Custom House Bracken’s Corner Stone
for a relaxing pint. the-beaten-track pint. Quay, IFSC, Docklands – has made way for this more
Dublin 1. Tel: 016720320. student-friendly bar.
Davy Byrnes. 21, Duke Stre- Hogans. 35, South Great Another great place to grab a
et - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775217. Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: coffee near the Liffey. Kate’s Cottage. 1, Amiens
A literary pub with a great bar 016775904. The former jazz Street - Dublin 1. Tel:
food menu. club is beloved by the over- Insomnia. Pembroke Street 871315291. A traditional Irish
thirties, and rightly so: it’s still – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A handy pub with a warm atmosphere.
Dublin Tourism. O’Connell wonderfully mellow and the location makes this place a
Street – Dublin 1. Tel: service is top-notch. top spot among workers in the Keoghs. 9, South Anne
1850230330. Searching for nearby offices. Street – Dublin 2. Tel:
something to do in Dublin? Jack Nealon’s pub. 165, 016778312. A very popular
Look no further. Capel Street - Dublin 1. Insomnia. Spar, Capel Street bar and lounge for old-school
Tel: 018723247. Nealon’s – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. Another atmosphere.
Dublin Tourism Centre. traditional pub is a welcome branch of the popular coffee
Suffolk Street - Dublin 2. Tel: – and welcoming - sight in chain that’s teamed up with a Knightsbridge Bar.
1850230330. An excellent these parts. convenience store. Bachelors Walk, O’Connell
source of information for both Bridge – Dublin 1. Tel:
tourists and curious Dubliners Insomnia. 2, Lower Insomnia. Spar, Dame Street 014970111. A welcoming
about the city. Mayor Street – Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Got the traditional-style pub.
016720320. This place dishes shopping? Reward yourself
Enoteca delle Langhe. up a much-needed caffeine fix with a nice cuppa. La Boulangerie. 6, Cha-
Blooms Lane - Dublin 1. Tel: for docklands workers. tham Court, Chatham Street
018880834. A welcoming and – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A great
authentic Italian wine bar. place for sweet treats with
your coffee fix.
31
 BEST OF DUBLIN

La Corte. Custom House Messrs Maguire. 1-2, O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar. 018309922. Part of the grow-
Square, IFSC – Dublin 1. Tel: Burgh Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: 34, Lower Abbey Street – Du- ing Porterhouse chain of bars,
N/A. Whisper it – this little 018041205. A massive pub blin 1. Tel: 018747868. Sitting Porterhouse North features all
place does some of the nicest set on many levels, with a right by the Luas line, this the craft beers and cocktails
Italian coffee in the area. And in good bar food menu and branch of the sandwich chain that make the city centre
Dublin, for that matter. some excellent Messrs- sees plenty of business. establishments so popular.
brewed beers.
Laser DVD. St Andrew’s Street O’Donoghue’s. Suffolk Stre- Pygmalion. Powerscourt
– Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A great Metro. 43, South William et Dublin 2. Tel: 016770605. Townhouse Centre, South
place to pick up some obscure Street - Dublin 2. Tel: A very popular spot with William Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
or foreign movies. 016794515. A coffee shop people who want that ‘local 014539890. This place has
that feels like it’s been here pub’ feel in Dublin 2. taken over Bar Mizu’s prime
Lemon Jelly. 11, Essex Street for decades. Lovely expresso, location, and offers a great
East - Dublin 2. Tel: 016776297. even lovelier leather seating. O’Neills. 2, Suffolk Street – atmosphere.
Delicious crepes and more are Dublin 2. Tel: 016793656. A
available at this trendy café. Munchies. 2, South sprawling pub with oodles of Q-Bar. 1-2, Burgh Quay -
William Street – Dublin. Tel: atmosphere and a mean selec- Dublin 2. Tel: 016777835.
Lotts Bar. 9, Lower 018733455. The original tion of gourmet beers. One of the first places to serve
Liffey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: Munchies restaurant, this good-quality cocktails at prices
018727669. A mixed décor of a place has recently started O’Sheas. 19, Talbot Street to compete with a pint, Q-Bar
traditional and modern café bar, serving late night tapas. – Dublin 1. Tel: 018365670. is still a fun venue.
and a trendy crowd. A veritable treasure trove of
Munchies. Harbourmaster a pub, with many cosy little Queen of Tarts. 3-4,
McDaids. 7, Harry Street - Place – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. spaces. Cow’s Lane - Dublin 2. Tel:
Dublin 2. Tel: 016794395. A The IFSC branch of Munchies 016334681. Known inter-
haunt of no less than Brendan sees plenty of action, particu- Oliver St John Gogar- nationally for both savoury
Behan in its day, this is one of larly at lunchtime. ty’s. Fleet Street, Temple Bar tarts and sweet treats. This is
the oldest pubs in the city and - Dublin 2. Tel: 016711822. the larger of the two twinned
one of the best. Munchies. Lower Baggot A traditional pub that’s very restaurants, and the original
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. popular with tourists. Queen of Tarts is based on
McGowan’s. 18, Phibsboro With a perfect location, this Dame Street.
Road, Phibsboro – Dublin 7. Tel: branch of Munchies draws Peadar Kearney’s. 64,
018306606. This family-owned queues of office workers. Dame Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Red Rose Café. 23,
pub in Phibsboro also features a 016753971. Looking on the Dawson Street – Dublin 2.
hopping nightclub. National College of outside like any salty boozer, Tel: 0863704873. A cosy,
Ireland. Custom House Peadar Kearney’s actually welcoming café has taken on
Mercantile Bar and Grill. Square, Lower Mayor Street - attracts a reasonably young the space once occupied by
28, Dame Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 1. Tel: 014498500. A crowd for some great music an O’Brien’s sandwich bar.
016707100. With a revamped well-regarded institution with nights.
food menu – plus a cracking live a range of full and part-time Rhubarb. 18, Upper
venue – this place has enjoyed courses. Porterhouse North. Merrion Street – Dublin 2. Tel:
a new lease of life in recent Cross Gunnes Bridge, 016767870. A bright and airy
months. Glasnevin – Dublin 11. Tel: coffee shop.
32
Sabotage. 14, Exchequer Sweeney’s. 2, Dame Street
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 2. Tel: 016350058.
016704789. A clothes shop The boutique hotel-cum-
with some refreshingly differ- cocktail bar and Jazz club has
ent looks on offer. recently undergone a very
good revamp.
Shakes. 15, Dame Street –
Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Dublin’s The Arlington Hotel
very first milkshake bar has a and Legends. 16, Lord
wealth of recipes to choose Edward Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
from and very efficient staff. 016708777. A popular tourist
hotel with Irish dancing seven
Simon’s Place. 22, South nights a week.
Great George’s Street - Dublin
2. Tel: 016797821. A bohe- The Abbey Theatre. 26, lo-
mian café with lots of charm wer Abbey Street – Dublin 1.
and delightful cheesecake. Tel: 018962335. Ireland’s Na-
tional Theatre is well-furnished
Solas. 31, Wexford Street and has plenty going on.
- Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583.
A cocktail bar with a bit of The Bachelor. 31, Bache-
outsider charm – and a very lor’s Walk – Dublin 1. Tel:
nice lunch menu. 018731238. A popular bar
right by the boardwalk.
Soup Dragon. 168,
Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel: The Bagel Factory. 34,
018723277. A great place for Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 1.
hearty and creative soups, as Tel: 018782935. Shop-
well as some indulgent sweets. pers surely appreciate this
convenient place for grabbing
South William. 52, South bagels on the go.
William Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
016725946. Trendy club with The Bagel Bar. Unit 1,
a pie-themed food menu, Custom House Square, IFSC
extensive cocktails and varied - Dublin 1. Tel: 016739923.
club nights. Great value bagels are served
with a smile at this Docklands
Sufi’s Café. 45-50, Lower place.
Stephen Street – Dublin 2. Tel:
016798577. A continental-
style café with a secluded
atmosphere.
 BEST OF DUBLIN

