freetimeguide DUBLIN DECEMBER 2010

food fight! 30 great restaurants for Christmas Welcome contents to the December issue of our magazine. We’re stuffed like a Christmas turkey this issue with features, events and the discerning reviews you’ve come to expect from 2night. For our special feature this month, we’re sizing up 30 great places to enjoy a special meal with 04 family or friends. Along with great food – that’s a Special feature – Food Fight! given – 2night has selected places that offer a partic- 2night rounds up 30 great restaurants for Christmas ularly interesting experience or an atmosphere that’s worth venturing out in the cold for. Check them out on page 4. Of course, if you are venturing out, you’ll find it worth your while this month – there are plenty of great gigs from Irish and international legends, 12 while several promising up-and-comers are also play- Competitions Win concert tickets and great ing. You can find out all about these gigs – along with evenings out with 2night! special club nights, exhibitions, and other interesting events – on page 18. And if you fancy the cinema, we’ve still got your back: our sharp-tongued film buffs have parsed through the month’s major releases 14 on page 14. This mag even gives you something Cinema – indeed, lots of things – for nothing – with great Your guide to the major film competitions on page 16. Whether you fancy a ride releases in December. on the Dublin Wheel, a VIP night to see Pete Tong at The Wright Venue, a hamper of chocolatey treats from the Sweetest Thing or a nice meal at Havana Tapas Bar, you’ll find it at 2night! Of course, there are 16 even more great competitions on our website, along Interview - Partytime with many more venue reviews, up-to-the-minute 2night speaks to Create Your Night owner Claire Malone. event listings, and interesting interviews. Just log on to 2night.ie to get the inside scoop, always. 18 Events Find out what’s on in December. PUBLISHER: 2night Entertainment Ltd SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR: Ether Simoncini ([email protected]) EDITOR: Derek Owens ([email protected]) COVER: Daniele Vian GRAPHIC DESIGN 2night PRINT: Chinchio Industria Grafica - Rubano - Italy. 30 Best of Dublin N°11 - DECEMBER 2010 Where to eat, drink and party This is a 2night Entertainment Ltd publication, all rights are reserved. in Dublin. 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: [email protected] EXPERT FOODIE 2havenighters and your their nightli sayfe Food fight! 2night rounds up 30 great restaurants for Christmas

‘Tis the season to be jolly – and to catch up with family and friends over drinks or dinner, of course. While we spoke to Dublin’s best pubs and bars in our last issue, this month, we’ve de- Name: Andrew Dennehy John Shanagher Age: 32 Head Chef, Pacino’s, Suffolk Street cided to devote some time to people in search 2night username: Lothaar of a great experience eating out, surveying 30 of the city’s best restaurants. But what makes a restaurant ideal for that What, for you, makes a great meal out? What’s the secret to good food? special dinner with family and friends? It’s Value is the number one contributing factor for a great meal. ‘Price’ The ingredients, the method in which you use them, how you hard to pin down. Good food and service is not necessarily an indicator of value: €20 for three courses of handle them, the seasoning and your foundation – the founda- are a must, of course, and any places we slop does not equal value. I’d happily spend €200 if I get my mon- tion in which you were brought up. If you start slowly and you considered had to deliver on this. But to ey’s worth. I want good food, attentive-not-intrusive service and a learn, and you continue this process over a number of years, you make a meal truly special, a venue has to decent atmosphere. One of the best meals I ever had was in the understand how the ingredients come together, why they belong have a certain x-factor – an exciting quirk Hilton Cavalieri in Rome, costing €300 for two. On the flipside, an- together, and how you’re using them. or a particularly winning atmosphere – other of the best meals I’ve had cost €45 for two in the Thai Garden that ensures you feel spoiled. in Blanchardstown. As Warren Buffett says: “Price is what you pay, Of the dishes at Pacino’s, what’s your favourite dish? The 30 restaurants we’ve picked have value is what you get.” I’ve only been here for a short amount of time – to say that right this quality in spades – they’re fun, wel- now would be very difficult. coming, interesting or a mix of all three. What’s your favourite restaurant in the city, and why? Of course, we know that this is subjec- Currently, it’s Shanahan’s on the Green – specifically the €45 early Where in Dublin do you like to eat out? tive, and many of our readers will have bird. Three courses of heaven. Really basic traditional dishes, such I really don’t do it as often as I’d like to. If I’m working, I don’t their own favourite places to go. That’s as mussels, fillet mignon and chocolate fondant, executed to per- have time. If I’m not, I don’t have the dough! I wouldn’t choose a why we’re inviting you to log on to fection. The room is opulent and the atmosphere is perfect. place – I’d choose the chef. 2night.ie – there, you can comment on these and many other venues in the city, What dish or restaurant is your ‘guilty pleasure’? This is only a small part of our interview with John – log on to and even send us your hot tips. There’s I don’t have a ‘guilty’ pleasure! I’m a midweek regular at the Thai 2night.ie to read it all! no reason why anyone needs to have a Garden in Blanchardstown, which has an early bird starting from middling meal out this Christmas. €17.95 for three courses. I generally end up licking my plate clean and forking out only €50 for a family of four, without feeling guilty in the slightest. 5 Just off Bar Pintxo Darwin’s Fire Francis 12, Eustace Street - 80, Aungier Street - Mansion House, Daw- 78, Thomas Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 2 son Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 8 Tel: 016728590 Tel: 014757511 Tel: 016767200 Tel: 014738807

he cosy, candle-lit surroundings here immediately remind you of ince setting up in a new, larger home, the original home of ‘evolution- verything about this restaurant is designed to impress, from the Man- ust off Francis is pitched perfectly at discerning but definitely not load- similar bars in Bilbao – a far cry from some of the paddy-whackery in ary food’ has been winning plenty of people over with classic Irish sion House location to the impressively high eighteenth-century ceil- ed visitors to Thomas and Francis Street. Along with gourmet sand- TTemple Bar. As the name suggests, this place specialises in Pinxtos, Ssteaks, seafood dishes and more creative efforts. The lamb plate, Eing and grandiose décor. The menu is similarly audacious: you don’t Jwiches, pastas and salads of varying complexity, the menu is centred the more informal Basque take on classic Spanish tapas, though you’ll still featuring a char grilled half rack and roasted eye fillet marinated in garlic just get a cut of lamb, you get ‘10 day aged Wexford lamb rump’ – and a on hearty dishes that stimulate without lightening the wallet too much. A se- find staples like patatas bravas and a fine paella. and rosemary and served with a mint jus, is the menu’s highlight. A lengthy, very fine rump it is, too. lection of pies, fine Italian sausage, and sliders make great fuel for a night out. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 17:00 (12:00 Saturday, well-chosen wine list also stands to the place. Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Lunch served from 12:00 to Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, from 11:00 to 23:00 (21:00 12:30 Sunday) to 21:30 (00:30 Friday and Saturday, 23:30 Sunday). Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, from 17:00 to late. 15:00, dinner from 17:30 (17:00 Thursday to Saturday) to 22:00. Saturday).

George’s Buenos Ai- Wine Bar res Grill El Bahia and Bistro Koh Castle Way, Golden 37, Wicklow Street - 29, South Frederick 7, Jervis Street - Lane - Dublin 8 Dublin 2 Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 1 Tel: 014759616 Tel: 016770213 Tel: 016797000 Tel: 018146777

or too long, Dublin diners have been denied the rich flavours of Ar- ne of Dublin’s only Moroccan restaurants, El Bahia goes all-out in its n addition to a successful renovation, George’s Wine Bar and Bistro has etween a packed dining room (the modern Thai menu ticks many gentina, but Buenos Aires Grill’s menu is packed with dishes from the decor to conjure up images of a bazaar you’ll probably never see for gone from being pricey place to eat into one of the best value restaurants boxes for both novices and experts in Asian food) and a cracking Fpampas. We’d be quick to recommend both the Argentine fish stew Oyourself. Crucially, effort has also gone into the menu, which is full Iin the area - you’ll be hard pressed to find as much variety in this price Bcocktail bar, there’s an enjoyable atmosphere here, particularly when and the half rack of lamb with minted wine jus, though there are vegetar- of rich, hearty tangines and intriguing flavours. Prices are on the reasonable bracket elsewhere, and there’s something on the cosmopolitan menu to suit one of their cocktail making classes – which can be combined with an eve- ian options too, lots of steak choices, and plenty of South American wines. side, with the most expensive main course weighing in at €20, and there’s any taste. ning meal – is taking place. Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Lunch served from 12:00 to even a little Kasbah upstairs. Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, from 07:30 to 23:00 (01:00 Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch served from 12:00 to 15:00, dinner from 17:00 to late. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 17:00 to 22:00. Thursday, 02:00 Friday and Saturday). 17:00, dinner from 17:00 to 23:00 (22:30 Sunday and Monday, 23:30 Fri- day and Saturday). Late cocktail bar.

La Dolce Café Manila Eden Il Posto Vita 14, Middle Abbey Meeting House 10, Stephen’s Green - 5, Music Hall, Cow’s Street - Dublin 1 Square - Dublin 2 Dublin 2 Lane - Dublin 2 Tel: 018729573 Tel: 016705372 Tel: 016794769 Tel: 017079786

his charming but modern-looking place only opened its doors in Janu- ilipino cuisine is a veritable melting pot, a fact reflected in the menu ven if it didn’t offer some great continental and Irish bistro cuisine, high-end Italian with an atmospheric underground dining room and ary and has already impressed diners. La Dolce Vita is a great spot for of this unique restaurant. Though the Malaysian flavours are the first Eden would merit a mention for its excellent location looking onto attentive service on the Green – it’s a recipe for success, and Il Posto a light meal, with traditional Italian cheeses, salami, grilled vegetables, things you’ll notice, there are influences from Spain to America with probably the nicest civic square in the city. The seasonally changing has deservedly enjoyed 12 fruitful years. Along with the popular fe- T F E A authentic Italian sauces, crostini, biscuits, and melted chocolate bars all many countries in between. There’s a casual layout here, and the food is menu has dishes drawn from across European traditions, with a few Irish gato (lamb’s liver), the polpette (beef meatballs with a spicy pepper sauce) tempting the senses. The décor is also cool and modern. informal – stews, stir-fries and similar Filipino staples are all excellent. recipes too. come highly recommended. You can also dine al fresco on warmer days. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 08:30 (10:00 Sunday) to Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 22:00 (20:00 Mon- Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch and brunch served from Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 12:00 to 14.30, 23:00 (01:00 Friday). day to Wednesday). 12:30 (12:00 Saturday and Sunday) to 15:00, dinner from 16:00 to 22:30 early dinner from 17:30 to 19:00, dinner from 17:30. (22:00 Sunday to Tuesday). 6 7 The Italian L’Gueleton Saba Thai Orchid Connection 5, Fade Street - 26, Clarendon Street 7, Westmoreland 95, Talbot Street - Dublin 2 - Dublin 2 Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 1 Tel: 016753708 Tel: 016792000 Tel: 016719969 Tel: 018787125

ne of the first genuinely affordable places in the city to take food xecutive chef Taweesak Trakoolwattana (who has previously cooked he location and welcoming setting would make this place a firm favou- isproving the notion that good Italian restaurants must be either se- really, really seriously, L’Gueleton has done rather well in recent for the king of Thailand) continues to wow diners at this still-hip Thai rite with Dubliners even if the food wasn’t up to much. Happily, it is vere or pricey, this family-run establishment has atmosphere, value Oyears. There’s all the typical French fare on offer – snails, foie gras, Eeatery. The menu has treats for adventurers and more conservative T- between staples like the pad thai, and more esoteric dishes including Dand a menu rich in popular dishes. The veal escalope stands out, French onion soup and Toulouse sausages – in a rustic bistro setting. Intimate tastes alike, from black pepper squid to tempura vegetables. If you fancy Neud Tod Krob (fried crispy beef in a honey chilli sauce with cashew nuts), but there’s a broad range of meat, pasta and pizza dishes to choose from. lighting also helps makes this a popular spot for dates and get-togethers. lingering, the cocktail bar up front has won a few awards of its own, and the there’s plenty of tasty fare to satisfy lovers of Thai cuisine. There are daily specials on offer too, and an early-bird menu is great value. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:30 (13:00 Sunday) to sake mojitio is a great twist on a Dublin staple. Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 12:00 to 15:00, Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 08:00 (10:00 Sunday) to 22:00 (21:00 Sunday). Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to late. dinner from 17:00 to late. 22:00.

The Angler’s The Luigi Malo- Salon des Rest Mongolian ne’s Saveurs Strawberry Beds, BBQ 5, Cecilia Street - 16, Aungier Street - Knockmaroon Hill - 7, Anglessea Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 2 Co Dublin Dublin 2 Tel: 016792723 Tel: 014758840 Tel: 018208314 Tel: 016704154

his Temple Bar restaurant enjoys a near-constant buzz, proving that onrad Gallagher’s latest venture has an innovative, concept: a selec- et by the picturesque village of Chapelizod, this restaurant has a warm he concept behind this restaurant - a buffet service, where you pick an establishment doing good food in informal surroundings can still tion of four tasting menus, ranging from €24 right up to €54, are atmosphere and an authentic, traditional feel. The ground floor is a and choose a bowl of meats, vegetables, spices and sauces, before Tthrive. Luigi Malones offers a range of international dishes (with a Con offer with shared themes and ingredients through each course. Shomely bar layout while, upstairs, there’s a sleeker dining room, with Twatching the ingredients cooked up in front of you – makes it ideal for particularly Mediterranean focus) and some Irish staples too, with highlights Though there are lunch and early bird menus, enjoying dishes so carefully creams and elegant wooden furniture dominating. The seafood is superla- parties. The all-you-can-eat dinners are available from €15.99. including the pizzas and the tequila and lime fillet steak fajitas. chosen to complement each other is the real attraction. tive. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to late. Early bird Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 (13:00 Sunday) to Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday. Lunch from 12:30 to 14:30 (ex- Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to 21:00 (22:00 menu from 18:00 to 19:00 (16:30 to 18:30 Friday and Saturday). 23:00 (21:00 Sunday). tra sitting Friday at 16:00). Dinner from 17:00 to 22:00. Thursday to Saturday). Bar open to 23:30 (23:00 Sunday).

