My Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Dublin

From timeless Irish haunts where the whiskey flows as freely as the craic, to hidden speakeasies that feel like a forbidden thrill, and avant-garde bars where mixology meets molecular magic—this city shakes up something for every taste. After countless rounds of research (tough job, I know), I’ve narrowed down my top 10 cocktail bars in Dublin. Welcome to your new drinking itinerary!

BAR 1661

Starting off strong with this one. On a cobblestone lane off Capel Street, this is the bar that put poitín back on the map. Ireland’s ancient spirit (once banned and nearly forgotten) gets a fierce modern revival here, thanks to co-owner and poitín distiller Dave Mulligan. The vibe is moody, intimate, and effortlessly cool; exposed stone, low lighting, and a serious attitude toward craftsmanship. Don’t leave without trying their signature poitín-based Old Irish, or ask the bartenders to surprise you. This isn't just a cocktail bar, it's a quiet rebellion in a glass.

El Silencio

If Bar 1661 is Dublin's quiet rebellion, El Silencio is its smoky, alt escape. Hidden above a Mexican restaurant, this sultry hideaway channels the spirit of a Mexico City cantina with serious Dublin swagger. It's hands down my favourite spot in the city for margaritas. But the real stars here are the mezcal cocktails: think smokey, complex, and dangerously sippable. Whether you go for a classics-only approach or trust the team with something adventurous, El Silencio delivers atmosphere, flavour, and attitude in equal measure.

Collins Club

Inside The Leinster on Dublin's south side, this one is for the curious. The motto says it all: "Let curiosity take the lead." Behind the bar and beyond the lab, their experts are bold creators who challenge the norm — expect classics reinvented beyond expectations and immersive cocktails served amidst stunning Georgian glamour. Watch the masters at work as the evening unfolds, with perfectly paired bar snacks and a story behind every drink. On Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ spins from 9pm, adding to the electric but refined vibe. Named in tribute to legendary Irish-born interior designer David Collins, this club channels his spirit: timeless, stylish, and just a little bit fearless.

Pen & Player

Inspired by "a place in time, by mystery, temptation and desire," this premium cocktail bar near St. Stephen's Green is pure storytelling in a glass. From the moment you step inside, you're not just ordering a drink — you're stepping into a narrative. The expert mixologists here don't just shake and stir; they craft experiences as intriguing as the history that surrounds the venue. Their signature cocktail, the Ink Drop, says it all: a complex story that runs deep, leading to a strong finish and a lasting impression. Come for the mystery, stay for the pour.

The Sidecar

Recently crowned 2025 Hotel Cocktail Bar of the Year, this gem inside The Westbury Hotel is where 1930s glamour meets modern Dublin cool. Step into a world of sleek Art Deco surrounds, timeless elegance, and cocktails that are anything but ordinary. The team, led by 2024 Bar Manager of the Year Oisin Kelly, has crafted something truly special with 'Dublin Unfiltered' — a collection of 18 individually imagined cocktails that capture the essence of the city itself: nostalgic, exotic, delightful, and just a little bit peculiar. Feeling fancy? Don't miss their bespoke Martini Trolley, where a hand-crafted martini is made table-side with theatrical flair.

Peruke & Periwig

Located on Dawson Street, this multi-level cocktail den is pure Dublin theatre. On the ground floor, you get the lively bar vibe. Perfect for a quick, expertly made cocktail or even a pint if you fancy. But head upstairs, and the mood shifts: velvet drapes, plush seating, and larger-than-life portraits set the scene for a proper lounge experience. It's the same impeccable craft throughout, but the atmosphere (and your drink options) evolve as you climb.

Sitting Room at Delahunt

Tucked above the beloved Delahunt restaurant on Camden Street, this mid-century-inspired cocktail bar feels exactly like its name promises: warm, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish. With vaulted ceilings, original fireplaces, custom wood panelling, and a stunning bay window overlooking the street, it's the kind of place you could sink into for the whole evening. Formerly the family's "good room," it's now the ultimate spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night drop-in. No fuss, just great spirits, craft cocktails, and genuine Dublin charm.

9 Below

In the former basement of the historic Stephen's Green Hibernian Club, this chic little speakeasy is Dublin done dark and delicious. True to its name, you'll descend downstairs to find not one but four intimate rooms, each with its own personality perfect for drinking, relaxing, and getting a little mischievous. The vibe is surrealism meets old-school charm: think velvet corners, low light, and a place where logic dissolves and wonder begins. Whether you're after a perfectly balanced classic or something more adventurous, 9 Below invites you to sit back, let go, and be special. A hidden gem right on Stephen's Green—if you can find the stairs.

The Big Romance

Sometimes the best bars are the ones that don't try too hard. Named after a beloved local record shop, The Big Romance on Parnell Street is all about great drinks, great tunes, and zero pretension. Think natural wines, craft beers, and a short but seriously good cocktail list — all served in a warm, uncluttered space that feels like your coolest friend's living room. The soundtrack? Impeccable. The crowd? Chill. The vibe? Exactly what it says on the tin — a big, beautiful romance with good taste. Open from early afternoon until late, it's the perfect place to start the night, end the night, or just lose a few hours with a Negroni in hand.

Jean-Georges at The Leinster

Take the elevator all the way up — because this one sits sky high on the rooftop, with breathtaking views of Georgian Dublin and the Dublin mountains. While Jean-Georges Vongerichten is famous worldwide for his food, the cocktail programme here is no afterthought. Expect cleverly crafted cocktails taste-tested by the hotel's head bartender and sommelier, blending French, Southeast Asian, and Irish influences into every glass. Sip something sparkling or smoke-kissed as the sun sets over the city, whether you're here for a fancy evening dinner or just a drink at the bar. It's refined, it's romantic, and it's a proper rooftop escape.

From smoky speakeasies and rooftop stunners to basement hideaways and hotel bars dripping with glamour, this city is shaking up something special on every corner. Whether you're after a show-stopping night out or just one perfect margarita, these ten bars prove that Dublin knows how to raise the bar—literally. Now get out there, order something adventurous, and drink it somewhere unforgettable. Sláinte 🥃