The Bagel Factory. Lower as the White Horse Inn, this The Garage Bar. East Essex The Long Hall. 51, South
Mayor Street, IFSC - Dublin old sea dog’s haunt has been Street, Temple Bar – Dublin Great Georges Street - Dublin
1. Tel: 016119730. There’s transformed into a cool venue 2. Tel: N/A. 1930s style 2. Tel: 014751590. A popular
plenty of variety in the bagels for jazz and other live music. petrol pumps, sawdust on the pub with impeccable tradi-
from here, along with seating floor, and surprisingly good tional credentials.
room if you want to eat in. The Dawson Lounge. 25, cocktails. The Marble Bar. The
Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: The George. 89, George’s Westbury Hotel, Harry Street
The Bagel Factory. Nassua 016771487. An antidote to Street – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 2. Tel: 016791122.
Street. 2, Nassau Street – the trendiness of the Dawson 014782983. The grand dame Just off Grafton Street lies one
Dublin 2. Tel: 016611806. A Street strip, The Dawson of Dublin gay bars is as popu- of the most relaxing and best-
conveniently-located branch lounge claims to be the lar as ever. staffed cocktail bars in the city.
of the popular bagel chain. smallest pub in the city. We
believe it. The Grafton Lounge. The Mint Bar. Westin Hotel,
The Bankers. 16, Trinity Unit 2, Royal Hibernian Way, Westmoreland Street - Dublin
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: The Dice Bar. 79, Queen Dawson Street – Dublin 2. 2. Tel: 016451322. This
016793697. A welcoming Street, Smithfield - Dublin 7. Tel: 016796260. Opened underground bar has a cosy
little bar with a great weekly Tel: 016746710. Part-owned where the popular Cocoon atmosphere and great drinks –
comedy club. by fun loving criminal Huey once stood, this has a rather try the elderflower Collins.
Morgan, this cool little bar has more laid-back feel than its
The Church. Junction of a lot of noo yawk charm. predecessor. The Morgan Hotel. The
Mary Street and Jervis Street Morgan Hotel, 10, Fleet Street
- Dublin 1. Tel: 018280102. The Dragon. 64, South Gre- The Grand Social. 35, - Dublin 2. Tel: 014757166.
Excellent pub-cum-restaurant- at George’s Street - Dublin 2. Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 1. This place is very popular,
cum-club that ticks all the Tel: 014781590. A relatively Tel: 018740076. Since taking and it’s easy to see why – the
boxes. new kid on the gay bar block, over Pravda, this live music cocktails are frankly fantastic.
this pub has a packed event bar – which hosts a range of
The Clarence Hotel. 6-8, programme. other events has gone from The Odeon. 57, Harcourt
Wellington Quay - Dublin 2. strength to strength. Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
Tel: 014070800. One of the The Duke. 8-9, Duke Street 014782088. With more
city’s best hotels and home to - Dublin 2. Tel: 876764657. The Harbourmaster. room to breathe, you can
both the Tea Rooms and the A nice large traditional pub Customs House Dock, IFSC appreciate the wonderfully
Octagon Bar. with good service and a trad - Dublin 1. Tel: 016701688. restored décor of this place all
evening on Sundays. Great coffee by day and a the better – arrive before the
The Czech Inn. Essex Gate, crackling atmosphere by night late-night rush.
Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: The Flowing Tide/ make this a winner.
016711535. Czech-themed Neptune Bar. 9, Abbey The Pint. 28, Aston Quay
bar with plenty to appeal to Street Lower - Dublin 1. Tel: The Hut. 159, Phibsboro - Dublin 2. Tel: 018745255.
everyone, including an exten- 018744108. Very popular with Road, Phibsboro – Dublin 7. Neighbourhood bar with a
sive beer range. the post-theatre crowd, and Tel: 018302238. A decidedly varied live music mix.
home to a comedy club that’s old school bar – in a good
The Dark Horse Inn. 1, generating considerable buzz. way. Friendly service and a
George’s Quay – Dublin 2. Tel: fine pint of Guinness are both
016751862. Formerly known on offer.
34
Gilbert and Wrights Dun Laoghaire
128, Lower George’s Street, Dun artefacts from a far cooler time. good value pints make their drinks 23:30 (00:30 Friday and Saturday,
Laoghaire - Co Dublin There’s even a stack of magazines great value too. Overall, it feels like 23:00 Sunday).
Tel: 016636148 if you fancy relaxing – The New a cross between the pad your cool Getting there: From Dun
The first southside outpost of the Yorker is good for whiling away a uncle swears he had in his youth Laoghaire Shopping Centre (facing
Gilbert and Wright’s night-life em- few hours over. The charm is more and a rather more mature set from onto George’s Street), turn right
pire aims for a retro feel – and than superficial too: service, with- Austin Powers – and no, that’s no and keep walking down the street
remarkably, it gets it right. The dé- out breaking the easy-going vibe, bad thing at all. for about 10 minutes. You will see
cor is distinctly 1970s, with funky is remarkably efficient, and the Opening hours: Open seven days Gilbert and Wright’s on your right.
furniture from the decade, plus cocktail menu is also impressive a week, from 17:00 (16:00 Friday,
plenty of vintage records and other – frequent two for one deals and 12:00 Saturday and Sunday) to