Marco Pier- re White The Dark The steakhouse Tante Zoe’s Horse Inn Millstone 51, Dawson Street - 1, Crow Street - 1, George’s Quay - 39, Dame Street - Dublin 2 Dublin 2 Dublin 2 Dublin 2 Tel: 016771155 Tel: 016794407 Tel: 016751862 Tel: 016799931

ne of very few ‘celebrity chef’ restaurants to really take flight in ublin’s favourite Cajun-Creole restaurant is celebrating 21 years of rofessional chefs add culinary élan to this beautifully-renovated bar. his place still bears the Victorian facade of Lucky Coady’s, an old- this city, Marco Pierre White’s steakhouse has a simple formula for dishing out spicy, exotic treats in 2010. They’ve even added some The menu is particularly strong at lunchtime, where Irish favourites time lottery ticket shop, but has been utterly transformed inside into Osurvival: great food. The steak is as tantalizing as you’d expect, and Dstar power, recruiting Momma Cherri as their head chef, though the Pand a selection of international dishes are served by welcoming staff Ta romantic sister restaurant to the Miller’s Pizza Kitchen on Baggot there’s now a rich menu of meat-based mains and seafood cooked perfectly menu still contains classic Cajun and deep south dishes from gumbos and in a warm atmosphere. A new continental breakfast buffet is also very handy Street. There’s a mixed menu of pizzas, plus Irish and Mediterranean dishes. – the calf’s liver and halibut are delights. Well-drilled service also helps. jambalayas to southern fried chicken, along with more mainstream steaks for busy early starters. Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Brunch from 10:30 to 12:00 Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to 23:00 (00:00 Fri- and seafood. Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, from 07:30 (19:30 Wednesday (16:00 Saturday and Sunday). Lunch from 12:00 to 18:00, dinner from day and Saturday). Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch served from 12:00 to and Thursday) to 23:30 (00:30 Friday and Saturday). 18:00 to 23:00 (23:30 Saturday). 18:00, dinner from 18:00 to 00:00. 8 9 The Winding Stair Ukiyo 40, Ormonde Quay - 7-9, Exchequer Street Dublin 1 - Dublin 2 Tel: 018727320 Tel: 016334071 Get closer to

he emphasis at this fine little restaurant here is on good Irish food with ushi, a late night bar, and karaoke – Ukiyo offers the stereotypical the stars this organic direction, which has earned the restaurant a deserved ‘Bib Japanese night out. Diners wary of raw fish will find a few dishes to suit Christmas TGourmand’ (an award given to high-quality but relatively affordable S(Bul Go Gi, or pan-fried striploin with mixed vegetables, is good) but restaurants) from the Michelin guide. There’s a beautiful view over the Liffey you’ll have a better night if you throw yourself in head-first, choosing from if you can reserve a window seat too. the Nigiri sushi menu and sampling the original cocktails. ride The Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch from 12:00 to 15:00, Mon- Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to late. Main menu day to Sunday, Dinner from 17:30 to 22:30, Monday to Saturday. served all day. Karaoke runs until 02:30. Dublin Wheel

A striking addition to the new Point Village, the Dublin Wheel has been delighting docklanders Wrights and visitors since opening this Tippenyaki Café Bar summer. The massive wheel of- 39, Castlewood The Plaza, Forster fers stunning views over the city, Avenue - Dublin 6 Way - Co Dublin along with the Dublin and Wick- Tel: 014979463 Tel: 018406744 low Mountains, and boasts 42 ful- ly-enclosed pods that seat up to ippenyaki roughly translates as ‘grilled on an iron plate’, which seems or a venue with such a modern look and feel, this café bar has re- eight people. There are even VIP inadequate for describing the barbeque-as-spectacle that this restau- mained mercifully laid-back. There’s a fine menu at lunch and in the pods for added luxury on special Trant specialises in. Quite aside from the pleasure of watching your Fevening, with the focus on Irish dishes and good comfort food – the food being prepared with considerable flair, it’s actually pretty tasty once it spicy chicken and chorizo stew is worth a try, though, if you’re feeling a bit occasions! Adults can enjoy the reaches you too. adventurous. A lengthy cocktail menu is great for keeping your meal well- Dublin wheel experience for €9, Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch served Monday to Friday lubricated. with senior citizens and student from 12:30 to 15:00, dinner from 18:00 (16:00 Saturday and Sunday) to Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to 02:30 (23:30 Mon- tickets available for €7. Children 22:00. day, 01:00 Sunday). from four to 16 can ride the wheel for €6.50, it’s only €1 for a tod- Wrights dler from one to three years old, Findlater and babies under 12 months get Town Bar Howth in free! 2night is also joining up and Grill Findlater House, with the team behind the wheel 21, Kildare Street - Howth Road - Co to offer you a chance to enjoy Dublin 2 Dublin Tel: 016624800 Tel: 018384488 the experience absolutely free. To win, just turn to page 12. et in the old cellars of Mitchell’s Wine Merchants, Town has a wonder- he upstairs restaurant of this renovated pub feels like an oasis of fine fully intimate atmosphere for a 100-seater dining room and an excep- dining in a village dominated by chip shops. As you can imagine, fish Stional menu of fresh and hearty New York influenced Italian fare. Try Tfeatures prominently on the menu – the Findlater Fish Pie and Chow- For more information, check out the rib-eye or the monkfish fillet for a real treat. Live jazz on Sundays adds der are specialties, though there are plenty of steaks and other dishes that www.pointvillage.ie to the atmosphere. appeal to landlubber tastes too. or call (01) 8559204 Opening hours: Open seven days a week. Lunch served from 12:30 to 15:00 Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to 23:30 (02:30 Fri- (17:30 Friday to Sunday), dinner from 17:30 to 23:00 (22:00 Sunday). day and Saturday, 23:00 Sunday).

10 11 Pete Tong A legend of modern dance music, Pete Tong is headed to The Wright Venue for his first Irish show in over five years. FREE TICKETS FREE FREE TICKETS FREE The sometime radio presenter and executive has had to limit his DJ appearances aside from his well-regardedWonderland residency in Ibiza – which sold out right through the season - and the odd U.S. tour, meaning demand is high for his mix of cutting-edge new music and dancefloor hit. Naturally, Tong doesn’t shy away from blend- The Dublin Wheel The Morgan The Sweetest Competitions A striking addition to the new ing the commercial and the Hotel thing credible. “People forget it’s Point Village, the Dublin Wheel Located at the heart of Dublin’s In retrospect, we’re amazed Win free tickets and great nights out with 2night! entertainment,” he explains. has been a great addition to Temple Bar, The Morgan Hotel it took this long for a dedi- “I wouldn’t be doing this if I Dublin, offering offering stun- remains a very hip place, with cated chocolate café to open couldn’t champion new music, ning views over the city, along great cocktails, fantastic food its doors, but The Sweetest The Bliss routine Havana Tapas Bar Il Divo but a mix is the key. And it’s with the Dublin and Wicklow and a really interesting décor Thing is well worth the wait. Fresh from their tour of Ireland with leg- One of the city’s favourite places to en- Eating in Rathgar has been considerably supposed to be fun.” Tong is Mountains. It boasts 42 fully- all helping to keep it that way. Aside from the delicious hot endary American soul band The Stylistics, joy top-drawer tapas in welcoming sur- more enjoyable since Il Divo came to rolling in to The Wright Venue enclosed pods that seat up A great night out here is still chocolate, they’ve a bevy of Karen Coleman and Madaleine Pritchard roundings, Havana’s Cuban spirit extends town. The Italian restaurant is managed by on December 3 with support to eight people, and even VIP in high demand, which is why tasty cupcakes, milkshakes, are set to headline Whelan’s with their from the staff (as welcoming and friendly a team that are ferociously committed to from David DeValera, Paul pods for added luxury on spe- we’re pretty excited to offer ice creams and, of course, own band, The Bliss Routine. Some of the as you could wish for) and lively atmos- authenticity, quality ingredients and value, Webb and Steven Cooper. Tick- cial occasions. Naturally, we’re cocktails and tapas for two for chocolates on offer. They’re best musicians from Ireland and Europe phere to the unpretentious – but undeni- with a broad menu that has something ets from €20 are on sale now, pretty excited to have several one lucky winner! To do that, also teaming up with 2night to are joining the party, including Paul Mus- ably tasty – food. That’s why we’re pretty new for everyone. We’re obviously ex- and 2night has teamed up with great trips on the wheel to give we’re asking 2night’s fans on offer one lucky reader a ham- covi, drummer for legendary Italian singer psyched to offer a meal for two at Havana cited to have dinner for two and a bottle The Wright Venue to offer a free away! One lucky reader will Facebook to post a picture per of goodies worth €100! Neffa. Tickets for their December 3 gig (up to a maximum value of €60) with a jug of wine to give away! To win, just check VIP package for the show to enjoy a trip with their friends from their favourite night out on To win, we’re looking for a bit are on sale now for €10, but we’ve two of tasty Sangria on the side. To win, just out our review of il Divo and answer the one lucky winner. You and three on a VIP capsule and some our wall. We’ll select the most of inspiration from you: head pairs to give away! visit Havana’s review on 2night to answer following question: How much does a mates can enjoy access to the champagne to enjoy, two entertaining or creative picture along to the discussion on To win, just tell us why you want to catch the following question: How much does pizza of your choice with a moretti cost dance show of the year and a more will get trips on VIP cap- and announce the winner in our Facebook page and tell us these fabulous soul sisters live. a fine Cuba Libre cost at Havana? Is it (a) at Il Divo? Is it (a) €16, (b) €13.95 or (c) VIP table in the Wright Venue sules as well, three winners December. what your favourite chocolate €8.50, (b) €10 or (c) €7.50? €14.50? Backstage Bar, plus a chilled get a regular private capsule is - whether it’s Irish or foreign, bottle of Smirnoff on arrival! To to themselves, and eight more available now or a memory win, we’re asking our facebook readers can win free tickets from long ago – and why. We’ll fans to tell us who their favour- to ride the wheel! To win, just check out any treats we’re un- ite DJ is and why. You can go all post a picture of yourself with familiar with (we’re good like Pete Tong, of course, but we’re this magazine to our Facebook that) and get in touch with the HOW TO ENTER more than happy to hear some page! The first 14 are guaran- winner this month. This is a Entering our competitions is easy and free – simply sign up for membership, head to the ‘free and promo’ section of our site more offbeat choices! We’ll se- teed a ride on the wheel, and great little pre-Christmas treat, (www.2night.ie) and answer the question posed in our competition. We’ll select the most passionate, entertaining or original entry, and announce the winner on our Facebook page. We’ll ask for your contact details to get in touch with you when you’ve lect the person who makes the we’ll select the most creative so get gorging! won, but will respect your privacy – have a read of the privacy policy on our website by all means. Full terms and conditions are best case for their chosen DJ for pictures for the special prizes. available at www.2night.ie. this great prize. 12 13 14 CINEMA thriller. Once you a allowis for that,it asMonsters storylove will and moviesatisfy. road a much as is this squid-likecreatures exactlyat theright moments and– bad thing – we get a few fleeting glimpses of supersized effortground,thelightareonwhich isn’t necessarily a erencescomethickfast.andEffects thislow-budget in U.S.military. Asyoumay have guessed, thetopical ref ‘infectedzone’,whichbeenquarantinedhas theby off daughter, Samantha, to get back to America through the a pooorait epn hs elh employer wealthy his helping photojournalist can border. 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D N a D arnia: w ecember. n T reader remainedfaith - - - - with more visual and vocal flourish, and just about every the here and now – the burlesque scene has been done ment, and it’s got Cher dammit! Unfortunately, mo the at that’swe popular scenelive in a about movie dance and–script areboth deeply derivative: it’s song-and-a burlesquedrawnintoa club,before becoming star the L.A.in (Aguilera)Alitoyoungmoves themodel,whereborn’ tired‘stara idea. isplot–Never factthatthe mindthe fresh a likeburlesqueseemoppositewouldclub Cher happened,tying Christina Aguilera into amovie about a Maybe, in a parallel universe where Moulin Rouge never B odd wooden performance. theforgive they as evenfilm thisimagination sheer of frequentlyand visuals,stunning–rich savouring– the the up positively lap who people of plenty bethere’ll Still, action. video-game resemble confrontations that varioussentient programs, andengage allinmanner of with enemies and friends figure-hugging make onesy, a in ‘Tron’ world the around swan Hedlundwatching somuch nonsense, we can guarantee that you will hate Kevinhas been trapped wherefor 20years. worldIfthat sounds digitallike the into pulled himself finds and thatcould, apparently have only come from his father— Flynn abandoned the from sent signal original).therolein However, fatherKevinBridges,(Jeffhispearancereprising of his Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old haunted by the disap this follow-up. Our story begins with Sam Flynnfor ripe (Garrett is time the years, 28 in dealgreat a on come modestitsoriginal success. Withspecial effects having fantasyTronfollowingdevelopedculthas beliedthata Since emerging in 1982, the ground-breaking computer T 17 DECEMBER ron urlesque searchof silver screen success and finds herself L e g acy 3 D he investigateshe strangea ’ Arcade—one s - - “paycheck” movies. Though toblame forstarring insomany god-awful, transparent long-sufferingagents,authortheinsisted: wasNiro De career was on a downward slide. It wasn’t the fault hisof whyhis Niro RobertDe explainingbeforebegan,to it wood before leaking to the outside world. ‘Dear bobby,’ A few years back, an open letter did the rounds in Holly L 22 DECEMBER the opportunity to do so in this by-the-numbers effort. actually act – it’s just a shame that she hasn’t been given already. themeandscene inBurlesque hasbeen done todeath clearly didn’t take it to heart. long ago. If Robert De Niro ever read that openhad been in-lawshaveletter, tensionwith of he gleanedout be of the gags are generic: quite simply, any laughs that can similarlyhumourTheisit’stired, and telling much that alreadythere’sthatending. doubtabouttheneverany – but we’ve seen them kiss and make up so many times tionagainst a Christmas visit from the latter and his wife JackByrnes aresparring this– time, they’ve setthe ac Once again, Gaylord Focker (Stiller) and his father-in-law into that category for both Bobby and co-star Ben Stiller. adeago, theMeet theParents franchise issurely falling ittle Fockers For full citycentre cinema listings, Cher is still a star, of course,Aguileraofstar,and stillcan a is Cher Where to see them visit www.2night.ie. it started promisingly a dec - - - 15 CINEMA just fantastic. We didn’t have to worry about atmosphere, but you can be with a really tacky gimmicks and animals. Speaking in , One way or another a thing – getting into places, tables, waiting great group of friends – but, if I can make it the wake of a wallaby’s ill-fated appearance Claire Malone has spent all her working around.’ Everything was just in, sorted, fan- better by bringing people to nice places and on a Dublin dancefloor, Claire reveals that life helping people have a good night out. tastic. The next morning, I just said ‘I should organising things for us, then that’s great.” some party-goers are more than happy After starting out at the Gaiety theatre and just do this.’” It’s clear, then, that Claire is doing for to pull similarly daft stunts. “I was MCing acting on the side, she moved to L.A. in

