Dublin Pub Review

Other reviews of famous Irish pubs can be found elsewhere:

1. The price charged for unit of basic nutrition (which happens to be a pint of Guinness around here): $ indicate moderate prices, $$ stands for the average rip-off and finally $$$ means don't go there without your credit card at hand. As it is the case with all cities where I've been so far, nightclubs tend be more expensive (rates vary from an additional 50 % to 100 %), the rating takes this into account. Be also prepared to pay a cover charge somewhere in the range from 3.50 Irish Punt up to 8 Irish Punt in order to get in.

2. An overall rating which goes from # (avoid at all costs) up to #### (definitely THE place to be). I know that this is highly subjective and I am prepared to get flamed, but hey folks, I did this description (so I am allowed to be rather nasty to some place :).

Before we commence, two remarks:

• Standard disclaimer: This is just my PERSONAL selection of venues and the rating reflects my personal taste. If you have a different opinion, please refrain from ranting me by email.

• Additional information, descriptions and review are welcome any time. Please send the entry with an appropriate rating to czimmerm@dsg.cs.tcd.ie. When I have time, I'll add the entry to this list.

So let's kick it off then. We'll start with the pubs:

• Angler's Rest (Knockmaroon, Chapelizod): Well, this pub is not directly located in the city center, but sitting just next to the Liffey even behind the Phoenix Park it has a big advantage: nobody really knows it. So it was no wonder that the place was deserted when I got there. It was a splendid, warm, even hot afternoon (around here this means something like 20 degrees Celsius, which translates roughly into 78 degrees Fahrenheit, not to compared to the temperatures you get on a decent summer afternoon in Orlando or New Orleans, but "Sin Éire", as we say ["This is Ireland" in the tongue of the natives]). Inside this pub is rather ordinary: a huge, long bar and plenty of space, but its real beauty unfolds when you step outside: sitting in the sun and enjoying your pint with a gorgeous view over the Liffey---if there were no trees (grrr..). Therefore the Rating: $$, ### (yes, even for a suburban place quite expensive).

• Anglesea (6 Anglesea St.): This large pub being an extension of the Bloom's Hotel on the edge of Temple Bar has nothing extraordinary to tell about apart from the lousy bands that sometimes play there (imagine Barry Mannylow after a couple of bottles of whiskey trying to imitate Elvis Presley - got it?). The PA is worse and loud - do not forget your ear plugs. Rating: $$$, #

• Auld Dubliner (17 Anglesea St.): The name says it all. This is the place in Temple Bar where pensioners and other old people hang out :). Another traditional one. Rating: $$, ##

• The Bachelor's Inn (31 Bachelor's Walk): This is a clean, friendly pub just aorund the corner from O'Connell Bridge. Seems to be a good place for a quick pint in between shopping binges or other city-center related activities. Though my American companion wasn't fully convinced of the place (He has his point: normally pubs tend to be DIMMER :-). Rating: $, ###

• Barge (42 Charlemont Str): Found it! The nicest pub I've seen in Dublin so far. Newly renovated, this traditional multi-storey pub provides the atmosphere of an old barge (hence the name), the interior is just gorgeous. With nice, sunny weather you are able to take your pint outside (the bouncer doesn't really mind - strange but true in Dublin where all keepers and bouncers look after pint glasses very seriously) and sit beside the canal (BRILLIANT!). Of course, such decency has its price: they charge TWO pound for a pint of black. Hence the Rating: $$$, ####

• Bellamy's Lounge (13 Ballsbridge Terrace): Nice, spacious pub just next to the bridge across the Dodder which this part of the town its name. A cozy interior with a lovely fireplace makes this place rather likable (and they have Beamish too!). Watch out for the pictures telling the story of the pub. Rating: $$, ##

• Bleeding Horse (24 Upper Camden St.): Large two-storeyed pub on the edge of Portobello. Normally really packed on weekends (but then which pub isn't), good venue to meet new people or just to hang out. Rating: $$, ##

• Brazen Head (Second bridge after Halfpenny Bridge): Claims to be Dublin's oldest pub. Apart from that: crammed tourist rip-off, disappointing. Rating: $$$, #

• Bruxell's (Harry St., off Grafton St.Harry St., off Grafton St.): Trendy place for all ye Dublin yuppies. Seems to be the venue of choice for certain German (and other) Erasmus students as well, since most of the members of the German community I happen to know (actually, quite a few) tend to be regulars there. Apart from that nice two-storey pub just seconds away from the busy Grafton Street, although quite expensive. Rating: $$$, ##