35
 BEST OF DUBLIN

The Port House. 64, South in the city centre, this place West Coast Coffee. West- Broadway Pizza Parlor.
William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: is ideal for enjoying gourmet land Row – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Unit 6, Custom House
016770298. A gorgeous little teas or shisha. Just a few minutes walk from Square, IFSC - Dublin 1.
tapas bar with candlelight, and Trinity, this place is a handy Tel: 016721812. It’s always
some innovative dishes. The Workman’s Club. 10, spot for a cuppa away from buzzing at this place – taste
Wellington Quay – Dublin 2. the bustle. the pizzas or calzonés to find
The Palace Bar. 21, Fleet Tel: 016706692. One of the out why
Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. city’s newest – and best – live Wright’s Findlater .
Tel: 016717388. One of the venues. Howth. Findlater House, Burritos & Blues. 2,
most welcoming traditional Howth – County Dublin. Wexford Street – Dublin 2.
pubs to survive in Dublin city Thomas Reads. 1, Parlia- Tel: 018324488. A striking Tel: 014254022. Heading to
centre. ment Street - Dublin 2. Tel: outdoor facade offers a hint a gig on this strip? This is a
N/A. Still a very popular bar at the stylish café bar that lies great spot for a quick meal
The Real Coffee Company. among clued-in people who within. beforehand.
Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: don’t fancy the full-on Temple
N/A. Like it says on the tin – Bar night out. Cactus Jacks. Millenium
real coffee, making a real treat. Dinner Walkway, Middle Abbey Street
Toss’d. CHQ Building, Cu- - Dublin 1. Tel: 018746198.
The Secret Bar. 3, Fade stom House Quay, Docklands 101 Talbot. 101, Talbot Stre- Fun Tex-Mex spot with an
Street - Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 1. Tel: 018291607. A et - Dublin 1. Tel: 018745011. outlet in Galway. Great
017645681. The city’s worst- great place for fresh noodles Fresh and contemporary margaritas.
kept secret doesn’t even need and salads, Toss’d gets par- Irish, continental and African
a name badge to draw in the ticularly busy at lunchtime. cuisine. Café Azteca. 19-22, Lord
punters. Edward Street – Dublin 2. Tel:
Ukiyo. 7-9, Exchequer Street Acapulco. 7, South Great 016709476. Great burritos
The Streat. The Campshires, - Dublin 2. Tel: 016334071. Georges Street - Dublin 2. and more are on offer from
North Wall Quay - Dublin 1. Karaoke, sushi and cocktails Tel: 016770733. Popular Tex this informal restaurant.
Tel: 016700073. A nice little may be an unconventional Mex establishment with quality
café for grabbing a quick recipe, but it certainly works. ingredients. Café Carlo. 63, O’Con-
coffee and watching the Dock- nell Street – Dublin 1. Tel:
lands traffic passing. West Coast Coffee. 21, Bar Italia. 26, Bloom’s 018880856. You can get
Lower Camden Street – Dublin Lane, Lower Ormond Quay more than just Italian stuff at
The Sweetest Thing. 17, 2. Tel: 014756144. Whether - Dublin 1. Tel: 018741000. this cosy, central spot – they
Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. you’re sobering up – or just An unpretentious Italian do some mean Irish dishes
Tel: 018720233. It’s high time trying to stay awake – this cof- restaurant with authentic, well- too.
there was a dedicated choco- fee shop is mighty handy. prepared ingredients.
late café in the heart of Dublin, Café des Irlandaise. 12,
we say. These folks agree. West Coast Coffee. Boojum. Millenium Walkway, George’s Street – Dublin
Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 2. Tel: 017664567. So long
The Tea Garden. 7, Lower Tel: N/A. A lovely little spot to 018729499. A great little Cafebardeli, make way for this
Ormond Quay – Dublin 1. Tel: enjoy good coffee while look- burrito bar, which even offers new French restaurant.
0862191010. A veritable oa- ing out onto the Liffey. frozen margaritas.
sis from noisy pubs and clubs
36
Café de Topolis. 37, Chapter 1. 18, Parnell Fallon & Byrne. 2, Green Nineteen. 19, Cam-
Parliament Street – Dublin 2. Square North - Dublin 1. Tel: Exchequer Street - Dublin den Street Lower - Dublin 2.
Tel: 016704961. A wonder- 018732266. Quite possibly 2. Tel: 014721000. A mix of Tel: 014789626. Popular good
fully atmospheric pizzeria and the best restaurant in this fine wine bar, gourmet food hall value restaurant. All main
Italian restaurant. city. Top food at very competi- and high-class restaurant, courses cost €10.
tive prices. this place is packed with little
Café Irie. 11, Fownes Street treats for yourself. Gruel. 68, Dame Street -
- Dublin 2. Tel: 016725090. Chatham Brasserie. Dublin, 2. Tel: 016707119.
Indie-esque coffee shop and Chatham Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Fire. Mansion House, Wilfully unpretentious and
sandwich bar which shares a 016790055. A new new-york Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: hearty food. The ‘roast in a
building with lots of intriguing style restaurant with a twist of 016767200. Fire has food to roll’ is a lunchtime treat.
stores. personality. Ideal for brunch. do its beautiful setting justice.
The flatbreads are particularly Hard Rock Cafè. 12,
Café Mao. 2-3, Chat- Chez Max. 133, Baggot Stre- worth a try. Fleet Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
ham Row - Dublin 2. Tel: et - Dublin 4. Tel: 016618899. 016717777. Dublin’s outlet
016704899. An excellent Max’s full-scale bistro is one Flanagan’s. 61, Upper of the popular franchise does
Asian restaurant, with a of the nicest spots on Baggot O’Connell Street – Dublin 1. well from both tourists and
branch in Dun Laoghaire too. Street. Tel: 8731388. A great family temple bar revellers in need
restaurant in the shadow of of a refuel.
Cafe Novo. The Westbury Chez Max. 1, Palace Street - the spire.
Hotel, Harry Street - Dublin 2. Dublin 2. Tel: 016337215. A Harry’s Mediterranean
Tel: 016463353. An elegant wonderful little French bistro, FXB Restaurant. 2, Lower Cafe & Wine Bar. 22,
restaurant in one of the city’s with an intimate atmosphere. Pembroke Street – Dublin Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
most-loved hotels. 2. Tel: 016764606. A high- 012808337. Popular post-
Ciao Bella Roma. 25, quality steakhouse that also work café bar with a branch in
Captain Americas. 44, Parliament Street - Dublin 2. does a mean bit of seafood Dun Laoghaire.
Grafton St - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 016770004. A great place and offers great value.
016715266. Long-standing for a late night, sit-down pizza Havana. Georges Street -
American style cookhouse that’s fresh and authentic. Gotham Café. 8, South Dublin 2. Tel: 014005990. An
and bar. Anne Street - Dublin 2. Tel: unpretentious tapas bar with a
Cornucopia. 19 Wicklow 016795266. A menu packed Cuban twist.
Casa Nostra. 85, Malbo- Street - Dublin 2. Tel: with delicious salads, innova-
rough Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 016777583. An all-vegetarian tive pizzas and other treats Hell. 36, Wexford Street –
018728143. A relatively new restaurant with lots of tricks up ensures Gotham is packed out Dublin 2. Tel: 1890456666.
Italian kid on the block. its sleeve. Also offers a cook- even on weeknights. A great A recently opened gem of a
book for sale if the recipes place for a weekend brunch. pizza place, offering both eat-
Carluccio’s. 52, Dawson appeal to you. in and take-away deals.
Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Govindas. 83, Middle
016333957. The first Irish Dunne & Crescenzi. 16, Abbey Street - Dublin 1. Honest to Goodness.
branch of a popular UK chain, South Frederick St - Dublin Tel: 018727463. Vegetarian George’s Street Arcade,
this venue blends a coffee 2. Tel: 016773463. Popular restaurant with a varied menu. George’s Street – Dublin
shop, foodhall and Italian Italian wine bar and restaurant, Branches are also on Merrion 2. Tel: 016337727. Simple
restaurant. with an extensive range. Row and Aungier Street. home-style recipes and
37
 BEST OF DUBLIN