INTERVIEW FEATURE INTERVIEW Create Your Night was born, and Claire has groups of people what she’d already do for a party, a 21rst a few months ago. They FEATURE INTERVIEW search of silver screen success and found since plunged herself into managing every friends – which makes her pretty qualified brought two huge snakes – maybe 18 feet auditions rolling in. Then music came call- aspect of a night out for groups of friends, to judge what makes a great night. – and a small alligator. I swear, people ing. “I came back to Ireland and my plan co-workers or family members. “Slowly but “A good group of people, and just walked around with an alligator was to save up some money to go back surely, I’m getting enquiries in. I mean, the the atmosphere in a place. I on their shoulder. It was crazy. to L.A. – I intended to live there. I did a packages are great. If someone said to you really like to have a table Visit 2night. People just go ‘wow’, and then run of gigs with ABBA bands at the RDS that, for 20 per person, someone will meet when I go into the bar or ie for a chance they walk away, so what’s the and went back to the Gaiety. Then I got a € you at your accommodation in town (and club. Guys don’t really point? The snakes, well, peo- call at the end of January from this guy in to win a great can organise your accommodation for you), care but, for girls, stand- ple do that as part of shows, The Commitments. They were looking for night out managed bring you out to a couple of bars, make ing around in heels all but that poor alligator was just a female singer, but I said I wasn’t really sure you’re in and have a table there, then night does their heads in. by Create Your sitting in his pool of water, you looking to do tribute bands – I was going bring you to a club, and you’ll get a couple They want to put their jack- Night. give him a bit of meat and he back to L.A. to act,” she recalls. Still, Claire of drinks, you’d be up for that. It saves so et down, they want to put won’t do a thing. I ran straight out went along to the audition, and got the much walking around looking for a place, their bags away. I like to have a of that party,” she says. “I’ve been part. “Three weeks later, I had breakfast and there are lots of groups that can’t get in nice table, somewhere to go back to at a few parties where snakes were there, in Dallas, lunch in Chicago and dinner in because there’s too many of them – some when you go for a dance or a cigarette or but the alligator was only once. I’m not into Winnipeg. That was the beginning of my door staff just won’t allow big groups in. whatever. Table service is great – nobody it, to be honest. It’s good when you have proper touring, and that was my work for But there are a lot of places just crying out likes queuing at a bar,” she adds. “I want to fire-eaters outside or that kind of thing at the last seven years.” for people to come in. You know, I’d like to be looked after on a night out. When you’re the opening of a party, but the animal thing After a frantic time – during which she create things for those clubs while things spending good money, everyone should be doesn’t work for me.” supported the Black Eyed Peas, played for are the way they are,” she says. “You hear treated well.” At the moment, then, she’s sticking to the President Bush, and did backing vocals people talking about private members clubs Her prescription of relaxing and feeling fundamentals of finding great bars and mak- for Ben E. King – another change hap- and saying ‘how do we get in?’ We take care looked after raises an obvious question – ing sure people are pampered – while also pened last year. “I was always into event of that – your guide walks you in. You just how hard is it to do in Dublin clubs? “I’m working on recording some modern soul management and I love planning stuff – it’s have a good time, and we take care of all ok because I’m comfortable anywhere. But music of her own. However, Claire insists fun organising things for people,” Claire the rest.” I remember, years ago, that I was incredibly that her new venture is her main focus. explains. “From entertainment, I’d become Ringing countless bars and clubs to get uncomfortable going into places. I felt really “Create your night is something that I think friends with a lot of people in the industry, great deals, before serving as the energetic awkward and embarrassed standing at a bar. Dublin needs. You get pub crawls with across bars, clubs and all that, so I tended host for the evening must be tough work, It just wasn’t comfortable being out there. a group of strangers that meet in the city to have people asking me to get them on and we can’t help asking just what makes There are younger groups who go out, and centre, which is great for tourists and that, the guest list at places and organise tables. her do it. “I want people to enjoy nights they might be slightly uneasy about other where they all meet each other and hang Last year, I was organising a night out for a out,” she says simply. “When I’m out with people around them or, depending on the out. I’m not offering that – I’m doing some- friend’s birthday. I got them to meet me in friends, it kind of frustrates me when I kind of place, what kind of people there are. thing a little more upscale, but at a cheap town at a bar, but before I got there I rang don’t see people having a good time. I have They might be nervous about themselves, price.” a friend there and said ‘send them over a partyTIME friends with kids, and they don’t get out or their bag. Don’t get me wrong, I do go couple of shots’. They let me organise it all, 2night speaks to Create Your Night owner Claire Malone a lot. When they do, I want them to have in and have shit nights, depending on what so I took them to Sin and brought them up a good night, so I do my best to organise happened. You can’t have a great night all For more information about to a gentleman’s club. Then I took them to things. I know the company is the main the time. I try though!” she laughs. Create Your Night, log on to Lillie’s. They had a great night and, at the thing – you can go to a crap bar with no One thing that doesn’t appeal, though, is www.createyournight.com. end of it, they were saying ‘Claire, that was

