Best cocktail bars
1. VINTAGE COCKTAIL CLUB
WHERE: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Hidden cocktail bar and restaurant | TIMES: 3pm-11pm, Monday to Thursday; 3pm-12am, Friday; 12pm-12am, Saturday & Sunday | RESERVATIONS: Book a table here.
The Vintage Cocktail Club is a discreet, almost hidden venue in the heart of Temple Bar. There is no signage or clues as to where it is, just a simple 'VCC' on the door of what looks almost to be a derelict building! Don't be put off, though - it's a ruse and what lies behind the door is sheer elegance. An amazing range of cocktails and an excellent food menu too. In all, there are three floors and a fantastic roof terrace. As it says itself, it's the epitome of 1920s chic.
2. 9 BELOW
WHERE: 9 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02C891 | 16 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Wine and Cocktail Bar | TIMES: 5pm-11.30pm, Wednesday to Friday; 4pm-12.30am, Saturdays; 1pm-8pm, Sundays; CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays | RESERVATIONS: Can make a reservation online here, email at welcome@9below.ie or call on +35319059990.
9 Below is a discreet, elegant, sophisticated wine and cocktail bar located in the basement of a Georgian building on St Stephen's Green. There is an extensive wine, cocktail and spirits menu, but they also serve bottled beers. The food options are pretty limited - just a couple of 'nibbles' options but you can order a charcuterie board (priced at around €100) but you need to request it in advance.
3. THE SITTING ROOM at DELAHUNT
WHERE: 39 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2 | 21 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Cocktail lounge above Delahunt restaurant | TIMES: 5pm to Late, Tuesday to Saturday; CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays | RESERVATIONS: Walk-ins or book a spot online here
While Delahunt on Camden Street is primarily praised for its downstairs restaurant, the upstairs cocktail bar is among the very best in the city. There is an understated interior, centered around the big bay window that overlooks Camden Street. Some nice, unique options on the cocktail menu. Combine dinner in the downstairs with cocktails upstairs for a great evening.
4. THE CHELSEA DRUGSTORE
WHERE: 25 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2 | 8 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: 'Bohemian' cocktail bar | TIMES: 5pm to Late, Monday to Friday; 12pm to Late, Saturdays and Sundays | RESERVATIONS: Walk-ins or book a spot online here
The Chelsea Drugstore bills itself as a "bohemian cocktail bar" (it's, in fact, part of The Market Bar group of venues). It's a nice, casual cocktail bar nonetheless, and also does a good brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Other times, there is a limited food menu - mainly snacks. Cocktails all under €15. A good option for a cocktail menu only a short walk from the apartment, but not as 'special' as the other options listed here.