great ingredients are an ideal Dublin 1. Tel: 018780498. which is still dishing up sa- Nyona. 76, Dame Street –
formula for a successful little This Dublin institution has voury and sweet snacks from Dublin 2. Tel: 016707200. A
restaurant. benefited greatly from a major South William Street. great place for truly Malaysian
sprucing-up. cuisine.
Il Posto. 10, Stephen’s Mamma’s Pizza. 4, Talbot
Green – Dublin 2. Tel: La Cave. 28, Anne Street Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar.
016794769. Outstanding South - Dublin 2. Tel: Quick, hearty pizza on the go Custom House Square, Doc-
Italian food is on offer here 016794409. Long standing will float anyone’s proverbial klands – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A.
in a very atmospheric under- wine bar and restaurant with a boat. The sausage toastie from this
ground dining room. loyal clientele. branch of the O’Brien’s chain
Milano. 38, Dawson Street - is hard to beat.
Juice Café. 73, George’s La Maison. 15, Castle Mar- Dublin 2. Tel: 016707744. The
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: ket - Dublin 2. Tel: 01727258. first outlet of Milano’s (Pizza Odessa. 13, Dame Court -
014757856. A great spot for A dedicated French restaurant Express in the UK) to make it Dublin 2. Tel: 016707634. A
veggie grub in the heart of opened where the much-loved over to these shores. mouth-watering menu and a
the city. Maison des Gourmets once laid back atmosphere makes
stood. Milano. 6, Excise Walk, this a perfect ‘unwinding’
Just Off Francis. 78, Clarion Quay - Dublin 1. Tel: restaurant.
Thomas Street – Dublin 8. Tel: La Med. 22, East Essex 016119012. A spacious and
014738807. A friendly restau- Street – Dublin 2. Tel: airy branch of the successful One Pico. 5/6, Mole-
rant serving a mix of Irish and 016707358. This promises a Milanos chain. sworth Place - Dublin 2. Tel:
international cuisine – prices bit of sunshine and delivers 016760300. A delightful little
are great for high-quality fare. with a selection of Italian and Mongolian BBQ. 7, restaurant, that knows it’s a
international dishes. Anglesea Street - Dublin 2. little bit special. Great French-
Koh. 7, Jervis Street, Tel: 016703802. An all-you- influenced food.
Millenium Walkway - Dublin Lagoona. Mayor Square, can eat restaurant with fresh
1. Tel: 018146777. This Thai IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: Mongolian fare cooked in Pablo Picante. Pembroke
restaurant and cocktail bar has 017918928. A burger and front of you. Market – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A.
a constant hum of activity. a pint from here is an unex- Top-class burritos just off
pected delight. Munchies. Millenium South William Street.
Kokoro Sushi Bento. 19, Walkway, Middle Abbey Street
Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 1. Le Bon Crubeen. 81-82, - Dublin 1. Tel: 018733455. Pacino’s. 18, Suffolk Street
Tel: 018728787. A great new Talbot Street - Dublin 1. Tel: The perfect spot for grabbing - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775651.
place for reasonably-priced 017040126. A stylish and a quick and healthy sandwich A very lively Italian restaurant
sushi. (thank heavens) affordable on your break. and club just off Grafton
brasserie, and a welcome ad- Street.
Kudos. Clarion Hotel, IFSC dition to the northside. MYO. Lower Mayor
- Dublin 1. Tel: 014338866. Street, IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: Pasta Fresca. 2, Chatham
The Clarion’s Kudos restaurant Lemon. 66, South William 016721031. Create your own Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
has considerable style. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: wraps, sandwiches or even 016792402. Good value,
016729044. Before a host pizzas from a good buffet of fresh Italian food in the heart
Kylemore at the Spire. of pretenders started serving ingredients at this innovative of the city.
1, Upper O’Connell Street – crepes, there was this place, new spot.
38
Doyle’s
9, College Street – Dublin 2
Tel: 016710616
This easy-going pub with traditional fit-
tings is well known as a student hangout,
but is also pretty darn handy on a quiet
evening – they’ve started serving good
pub grub in the evenings to match an
already highly-regarded lunch menu, and
the atmosphere for watching any football
or rugby matches is great. By night, the
location within five minutes walk of Trin-
ity College ensures it comes alive: DJs
play an eclectic mix of sounds upstairs
and downstairs. There’s a spacious room
available to hire for private functions.
Doyle’s pretty popular outside student
circles too, and it’s easy to see why.
Opening hours: Open seven days a
week, from 12:00 to 02:30 (23:00
Sunday).