16 17 From €27, 19:00 Grand Canal Theatre. Grand €17.50, 23:00 December 5 Grand Canal Theatre. Grand Canal Square, Docklands – Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Canal Square, Docklands – Dublin 1. Tel: 01 6777999 Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- ARCADE FIRE* EVENTS Dublin 1. Tel: 01 6777999 lin 2. Tel: 014763374 If indie collective Arcarde Fire didn’t CHEERIOS CHILDLINE CONCERT exist, Pitchfork would have to invent LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING ongoing event THE NATIONAL* It turns out that a concert featuring EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS them. Their popularity as a live act WEEK 1 - 5 DECEMBER Success for this Brooklyn-based Westlife’s Nicky Byne as compere, December 4 is underlined by their ability to fill band has come so quickly that it’s X Factor’s Shayne Ward, Westlife, a venue most mainstream bands December 4 easy to forget that they’ve been The Wanted, Jedward, Jason INDECENT CIGAR EMPORIUM can only dream of playing. This is knocking around for over a decade: Derulo, and Irish stars-in-waiting We’ll admit it, we’re partial to these the first gig in a two-night stint. FREEFALL* from Matt Berninger’s distinctive Wonderland needn’t be a guilty guys simply for adopting a cool From €55.80, 18:30 After a hugely successful appearance at last year’s Ulster Bank Theatre Festival, and having snagged baritone to the big-but-not-over- pleasure: proceeds from this annual name, but they’re an interesting mu- The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay the Best Director and Best New Play gongs at the 2009 Irish Times Theatre Awards, this production powering arrangements, The Na- knees-up, which has raised some sical mix too, drawing in influences – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 of Freefall has enjoyed yet another fine run. Michael West’s play is engaging from the off, with a sud- tional have displayed a certain sure- €3.4 million since beginning in from motown, funk and disco to hip- den shock that sees a man’s entire life flashing before his eyes. As the very ordinary hero gradually footedness and a way with timeless 1997, all go to a very worthy cause. hop and do-wop. The five piece are THE STORY OF MOTOWN pieces together the memories and events that shaped him, the story gets progressively more poignant, American rock that’s rare. This is €45, 19:30 launching their album at this concert. The Story of Motown blends the compassionate, and surreally funny. The latest run has been a successful Abbey main stage debut for the first gig in a three-night stint. The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay €TBC, 20:00 music of Detroit’s golden age into Corn Exchange, an exciting production company, with Annie Ryan in the director’s chair and a strong From €28.50, 19:30 – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 The Twisted Pepper. 54, Mid- a show featuring two main vocal performance from Declan Conlon in particular. This is the final night of the show. The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame dle Abbey Street – Dublin groups (the all-girl Jewellettes and From €25, 19:30 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 PETE TONG 1. Tel: 018734038 the manly Detroits) and the eight- The sometime radio presenter piece Motown band. July’s run of The Abbey Theatre. 26, Lower Abbey Street. Dublin 1. Tel: 018872200 THE MIGHTY STEF and executive has had to limit HORSLIPS the show proved a great success, This chap differs quite a bit from his DJ appearances aside from After reforming for gigs in Dublin so the organisers are planning a the callow singer-songwriters that his well-regarded Wonderland and Belfast during 2009, the last hurrah before the new year. still dominate Dublin’s music scene. residency in Ibiza – which sold out pioneers of Celtic rock boys are €25, 19:30 For one, there’s the voice, which right through the season - and the at it again with another 02 gig. The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame seems rather more influenced by odd U.S. tour, meaning demand From €49.50, 18:30 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 December 1 €6/€4, 18:00 her 2007 concept album debut INTERPOL* Luke Kelly than, say, James Blunt. is high for his mix of cutting-edge The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay The Abbey Theatre. 26, Metropolis, and the creativity It’s the final show of a three-night Then there’s the weird blend of new music and dancefloor hits. – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 Lower Abbey Street – Dub- has continued since her signing run for these dark New York Post 4 IN A BAR CHRISTMAS CONCERT LITTLE GEM* country and clash-inspired punk in The self-styled bad boys of bar- Playwright Elaine Murphy’s lin 1. Tel: 018872200 to P Diddy’s Bad Boy Records: Punkers, gearing up to release his recordings, and the storytelling ELECTRIC SIX this year’s follow-up The ArchAn- a new album with hints of the bershop promise to put us in the hugely successful debut about nature of his songs: The title track The Ultra-camp indie-disco stars festive spirit with Christmas classics three generations of Artane women TOMMY TIERNAN* droid saw her still firmly in sci-fi/ heavy sound that made Turn to latest album 100 Midnights is whose hits include Gay Bar and Following his ‘world tours’ of Kerry, impressionism-influenced territory. On The Bright Lights a break- and some interesting reworkings has become the Play That Would a lament to the deceased son of a Danger! High Voltage!, have of old favourites. The group are Not Die. It’s back at The Abbey’s Donegal and other counties, the €28, 19:30 through success. The after party drunken, old French brothel-keep- remained a popular act here marmite-like comedian with a nose Tripod. Old Harcourt Street takes place at The Academy. accomplished – they’re the IABS Peacock Theatre for a quick run, er. And yes, it’s rather touching. long after MTV tired of their nov- National Barbershop Champions with this night the final instalment. for trouble is holing up at Vicar Station, Harcourt Street – From €44.20, 19:30. €10, 20:00 elty, and are hitting Ireland for Street for the second of two runs. Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame for the last two years, and won silver From €18, 20:00 The Workman’s Club. 11, the second time in two years. medallists at the international com- The Abbey Theatre. 26, He’s due another controversy soon Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 Wellington Quay – Dub- €20, 19:00 – it’s been a little over a year since MARISSA NADLER petition – and promise mince pies Lower Abbey Street – Dub- lin 2. Tel: 016706692 €23, 22:00 The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey and mulled wine to add to the fun. lin 1. Tel: 018872200 he brought down accusations of She may dabble in fine art, but The Wright Venue. Airside, Swords Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 anti-semitism on himself at Electric Nadler is best known in these December 2 €16.50, 20:00 – County Dublin. Tel: 018900099 The Back Loft. La Cathedral Stu- READING YEATS* Picnic 2009 – but he remains well parts for her dreamy folk songs, December 3 CHRISTMAS FAIRY TELLS ALL* able to lead an audience into the filled with American gothic HANDEL’S MESSIAH* dios, 7-11, Saint Augustine Street The Abbey’s programme exploring STEVE LAWLER It’s your last chance to catch – Dublin 8. Tel: 0872753944 the work of W.B. Yeats continues realm of hilariously bad taste. stories and interesting charac- There’ll be many renditions of BELLE & SEBASTIAN He’s been dabbling in the house Nicola Lindsay’s play, a happy with two readings at The Abbey. €35, 20:30 ter of her own imagination. Handel’s classic piece over the The lack of mainstream success scene since the age of 17, so little frolic instigated by Crystal, December 1 sees Gavin Qinn Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street €14, 20:00 Christmas season, and this one is for these fey indie-poppers will producer and DJ Steve Lawler has the Christmas Fairy. When Crystal direct readings of The Words – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt among the best. Fiona Murphy, Ea- always be cited by certain music picked up a fair few tricks behind forces a young, accident-prone Upon The Window-Pane and The Street Station, Harcourt Street monn Mulhall, Imelda Drumm and lovers as proof that the record the decks since catching his big taxi driver into taking three not- Death of Cuchulain. The follow- JANELLE MONAE – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 Owen Gilhooly are joined by the buying public knows absolutely break in Ibiza during the 1995. very-wise women to visit Maria, Joe ing evening features The Only An artist who definitely isn’t Dublin Bach Singers and the Irish nothing. They’ve found a ready Pressed for the influences he draws and Baby Noel, disaster ensues. Jealousy of Emer and Purgatory afraid to push the boundaries Philharmonic Orchestra conducted audience here in Ireland, as on in creating his brand of heavy €15 (€12 concessions), 20:00 directed by Wayne Jordan, with an of R’n’B and soul-pop, Janelle by David Brophy. This production this headliner demonstrates. house, he cites “vices” and dark ex- The New Theatre. 43, East Essex introduction by Declan Kiberd. Monae set tongues wagging with will also repeat on December 4. From €39.20, 19:30 periences – we’re intrigued anyway. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016703361 18 19 Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies all things Lennon, with tunes from have actually outlasted Ian Brown HEATHERS are an acoustic duo with more than a The Beatles and his solo career and John Squire’s sometimes- The 20-year-old twins behind that hint of the ethereal. Mojo hit the nail playing on the sound system. brilliant, sometimes-dreadful Discover Ireland ad tune are keeping EVENTS on the head in describing their singu- Free, 19:30 partnership, and are regarded the momentum going. Tracks from lar sound as ‘dark, lustful blues-folk’. The Chocolate Bar. Old Harcourt as one of the best Stone Roses their debut album, Here Not There, LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING ongoing event €12, 20:00 Street Station, Harcourt Street cover bands in the British isles. are being re-released as singles, WEEK 6 - 12 DECEMBER EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS The Workman’s Club. 11, Wellington – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 €12, 23:30 even as fans agitate for new stuff. Quay – Dublin 2. Tel: 016706692 The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Still, their frequent live appearances December 12 KATHERINE LYNCH* Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 should help keep them satisfied. The Leitrim lady returns to €12.50, 19:30 LEFTFIELD* December 8 Vicar Street for a run of shows up GODSPEED YOU! Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Having stormed onto the early 90s rave scene with debut album Leftism, Leftfield have seen hugely to December 12. The Hack of Ya BLACK EMPEROR – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 successful acts such as The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy acknowledge their influence even as THE POGUES* promises a cast of new characters, Reforming after a decade of silence, the LP continues to top polls naming the best dance album of all time. Ireland’s been the scene of a Admit it – if you were witness to along with old favourites from her the hard-rockers are playing a cluster SIDESHOW major comeback for Paul Daley and Neil; Barnes, who called it quits in 2002 but hooked up again in the many shambolic Christmas gigs hit RTE series Wonder Women. of live dates including All Tomor- A twisted Christmas Cabaret with Joe the summer. Barnes – who described the reaction to their triumphant Electric Picnic set as “wonder- Pogues frontman Shane McGowan €28, 20:30 rows Parties across the water and Black and Mr Pustra, Gringo O’Hara, ful” – is pretty self-deprecating about where the quick success comes from. “Obviously it’s nostalgia turned in down the years, you didn’t Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street a few US gigs next year. It’s unclear The Pony Girls and special guests. on one level and I wholeheartedly accept that,” he says. “For years, I didn’t listen to any of it. It was the think he’d make it this long (in fact, – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 what their future plans are after €22.50, 20:00 last century when those tracks first came out!” Their show on December 11 has already sold out, so many seemed to be attending for these shows, though, so this may The Complex Theatre. Smith- they’re adding another tonight. fear of missing his last gig). But he’s FRIGHTENED RABBIT be our last chance to see them. field Square - Dublin 7. €38.50, 19:30 still going strong and, if anything, The Selkirk indie men are driven by €24, 19:30 has cleaned up – the voice is shot, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Station. Harcourt Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 but the lyrics are remembered. And lyricist Scott Hutchison, who’s come Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- December 12 even if they’re not, the sing-along on remarkably as a songwriter in the lin 2. Tel: 014763374 atmosphere sees it through. After last seven years. Their U.S. Television HERE COME THE GIRLS all, with the Pogues and as a solo debut came this year with a Late VILLAINS – DUBLIN REVUE Lulu and Anastacia return, along artist, he’s crafted some of the Night With Jimmy Fallon gig, and lat- Big Chief Random Chaos hosts this with M People’s Heather Small, December 6 of the event, which also gets mother dealing with life and the €17, 19:00 most tragically beautiful and raw est album The Winter of Mixed Drinks vaudeville effort set on the dirty back- to drive a party atmosphere input from THISISPOPBABY. growing pains of a teenage daughter The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey songs of the last century, along was one of the year’s little gems. streets of Berlin, the sideshows of with a brand new seven-piece ANGUS AND JULIA STONE €TBC, Various times against the backdrop of our nasty re- Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 with a fair few bawdy anthems. The €18, 19:00 Coney Island, plus numerous grave- band. Campy fun is promised. After packing out a Button Factory Project Arts Centre. 2, Essex Street cession. This is the first preview night, reunited Pogues are hitting the The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey yards and other freaky locations. From €44.20, 18:30 East – Dublin 2. Tel: 018819613 and the play runs until December 18. AIRBOURNE gig back in July, the brother-and- road for what’s billed as a nine-date Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 €10 (€15 seated), 20:00 The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay sister team return to Tripod to From €10, 20:00 Unreconstructed hard rock comes farewell tour, and they’re also playing The Good Bits. 1, Store Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 continue the tour of their second December 7 Focus Theatre. 6, Pembroke all the way from Australia. Their ouvre this venue the following evening. – Dublin 1. Tel: 018197635 full-length album, Down The Way. Place – Dublin 2. Tel: 016763071 includes Ready to Rock, Runnin’ From €44.20, 19:00 December 10 THE FRAMES* From €17, 19:30 SCROOGE* Wild and latest album No Guts. No The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame December 11 It’s hard to believe that Glen Han- Tripod. Old Harcourt Street Grand Canal Theatre goes panto STEVE FORBERT Glory. Which should say a lot. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 THE CORONAS* sard’s original band have been on Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- with this production of the Dickens The veteran singer songwriter is best €23, 19:30 Opening the main stage of Oxegen THE JOLLY BOYS the go for 20 years now, with six lin 2. Tel: 014763374 classic, which opens tonight. British known for his song, Romeo’s Tune, The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB this year was only the latest suc- Since forming way back in 1955, albums under their belt. The former stage and screen legend Tommy and is currently touring last year’s Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 Part of a three-date Irish tour, this cess for the band behind summer these boys have had plenty to be Commitments star and Oscar- PLC BAND COMPETITION Steele returns to tread the boards album The Place And The Time. headliner sees the Down alterna- hit San Diego Song - formed jolly about, including major com- winner remains the creative focus A great chance to check out as Ebenezer Scrooge, and magi- €22.50, 19:30 LAURA MARLING tive electropoppers wowing their in 2003, they’ve released two mercial success in the 80s and of the group, though accomplished up-and-coming acts before any- cian Paul Kieve (who helped out Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street The English singer-songwriter is Irish audience. Cast of Cheers studio albums, Heroes or Ghosts early 90s among reggae lovers. A bandmates more than pull their one else gets wind of them. on the effects for the Harry Potter – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 finding fans outside the comfort zone and Not Squares play support. (2003) and last year’s Tony Was split in the early part of last decade weight. They play The Olympia Films) helps create the illusions. of her folk origins, dabbling in rock €5, 20:00 From €18.50, 19:30 an Ex-con. Now, they’re looking soured things somewhat, but they’ve tonight and tomorrow, returning The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey The play runs until January 2. LISSIE and indie in recent recordings. This Tripod. Old Harcourt Street to keep up the momentum. This is reunited since 2008 and are hitting to Whelan’s on December 15. Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 From €20, 18:30 The folk-rocker is a rising star year’s effort, I Speak Because I Can, Station, Harcourt Street – Dub- the first of three Olympia dates. the road. A new album, Great Expec- €35, 19:00 Grand Canal Theatre. Grand since releasing debut album was certified gold, and there’s already lin 2. Tel: 014763374 €27, 20:00 tation, is set to land any day now. The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame QUEER NOTIONS 2010* Canal Square, Docklands – Catching a Tiger in June. She’s another album due in February. The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame €17, 19:30 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 Following a successful debut Dublin 1. Tel: 01 6777999 also got a mean cover or two up €25, 20:30. COME TOGETHER FOR JOHN Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 The Button Factory. Curved last year, the festival featuring her sleeve – her performance of Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street LENNON Street, Temple Bar – Dub- gay-themed plays, art, music, JO BANGLES* Stairway to Heaven on The Great – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 Commemorating the 30th anniver- THE STONE ROSES EXPERIENCE lin 2. Tel: 016709202 films and talks returns. Project A new Irish play by popular poet British Songbook programme in sary of the rock legend’s death, the Few tribute acts develop a genuine Arts Centre is the the epicentre David Lordan sees a middle-aged late August was breathtaking. SMOKE FAIRIES Chocolate bar hosts an evening of following of their own, but these lads 20 21 Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street a documentary on Irish Travel- REPUBLIC OF LOOSE ELIZA DOOLITTLE – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 lers – we may see his serious side The funk-rockers’ four-month 21-year-old Londoner Eliza Doolit- yet. Before that, though, we get an residence at The Academy has tle may just be the anti-diva. For EVENTS evening of his straight stand-up. seen them showcasing material one, she’s been writing her own December 16 €28, 20:30 from their latest album, which is material since age 12, giving her LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING ongoing event Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street at once rockier, more upbeat and plenty of time to hone in on a WEEK 13 - 19 DECEMBER EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS VERSIVES – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 more mature than previous efforts. sunny, tinkly sound with lyrics The electronic-rock outfit are This is the final night of their run of inspired by the stresses of city life December 15 to 17 touring in support of debut album THE RUBBERBANDITS gigs, so expect a celebratory feel. and teen aggro, with magpie-like Prussian Blushes and lead-off single After shows at Electric Picnic, €22.50, 20:00 musical influences coming from IMELDA MAY* Kicking Up a Brand New Storm. slots on RTÉ’s Republic of Telly The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey the golden age of pop in the This is a time when Dublin’s Rockabilly queen can, it seems, do no wrong. Having struck gold in debut Support comes from Toy Soldiers. and going viral on youtube, the Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 1960s and 70s. This is an over-14s effort Love Tattoo, she followed up with a marathon U.S. Tour and a triumphant homecoming at The €TBC, 20:00 up-and-comers launch their debut show with no alcohol served. 02 last December. She’s appearing more regularly on our screens as a style icon in her own right, but The Twisted Pepper. 54, Mid- single Amanda’s Wedding. AIDAN & THE ITALIAN WEATHER €19.50, 19:00 has still somehow managed to finish off second album Mayhem in the meantime. The album sees May dle Abbey Street – Dublin €12/50, 20:00 LADIES The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey in full-throated form, with her backing band as tight as ever, but it’s the musical development that has 1. Tel: 018734800 The Button Factory. Curved The Wallis Bird Band veteran Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 really caused excited critics. She’s come on immensely both as a songwriter and as a cover artist - you Street, Temple Bar – Dub- returns to Ireland with his Belgian wouldn’t think Tainted Love could benefit from another reworking, but you’d be wrong. It’s been a SHAKIRA lin 2. Tel: 016709202 backing band, The Italian Weather NIGEL MOONEY deserved hit for Mrs. May, and she’s set to play here for three nights after an initial December 15 gig She’s racked up more than 214 Ladies to play songs from his forth- One of Dublin’s more charis- sold out in minutes. global award nominations and December 17 coming album, Live and Sans-Souci, matic blues guitarists, Nigel Mooney From €32.50, 19:00 more than 50 million albums sold which is set to land next March. helped spearhead the movement worldwide, but still has the energy DAVID O’DOHERTY* €8, 21:00 in Ireland with his Gripewater Blues The Olympia Theatre. 72, Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016793323 to take on a mammoth global tour The casio Keyboard-tapping phi- The Cobblestone. 77, North Band and has played with legends – never underestimate a she-wolf. losophy grad clearly has something King Street, Smithfield – Dub- including B.B. King, Lowell Fulson From €49.20, 18:30 special – childlike melodies coupled lin 7. Tel: 018721799 and Louisiana Red. This late night The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay with ruminations on modern life intimate show should be a treat. – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 only take you so far if you’re not ac- PARCHMAN FARM €10, 21:00 December 13 The National Concert Hall. bang in the middle of his biggest UK ELTON JOHN WITH RAY COOPER tually that funny. A perennial hit at Formed by guitarist Pete Mc Gowan JJ Smyths. 12, Aungier Street 2, Earlsfort Terrace – Dub- and Ireland tour to date, with support After having to cancel the Irish stop DELORENTOS the Edinburgh Fringe, O’Doherty is and ex bass player Gerry Murray – Dublin 2. Tel: 014752565 BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB lin 2. Tel: 014170077 from Calvin Harris and Steve Aoki. of his acclaimed ‘Red Piano’ show With five years under their belts a popular live act here too, as a run and Tommy Grimes after the demise After initial success – Spread €49.20, 18:30 due to illness, one of pop’s true (not including a brief 2008 split) of Whelan’s shows demonstrates. of The Axis Blues Band, Parchman JASON BYRNE Your Love, a thrashy and deeply The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay greats returns with backup – Ray and a breakthrough album in You This is the first of four headliners, Farms eschew indulgent solos The Ballinteer native is currently catchy summer anthem, was December 14 – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 Cooper, one of the world’s most Can Make Sound last year, these including a matinee on Saturday. in favour of the classic drum-led hosting The Byrne ultimatum of one of their first singles – things talented drummers, is in tow. Forget rock-with-hooks-loving Dublin- €17.45, 19:30 style of early Chicago blues. RTE Two, but his live shows – often the mixed reviews of his latest took a nasty turn for this group, DEADMAU5 ers are looking straight ahead. Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street €10, 21:00 featuring audience participat- Arguably the most exciting name in album, and enjoy the pageantry: with drug problems and a split December 15 €17.50, 20:00 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 JJ Smyths. 12, Aungier Street ing/humiliation, you have been with Virgin records the lowlights. the club scene today, Deadmau5 is Elton John’s live shows have been The Workman’s Club. 11, – Dublin 2. Tel: 014752565 warned – remain popular. striking while the iron is hot, giving ARRAH NA POGUE* known to include multi-color neon But B.R.M.C. are tough, and Wellington Quay – Dub- PNAU €28, 20:30 sixth album Beat The Devil’s Tat- both his popular tunes and the gigan- A rip-roaring romantic adventure sculpture, pop art, inflatables, lin 2. Tel: 016706692 Nick Littlemore and Peter Mayes Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street too was released in March. tic mouse head he performs in plenty set in the Wicklow mountains sees baubles, balloons – and, almost have been spinning dance music December 18 – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 €25, 19:00 of exposure. If anything, in fact, he’s popular rebel Beamish MacCaul ly- as an afterthought, a great band. PJ GALLAGHER together since the mid-90s, even The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey working too hard: a collapse onstage ing in wait to ambush rent-collecting From €65.70, 20:00 Though he may have risen to public as they dabble in side projects MEAT LOAF Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 at a show earlier this year revealed Michael Feeny, before he scoots The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay notice embarrassing the living like Empire of The Sun, and their The former Hair singer has travelled December 19 that, beneath the mighty mouse, is a off to marry Fanny Power. There’s – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 daylights out of ordinary people in landmark eponymous album a long road, via two mega-albums A VIENESE CHRISTMAS man (Joel Thomas Zimmerman) who’s a love story budding between Naked Camera, PJ Gallagher has generated considerable acclaim, (Bat Out of Hell and Bat Out of Hell MOONEY TUNES Vladimir Jablokov teams up with plenty capable of suffering from Shaun the Post and heroine Arrah DAMIEN DEMPSEY been working hard to prove that including an interesting endorse- 2) and even the odd movie appear- The popular RTE presenter hosts a The Slovak Festival Musicians, exhaustion. Not that you’d know it Meelish too, though their wedding Damo continues his marathon tour- he’s got more strings to his bow. ment from Elton John. The pop ance. Latest album Hang Cool Teddy concert of music selected by his Ra- tenor Sean Costello and soprano from his subsequent actions: he’s isn’t destined to go down without a ing schedule with a pre-christmas The recent documentary, Back in legend declared it to be the greatest Bear arrived in May to a positive dio 1 listeners, with the RTÉ Concert Claudia Boyle to offer an evening of hitch. The play runs until February show. The northsider has had five The Saddle, revealed his adventures record he’d heard in years, and is critical response, and broke into the Orchestra, conductor David Brophy songs including You Are My Hearts 5, with tonight the first preview. successful albums, from debut They in the world of motorbike racing helping out on their fourth LP. top tier of album charts worldwide. and special guests helping out. From 13, 19:30 Don’t Teach This Shit in School Delight, Vienna City of Dreams, € and his second stand-up DVD, Just €15, 20:00 From €59.80, 18:30 €10, 20:00 Silent Night, A Winters Tale, the The Abbey Theatre. 