• Busker's (Fleet St., Temple Bar): This pub not very far away from the Palace (see below) has become the substitute for the Garage, which is gone for good. Hence pretty much the same crowd and atmosphere: mostly young folks and blaring (really LOUD) music. If you're into lively vibes, perhaps THE place to go in Temple Bar; if you just want to have a quiet pint it maybe not the venue of choice. In any case, don't be frightened away by the fierce-looking bouncers; they're (mostly :-) harmless. Rating: $$$, ###

• Buttery (Trinity College): This pub and the Pav are located on the campus on Trinity college. This on-campus venue has a functional hall attached to it where all the amusement for our students happen. This includes live gigs and discos on Friday nights. Rather deserted during the term breaks (surprise, surprise). Rating: $, ##

• The Chancery Inn (Corner of Inns Quay and Charles St. West ): A little, cosy pub just off the Liffey and next to The Four Courts Inn. Nothing fancy except the huge TV set (NOT annoyingly loud though) and the lovely timber work (fake or not, I wasn't able to investigate since I was too busy watching TV :-). If only these large white rats weren't there (but then these could as well have been little doggies; the light was too dim to decide). Anyway, the major thing that counts is that the place seems to be damn cheap. Hence the Rating: $, ###

• Club Chonradh na Gaeilge(6 Harcourt St.): THE place for Irish speakers. Associated with an Irish language institute (Conradh na Gaeilge), this is the venue where foreigners can teach natives their language. Orders at the bar are accepted in Irish only, though in rare cases the keeper makes an exception (for example when you try to speak Irish with a strong German accent :). Since this is technically a club, they have somewhat liberal closing hours: I remember being kicked out at 2.30 am once, normally pubs have to close at 11.30 in Ireland. :-(((. Excellent live traditional music occasionally. Rating: $$, #### (Tá craic an-mhaith ansin!)

• Copper Still (152 Church St.): This rather quiet local is has nothing much to offer. Good for talking or playing pool, but if you're into meeting people, I would recommend going somewhere else. Rating: $$, ##

• The Crane (Crane Lane): Well-hidden, small pub off Dame St. Andrew probably could tell you more about it, since he first took me there. Rating: $$, ##

• The Davenport Hotel (Merrion Sq.): Beautiful designed bar at one of the most renowned city-center hotels. A rather huge place allows to your quiet pint as well as to have a bit of craic the gang (no, I'm not paid by them ,I just enjoy the place). Of course, there is a catch with that: such comfort has its price (not really surprising, since this is a hotel anyway). Rating: $$$, ###

• Dawson Lounge (25 Dawson St., St. Stephen's Green end): Claims to be the smallest pub in the country (as the name suggests), but I've seen smaller ones (but we wouldn't tell them, would we?). This is the place where aggressive women's lib defenders with unfortunately good connections to the personal usually hang out (politeness forbids me to tell what happened to me there on a normal St. Patrick's day). Rating: $$$, #

• Doyles of College Street (9 College St.): Next to the Fleet (Bar) this nice, small pub just across the road from Trinity College is the right spot for relaxation between tough project board meetings or other tiring stuff. There seem to be some gigs going on the weekends (upstairs) which I haven't checked out myself due to the lack of opportunity. The only drawback is: they don't have ANY Beamish :-(. Rating: $$, ##

  (Newsflash: the "gigs" on weekends consist of really good (but not LIVE) music. Unfortunately this doesn't affect the opening times :-( ).

• Fitzwilliam's (Temple Bar): Trendy place near the Clarence Hotel in Temple Bar. Mostly posers and business people. Music: too slow for my taste. Rather expensive. Rating: $$$, #

• The Fleet (1 Fleet St.): There is nothing much to report about this medium-sized lounge next to Doyles of College St. apart from the fact that this is just across the road from the Screen Cinema and the Garda (Police) HQs. in Pearse St. And yes, they do serve beer on St. Patrick's day (but then which pub here in Ireland doesn't :-). Rating: $$, ##