Getting there: From the front gates

of Trinity College (facing onto Dame
Street), turn right and follow the railings
of the college as you turn onto College
Street. After about two minutes, you
should see Doyle’s across the street on
your left.

39
 BEST OF DUBLIN

Pichet. 14-15, Trinity Street Sushi King. Baggot Street The Cedar Tree. 11, St The Italian Connection.
– Dublin 2. Tel: 016771060. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016449836. Andrew’s Street - Dublin 2. 95, Talbot Street – Dublin 1.
A popular restaurant and café Cheap – and tasty – sushi will Tel: 016772121. An authentic Tel: 018787125. A lovely,
with a modern dining room. always appeal to tastebuds. Lebanese restaurant with a wholesome restaurant with a
This smaller Baggot place is rich and intriguing décor. An cosy dining room.
Rustic Stone. 17, George’s ideal for grab-and-go. early bird menu also offers
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: good value. The Italian Corner. 23,
017079596. Dylan McGrath’s Sushi King. 13, Daw- Wellington Quay – Dublin
new place has an emphasis on son Street - Dublin 2. Tel: The Chilli Club. 1 Anne’s 2. Tel: 016719114. One of
straightforward, healthy fare. 016752000. You can grab Lane, South Anne Street - Temple Bar’s favourite Italian
a seat at this outlet from the Dublin 2. Tel: 016773721. joints.
Saba. 26-28, Clarendon Stre- increasingly-popular Sushi Reportedly Dublin’s first Thai
et - Dublin 2. Tel: 016792000. King. restaurant, and still a popular The Mill Stone. 39,
One of Dublin’s coolest Thai choice. Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
restaurants, with an award Swai. Unit B, The Campshires, 016799931. An intimate,
winning cocktail bar to boot. North Wall Quay - Dublin 1. The Coffee Co. 13, Dame warm restaurant with some
Tel: 018561633. A modern Street – Dublin 2. Tel: surprisingly creative pizzas.
Salamanca. 1, St Andrew’s Malaysian restaurant set with 016797141. This place does
Street - Dublin 2. Tel: views over the Liffey. exactly what it says on the tin: The Pantry. 64, Talbot Street
016774799. A fantastic long- a great cup of the black stuff. – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. This
standing tapas restaurant. Taste. 39, South Wil- hidden gem does one of the
Doesn’t usually take reserva- liam Street – Dublin 2. The Epicurean Food best breakfasts in the city.
tions. Tel: 016798475. Simple, Hall. Corner of Liffey Street
straightforward-but-tasty food and Middle Abbey Street – The Pig’s Ear. 4, Nassua
Samsara Café Bar. 35, served up by friendly staff. Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. You’ll find Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: a great selection of food from 016703865. An excellent new
016774444. Thai food café The Angler’s Rest. across a range of traditions at little bistro, with hearty fare
bar, with a strong cocktail Strawberry Beds, Castlek- this hall. and charming views of Trinity
menu. nock – County Dublin. Tel: College.
018204351. Elegance is the The Exchequer. 3-5,
Sherie’s Café. 3, Lower predominant theme at this Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. The Steps of Rome. 1,
Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: easy-going restaurant. Tel: 016706856. Brilliantly Chatham Street – Dublin 2.
018747237. A welcoming café restored hotel bar with a very Tel: 016705630. A great place
bar that’s open conveniently The Bad Ass Café. Temple strong food menu using Irish- for hot slices of pizza to go.
late. Bar Square, Temple Bar - sourced ingredients.
Dublin 2. Tel: 016712596. The Unicorn. 12, Mer-
Siam Thai. 14-15, St There are great pizzas to be The Farm. 3, Dawson Street rion Row - Dublin 2. Tel:
Andrew’s Street – Dublin tasted, along with plenty of - Dublin 2. Tel: 016718654. 016624757. Established long
2. Tel: 016773363. Fresh, unpretentious fare at this spot This organic-themed restau- ago and still going strong, the
healthy and enjoyable Thai in Temple Bar Square. rant also has a pleasant little Unicorn repays Dubliners’
cuisine is served amid stylish cocktail menu. continued affection with
surroundings. hearty Italian fare.