26, (2000) to The Rocky Road, a cov- Jokes, did well on its 2009 release Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt The 02 Arena. North Wall Quay Grand Canal Theatre. Grand Blue Danube Waltz and more. Lower Abbey Street – Dub- ers collection released in 2008. with Universal. A new comedy Street Station, Harcourt Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018198888 Canal Square, Docklands – From €25, 20:00 lin 1. Tel: 018872200 €31, 20:30 series is in the works, along with – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 Dublin 1. Tel: 01 6777999 22 23 energy live that – coupled with sharing sandwiches before taking 2, Earlsfort Terrace – Dub- December 29 the snappy threads – conjures up the plunge. If you’ve overdone it a lin 2. Tel: 014170077 more than a hint of Jerry Fish and bit the night before, a leap into the DICKIE ROCK EVENTS the Mudbug Club in their pomp. icy water will wake you right up. Fancy some wanton nostalgia? €TBC, 20:00 The Forty Foot. Sandycove Beach, December 27 The showband legend can LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING ongoing event Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Sandycove – County Dublin. WEEK 20 - 31 DECEMBER EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS still get a crowd swinging, as – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 PERFORMANCE 2010 a string of live dates across Dublin’s annual megafestival the country demonstrated. From December 26 GAVIN MURPHY: THE GOLDEN December 26 featuring tons of up-and-coming €35, 21:00 BOUGH* acts will be returning. The line-up The Regency Hotel. Swords FUNDERLAND* Using both found and specially JOHN O’CALLAGHAN is still to be confirmed as we go Road, Whitehall – County Celebrating 35 years of fun this Christmas, Funderland is both a Dublin institution and a rite of pas- created objects, Gavin Murphy’s This accomplished Irish DJ cut to press, but Whelan’s has already Dublin. Tel: 018371531. sage: quite simply, if you’ve never eaten too much candy floss only to throw it up on the waltzers, or latest exhibition includes texts his teeth against Ibiza’s notori- been earmarked as the venue. spent all the money your nice uncle Larry gave you here, you haven’t lived. Europe’s largest travelling from Flaubert to Fellini, and the ously competitive DJ scene and €TBC, time TBC funfair returns to its familiar stomping ground from Stephen’s Day, with the big wheel, the dodgems hidden fabric of Charlemont lived to tell the tale. That should Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street December 30 and the Shockwave rollercoaster all making a return. The rides also include the stomach-churning House itself, to explore the arts speak to him even had last year’s – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 Extreme and plenty of family friendly attractions too. This year, they’ve adopted an easy-to-understand as a system ordering knowledge, album, Never Fade Away, not been GAME ON* pricing structure. Entrance costs €2, kiddie rides cost €1.50 or €2, rollercoasters cost from €3.50 up, ideas, and cultural history. The packed with interesting tunes. December 28 This celebration of video games and other rides will set you back €2.50. The carnival continues until January 10. exhibition runs until January 16. John Askew and Ummet Ozcan is well into its long run at the €2, 12:00 Free, 10:00 are also on hand in support. POST-WAR AMERICAN ART: ambassador, but seeing how they Hugh Lane Municipal Gal- €27.50, 22:00 THE NOVAK/O’DOHERTY developed from the early days to RDS Main Hall. Merrion Road. Ballsbridge - Dublin 4. Tel: 016680866 lery. 1, Parnell Square West Tripod. Old Harcourt Street COLLECTION* a multi-billion dollar industry has – Dublin 1. Tel: 018741903 Station, Harcourt Street – If you’re just beginning to emerge lost none of its magic. Aside from Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 from the warm bosom (read: crush- being remarkably accessible for ing boredom) of the family home, non-gamers, the exhibition is also December 24 then this exhibition is an interesting packed with playable demos of December 27 way to stimulate your senses. The Canal Theatre on January 3 and 4. runs from Monday to Thursday. early and cutting edge games, plus December 20 December 22 CHIPS! exhibition highlights a gift by art €39.50, 20:00 From €25, 19:30 other fun features. A one hour ses- There’s nothing for it on Christmas THE FUREYS AND DAVEY historian Barbara Novak and artist sion costs only €10, you can enjoy CHRISTY MOORE AND DECLAN Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street BITCHES WITH WOLVES The Gate Theatre. 1, Cavendish Eve but to join in the Dublin tradi- ARTHUR Brian O’Doherty of watercolours, two hours for €16, while a bumper – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 Dabbling in dirty electro, glam Row – Dublin 1. Tel: 018744045 SINNOTT* tion, queuing and gorging outside Balyfermot first folk family are still drawings, limited edition prints three-hour session costs €20. Once you’re elevated to ‘national and pop, this crew made quite the city’s best-known chippers. growing strong despite being all and photographs, along with Game on will run until January 30. treasure’ status, the conventional December 21 a splash at Oxegen’s dance tent There are outlets all over the place, married with kids, and celebrated striking paintings and sculptures. From €10, 12:00 wisdom states, the only way is playing alongside top acts from December 23 but this place remains the original their 30th anniversary in 2008. Works appear from across 20th VILLAGERS* The Ambassador Theatre. down. Not so for former Planxty Fatboy Slim to Calvin Harris. and best. Beshoff’s on O’Connell They’re joined by Donegal man Century American art, particularly 189, Parnell Street – Dub- man Christy Moore, who passed Conor J. O’Brien and chums have Broken Hearts (available on their REVERBERATION Street is worth a shout too. Davey Arthur, who played with the from 60s and 70s New York. had quite the year. Debut album It’s a packed one-night bill, lin 1. Tel: 018734344 that mark long ago. Even though his Myspace) is a good introduction. €2.50, From 12:00 group even before he made his Free, career may have had a dip since – Becoming a Jackal went straight €TBC, 20:00 featuring popular vets Power of Leo Burdock’s. 2, Wer- name as a solo artist in 1992. Irish Museum of Modern Art. Roy- to number 1 here on its release Dreams and The Sultans of Ping his well-documented struggle with Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street burgh Street – Dublin 2. €25, 20:00 al Hospital, Military Road, Kilmain- December 31 alcohol took its toll on his mid-90s in May, garnering a coveted Mer- – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 playing with The FRNK &Walters. The Helix. DCU, Collins Avenue ham – Dublin 8. Tel: 016129900. cury Music Prize Album of the Year €27.50, 19:00 output – he’s enjoyed an Indian – Dublin 9. Tel: 01700700 NEW YEARS EVE AT TRIPOD summer in his career, and recent nomination in Britain. However, The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey December 25 THE DUBLINERS* they’re not resting on their laurels Tripod has already announced solo efforts (including last year’s Lis- December 22 Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE They’re all living legends, and by any stretch, and gigs tonight and its initial plans for a packed ten) have delighted fans around the THE FORTY FOOT DIVE BEAST well able to put on a good show. tomorrow round off a lightning tour evening, featuring Kormac’s Big world. Part of that is surely down to JANE EYRE* THE BRAD PITT LIGHT This Christmas tradition originally It’s a full stage performance of After a sell-out run of shows at of Ireland that took in Waterford, Band, Japanese Popstars and his collaboration with talented musi- Andrea Corr has made quite an ORCHESTRA began as a mass, all-male skinny Disney’s classic music, featuring the same venue last year, the Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick, Galway many more special guests. cians like Sinnott, who’s worked with impression in the title role for this We’re not sure what the star of dip. Then women came in, and men Simon Keogh as the best, Naoise surviving Dubliners begin a three- and Belfast. If their storming appear- €17.50, 22:00 him before as part of Moving Hearts, stage version of Charlotte Brontë’s Fight Club and Ocean’s Eleven covered up. That hasn’t abated Stuart Kelly as belle and Ian Whyte night stand at Vicar Street tonight. ances at Oxegen, Leeds/Reading Tripod. Old Harcourt Street and his rediscovering the joy of play- classic tale, adapted well for the makes of this outfit, but he should the carnival atmosphere – you’ll as Gaston. Deirdre O’Connor Expect plenty of special guests and the Electric Picnic are anything Station, Harcourt Street – ing live: the duo played a marathon stage by the ubiquitous Alan Stan- be happy to be linked with a see everyone lining up to dive on Wardrobe has created some at what most Dubliners hope to go by, it should be a fun night. Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 run of gigs this time last year, so it’s ford, who is also in the director’s band that blends harmonies and here from loons in tuxes and fancy beautiful costumes, while Vivian will become an annual event. €25, 19:30 laid back sounds so seamlessly. only natural that they should return. chair for a production that runs dress (they soon learn what salt Coates is in the director’s chair. €42, 20:00 Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street Lowering The Tone is a gem of an This is the second of two Vicar Street until January 15. A student deal, water does to good clothes) to From €18, 19:00 Vicar Street. 57, Thomas Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 gigs, and the pair also play Grand offering tickets available for €15, album, and they’ve an infectious families supping warm tea and The National Concert Hall. – Dublin 8. Tel: 017755800 24 25 Wednesdays SEVEN DEADLY SKINS Thursdays Free, 22:00 Ignore the lame pun in the name, Rí-Rá. 11, South Great George’s SYNERGY and focus on the musicianship of GARAGE INC St – Dublin 2. Tel: 016711220 EVENTS A mid-week mix of some well this quality reggae cover band. The clue is in the name – Good known and some not so well known €TBC, 21:30 garage tunes in a cool setting. TANKED UP LIVE MUSIC CLUBBING ongoing event The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street Dublin’s biggest student night REGULAR EVENTS EATING AND DRINKING THEATRE ARTS tunes at this fine cocktail bar. Free, 20:30 Free, 20:00 – Dublin 2. Tel: 016707655 Thomas House. 86, Thomas in an ideal location. You’ll find Solas. 31, Wexford Street - Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 drinks promotions aplenty. Mondays ISLAND CULTURE €TBC, 21:30 CRACKITY JONES Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 SPACE’N’VEDA €5, 22:30 A cocktail party, with rum cock- The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street A regular cinema event kicking off Veda Beaux Reeves and Davina THE ODEON MOVIE CLUB Tramco Brewery. 121, Lower NO FIXED ABODE tails and Jamaican soul on the – Dublin 2. Tel: 016707655 with a great movie from yesteryear, LAUGH OUT LOUD Devine rule the big gay roost at Relax to classic films while be- Rathmines Road – Dublin A weekly reading group laid on menu, at this club with a definite followed by DJ sets by Crackity A regular comedy night featuring this club-cum-cabaret evening. ing pampered by a full bar and 6. Tel: 014968050 by youth gang Exchange Dublin. penchant for the easy-going life. JUICY BEATS Jones DJs, Megan Fox & Indie Dub- MC Aidan Killian and special guests. Free before 22:00/€10, 21:00 waiter service. To reserve seats or Free, 22:00 The Village’s resident DJs churn lin band Reader’s Wives frontman Be generous if the donations €7/€5, 20:30 The George. 87-89, South a table, e-mail [email protected] THE PANTI SHOW bucket passes your way. South William. 52, South William out the best of indie, rock, classic Niall James Holohan. Admission is Anseo. 18, Camden Street – Great Georges Street – Dub- Free, 20:00 Pantibar’s fabulous proprietor Donations, 18:30 Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946 pop, synth pop and electro music free, and drinks promos abound. Dublin 2. Tel: 014751321 lin 2. Tel: 014782983 The Odeon. Old Harcourt takes to the stage in all her glory Exchange Dublin. Exchange at this weekly Tuesday nightclub. A regular cinema event kicking off Street Station, Harcourt Street every Thursday, with Bunny and Street Upper, Temple Bar – WEEDWAY €5, 22:00 with a great movie from yesteryear, GROOVALIZACION SHAKER – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 some special guests for support. Dublin 2. Tel: 016779264 A six-piece reggae band take over. The Village. 26, Wexford Street followed by DJ sets by Crackity Brazilian food and music fill this A mash-up of electro, hip A medley of music, dramatic re- Free, 22:30 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 Jones DJs, Megan Fox and Dublin hopping club every Tuesday. hop, indie and decent pop. MASH constructions, connect 4 (yes, that LOUNGE LIZARDS The Turk’s Head. 27, Parliament band Reader’s Wives frontman Free, 21:00 €8/6, 23.00 Matjazz, Lex Woo, Baby Dave, one throws us too) and puppets The ever-popular Lounge Lizards Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016792606 C. U. NEXT TUESDAY Niall James Holohan. Admission is South William. 52, South William The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Marina Diniz and friends spin late makes for a very dramatic night. sees guest DJs step up to the There’s more than just a naughty free, and drinks promos abound. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946 Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 into the evening at South William. Free, 22:00 plate and spin their favourite name to recommend this new club Free, 20:00 Free, 21:00 Pantibar. 7-8 Capel St - Dub- tunes for lounging. Expect Tuesdays night – indie, electro, pop and The Grand Social. 11, Lower SONGS OF PRAISE DINOSAUR CLUB South William. 52, South William lin 1. Tel: 018740710 a chilled-out evening with a dance tunes make a varied mix. Liffey Street – Dublin 1. It’s karaoke, Jim, but not as we know Perfect Pete and Boplait team Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725946 surprise guest on occasion. TASTE €12/5, 23:00 it. This long-running DIY rock’n’roll up to play old surf, rock and KUSH Free, 20:00 Classics, Soul and more make Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt SHEBEEN FLICK night has moved to Wednesdays blues at this new weekly night. MUZIK Dublin’s newest electronic music Solas. 31, Wexford Street - for an easy Tuesday night. Street Station, Harcourt Street A new film night showing much- after tiring of kicking everyone Free, 20:00 An unabashed student night, night hits the city’s newest venue, Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 Free, 20:00 – Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374 loved Irish films and some unseen out early on Sundays. Check out The Secret Bar. 3, Fade Street Muzik is packed with upbeat with artists drawing on everything Solas. 31, Wexford Street - work. Each night has a short film the full playlist on www.theres- – Dublin 2. Tel: 017645681 indie and electro tunes, with from hip-hop to sea shanties. SKA NIGHT Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 PLAY followed by a full-length feature. cuesquad.com/songsofpraise. plenty of drinks promotions to And no, that’s not a typo. It’s not just Ska on the Hosted by DJs Dany Doll and Ed- Free, 19:30 Free, 21:00 VOGUE get the party going in earnest. €5, 21:00 die Bolton, this night made waves Shebeen Chic. 4, South Great menu – there’s a bit of rock- SUBTERANNEAN The Village. 26, Wexford St – Pop, pop, and more fantastic pop €6, 21:00 The Grand Social. 11, Lower steady and house to be Rock, punk and metal sounds by launching on October 5 with a George’s Street – Dublin 2. Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 – with lots of drinks promotions. The Button Factory. Curved Liffey Street – Dublin 1. danced to at this evening. are on at Thomas House. ‘Father Ted Special’, showcasing €8 (€6 with flyer), 23:00 Street, Temple Bar – Dub- Free, 20:30 Free, 20:30 every song referenced or played BATTLE OF THE AXE THE SONG ROOM ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. lin 2. Tel: 016709202 ISOTOPE Thomas House. 86, Thomas Thomas House. 86, Thomas during the shows 3 seasons includ- Looking to start in comedy? Look Hamlet Sweeney presents this 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – Dublin’s longest-running jazz Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 Street – Dublin 8. Tel: 016772619 ing My Lovely Horse, Ghost Town no further than this open-mike showcase of up-and-coming Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 PARTY ANIMAL session is still going strong. and Ziggy Stardust. It’s usually a mix night at the Ha’penny Bridge Inn. artists at The Globe. Gorillas with vodka guns, all €10, 20:00 of indie, soul, and new sounds. 7, 21:00 HEFTY HORSE ANDREW STANLEY’S COMEDY € Free, 21:00 THE RUBY SESSIONS drinks costing €3.50, and JJ Smyths. 12, Aungier Street A simple concept for a Monday MISH-MASH Hosted by DJs Dany Doll and Ed- The Ha’penny Bridge Inn. The Globe. 11, South Great This singer-songwriter night has the hot and sweaty Andrews – Dublin 2. Tel: 014752565 night club - live music and bands Comedy laissez faire with a die Bolton, this night made waves 42, Wellington Quay – Dub- Georges Street – Dub- been on the go for over 10 years Lane Theatre dancefloor. by launching on October 5 with a lin 2. Tel: 016770616 playing their own DJ sets to 02:30 laid-back evening of stand-up, lin 2. Tel: 016711220 and features some great perform- €8 (€6 concession), 23:00 - is made all the sweeter by cheap sketches, songs, messing about ‘Father Ted Special’, showcasing ers in an intimate setting. ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Fridays drinks and free admission. The line- and free biccies hosted by Comedy every song referenced or played GENTLE TUESDAYS THE ZODIAC SESSIONS €6, 21:00 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – up varies, but the post-gig atmos- Cellar man Andrew Stanley. during the shows 3 seasons includ- The Mighty Stef and chums An acoustic showcase featuring Doyles. 9, College Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 ROTATE phere is almost always rocking. €TBC, 21:00 ing My Lovely Horse, Ghost Town sing their favourite songs on some promising talent at Bruxelles. Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616 Oliver T Cunningham plays his Free, 22:00 The International Bar. 23, Wicklow and Ziggy Stardust. It’s usually a mix out-of-tune acoustic guitars. Free, 21:00 THE LITTLE BIG PARTY own brand of Funk, Latin and Whelan’s. 25, Wicklow Street Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016779250 of indie, soul, and new sounds. Free, 21:00 Bruxelles. 7-8, Harry Street – DJ Brendan Conroy takes over the whatever takes his fancy. – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766 Free, 22:00 The Workman’s Club. 11, Dublin 2. Tel: 016775362 decks at Rí Rá, beneath the Globe Free, 20:00 WHITE CHOCOLATE The Grand Social. 11, Lower Wellington Quay – Dub- bar, every Thursday. An eclectic mix Solas. 31, Wexford Street - Classic rock and modern covers Liffey Street – Dublin 1. lin 2. Tel: 016706692 of soul, indie and rock prevails. Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583 are on offer from a soulful outfit. 26 27 THE CRAIC PACK COMEDY €5 before 00:00 (€10 Street, Temple Bar – Dub- COMEDY CRUNCH IMPROV thereafter), 23:00 lin 2. Tel: 016709202 Free comedy + free Peter O’Byrne is the MC ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. food = great night. for this regular, energy- 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – PENTAGON Free, 21:00 filled comedy evening. Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 Local residents and special Shebeen Chic. 4, South Great The Bankers. 16, Trin- guest DJs play across five rooms George’s Street – Dublin 2. ity Street – Dublin 2. of the Tripod complex. Saturdays €12, 23:00 DANCEHALL STYLES BEST OF DUBLIN BASEMENT TRAXX Tripod. Old Harcourt Street The button factory becomes Reg- DJs Half Dutch and De- THE MATINÉE BRUNCH CLUB Train Station, Harcourt Street gae Central on Sunday nights from After Work Butler’s Café. 24, Wicklow Café Sol. 135, Lower Bag- Dicey’s Garden Bar. 21-25, jackulate preside. Another Odeon film club, this – Dublin 2. Tel: 014780225 23:00, with foundation reggae, Free, 22:00 time featuring more family- dancehall classics and contemporary Street – Dublin 2. Tel: got Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Harcourt Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Hogan’s. 35, South Great Georges friendly movies. But then again, DADDY OR CHIPS Jamaican music getting an airing. Amir’s Delights. 5, Bloom’s 016710599. Hot drinks, and 016628001. A bright and 014784066. There’s nothing Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775904 who wouldn’t like to see Up Techno, house and hip hop €5, 23:00 Lane, Ormond Quay – Dublin some of the best little choco- breezy, well-run café. dicey about this popular bar, over brunch with a pint? are all offered across three The Button Factory. Curved 1. Tel: 0863536404. Excuse the lates around: it’s a winning which boasts an impressive LETS MAKE PARTY Free, 12:00 rooms at this new club. Street, Temple Bar – Dub- pun, but this is a delightful little combination. Café Sol. 61-63, Dawson beer garden. Hip hop, soul and funk are dished The Odeon. Old Harcourt €8, 22:00 lin 2. Tel: 016709202 place for enjoying Turkish coffee Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A out by Mikki Dee and JB the Deejay. Street Station, Harcourt Street The Good Bits. 1, Store Street The Village. 26, Wexford Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 – Dublin 1. Tel: 018197635. or shisha. Busy Bean Café. Talbot Street small-but-friendly branch of the Dame Café. Centra, Dame – Dublin 2. Tel: 014758555 – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A fun café coffee chain. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. You RETRO DISCO Anseo. 18, Camden Street that’s bustling without being too might think that a café based in FRIDAYS AT MY HOUSE A wide spectrum of dance music Sundays Lower - Dublin 2. Tel: frantic. There’s a selection of Caffe Cagliostro. Millenium a convenience store wouldn’t The master room includes dominates at the newly renovated 014751321. A very old-school sandwiches and whatnot, plus Walkway, Abbey Street – Dublin be a nice place to while away a upcoming DJs Ray Shah, Ulysses Venue, with special guests PLAY! music bar that also features a daily specials. 1. Tel: N/A. A decidedly authen- few hours. You’d be wrong. Keith Feely and Rafiq. and themed nights aplenty. DJ Ronan O’ does a mix of classic regular comedy club. tic Italian café. €TBC, 23:00 €5 before 23:00 (€10 after), 21:30 80s and 90s tracks, drawing on Buck Whaleys. 67, Lower James Joyce Café Bar and Ulysses disco, pop and feel-good tunes. Busyfeet & Coco Café. Dandelion. St Stephens Leeson Street – Dublin 2. Venue. 52, Middle Abbey Street Cocktails are available from €5. Borderline Records. 17, 41-2, South William Street – Cassidy’s. 27, Westmore- Green West - Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 1. Tel: 018728188 €5, 18:00 Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016719514. A land Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014760870. A popular club LECTROSOUL The Odeon. Old Harcourt 016799097. One of the most characterful little place with a 016708604. Welcoming pub with cheap cocktails, celeb Richie Rock, Mark Kiernan and PROPAGANDA Street Station, Harcourt Street popular punky record stores particularly nice atmosphere with lots going on. appearances and contemporary Warren Kiernan hit the decks The legendary club night now has – Dublin 2. Tel: 014782088 from 23:00 to 03:00, with a a Dublin colony in The Academy. around, and deservedly so. after dark. music. set from Marina Diniz every €10/8, 22.30 M.A.S.S Chorus Café. Fishamble fourth Friday at 23:00. The Academy. 57, Middle Abbey Power FM curates a blessed-out night Boulevard Cafe. 27, Café 7. 7, St Andrew’s Street Street – Dublin 2. 7, Scarlett Darky Kellys. The Harding Free, 23:00 Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 018779999 of music, arts, sights and sounds. Exchequer Street – Dublin 2. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016792988. A Row, Fishamble Street – Dublin Hotel, Fishamble Street – Dub- The Exchequer. 3-5 Exchequer Free, 19:00 Tel: 016792131. Now that welcoming place with a great 2. Tel: 016167088. A bright little lin 2. Tel: N/A. The official bar Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 016706787 GOSSIP Hogan’s. 35, South Great Georges Leon’s gone, this place is our selection of wines. place to enjoy a quick sandwich and bistro of the Harding Hotel. Yes, the popular Spy club night Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775904 SHAKEDOWN has moved – it’s still loaded with new favourite coffee spot along or salad. A hot new Friday club with 70s- indie-pop and fun times though. SUNDAY SUSHI this street. Café Aroma. 84, Middle Ab- Doheny & Nesbitt’s. 5, influenced rock’n’roll from original €TBC, 23:00 Jazz is dished up with a bey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. Cobbler’s Café. Leeson Baggot Street Lower - Dublin bands playing lengthy sets. The ALT – Andrew’s Lane Theatre. Far Eastern flavour. Brewbakers Café. 23, South A very pleasant little place just Lane - Dublin 2 Dublin City. Tel: 2. Tel: 016762945. The classic line up varies from week to week. 9-17 Saint Andrew’s Lane – Free, 19:30 Frederick Street – Dublin2. Tel: off O’Connell Street. 016785945. Popular lunchtime local-for-a-listers is a lot bigger Free, 23:00 Dublin 2. Tel: 016795720 Yamamori Sushi. 38/39, N/A. A very popular spot for café. Soups are particularly fa- than it used to be, but it still Pacinos. 18 Suffolk St - Dub- Lower Ormond Quay – Dub- a sandwich – the chicken and Café en Seine. 40, Dawson voured by office worker crowd. consistently packs out. lin 2. Tel: 016775651 TRANSMISSION lin 2. Tel: 018720003 This club night is on a mission to bacon effort is simply delicious. St - Dublin 2. Tel: 016774017. WAR break down the barrier between gui- PIANO MAN The/club/restaurant is as enjoy- Coffee Society. 2, Lower Doyles. 9, College Street - The popular Spy club night relocates tar and DJ culture in the city. Good A Las Vegas-style evening of sin- Brick Alley Café. 25, East able as ever – now with added Liffey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016710616. to Andrew’s Lane. Drinks promo- luck with that, we hear you say, but galong anthems around the piano. Essex Street – Dublin 2. Tel: elbow room. 014781064. A favourite coffee A traditional bar by day and tions abound, and the first 40 peo- it’s made a great start thus far. Free, 20:00 016793393. A very nice re- shop for many years now among student mecca by night. Opens ple (and the first 40 to show up with 12, 23:00 Dandelion. 130, Stephen’s Green € placement for The Joy of Coffee. shoppers seeking a little refuge. late at weekends. dog tags or warshirts) get in free. The Button Factory. Curved – Dublin 2. Tel: 014760870 28 29 BEST OF DUBLIN

