While the nightlife is good, a visit to one of Dublin’s hidden speakeasies makes for a great adventure – Here’s a guide to some of the best hidden speakeasies in Dublin, each with their own unique charm.
These secretive bars often require a bit of insider knowledge to find, making the experience all the more exciting.
1. The Blind Pig
Location
Hidden beneath an unassuming Italian restaurant in the city centre. The exact location is revealed when you make a reservation.
What makes it unique
The Blind Pig offers a true 1920s Prohibition-era experience. With low lighting, vintage decor, and a jazz soundtrack, the atmosphere is both cozy and elegant. The cocktail menu is extensive, featuring both classic concoctions and innovative creations. To add to the intrigue, the entrance is hidden, and you’ll need to follow specific instructions to gain access.
2. Vintage Cocktail Club (VCC)
Location
15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Look for the black door with a discreet sign that’s easy to miss.
What makes it unique
Step inside VCC, and you’re transported to a different era. This speakeasy is ‘vintage glamour’ themed, with plush velvet seating, low lighting, and nostalgic decor. The cocktail menu is a history lesson in itself, offering drinks inspired by different periods, from the 1600s to the 1970s. It’s an intimate spot perfect for a quiet drink away from the bustling streets of Temple Bar.
3. The Little Pig
Location
Its exact location is kept secret and is shared with patrons upon booking.
What makes it unique
As a sister establishment to The Blind Pig, The Little Pig offers an even more exclusive and intimate experience. With a capacity of just 30 people, this speakeasy has luxurious decor with Art Deco influences. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring meticulously crafted drinks that highlight rare and high-quality spirits. The secrecy surrounding its location adds to the charm, making it a favourite for cocktail lovers.
4. Peruke & Periwig
Location
31 Dawson Street, Dublin 2. Look for the Victorian townhouse exterior.
What makes it unique
While not hidden in the traditional sense, Peruke & Periwig offers a speakeasy-like vibe with an opulent interior and lots of historical charm. Spread across three floors, each with its own distinctive character, this bar combines old-world elegance with modern mixology. The cocktail menu is themed around musical genres, offering a playful twist on classic and contemporary drinks.
5. The Lucky Duck
Location
43 Aungier Street, Dublin 2. Hidden behind an unassuming facade that looks like a regular pub.
What makes it unique
The Lucky Duck is a beautifully restored Victorian pub with a hidden speakeasy upstairs. The intimate upstairs rooms are themed with period decor, making for a cozy and quite sophisticated atmosphere. The cocktail menu features a blend of classic and modern drinks. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening with friends or a date night!
6. The Bar With No Name
Location
3 Fade Street, Dublin 2. Also known as “No Name Bar,” this spot is tucked away above a restaurant.
What makes it unique
The Bar With No Name is almost like an open secret for speakeasy lovers in Dublin. Enter through a nondescript door marked with a snail emblem and climb the stairs to find a spacious, eclectic bar. The interior features mismatched furniture, and some quite quirky decor. The drinks menu is diverse, offering something for every palate, from creative cocktails to fine wines.
7. The Chelsea Drugstore
Location
25 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2. Behind a facade reminiscent of an old pharmacy.
What makes it unique
Named after the iconic London establishment, The Chelsea Drugstore is a modern speakeasy with a twist. The decor blends contemporary and vintage elements, creating a stylish and comfortable space. The cocktail menu is inventive, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for unwinding after a long day.
Exploring Dublin’s hidden speakeasies is a fun way to experience the city’s nightlife from a new perspective. These secretive bars offer a perfect blend of mystery, sophistication, and top-notch mixology.