40
The Winding Stair. 40, wilfully unpretentious spot for Bowes Bar. 31, Fleet Street Doyles. 9, College Street -
Lower Ormond Quay - Dublin cheap eats. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016714038. Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616.
1. Tel: 018726576. The An old-school pub, with a A traditional bar by day and
restaurant above this well- Venu. 2, Anne’s Lane, South warm welcome and a fine student mecca by night.
loved bookshop has gone all Anne Street – Dublin 2. Tel: collection of whiskeys. Opens late at weekends.
upmarket in recent years, with 016706755. This brasserie-
considerable success. Some cum-cocktail bar is nothing if Dicey’s Garden Bar. 21- Dylanbar. The Dylan Hotel,
great value lunch deals are not stylish, with both the food 25, Harcourt Street - Dublin Eastmoreland Place - Dublin
on offer. and cocktail menus having 2. Tel: 014784066. There’s 4. Tel: 016603000. A stylish
plenty of appeal. nothing dicey about this cocktail bar that’s worth the
Thunder Road Café. Fleet popular bar, which boasts an journey out to D4.
Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Wolfes. 153, Capel Street impressive beer garden.
Tel: 016794057. A big restau- - Dublin 1. Tel: 018749570. Ely. CHQ, IFSC, Docklands
rant with big portions and big This lovely little food and Dame Café. Centra, Dame - Dublin 1. Tel: 016768986.
rock’n’roll playing. wine store has a cosy feel and Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Another branch of the suc-
plenty of treats - it’s now serv- You might think that a café cessful Ely wine bar chain.
Toscana. 3, Cork Hill ing dinner too. based in a convenience store
Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: wouldn’t be a nice place to Ely Wine Bar. 22, Ely Place
016709785. Authentic Tuscan Yamamori Sushi. 38-39, while away a few hours. You’d - Dublin 2. Tel: 016768986.
food served in very-pleasant Lower Ormond Quay - Dublin be wrong. Ever-trendy wine bar with
surroundings. 1. Tel: 018720003. Excellent a hearty food menu and an
spot for sushi from the same Dandelion. St Stephens impressive range.
Toto. 8, Talbot Street – Du- folks behind the George’s Green West - Dublin 2. Tel:
blin 1. Tel: N/A. A surprisingly Street restaurant. 014760870. A popular club Fixx Coffee House Daw-
nice restaurant and pizzeria. with cheap cocktails, celeb son Street. 17, Dawson
appearances and contempo- Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A.
Town Bar & Grill. 21, After Dinner rary music. A great place to enjoy award-
Kildare Street - Dublin 2. Tel: winning coffee.
016624800. A fun New York Amir’s Delights. 5, Darky Kellys. The Harding
style eatery, Town’s strong Bloom’s Lane, Ormond Quay Hotel, Fishamble Street – Gerard’s Café. 4, Lower
menu and service ensures it – Dublin 1. Tel: 0863536404. Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. The official Leeson Street – Dublin 2. Tel:
packs out most evenings. Excuse the pun, but this is a bar and bistro of the Harding 016615703. It’s nice to see an
delightful little place for enjoy- Hotel. independent little coffee shop
Trocadero. 3, St Andrew’s ing Turkish coffee or shisha. like this continue to thrive.
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Doheny & Nesbitt’s. 5,
016775545. The famous Anseo. 18, Camden Baggot Street Lower - Dublin Gilbert & Wright,
restaurant for a special Street Lower - Dublin 2. 2. Tel: 016762945. The clas- Malahide. 1, Ross Lane,
pre-theatre meal is still going Tel: 014751321. A very sic local-for-a-listers is a lot Malahide – County Dublin. Tel:
strong. old-school music bar that also bigger than it used to be, but it 018456580. There’s a hint of
features a regular comedy still consistently packs out. 70s retro chic at this stylish
Urban Picnic. George’s club. bar in a seaside village.
Street Arcade, George’s
Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A
41
 BEST OF DUBLIN

Gin Palace. 42, Middle O’Brien’s Sandwich 2. Tel: 016799667. Don’t let The Bloody Stream. 14,
Abbey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: Bar. Harbourmaster Place, the shabby décor fool you – West Pier, Howth – Dublin
018748881. Obviously a IFSC – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A this is a very happening bar 13. Tel: 018395076. A cosy
place for some gourmet gins, conveniently-located sandwich and restaurant. pub that makes the most of its
but you’ll find a lively bar and bar for IFSCers. setting, just a few short yards
some nice tapas here too. Taste of Emilia. 1, Lower away from the picturesque
O’Donoghues. 15, Liffey Street – Dublin 1. Howth Harbour.
Grand Central. 10/11, Merrion Row - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 0876402448. A great
O’Connell Street - Dublin 1. 016607194. A legendary place for a rustic, Italian-style The Boar’s Head. 149,
Tel: 018728658. A Dublin trad music pub that was loved aperitif. Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel:
landmark, this place is packed by The Dubliners, and is still 014752705. A very popular
out by post-work drinkers popular today. The Baggot Inn. 143, spot for lunch and a pint, this
most evenings. Lower Baggot Street - Dublin is also fun to visit after work.
Olesya’s Wine Bar. 18, 2. Tel: 016618758. A much-
Hairstyle. 12, South Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. loved older pub that’s received The Brazen Head. 20,
William Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016724087. Well-stocked a successful renovation in Bridge Street - Dublin 8. Tel:
Tel: 016706202. Want a chic wine bar with a mix of Irish recent years. 016779549. Apparently the
haircut? Just hop in here. and continental fare. oldest pub in Dublin, this
The Bailey. 2, Duke Street place does great food and has
Kennedy’s. 31, West- Pantibar. 7-8, Capel Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016773055. friendly staff.
land Row – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018740710. This hip place also serves a
016611124. You’ll find this The fabulous Panti presides nice little food menu. The Celt. 81, Talbot Street –
place packed out at lunch- over this popular gay bar. Dublin 1. Tel: 018788655. A
times – they do some of the The Bank. 20-22, College welcoming, traditional pub.
best pub-grub in town, and Peter’s Pub. 1, John- Green - Dublin 2. Tel:
have a hopping late club too. son Place – Dublin 2. Tel: 016770677. This lovingly- The Clarendon. 32,
016778588. A surprisingly restored bank building now Clarendon Street - Dublin 2.
La Cuvé. Burton Hall, Mayor cool little city-centre bar. houses a very popular bar and Tel: 016170060. A stylish bar
Square, IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: restaurant. with some nice grub during
016054912. A renamed and Ron Black’s. 25, Dawson lunchtime and early evening.
revamped wine bar in the Street – Dublin 2. Tel: The Bernard Shaw. 50/51,
heart of the docklands. 016728231‎. A still-chic South Richmond Street - The Confession Box.
cocktail and champagne bar. Dublin 2. Tel: 0857128342. Malborough Street – Dublin 1.
La Dolce Vita. 5, Music Hall, Imagine an old-man bar on Tel: N/A. Don’t be put off by
Cow’s Lane – Dublin 2. Tel: Rush Bar. 65, South powerful hallucinogens. It’s the genuinely teeny interior.
017079786. A wonderful little William Street – Dublin 2. better than you think. Staff is efficient, and it’s great
café and wine bar just away Tel: 016719542. It’s not as fun here once the trad session
from the bustle of Temple Bar. frantic as the name suggests, The Bleeding Horse. 24, gets going.
but that’s no criticism of this Camden Street Upper - Dublin
Madigan’s. 4, Lower well-run bar. 2. Tel: 014752705. One of The Foggy Dew. 1,
Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: the oldest pubs in the city, Fownes Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
018745456. A traditional pub Shebeen Chic. 4, South this place is spacious, grand 016779328. A traditional bar
with a good pint to offer. Great George’s Street - Dublin and lively. that’s retained its atmosphere
42
 BEST OF DUBLIN