Dublin Tourism Centre. Gin Palace. 42, Middle Insomnia. Custom House revamped wine bar in the heart Suffolk Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Abbey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: Quay, IFSC, Docklands – Dub- of the docklands. 1850230330. An excellent 018748881. Obviously a place lin 1. Tel: 016720320. Another source of information for both for some gourmet gins, but great place to grab a coffee La Dolce Vita. 5, Music Hall, tourists and curious Dubliners you’ll find a lively bar and some near the Liffey. Cow’s Lane – Dublin 2. Tel: about the city. nice tapas here too. 017079786. A wonderful little Insomnia. Pembroke Street café and wine bar just away Dylanbar. The Dylan Hotel, Grand Central. 10/11, – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A handy from the bustle of Temple Bar. Eastmoreland Place - Dublin O’Connell Street - Dublin 1. location makes this place a 4. Tel: 016603000. A stylish Tel: 018728658. A Dublin top spot among workers in the Laser DVD. St Andrew’s Street cocktail bar that’s worth the landmark, this place is packed nearby offices. – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A Great journey out to D4. out by post-work drinkers most place to pick up some obscure evenings. Insomnia. Spar, Capel Street or foreign movies. Ely. CHQ, IFSC, Docklands – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. Another - Dublin 1. Tel: 016768986. Hairstyle. 12, South Wil- branch of the popular coffee Madigan’s. 4, Lower Ab- Another branch of the success- liam Street – Dublin 2. Tel: chain that’s teamed up with a bey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: ful Ely wine bar chain. 016706202. Want a chic convenience store. 018745456. A traditional pub haircut? Just hop in here. with a good pint to offer. Ely Wine Bar. 22, Ely Place Insomnia. Spar, Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016768986. Insomnia. 2, Lower – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Got the Munchies. 2, South Wil- Ever-trendy wine bar with Mayor Street – Dublin 2. Tel: shopping? Reward yourself with liam Street – Dublin. Tel: a hearty food menu and an 016720320. This place dishes a nice cuppa. 018733455. The original impressive range. up a much-needed caffeine fix Munchies restaurant, this place for docklands workers. JL’s Café. 4, Upper Abbey has recently started serving late Féile. 11, Wexford Street – Street - Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. night tapas. Dublin 2. Tel: 0861057573. Insomnia. 40-43, Nassau Fresh and tasty home-cooked Opened up where carnival Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. food is served up quick here. Munchies. Lower Baggot once stood, this pub has a One of the first branches in Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. more traditional, laid-back feel. the chain, this is still one of the La Boulangerie. 6, Chatham A welcoming branch of the best places to nip in for a cof- Court, Chatham Street – Dublin popular sandwich chain. Fixx Coffee House Daw- fee just off Grafton Street. 2. Tel: N/A. A great place for son Street. 17, Dawson sweet treats with your coffee National College of The Wright Venue Fire & Ice Party – December 31 Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A Insomnia. 51B, Dawson fix. Ireland. Custom House great place to win award- Street – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Square, Lower Mayor Street - It’s the culmination of a year in Cent, and Verne Troyer getting alight the dance floors for 2010. as a surreal portal of time. Stepping winning coffee. An excellent spot for people- La Corte. Custom House Dublin 1. Tel: 014498500. A which the biggest parties this city – their party on in this country? It’s Prepare yourselves for a New into the Wright Venue on Decem- watching over coffee – grab the Square, IFSC – Dublin 1. Tel: well-regarded institution with no, sorry, this country – have seen been a record breaking year at the Year’s Eve party like no other. For- ber 31 will be an experience like lit up people’s lives. Week on week, venue and, on New Year’s Eve, the get New York, Miami and Sydney no other – enter on New Year’s Gilbert & Wright, bay window if you can. N/A. Whisper it – this little a range of full and part-time there’ve been electric nights in the Wright Venue is going out of 2010 – on New Year’s, The Wright Venue Eve and emerge on January 1 with Malahide. 1, Ross Lane, place does some of the nicest courses. multi-award-winning Wright Venue with more than a loud bang –it’s is where it’s at. It’s the venue that a smile that will last you until the Malahide – County Dublin. Tel: Insomnia. 9, Wexford Street Italian coffee in the area. And in that have astounded all who were going nuclear! invites superlatives and now it’s end of 2011! 018456580. There’s a hint of – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. A branch Dublin, for that matter. O’Brien’s Sandwich there. The venue has had its epic The Wright Venue is set to host the inviting you and yours to the night The Wright Venue ‘Fire & Ice Party’ 70s retro chic at this stylish bar of the popular coffee chain on Bar. Harbourmaster Place, foundations rocked by the likes of most spectacular ultimate party of that will rock the final moments December 31: Glitz, glamour and in a seaside village. Ireland’s premier gigging strip. La Cuvé. Burton Hall, Mayor IFSC – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A Roger Sanchez and Laidback Luke 2010. The Wright Venue ‘Fire & Ice of 2010. The Wright Venue is the good time. Square, IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: conveniently-located sandwich manning the decks. The world’s Party’ will be throbbing with a blitz- ideal setting for welcoming 2011. Tickets from stars came out to play too. Where ing night of performers, dazzling Its grand exterior coupled with its www.thewrightvenue.ie and 016054912. A renamed and bar for IFSCers. else would you see Rihanna, 50 dancers and the anthems that set exotic and decadent interior will act ticketmaster and call 018900099.