• Four Courts Inn (Ormond Quay Upr.): This huge place on the quays just next to the Four Courts (hence the name :) has a nice interior with an interesting bar: the back of it consists of a large cupboard with all sorts of stuff in it (God only knows what in the bottles and where they come from). Apart from that: cheap beer and relaxed on closing times (unfortunately rather relaxed on the issue of correct change also), therefore the Rating: $$, ##

• Four Seasons Inn (199 King St. North): Lively student venue just off Bolton Street. Most of the DIT (Dublin Institute of Technology) folk can be seen here on a decent Friday night (apart from strange working-class girls from Blanchardstown that is. Protection of the innocent forbids me to go into any further details.) Rating: $$, ###

• Globe (15 South George Street): THE in-place for yuppies and other young and beautiful people. This is the reason why people can be seen to QUEUE in front of the entrance on weekends in order to get in after 9 pm. On the contrary, a nice, quiet pub at six o'clock in the evening. Rating: $$$, ##

• The Goalpost (9 Cathedral St.): The name says it all. The interior of this pub just off O'Connell St. consists mainly of memorabilia of various types of sports, though soccer (or football, as it's known in continental Europe) seems to dominate. The collection of pictures, medals and other stuff is huge and interesting. And for for the first time in Dublin I encountered a TV set in a pub which didn't annoy me because of the modest noise it produced (in fact it was so quiet that I could hardly understand what the newscaster was saying). In addition to that, this watering hole seems to be the hang-out of choice for the French community in Dublin. Rating: $, ### (since the rock shandy I had was rather cheap)

• Oliver St. John Gogerty (58 - 59 Fleet St.): What a name for a pub. Close to the Auld Dubliner, this is a another tourist attraction, therefore quite expensive but with good pub grub. Rating: $$$, ##

• Hairy Lemon (Opposite Break for the Border): This two-storey venue just across the street from the famous (?) Dublin nightclub Break for the Border (or Break the Border, as known amongst experts :-) isn't exactly your local to have a quiet pint. This place is normally packed during weekends, so go there early in order to have a bit of breathing space. The selection of beverages is ordinary and so are the prices. The Lemon seems to be one of the hunting-grounds, errr, meeting points (to be PC) for Dublin's unattached. If the music wasn't so loud you even could take a chance and try your new chatting-up line out. Rating: $$$, ###

• Harp (O'Connell Bridge): A very exclusive pub (at least trying to be) at the "right" side of O'Connell bridge. Mostly business people and foreigner can be met there. When you're a girl, beware of Spanish sailors who would like to take you to a hotel afterwards, since strange things may happen then :). Rating: $$$, ##

• Hole in the Wall (Phoenix Park): Close to Baggot Road and the Phoenix Park (not to confuse with the more innter-city located Baggot Street), this rather HUGE lounge is a nice hang-out place when you're fed up the the usual crowd waffling in your local pub. Since this place is kinda remote, nobody will have a clue who you really are (unless you're a regular THERE, that is :). Cosy atmosphere with a couple of open fires. Rating: $$, ##

• Howl at the Moon (Lower Mount St.): Famous hang-out place for tourists and other strange beings (like Scottish soccer fans). Apart from that, quite expensive with a night club downstairs. Rumour had it that they had no cover charge, but presently it costs about IRP 3.00 to get in (which is still cheap for a night club in Dublin); maybe they'll change it again... Rating: $$, ###

• M. Hughes (19 Chancery St.): This cozy place near the fruit market is a good place for a decent pint of plain after a hard day at the office, sight-seeing, and the like. Not very packed (even on the weekend) with reasonable prices, sometimes life music (not only ) on Fridays. Rating: $$, ### (since they had TWO groups playing music on a normal Tuesday) IFC Bar (6 Eustace St.): This is the bar attached to the Irish Film Centre. Quiet place, the venue of choice when about to split up with your partner or have a serious chat otherwise. Quite good food, recommended before and after films at the IFC. Rating: $$, ###

• John Gleeson & Son (31 Wexford St.): Near the POD, this place serves as good starting place for the activities later on. It has the further advantage that it is very quiet here compared to other pubs (in fact, I have never seen a pub so empty on a normal weekday). Rating: $$, ##

• Keating's (1 Mary St): This lively venue on the corner of Jervis St. and Mary St. seems to have live music nearly every day throughout the week. Mind you, you even are able to see yet unknown instruments (me myself for example for was introduced to a thing called "auto harp" which seemed like a crossing between an ordinary and a keyboard). Apart from that, it's a nice pub (not too overcrowded - at least before the music starts) with a true Irish atmosphere (whatever that is :-). The only drawback: the prices are a bit stiff; hence the rating: $$$, ###