through modernisation. Still The Hairy Lemon. 42, The Pembroke. 31-32, Lo- The Temple Bar. 2,
great for a singsong on special Lower Stephen Street - wer Pembroke Street – Dublin Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel:
nights. Dublin 2. Tel: 016797724. An 2. Tel: N/A. A handily-located 016725286. A consistently
extensive pub with plenty of pub with plenty of character packed tourist pub, this of-
The Front Lounge. 33, nooks and crannies for a quiet and some interesting design fers live music and plenty of
Parliament Street - Dublin 2. conversation. features. atmosphere.
Tel: 016704112. A relatively
quiet – but nonetheless fun The International. 23, The Plough. Lower Abbey The Turks Head. Junction
– gay bar. Wicklow Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A of Parliament Street and Essex
016779250. Home to the leg- cosy and charming pub that Gate, Temple Bar - Dublin 2.
The FXB Bull & Castle. endary International Comedy reopened its doors to a grate- Tel: 876764657. Criminally
Christchurch Place - Dublin Club and a very nice little bar ful public in 2008. underrated nightspot with
2. Tel: 014751122. A huge in its own right. lashings of atmosphere and a
gastropub with a great range The Porter House. 16-18, fun crowd.
of craft beers. The Market Bar. 14a, Parliament Street - Dublin 2.
Fade Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 016798495. You’ll find a The Village. 26, Wex-
The Gaiety Theatre. South 016139094. No piped music, breathtaking array of beers at ford Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
King Street – Dublin 2. Tel: a tapas menu, and a surreal this massive pub/brewery. 014758555. A worthy addi-
016771717. This stately old decorative display of foot mea- tion to the Camden/Wicklow
theatre is host to some inno- sures. You can’t accuse it of The Purty Kitchen. 34, Street Strip, this place has
vative shows and musicals. being unoriginal! Essex Street East - Dublin 2. booze, music and atmosphere
Tel: 016770945. A large pub in abundance.
The Gingerman. 40, The Old Stand. 37, and club with live music.
Fenian Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. The Woolshed. Unit 4,
016766388. Inspired by Tel: 016777220. Apparently a The Quays. 11-12, Parnell Centre, Parnell Street
the JP Dunleavy novel, this favoured haunt of Michael Col- Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018724325. A
place has a strong literary lins in the day, you’ll see why 016713922. Get over the popular sports bar with many
theme and a warm, moody from a visit to this traditional griping about Temple Bar drinks promotions on quieter
atmosphere. pub. being a tourist trap, and you’ll nights.
find this pub very nice for a
The Globe. 11, South Great The Olympia Theatre. 172, night out. The Vaults. 1, Harbourma-
Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Dame Street – Dublin 2. Tel: ster Place, IFSC - Dublin
016711220. Also home to the 016793323. The popular live The Stag’s Head. 1, 1. Tel: 016054700. This
popular student night Rí-Rá, venue and theatre still heaves Dame Court - Dublin 2. Tel: sprawling venue features a
the globe is a consistently- with action on gig nights. 016793701. Space is at a restaurant, bar, and late night
packed bar with a friendly vibe premium here but it’s worth club at weekends.
all round. The Ormond Wine Bar. 6, persevering – once you sit
Ormond Quay Upper - Dublin down, this old-school pub is The Temple Bar Hotel.
The Good Bits. 1, 7. Tel: 018749778. A recently- impossible to leave. 13-17, Fleet Street, Temple Bar
Store Street – Dublin 1. Tel: opened gem, this place has - Dublin 2. Tel: 016773333.
018197635. Formerly known frankly stunning décor and a Handy, centrally-located hotel
as Radio City, this live venue great range of wines. with some good last-minute
remains hugely popular. deals.
44
TGI Fridays. St Stephens Camden Court Hotel. located hotel, particularly for Harding Hotel. Fishamble
Green West - Dublin 2. Tel: Lower Camden Street – Dublin 02 concert-goers. Street, Christchurch - Dublin 2.
014781233. Cheap cocktails 2. Tel: 014759666. Good Tel: 016796500. This place has
and a consistently-lively accommodation at a competi- Dtwo Nightclub. 60, all the benefits of a location just
atmosphere make this a handy tive price. Harcourt Street – Dublin 2. on the edge of Temple bar, but
hangout for the young. Tel: 014764603. A popular without all the noise you’d get
Celtic Lodge. 81-82, bar and nightclub for hard- right in the centre of it.
Whelans. 25, Wexford Street Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: pressed office workers.
- Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766. 018788810. Great facilities, Hotel Isaacs. 1, Store Street
A long-standing indie music bars and restaurants nearby, Gilbert & Wright, – Dublin 1. Tel: 018134700.
pub, this place is increasingly and a spot by the Luas are all Dun Laoghaire. 128, A handy little hotel for anyone
featuring innovative live acts. in this establishment’s favour. Lower Georges Street, Dun in the O’Connell Street area,
Laoghaire – County Dublin. with a great live venue in The
Late Night Citi Hotel. Dame Street. 46- Tel: 016636148. One of the Good Bits.
49, Dame Street – Dublin 2. newest additions to the Dun
Abbey Court Hostel. 29, Tel: 016794455. Sitting within Laoghaire social scene has Howl at the Moon. 7-8,
Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. a stone’s throw of the Central drawn new nightlife-lovers to Lower Mount Street - Dublin 2.
Tel: 018780700. Good budget Bank, this place is hard to top the seaside town. Tel: 016345460. A spacious
accommodation by the Liffey for location. club with many levels – and
with free wifi. Grafton Capitol Hotel. lots going on most evenings.
Club Nassua. 1-2, Nassua Lower Stephen Street – Dublin
Alexander Hotel. Merrion Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 2. Tel: 016481100. Good Ice Bar. Four Seasons Hotel,
Square – Dublin 2. Tel: 016794388. The ‘home of rooms, great rates, and helpful Simmonscourt Road - Dublin
016073900. A handy place to the slow set’ plays old school staff – it’s all anyone really 4. Tel: 016654000. You can
stay just off Nassau Street. hits from the 1980s and other needs from a city-centre hotel. now get top-drawer sushi at
decades every week. this stylish cocktail bar – we’re
Boomerang’s Bar and Harcourt Hotel. Harcourt amazed nobody thought of the
Night Club. 13, Fleet Street Copper Face Jacks. 29, Street. 60, Harcourt Street combination before.
– Dublin 2. Tel: 016773333. A Harcourt Street - Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 2. Tel: 014783677.
popular late spot in the heart 867816251. Many a romance Tired after a night on the tiles? Krystle. 21-25, Harcourt
of Temple Bar. has begun (and ended) in this Rest your head here. Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
heaving Dublin club. 014784066. A club clearly
Brooks Hotel. 59-63, Jacob’s Inn Hostel. 21, aiming for the high-class, high-
Drury Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt Talbot Place – Dublin 1. Tel: spending market, and hitting it
012788093. A boutique hotel Street Train Station, Harcourt 018555660. A welcoming, right on the button.
just off Grafton Street, you Street - Dublin 2. Tel: youth-orientated hostel.
say? Yeah, we’ll take that. 014780225. An intimate live Lillies Bordello. Adam
venue downstairs at the POD Kinlay House Hostel. Court, Grafton Street - Dublin
Buck Whalleys. 67, Lower complex. 2-12, Lord Edward Street – 2. Tel: 016799204. The
Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016796644. A playground for the super-rich
016334200. Popular wine bar, Day’s Inn. 95-98, Talbot very handy place to kip just off is increasingly letting in the
now with a full bar license and Street – Dublin 1. Tel: the edge of Dame Street. hoi-polloi. Just don’t try ap-
late opening. 018749202. A handily proaching the celebs.
45
 BEST OF DUBLIN