30 31 BEST OF DUBLIN

O’Donoghues. 15, Mer- Reader’s Café. First floor, Sin É. 14/15, Upper Or- The Bagel Factory.19, away from the picturesque The Foggy Dew. 1, Fownes rion Row - Dublin 2. Tel: Waterstones, Dawson Street mond Quay - Dublin 1. Tel: Merrion Row - Dublin 2. Tel: Howth Harbour. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016607194. A legendary - Dublin 2. Tel: 016791260. 018787079. A very popular 016766235. A very popular 016779328. A traditional bar trad music pub that was loved Lovely scones and high-quality music bar and pub, this place spot for the circular lunch du The Boar’s Head. 149, that’s retained its atmosphere by The Dubliners, and is still cooking make this ideal for unusually comes to life on jour among the office crowd. Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel: through modernisation. Still popular today. enjoying a first flick through a Sunday afternoons and early 014752705. A very popular great for a singsong on special freshly-bought book. evenings. The Baggot Inn. 143, Lower spot for lunch and a pint, this is nights. Olesya’s Wine Bar. 18, Baggot Street - Dublin 2. Tel: also fun to visit after work. Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. Ron Black’s. 25, Dawson Soup Dragon. 168, 016618758. A much-loved The Front Lounge. 33, Tel: 016724087. Well-stocked Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel: older pub that’s received a The Brazen Head. 20, Parliament Street - Dublin 2. wine bar with a mix of Irish and 016728231‎. A still-chic cock- 018723277. A great place for successful renovation in recent Bridge Street - Dublin 8. Tel: Tel: 016704112. A relatively continental fare. tail and champagne bar. hearty and creative soups, as years. 016779549. Apparently the quiet – but nonetheless fun – well as some indulgent sweets. oldest pub in Dublin, this gay bar. Panama. 30, Batchelor’s Walk Rush Bar. 65, South Wil- The Bailey. 2, Duke Street, place does great food and has - Dublin 1. Tel: 018745730. liam Street – Dublin 2. Tel: The Bagel Factory. 33, Dublin 2. Tel: 016773055. This friendly staff. The FXB Bull & Castle. A Panamanian theme lends 016719542. It’s not as frantic Wicklow Street – Dublin2. Tel: hip place also serves a nice Christchurch Place - Dublin this Liffey-side pub plenty of as the name suggests, but 016334588. A great selection little food menu. The Capel Street Bridge. 2. Tel: 014751122. A huge character. that’s no criticism of this well- of bagels to take on the go. Lower Ormand Quay - Dublin gastropub with a great range of run bar. The Bank. 20-22, Col- 1. Tel: 016707744. A charming craft beers. Pantibar. 7-8, Capel Street - The Bagel Factory. 34, lege Green - Dublin 2. Tel: river-side café. Dublin 1. Tel: 018740710. The Sabotage. 14, Excheq- Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 016770677. This lovingly- The Gaiety Theatre. South fabulous Panti presides over uer Street – Dublin 2. Tel: 1. Tel: 018782935. Shoppers restored bank building now The Celt. 81, Talbot Street – King Street – Dublin 2. Tel: this popular gay bar. 016704789. A clothes shop surely appreciate this conven- houses a very popular bar and Dublin 1. Tel: 018788655. A 016771717. This stately old with some refreshingly different ient place for grabbing bagels restaurant. welcoming, traditional pub. theatre is host to some innova- Peter’s Pub. 1, Johnson Place looks on offer. on the go. tive shows and musicals. – Dublin 2. Tel: 01 6778588. The Bernard Shaw. 50/51, The Clarendon. 32, A Surprisingly cool little city- Shakes. 15, Dame Street – The Bagel Bar. Unit 1, South Richmond Street - Clarendon Street - Dublin 2. The Gingerman. 40, centre bar. Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Dublin’s Custom House Square, IFSC Dublin 2. Tel: 0857128342. Tel: 016170060. A stylish bar Fenian Street - Dublin 2. Tel: very first milkshake bar has a - Dublin 1. Tel: 016739923. Imagine an old-man bar on with some nice grub during 016766388. Inspired by the JP Queen of Tarts. 3-4, wealth of recipes to choose Great value bagels are served powerful hallucinogens. It’s bet- lunchtime and early evening. Dunleavy novel, this place has Cow’s Lane - Dublin 2. Tel: from and very efficient staff. with a smile at this Docklands ter than you think. a strong literary theme and a 016334681. Known inter- place. The Cobblestone. 77, North warm, moody atmosphere. Red Rose Café nationally for both savoury Shebeen Chic. 4, South The Bleeding Horse. 24, King Street - Dublin 7. Tel: tarts and sweet treats. This is Great George’s Street - Dublin The Bagel Factory. Lower Camden Street Upper - Dublin 018721799. The Northside The Globe. 11, South Great 23, Dawson Street – Dublin 2 the larger of the two twinned 2. Tel: 016799667. Don’t let Mayor Street, IFSC - Dublin 1. 2. Tel: 014752705. One of spot for Irish traditional music. Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Opened where a branch of O’Brien’s Sandwich Bars once stood, The restaurants, and the original the shabby décor fool you – Tel: 016119730. There’s plenty the oldest pubs in the city, Trust us. 016711220. Also home to the Red Rose Café has taken back a little corner of Dublin 2 to open a small, friendly little coffee shop and sandwich bar. Staff are as friendly and Queen of Tarts is based on this is a very happening bar of variety in the bagels from this place is spacious, grand popular student night Rí-Rá, efficient as you could wish for, and they’ve managed to get an impres- Dame Street. and restaurant. here, along with seating room if and lively. The Confession Box. the globe is a consistently- sive amount of comfy seating into the building. Bagels start at €4.50 you want to eat in. Malborough Street – Dublin 1. packed bar with a friendly vibe and sandwiches are available from €3.95, though we splash out for Red Rose Café. 23, Dawson Simon’s Place. 22, South The Bloody Stream. 14, Tel: N/A. Don’t be put off by all round. the brie, bacon and cranberry effort at €4.25. They’ve also got a great Street. Tel: 0863704873. A Great George’s Street - Dublin West Pier, Howth – Dublin the genuinely teeny interior. range of smoothies for €3.80 – the ‘blueberry startie’ is an innovative cosy, welcoming café has taken 2. Tel: 016797821. A bohe- 13. Tel: 018395076. A cosy Staff is efficient, and it’s great (and tasty!) recipe. on the space once occupied by mian café with lots of charm pub that makes the most of its fun here once the trad session Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 07:00 (08:00 Saturday, 09:00 Sunday) to 18:00 (17:00 Sunday). an O’Brien’s sandwich bar. and delightful cheesecake. setting, just a few short yards gets going.

32 33 BEST OF DUBLIN free Present this The Good Bits. 1, Store The Ormond Wine Bar. 6, The Stag’s Head. 1, The Streat. The Campshires, Toss’d. CHQ Building, Custom Bar Italia. 26, Bloom’s coupon for a free Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Ormond Quay Upper - Dublin Dame Court - Dublin 2. Tel: North Wall Quay - Dublin 1. House Quay, Docklands – Dub- Lane, Lower Ormond Quay - dessert with any 018197635. Formerly known 7. Tel: 018749778. A recently- 016793701. Space is at a Tel: 016700073. A nice little lin 1. Tel: 018291607. A great Dublin 1. Tel: 018741000. An main course. as Radio City, this live venue opened gem, this place has premium here but it’s worth café for grabbing a quick coffee place for fresh noodles and unpretentious Italian restaurant remains hugely popular. frankly stunning décor and a persevering – once you sit and watching the Docklands salads, Toss’d gets particularly with authentic, well-prepared great range of wines. down, this old-school pub is traffic passing. busy at lunchtime. ingredients. The Hairy Lemon. 42, Lower impossible to leave. Stephen Street - Dublin 2. Tel: The Pembroke. 31-32, Low- The Sweetest Thing. 17, Tower Records. 8, Wick- Boojum. Millenium Walkway, 016797724. An extensive pub er Pembroke Street – Dublin The Temple Bar. 2, Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. low Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: with plenty of nooks and cran- 2. Tel: N/A. A handily-located Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 018720233. It’s high time 016713250. A great place to 018729499. A great little nies for a quiet conversation. pub with plenty of character 016725286. A consistently there was a dedicated choco- pick up interesting music, with a burrito bar, which even offers and some interesting design packed tourist pub, this of- late café in the heart of Dublin, massive selection of DVDs too. frozen margaritas. The International. 23, features. fers live music and plenty of we say. These folks agree. Wicklow Street - Dublin 2. Tel: atmosphere. Urban Outfitters. Cecilia Brasserie Sixty6. 66, 016779250. Home to the leg- The Plough. Lower Abbey The Temple Bar Hotel. Street, Temple Bar – Dublin 2. George’s Street – Dublin 2. Tel: endary International Comedy Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. A The Turks Head. Junction 13-17, Fleet Street, Temple Bar Tel: 016706202. A shop that’s 014005878. A popular spot Club and a very nice little bar in cosy and charming pub that of Parliament Street and Essex - Dublin 2. Tel: 016773333. loaded with cool clothes, music for dinner and cocktails, this its own right. reopened its doors to a grateful Gate, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Handy, centrally-located hotel and general bits-and-bobs. place also has a highly-regarded public in 2008. Tel: 876764657. Criminally with some good last-minute brunch to offer. The Market Bar. 14a, underrated nightspot with lash- deals. West Coast Coffee. Fade Street - Dublin 2. Tel: The Porter House. 16-18, ings of atmosphere and a fun Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. Tel: Broadway Pizza Parlor. 016139094. No piped Parliament Street - Dublin 2. crowd. The Windjammer. 8-10, N/A. A lovely little spot to enjoy Unit 6, Custom House music, a tapas menu, and a sur- Tel: 016798495. You’ll find a Townsend Street - Dublin 2. good coffee while looking out Square, IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: real decorative display of foot breathtaking array of beers at The Village. 26, Wex- Tel: 016772576. A popular onto the Liffey. 016721812. It’s always buzzing measures. You can’t accuse it this massive pub/brewery. ford Street - Dublin 2. Tel: early house and generally at this place – taste the pizzas of being unoriginal! 014758555. A worthy addition welcoming pub at any time. Whelans. 25, Wexford Street or calzonés to find out why. The Portobello. 33, Rich- to the Camden/Wicklow Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 014780766. A The Old Stand. 37, Ex- mond Street South - Dublin 2. Strip, this place has booze, TGI Fridays. St Stephens long-standing indie music pub, Cactus Jacks. Millenium chequer Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 014752715. The canal-side music and atmosphere in Green West - Dublin 2. Tel: this place is increasingly featur- Walkway, Middle Abbey Street - 016777220. Apparently a fa- location makes this pub a very abundance. 014781233. Cheap cocktails ing innovative live acts. Dublin 1. Tel: 018746198. Fun The Harbourmaster voured haunt of Michael Collins nice spot on sunny days. and a consistently-lively Tex-Mex spot with an outlet in in the day, you’ll see why from The Woolshed. Unit 4, atmosphere make this a handy Galway. Great margaritas. Custom House Dock - Dublin 1 a visit to this traditional pub. The Purty Kitchen. 34, Es- Parnell Centre, Parnell Street hangout for the young. Dinner Tel: 016701688 sex Street East - Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018724325. A Café Azteca. 19-22, Lord Web: www.harbourmaster.ie The Olympia Theatre. 172, 016770945. A large pub and popular sports bar with many Tiffin Café. 4, Moles- 101 Talbot. 101, Talbot Street Edward Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Re-opened under new management, The Harbourmaster has once again started to cram in docklanders like nothing ever interrupted Dame Street – Dublin 2. Tel: club with live music. drinks promotions on quieter worth Place – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018745011. 016709476. Great burritos and their flow to the bar and restaurant. The setting - the old harbour 016793323. The popular live nights. 016761040. A friendly little Fresh and contemporary Irish, more are on offer from this master’s office - is still striking, and the renovation of the space has venue and theatre still heaves The Quays. 11-12, Temple Bar spot for soup or a sandwich. continental and African cuisine. informal restaurant. managed to preserve the traditional pub feel with lots of nooks and with action on gig nights. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016713922. The Vaults. 1, Harbourmaster crannies, while adding a more modern dining space. The food, a mix Get over the griping about Place, IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: Acapulco. 7, South Great of Irish and international dishes, has plenty of charm: we plump for the Temple Bar being a tourist trap, 016054700. This sprawling Georges Street - Dublin 2. confit of duck every time. Here’s a daytime tip - they offer one of the and you’ll find this pub very venue features a restaurant, Tel: 016770733. Popular Tex best cheap cups of coffee in the little café on the side of the building. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to 23:30 (12:00 nice for a night out. bar, and late night club at Mex establishment with quality to 00:30 Friday and Saturday, 12:00 to 19:00 Sunday). Food served weekends. ingredients. from 12:00 to 20:30 21:00 Thursday to Saturday, 18:00 Sunday).

34 35 BEST OF DUBLIN

Café Carlo. 63, O’Connell Carluccio’s. 52, Daw- Diep Le Shaker. 55, with delicious salads, innovative Hell. 36, Wexford Street – Just off Francis. 78, Kudos. Clarion Hotel, IFSC - La Cave. 28, Anne Street Street – Dublin 1. Tel: son Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Pembroke Lane - Dublin 2. pizzas and other treats ensures Dublin 2. Tel: 1890456666. A Thomas Street – Dublin 8. Tel: Dublin 1. Tel: 014338866. The South - Dublin 2. Tel: 018880856. You can get more 016333957. The first Irish Tel: 016611829. This trendy Gotham is packed out even on recently opened gem of a pizza 014738807. A welcoming little Clarion’s Kudos restaurant has 016794409. Long standing than just Italian stuff at this branch of a popular UK chain, Thai place is one of the most weeknights. A great place for a place, offering both eat-in and restaurant doing high-quality considerable style. wine bar and restaurant with a cosy, central spot – they do this venue blends a coffee shop, consistently good restaurants at weekend brunch. take-away deals. food at pocket-friendly prices. loyal clientele. some mean Irish dishes too. foodhall and Italian restaurant. any stage in the day. Kylemore at the Spire. Govindas. 83, Middle Il Posto. 10, Stephen’s Green Koh. 7, Jervis Street, Mil- 1, Upper O’Connell Street – La Maison. 15, Castle Market Café Irie. 11, Fownes Street Chapter 1. 18, Parnell Dunne & Crescenzi. 16, Abbey Street - Dublin 1. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016794769. lenium Walkway - Dublin 1. Dublin 1. Tel: 018780498. - Dublin 2. Tel: 01727258. A - Dublin 2. Tel: 016725090. Square North - Dublin 1. Tel: South Frederick St - Dublin 2. Tel: 018727463. Vegetarian Outstanding Italian food is on Tel: 018146777. This Thai This Dublin institution has dedicated French restaurant Indie-esque coffee shop and 018732266. Quite possibly the Tel: 016773463. Popular Italian restaurant with a varied menu. offer here in a very atmos- restaurant and cocktail bar has benefited greatly from a major opened where the much-loved sandwich bar which shares a best restaurant in this fine city. wine bar and restaurant, with an Branches are also on Merrion pheric underground dining a constant hum of activity. sprucing-up. Maison des Gourmets once building with lots of intriguing Top food at very competitive extensive range. Row and Aungier Street. room. stood. stores. prices. Kokoro Sushi Bento. 19, L’Gueuleton. 1, Fade Street Fallon & Byrne. 2, Green Nineteen. 19, Jade. 27, Little Mary Street - Lower Liffey Street – Dublin 1. – Dublin 2. Tel: 016753708. La Med. 22, East Essex Street Café Mao. 2-3, Chatham Row Chatham Brasserie. Exchequer Street - Dublin 2. Camden Street Lower - Dublin Dublin 7. Tel: 018874468. This Tel: 018728787. A great new Long a stalwart of the Dublin – Dublin 2. Tel: 016707358. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016704899. An Chatham Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 014721000. A mix of wine 2. Tel: 014789626. Popular Chinese restaurant is one of place for reasonably-priced dining scene, this restaurant This promises a bit of sunshine excellent Asian restaurant, with 016790055. A new new-york bar, gourmet food hall and good value restaurant. All main Dublin’s many ‘hidden gems’, sushi. does great French Cuisine. and delivers with a selection of a branch in Dun Laoghaire too. style restaurant with a twist of high-class restaurant, this place courses cost €10. and uses no MSGs in its food. Italian and international dishes. personality. Ideal for brunch. is packed with little treats for Cafe Novo. The Westbury yourself. Gruel. 68, Dame Street - Hotel, Harry Street - Dublin 2. Chez Max. 133, Baggot Street Dublin, 2. Tel: 016707119. Tel: 016463353. An elegant - Dublin 4. Tel: 016618899. Fire. Mansion House, Wilfully unpretentious and restaurant in one of the city’s Max’s full-scale bistro is one Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: hearty food. The ‘roast in a roll’ most-loved hotels. of the nicest spots on Baggot 016767200. Fire has food to is a lunchtime treat. Street. do its beautiful setting justice. Cafébardeli. 12, South Great The flatbreads are particularly Hard Rock Cafè. 12, Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Chez Max. 1, Palace Street - worth a try. Fleet Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 016771646. A lively restaurant Dublin 2. Tel: 016337215. A 016717777. Dublin’s outlet of with a great range of salads, wonderful little French bistro, Flanagan’s. 61, Upper the popular franchise does well pizzas and other treats. with an intimate atmosphere. O’Connell Street – Dublin 1. from both tourists and temple Tel: 8731388. A great family bar revellers in need of a refuel. Captain Americas. 44, Ciao Bella Roma. 25, restaurant in the shadow of Grafton St - Dublin 2. Tel: Parliament Street - Dublin 2. Tel: the spire. Harry’s Mediterra- 016715266. Long-standing 016770004. A great place for a nean Cafe & Wine Bar. 22, American style cookhouse late night, sit-down pizza that’s FXB Restaurant. 2, Lower Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: and bar. fresh and authentic. Pembroke Street – Dublin 2. 012808337. Popular post-work Tel: 016764606. A high-quality café bar with a branch in Dun Casanostra. 85, Malbor- Cornucopia. 19 Wick- steakhouse that also does a Laoghaire. ough Street – Dublin 1. Tel: low Street - Dublin 2. Tel: mean bit of seafood and offers 018728143. A relatively new 016777583. An all-vegetarian great value. Havana. Georges Street - Italian kid on the block. restaurant with lots of tricks Dublin 2. Tel: 014005990. An up its sleeve. Also offers a Gotham Café. 8, South unpretentious tapas bar with a cookbook for sale if the recipes Anne Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Cuban twist. appeal to you. 016795266. A menu packed