• Kennedy's (32 Westland Row): Apart from O'Neill's the other famous Trinity student hang-out. Most of the Trinity Volleyball team can be found there after their training indulging into soft and not so soft drinks. Rather large pub with two separate bar-rooms and, yes, they DO serve Beamish (occasionally :-() there. Rating: $$, ### (since the sandwich supply stops at 10:00 pm sharp)

• King's Inn (Bolton St.): Nice, cosy pub, not too over-crowded on a normal FRIDAY evening. Friendly people, nobody hassling ye. One major drawback though: the keeper tends to change TV programs without prior notice. I was just looking forward to another episode of "Mr. Beans" (one of my favourites), which was just about to start after another boring feature of "The Bill" (a sleepy serial about UK cops), when the keeper decided to switch over to RTE 1 to get his daily update on that insanity they call World Cup around here. No begging or threatening was able to change his mind. Apart from that: recommendable; Rating: $$, ###

• Long Hall (51 South George St.): As the name suggests, the venue is one, long hall and a bar stretching for miles. The one time I went there everybody seemed to know everybody else except me. The keeper looking really Irish was talking Afrikaans or a similar dialect to what seemed to be an old male coming from South Africa. Watch out for the mirrors! Rating: $$, ### (because interesting things happen there)

• Madigan's (Morehampton Road, Donnybrook Village): Nice one just in the centre of Donnybrook. Excellent homemade food during lunch hours, recommended. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to sample the quality of the Guinness there since I was driving. The low-alcohol lager tasted as usual. Madigan's is actually a group of pubs, the other one are: Lower O'Connell St., Donaghmede Shopping Centre (in the north of Dublin), Lr. Abbey St. and North Earl St. Rating: $$, ##

• Mahaffy's (44 Pearse St.): The place where some of the DSG crowd sometimes hangs out (after a hard day's work of course :). People used to be Trinity-related, but now business people are taking over. Rating: $$, ##

• Major Tom's (Stephen's Green Shopping Center): Huge pub/club in the basement of Stephen's Green Shopping center. A very lively atmosphere makes you file like you're in a club rather in an ordinary pub. The crowd's young; you'll find all sorts of people there, from foreign students burning their travel grants to business people looking for a chat-up. The music is mostly oldies with MOR stuff; sometimes groovy stuff comes in as well. What I really like about this venue is that the stay open til late (2 am most weekdays) without NO cover charge when you're in before 11 pm. Expect longish queues on weekends when trying to get in (Doesn't that tell all about it??). Rating: $$$, ###

• Market Hacienda Bar(Mary Abbey Lane): Strangest place I've ever seen in Dublin (and I've seen a lot!). This bar, located near the fruit market, appeared to be locked up completely when I tried to get in, though it was apparently open for business as there was some music playing inside. Rumour has it that the publican has to know you in order to get you in. They seem to have a cover charge of IRP 1.50 on weekends (which is again unusual for a pub). Rating: ?, ?

• McDaids (3 Harry St.): Nothing much to report about this dim pub just off Dublin's premier shopping pathway. Expensive beverages complement the rather dull interior. Disappointing. Rating: $$$, #

• Mont Clare Hotel (Merrion Sq.): Nice hotel bar at the north side of Merrion Square. Rumour has it that the food at lunch time must be excellent. Rating: $$$ (it's a hotel!), ###

• Norseman (Temple Bar): Also located in Temple Bar, this traditional Irish pub is the prototype for a tourist magnet. Not surprisingly, this is the place where you can meet Americans waving cameras and babbling about their Irish roots. Apart from that rather nice. The name relates to the Viking Invasion of Dublin in ancient times (just to show off: it where the Vikings who gave Dublin its name. Dublin comes from the Irish "Dubh Linn" and means "Black Pool", the natives call this town "Baile Átha Cliath", Place at the Ford). Back to the Rating: $$, ###

• O'Donoghue's (15 Merrion Row): Lively pub with good traditional music on a regular basis. Normally very packed so get there early. Rumours have it that they have pub grub also (which I haven't checked out myself yet). Kinda expensive. Rating: $$, ###