Mezza. 13, Parliament Street Rí-Rá. 11, South Great The Drury Court Hotel. place ticks two very different
- Dublin 2. Tel: 016706424. Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 28-30, Lower Stephen Street boxes very well.
Late night Lebanese cuisine is 016711220. A hugely popular – Dublin 2. Tel: 014751988.
understandably popular. student nightclub. Sitting close to the heart of Trinity Lodge Hotel. 12,
the city, this is a lively hotel South Frederick Street – Dublin
Molloy’s. 59, Talbot Street – Ripley Court Hotel. 37, with some delicious food on 2. Tel: 016170900. A hotel
Dublin 1. Tel: 018550017. An Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: offer too. with excellently appointed
old-school Irish pub. 018365892. A new three-star rooms in a great location.
hotel based in the centre of The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street,
North Star Hotel. the city. Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Tripod. Old Harcourt Street
Amiens Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 016707655. Formerly the Train Station, Harcourt Street
018363136. A convenient Sin. 17-19, Sycamore Street mezzanine bar, this Temple - Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374.
location makes this an ideal - Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Bar club is winning many new One of the best clubs and live
place for travellers by bus. 016334232. Uber-popular converts. venues in the city, Tripod hosts
Temple Bar nightclub with a some top international acts
O’Callaghan Davenport mixed music policy. The Sugar Club. 8, Lower along with more offbeat artists.
Hotel. Fenian Street – Dublin Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
2. Tel: 016073900. A great, The Abbey Hotel. 52, Mid- 016787188. An intimate live Vanilla Nightclub. 19-21,
cosy hotel bar makes this dle Abbey Street – Dublin 1. venue with comfy seating, Morehampton Road – Dublin
place a winner. Tel: 018728188. Good quality, a pleasant bar, and a strong 4. Tel: 016739805. A stylish
good value accommodation event line-up. boutique club with great private
O’Shea’s Hotel. 19, right on the Luas line and in a booths.
Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: central location. The Twisted Pepper. 54,
014568901. A hotel promis- Middle Abbey Street - Dublin Wrights Café Bar. The
ing great food, drink and fun The Academy. 57, Middle 1. Tel: 018734038. This venue Plaza, Swords – County Dublin.
within walking distance of Abbey Street – Dublin 2. Tel: gives a welcome stage to some Tel: 018406744. One of
O’Connell Street. 014751895. A cool club and cutting edge electronic musi- Ireland’s original superpubs
live venue that makes the cians and DJs. Regular club remains a fun place both for a
Paramount Hotel. Par- most of its space. nights Pogo and Mud are also cocktail (try the Wright Flirt) or
liament Street & Essex Gate, great fun. good Irish food.
Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: The Button Factory.
014179900. This Temple Bar Curved Street, Temple Bar - The Wright Venue. Airside, Wynns Hotel. 35-39, Lower
Hotel is just as lively as you’d Dublin 2. Tel: 016709202. Swords - Co. Dublin. Tel: Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel:
expect. The refurbished and revamped 018900099. A gigantic, Miami- 018745131. A very comfort-
Temple Bar Music Centre is a style club. Buses are available able hotel that still manages to
Raddisson Blu Hotel. great place for smaller gigs. as transport to the venue from have a lovely historic feel.
Golden Lane – Dublin 2. Tel: the city centre.
N/A. A very impressive hotel Zaytoon. 14-15, Parlia-
within a short walk of the city Tramco Brewery. 121, ment Street - Dublin 2. Tel:
centre. Lower Rathmines Road - Dublin 016773595. One of the best
6. Tel: 014968050. A purveyor kebab places in Dublin, and
of craft beer by day and hip just off Temple Bar. Enough
student club by night, this said.
46
The Tea Garden
7 Lower Ormond Quay - Dublin 1
Tel: 0862191010
A little oasis from Dublin’s drink-sodden social scene, The Tea
Garden is an ideal spot for whiling away a few hours over gour-
met teas or – even better – some soothing shisha. There’s a
huge range of the stuff, and settling on one choice can be a bit
intimidating for anyone who’s only just moving beyond Barrys,
but the staff are remarkably friendly and happy to offer advice
on the various brews. You can buy the teas and even the tea-
pots to take away, but it’s impossible to replicate the experience
of savouring the stuff here.
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 15:00 (13:00
Friday to Sunday) to 23:00.
Getting there: From the north side of O’Connell Bridge (fac-
ing north), turn left and head down Bachelor’s Walk and the
northside quays. After about ten minutes, you will see a sign for
The Tea Garden on your right. The venue itself is underground.

Saturday salsa fever

at Pacino’s!
18, Suffolk Street
Tel: 016775651
Suffolk Street swings to hot salsa beats every Saturday at Paci-
no’s’ increasingly popular salsa club. The restaurant and venue
is now offering a special set dinner with a salsa class and club
for €40. The package includes a starter, a main course, a desert
and house wine, with three carefully chosen options. We’re big
fans of the ‘step it up’ menu, with classic Italian meatballs, Pa-
cino’s tasty chicken and a sweet banoffee, though the ‘spicy
salsa’ and ‘cha cha cha’ menus are well worth a try too. Free
admission to the salsa club and class completes a great night
on the town all under one roof!
Getting there: From the Molly Malone statue (facing towards
Grafton Street), take a right turn on to Suffolk Street. You’ll see
Pacino’s on your left.