• O'Neill (37 Pearse St.): Ok, ok, here it is. On popular demand (read: since some people really kept nagging), I finally made up my mind and included this famous hang-out for Trinity students. Basically, this is all there is to it: because of the very close location to the campus, you'll find mostly students here (in various stages of intoxication even on mondays) and occasionally the odd non-student regular. Rating: $$$, ##

• O'Neill (2 Suffolk St): The other O'Neill's in the city centre. I've been told that this the place where the other sort of Trinity students (read: from the Arts block in contrast to us techies :-) hang out. To me it's just another pub (seriously, I'm not very convinced of this place, but then you may find charming or even traditional). Rating: $$$, ##

• O'Sheas Merchand (Opposite the Brazen Head): Beautifully restored pub just off the Liffey. This is the venue where I saw one of the liveliest set-dancing sessions in Dublin so far. Interesting interior consisting mainly of old, rugged signposts (presumably "borrowed" from the places where they belonged originally). Rating: $$, ###

• Palace Bar (21 Fleet St.): Nice three- or two-storeyed pub (my memory fails to provide with the necessary details here, it was kinda late, the light was dim, I was enjoying the Guinness, you know that sorta situation :), upper decks rather intimate for quiet conversations (at least before 9 pm). Rating: $$, ###

• Papa Joe's (Cornmarket): This pub can be found just up the hill from the Brazen Head and O'Sheas Merchant. It's a very nice multi-storey venue with an absolutely marvelous interiour (the wallpaper consists of old newspaper pages for a start). Apart from that this place offers live piano music (at least on weekends), a thing which I haven't seen here in Dublin so far (but then I haven't checked out ALL the pubs yet). Bottom line: highly recommended, therefore the Rating: $, #### (since the Beamish is CHEAP!)

• Pav (Trinity College): This is the second venue on the Trinity campus. As with the Buttery, access is restricted to Trinity students (theoretically), but sometimes they DO check student IDs (but more in the Buttery than here). The Pav is the smaller pub of the two. Rather ordinary, nothing much to say about. Rating: $ (since we don't rip off students on the campus), ##

• Portobello (Portobello Bridge): Large pub just off Portbello Bridge. Nothing special, though the prices are alright. Good venue to watch any sport-related event (like the Wurld Coop), since this place has many TVs. Besides this a nice, cosy place (NOT on Thursdays!) when you're into TV (-noise). Rating: $, ##

• Quill (1 Arran Quay): I won't tell you about my local ;->! Otherwise you might get the idea to pay it a visit (which the publican may appreciate, but I certainly don't - because the place is already to crowded in the evening). If you have to go there at all, do it during day time. Rating: $$$, # (just to scare you away.... :-)

• Rath Mines Inn (82 Lower Rath Mines Rd.): This rather large pub is located in the centre of Rath Maonis (the Irish spelling), flat-land where mostly students live. Not surprisingly, most of the regulars are students. Loud, smoky atmosphere does the rest to create a prototype of a pub about which you can tell your kids the type of story when they ask how you met Mum when you were studying in Dublin. Nice live gigs every week (mostly Country stuff though). Rating: $$, # (I don't like Country Music :)

• The Regal Inn (2 Hawkins St): Nice pub just across the street from the Screen Cinema Center. What makes this venue a must are the people there. I was quietly enjoying my <insert your favourite drink here> when the crowd next to started waffling. I cannot recall the exact words, but the conversation went something like this: "Hi Susan (names changed for the protection of the not-so-innocent), haven't seen you in ages". "Glad to see you, Peter. Gosh, just returning from Berlin and just stopping by on my way to New York to see whether Dublin is still in the shape I left it (imagine this with the usual yuppie-like attitude, only this time taken to an extreme) [Editor's comments: What do you think, darling? That the Brits had packed Dublin in and taken it over the channel? {No offence across the sea - None taken, the Brits :-} Get a life!]. "You see, people I just met say, 'Oh, you hair has changed'. They just couldn't BELIEVE I was over there on the continent doing business a YEAR now. Gee, time passes so quickly, YOU KNOW." At this stage it was quite hard not to offend them by not bursting into loud laughter. I never ever heard such an artificial dialog - it was marvelous. I was really surprised that she didn't pull out her mobile (or is it not fashionable with this clientele anymore?) and just 'rang the connection in LA just for the crack' :-). Rating: $$, ### (Due to the superb entertainment value though I can't guarantee that they are there all the time.)

• Rock Garden (Crown Alley): Newsflash: Just when I thought it was save to leave the country for a couple of weeks, this place dared to close without notifying me. As sources closely linked to the scene told me, a New Yorker took it over and is refurbishing it. Dunno what this place will hold for the future. As soon as it reopens, I will update the review accordingly. OK folks, here's the story: the new name of the bar / restaurant combination is "Eamon Doran". The nightclub is gone for good according to the barkeeper. The reason why the Rock Garden closed is - also according to this source - bankruptcy (which I can't believe actually). The interior of this new watering hole has been done to make New Yorkers feel at home: pink walls (which make you fell like throwing up) but a rather nice bar. The place is really clean now (even the toilets), but the prices are soaring: 2.10 for a pint of plain (I didn't bother checking out the food). Rating: $$$, ## (so no fancy Smithwick's ads with that famous place in them which used to be the Rock Garden, sigh)

• Rumpoles (18 Parliament St.): Little pub near the quays, normally very smoky (Theresa doesn't like it). Nice interior with posters of ancient films. Loads of Germans (for some strange reason). Rating: $$, ##

• Sackville Lounge (Sackville Place): This venue off O'Connell Street is definitely for you if you are royalist. I had the opportunity to get engaged into a conversion with a prototype of this species. He started with mocking about the EU, trying to convince me that Ireland was better off before it joined (never mind the huge amount of money called structural funding which is injected into this country year after year). The discussion culminated when he explained to me that there once was a time when things were really simple, because Britain took care of business in this country. Unfortunately, 1916 brought an end to that and Irish people were facing difficult things like democracy, free elections, etc. Fortunately, after buying another bottle of whiskey (which wasn't his first one for sure), this interesting person decided to leave. Of course this anecdote doesn't say much about the pub, so here is the Rating: $$, ##

• Sinner's (Parliament St.): I discovered this pub just opposite the Rumpoles by mere accident. When I entered, I immediately thought: this is the place to be for queers (or hompohiles, to be politically correct) and straights alike, though it cannot be the typical chat-up place, since I wasn't hassled in any way. There is a bit of dancing down in the pub on Mondays, upstairs seems to be a dance-floor of some sort also, though I am not quite sure public access. Apart from the dancing they do other stuff during the week too. Rating: $$, ##

• Slattery (Capel St.): The place where I fell in love with this town back in.... (which has been a troubled relationship ever since). Traditional Irish pub with traditional Irish atmosphere (lots of strong language to pick up), this pub near the Fruit Market is frequented by ordinary people like you and me. Very good live gigs on weekends. Rating: $$, ####

• Stag's Head (1 Dame Court): Cosy little place off South George Street. Though quite central, sometimes a rather quiet venue with an interesting atmosphere to meet REAL Dubliners (whatever that is). The crowd is an ordinary one (the posers tend to hang out in the Globe which is next door). Rumours have it that this was-is-one of the hang-outs of some DSG people. Good warm-up place for the Ri-Ra, which is a nightclub just around the corner. Rating: $$, ###

• Thomas Read's (corner of Parliament St. and Dame St.): THE place for posers in the inner city. Though I don't like this crowd particularly, I have to admit that one can meet interesting people there. Great selection of the handsome and beautiful (that includes the staff!) and good music two. Interior includes column with movie poster on it. If only the place wasn't so deer. Rating: $$$, ###

• Thornside (Parnell St.): Small pub behind Fibber Maggee's where sometimes strange things happen. I was quietly drinking my pint and listening to a spontaneous gig of traditional music when a man (a customer, not a member of staff) urged me either to leave or to sit at his table. I did the decent thing and responded in Irish. This obviously scared him off and so he left. Apart from that: REALLY cheap beer. Rating: $ , ### (music)

• Toners (139 Lr. Baggot St.): One of the oldest and most famous pubs. A Beautiful preserved interior contributes much to the lively atmosphere of this watering hole. The crowd consists mainly of business people gathering from the offices nearby as well as Spanish techies spending EU-money which would have gone into research projects otherwise (:-). Another plus: they DO serve Beamish! Hence the Rating: $$, ###

• Upper Deck (Richmond Row): An ordinary pub for ordinary people in Portobello, not too exciting. No music, just a barking TV. Rating: $$, ##

• USIT Club (Aston Place): Stylish pub between Temple Bar and the quays run by the national student union, postmodern interior (actually, I have never seen pub furniture made entirely out of stainless steel). You must have a USIT ID in order to get in (though guests are allowed occasionally), the place has a night club also. Rating: $, ###

• Zoo Bar (Sentana Place): Quite near the rear end of Trinity, this bar is mostly frequented by rather young Trinity students and even younger people (this is why they check IDs on every second customer). Rather hip place with even hipper music. Nice cocktails, but expensive. As many other places, it turns into a nightclub later on. Rating: $$$, ###

Night Clubs:

• Bad Bob's (Temple Bar): This place just across the street from the Kitchen is a mixture of night club, restaurant and pub open til VERY late. The kitchen (which I haven't tried out myself yet but people who have tell me that it) is quite comprehensive though a bit overpriced (but this may be justified due to the opening times). There seems to be life music nearly every night of the week (mostly country and western, if you're into that sort of thing). Be prepared to pay a cover charge. Rating: $$$, ###

• Boardwalk (O'Connell Bridge): Nightclub just below the Harp Complex. Quite expensive when they don't have any promotional drinks on the menue. The music is worse: main stream disco stuff and the DJs tend to impersonate their role-model of a DJ: talking over the songs all the time and playing each track just half a minute. Rating: $$$, (yes, no # in this case since I don't like waffling over music).

• Break for the Border (Mercer St.): A bar which turns into a night club later on. Expensive hang-out for the rich and beautiful being able to afford the stylish cocktails. Interesting concerts and live gigs. Rating: $$$$, ##

• Club M (Cope St.): THE place for young bank clerks looking desperately for female company. Strict bouncers deny entry without tie and jacket (no denim allowed), the music is main-stream. When you want to have a real good laugh seeing all the trying to chat up girls, I would recommend this place, otherwise stay away. Rating: $$$, # (since I ain't a bank clerk)

• Fibber Maggee's (Parnell St.): Two floor venue which used to be an excellent hang-out. But apparently under managment, which doesn't seem to be interested in revenue (never mind satisfied customers), things have really changed. Security cracks down even on harmless people as I was not the only one to be thrown out for no obvious reason because I was just standing in a corner and quietly enjoying my first pint (I didn't even have the time to fetch my stuff from the cloakroom). Due this worsening the following Rating: $$, -# (since I am really p... off and this place won't see me for a long time).

• Garda Club (Harrington St.): Run by the police (not the band, the executive is called "Garda Siochanna" around here, hence the name of the club), this disco is also open to ordinary mortals not wearing a uniform. The clientele seems to consist of nurses looking for young, single policemen (I know that this is unjustified bias, but I had the impression). Music: good main-stream stuff, mostly charts. Unfortunately, the DJ sometimes gets the blues and plays indecent, slow stuff like Cliff Richards, etc. which makes you throw up. Rating: $, ##(#)

• Kitchen (Temple Bar): Also run by U2, this place in the Clarence Hotel is one of the most expensive Discos in Dublin (if you CAN get in). Venue for the celebs, dancing to the latest rave and techno stuff (serious dance music, as one of the bouncers told me). Rating: $$$$, ##

• POD (Harcourt St.): Another in-place with interesting interior (some staff told me that this one won an award once ago), looking kinda mixture of scarp yard and postindustrial art workshop. Music is strictly dance-floor and chart-oriented. Check out the student special on Wednesday (if being a student applies to you :). Rating: $$, ###

• The Pier (Temple Bar): This nightclub below the Fitzwilliam's is a rather MOR place. Nothing special, just a decent place to hang out and pass the night away. Unlike most other night-clubs though they have a student special on Wednesdays which is worth checking out. Music: charts and latest dance-floor, sometimes oldies (80, 70) also). Rating: $$, ##

• Rí-Rá: Just around the corner from the Globe, this funky nightclub is a nice change from the more techno-oriented MOR clubs. The music is a variety of rare groves, mixed with jazz and funk, exactly the environment for people who wear their shades at night. Since there is NO techno, the clientel is definitely older than 19 (another advantage if you don't exactly belong to that age group). When you climb the stairs, you can return to the Globe for a drink away from the dance floor (at this time of night the Globe is closed of course). Rating: $$, ###

• Rock Garden (Crown Alley): That's gone for good.

czimmerm@dsg.cs.tcd.ie

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