36 BEST OF DUBLIN

Lagoona. Mayor Square, Mongolian BBQ. 7, branch of the O’Brien’s chain is Ray’s Pizza. Upper Fownes Siam Thai. 14-15, St An- Sushi King. 13, Daw- The Angler’s Rest. Strawber- The Chilli Club. 1 Anne’s IFSC - Dublin 1. Tel: Anglesea Street - Dublin 2. Tel: hard to beat. Street, Temple Bar – Dublin 2. drew’s Street – Dublin 2. Tel: son Street - Dublin 2. Tel: ry Beds, Castleknock – County Lane, South Anne Street - 017918928. A burger and 016703802. An all-you-can eat Tel: N/A. Filling the pizza-slice- 016773363. Fresh, healthy and 016752000. You can grab Dublin. Tel: 018204351. French Dublin 2. Tel: 016773721. a pint from here is an unex- restaurant with fresh Mongolian Odessa. 13, Dame Court - sized void since the demise of enjoyable Thai cuisine is served a seat at this outlet from the elegance is the predominant Reportedly Dublin’s first Thai pected delight. fare cooked in front of you. Dublin 2. Tel: 016707634. A Difontaine’s, this place does amid stylish surroundings. increasingly-popular Sushi theme at this easy-going restaurant, and still a popular mouth-watering menu and a very nice pizzas to eat in or King. restaurant. choice. Le Bon Crubeen. 81-82, Munchies. Millenium laid back atmosphere makes take away. Soho. 17, South Great Talbot Street - Dublin 1. Tel: Walkway, Middle Abbey Street this a perfect ‘unwinding’ Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Swai. Unit B, The Campshires, The Bad Ass Café. Temple The Coffee Co. 13, Dame 017040126. A stylish and - Dublin 1. Tel: 018733455. restaurant. Rolys Bistro. 7, Ballsbridge 017079596. American-style North Wall Quay - Dublin 1. Bar Square, Temple Bar - Dublin Street – Dublin 2. Tel: (thank heavens) affordable The perfect spot for grabbing a Terrace - Dublin 4. Tel: diner food done with a bit of Tel: 018561633. A modern 2. Tel: 016712596. There are 016797141. This place does brasserie, and a welcome addi- quick and healthy sandwich on One Pico. 5/6, Moles- 016682611. Another Dublin in- class and creativity. Malaysian restaurant set with great pizzas to be tasted, along exactly what it says on the tin: a tion to the northside. your break. worth Place - Dublin 2. Tel: stitution, Roly’s is best enjoyed views over the Liffey. with plenty of unpretentious great cup of the black stuff. 016760300. A delightful little at quiet lunchtimes. However, Sushi King. Baggot Street fare at this spot in Temple Bar Lemon. 66, South William MYO. Lower Mayor Street, IFSC restaurant, that knows it’s a there’s a nice lively feel at the Dublin 2. Tel: 016449836. Taste. 39, South William Street Square. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 016721031. little bit special. Great French- evening sitting. Cheap – and tasty – sushi will – Dublin 2. Tel: 016798475. The Epicurean Food Hall. 016729044. Before a host Create your own wraps, sand- influenced food. always appeal to tastebuds. Simple, straightforward-but- The Cedar Tree. 11, St Corner of Liffey Street and of pretenders started serving wiches or even pizzas from a Pacino’s. 18, Suffolk Street Saagar Indian Restau- This smaller Baggot place is tasty food served up by friendly Andrew’s Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Middle Abbey Street – Dublin crepes, there was this place, good buffet of ingredients at - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775651. A rant. 16, Harcourt Street ideal for grab-and-go. staff. 016772121. An authentic Leba- 1. Tel: N/A. You’ll find a great which is still dishing up savoury this innovative new spot. very lively Italian restaurant and – Dublin 2. Tel: 014755060. nese restaurant with a rich and selection of food from across a and sweet snacks from South club just off Grafton Street. It’s more than just late-night intriguing décor. An early bird range of traditions at this hall. William Street. New York Grind. 5, Excise revellers that enjoy the fine menu also offers good value. Walk, Clarion Quay - Dublin Pasta Fresca. 2, Chatham Indian fare at this restaurant. Mamma’s Pizza. 4, Talbot 1. Tel: 016360110. A pretty Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Street – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. good recreation of the classic 016792402. Good value, Saba. 26-28, Clarendon Street Quick, hearty pizza on the go Big Apple diner, NYG is known fresh Italian food in the heart - Dublin 2. Tel: 016792000. Macturcaill’s will float anyone’s proverbial for doing a mean brunch and of the city. One of Dublin’s coolest Thai boat. some tasty wraps. restaurants, with an award win- 15, Townsend Street - Dublin 2 Peploe’s Wine Bistro. 16, ning cocktail bar to boot. 016790981 Milano. 38, Dawson Street - Nude. 21, Suffolk Street – St Stephen’s Green - Dublin A welcoming, family-run pub that’s just-far-enough Dublin 2. Tel: 016707744. The Dublin 2. Tel: 016774804. 2. Tel: 016763144. Lovingly Salamanca. 1, St Andrew’s off the beaten track to feel like an oasis from Dublin city centre’s bustle, Macturcaill’s has an old-school first outlet of Milano’s (Pizza The original uber-wholesome, decorated restaurant set below Street - Dublin 2. Tel: décor that avoids tackiness and hugely welcom- Express in the UK) to make it organic café-cum restaurant. a Georgian home. The menu is 016774799. A fantastic long- ing staff that make anyone feel at home. In addi- over to these shores. also packed with variety. standing tapas restaurant. tion to a fine pint, you’ll also find this pub offering Nyonya Malaysian Res- Doesn’t usually take reserva- a carvery lunch that’s hugely popular among local Milano. 19, East Essex Street, taurant. 76, Dame Street tions. office workers, and an evening a la carte menu too. Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: – Dublin 2. Tel: 016707200. Pichet. 14-15, Trinity Street They’re pulling out the stops for private parties in 016703384. A great place for a Genuine dedication to quality – Dublin 2. Tel: 016771060. Samsara Café Bar. 35, particular this month: for pre-booked groups of 30 or more, all pints cost a mere €3.50, and a two-for- quick pizza in Temple Bar. and authenticity makes this A popular restaurant and café Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: one deal is running on their tasty platters. place a little bit special. with a modern dining room. 016774444. Thai food café Opening hours: Open Monday to Saturday, from Milano. 6, Excise Walk, bar, with a strong cocktail 12:00 to 23:30 (00:30 Thursdays, 01:30 Friday Clarion Quay - Dublin 1. Tel: O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar. Pinocchio. Luas Kiosk, menu. and Saturday). Lunch served Monday to Friday from 016119012. A spacious and Custom House Square, Dock- Ranelagh – Dublin 6. Tel: 12:00 to 15:00, dinner from 17:00 to 20:30 (19:30 airy branch of the successful lands – Dublin 1. Tel: N/A. 014722444. A very authentic Monday and Tuesday). Saturday menu served from Milanos chain. The sausage toastie from this Italian restaurant and wine bar. 13:00 to 19:00.

38 39 BEST OF DUBLIN

The Exchequer. 3-5, Ex- The Winding Stair. 40, Low- Venu. 2, Anne’s Lane, South Brannigans. Cathedral Dakota. 9, South Wil- Enoteca delle Langhe. Graingers. 51, Talbot Street James Joyce Café Bar and chequer Street - Dublin 2. Tel: er Ormond Quay - Dublin 1. Anne Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Street - Dublin 1. Tel: liam Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Blooms Lane - Dublin 1. Tel: - Dublin 1. Tel: 018363249‎. Ulysses Venue. 52, Middle 016706856. Brilliantly restored Tel: 018726576. The restaurant 016706755. This brasserie- 018725315. An old-school 016727690. This trendy place 018880834. A welcoming and A great place for a slightly-off- Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: hotel bar with a very strong above this well-loved bookshop cum-cocktail bar is nothing if Northside pub with a friendly still packs them in on Fridays – authentic Italian wine bar. the-beaten-track pint. 018728188. A lively and fun food menu using Irish-sourced has gone all upmarket in recent not stylish, with both the food welcome. it’s just as nice for a lunchtime café bar with a great food ingredients. years, with considerable suc- and cocktail menus having visit if you don’t fancy a crowd. Fitzsimons Bar and Ho- Hogans. 35, South Great menu and a tasty selection of cess. Some great value lunch plenty of appeal. Bruxelles. 7-8, Harry Street tel. 21-22, Wellington Quay, Georges Street - Dublin 2. cocktails, plus regular gigs and The Farm. 3, Dawson Street deals are on offer. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775362. Davy Byrnes. 21, Duke Street Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 016775904. The former club nights. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016718654. Wolfes. 153, Capel Street A favoured indie/metal music - Dublin 2. Tel: 016775217. 016779315. Even if you’re not jazz club is beloved by the This organic-themed restaurant Thunder Road Café. Fleet - Dublin 1. Tel: 018749570. bar, this place gets packed out A literary pub with a great bar looking for a room, the relaxing over-thirties, and rightly so: it’s J McNeill’s. 140, Capel Street also has a pleasant little cocktail Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. This lovely little food and wine by 18:00 most evenings. food menu. bar is a nice place to spend an still wonderfully mellow and the - Dublin 1. Tel: 018747679. menu. Tel: 016794057. A big restau- store has a cosy feel and plenty evening. service is top-notch. Another popular bar on the rant with big portions and big of treats - it’s now serving Capitol. 18/19, Lower Devitt’s. 2, Upper Camden perpetually-rocking Capel The Italian Connection. rock’n’roll playing. dinner too. Stephen Street - Dublin 2. Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Gilbert & Wright, Jack Nealon’s pub. 165, Street Strip. 95, Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 014757166. A popular 014753414. These guys do Swords. Unit 14, The Plaza, Capel Street - Dublin 1. Tel: Tel: 018787125. A lovely, Toscana. 3, Cork Hill Yamamori Sushi. 38-39, cocktail bar, particularly with old-school service – and very Swords – County Dublin. Tel: 018723247. Nealon’s tradi- Kate’s Cottage. 1, Amiens wholesome restaurant with a Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Lower Ormond Quay - Dublin the younger crowd – we think well, thanks very much – along 018408400. A relaxed, cool tional pub is a welcome – and Street - Dublin 1. Tel: cosy dining room. 016709785. Authentic Tuscan 1. Tel: 018720003. Excellent drinks for €5 may have some- one of the trendiest streets in bar has been one of the best welcoming - sight in these 871315291. A traditional Irish food served in very-pleasant spot for sushi from the same thing to do with it. the city. venues in Swords since it parts. pub with a warm atmosphere. The Mill Stone. 39, surroundings. folks behind the George’s opened in 2007. Dame Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Street restaurant. Cassidys. 42, Lower Camden 016799931. An intimate, warm Toto. 8, Talbot Street – Dublin Street Lower – Dublin 2. Tel: restaurant with some surpris- 1. Tel: N/A. A surprisingly nice Yo’Sushi. Brown Thomas, 014756540. Another welcom- ingly creative pizzas. restaurant and pizzeria. Clarendon Street - Dublin ing traditional bar. 2. Tel: 016728950. A sushi The Pig’s Ear. 4, Nas- Town Bar & Grill. 21, bar made unmissable by the Centre Stage Cafe. 6, sua Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Kildare Street - Dublin 2. Tel: charming addition of a con- Parliament Street - Dublin 016703865. An excellent new 016624800. A fun New York veyor belt carrying the food. 2. Tel: 016703390. A lovely little bistro, with hearty fare style eatery, Town’s strong It’s also quite affordable by little café-cum-pub with lots of and charming views of Trinity menu and service ensures it Dublin standards. atmosphere. College. packs out most evenings. Citibar. 46-49, Dame Street The Steps of Rome. 1, Trocadero. 3, St Andrew’s After Dinner – Dublin 2. Tel: 016794455. OneMoreRobot Chatham Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Street – Dublin 2. Tel: An enjoyable bar, club, and THE NEW ISSUE 016705630. A great place for 016775545. The famous res- 4 Dame Lane. 4, Dame Lane hotel located right at the heart hot slices of pizza to go. taurant for a special pre-theatre - Dublin 2. Tel: 016790291. of things – their ‘Irish tapas’ is meal is still going strong. Yummy cocktails and great DJs also an interesting twist. Dublin’s sonic boom! The Unicorn. 12, Mer- make this place a winner. FEATURING 17 BAND PROFILES AND INTERVIEWS rion Row - Dublin 2. Tel: Copper Alley Bistro. 2, 016624757. Established long BiaBar. 30, Lower Stephens Lord Edward Street – Dublin ago and still going strong, the Street - Dublin 2. Tel: 2. Tel: 0167965000. Linked to AVAILABLE FROM: TROUT RECORDS (GEORGE’S STREET ARCADE ) Unicorn repays Dubliners’ 014053653. Appealing food, the Harding Hotel, this place ALL CITY (CROW STREET) continued affection with hearty great drinks on tap, and live has a great menu which isn’t SUB CITY (EXCHEQUER STREET ) Italian fare. music are on offer here. too pricey either. FREEBIRD RECORDS (WICKLOW STREET) THE RECORD, ART & GAME EMPORIUM (FADE STREET ) 40 BEST OF DUBLIN

Kehoe’s. 7, South Anne Street food menu and some excellent attracts a reasonably young The Arlington Hotel The Dice Bar. 79, Queen The Flowing Tide/Neptune The Harbourmaster. The Marble Bar. The West- – Dublin 2. Tel: 016778312. A Messrs-brewed beers. crowd for some great music and Legends. 16, Lord Street, Smithfield - Dublin 7. Bar. 9, Abbey Street Lower - Customs House Dock, IFSC bury Hotel, Harry Street - Dub- welcoming, popular pub just off nights. Edward Street, Dublin 2. Tel: Tel: 016746710. Part-owned Dublin 1. Tel: 018744108. Very - Dublin 1. Tel: 016701688. lin 2. Tel: 016791122. Just off Grafton Street. Metro. 43, South Wil- 016708777. A popular tourist by fun loving criminal Huey popular with the post-theatre Great coffee by day and a Grafton Street lies one of the liam Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Pygmalion. Powerscourt hotel with Irish dancing seven Morgan, this cool little bar has crowd, and home to a comedy crackling atmosphere by night most relaxing and best-staffed Knightsbridge Bar. Bach- 016794515. A coffee shop Townhouse Centre, South nights a week. a lot of noo yawk charm. club that’s generating consider- make this a winner. cocktail bars in the city. elors Walk, O’Connell Bridge that feels like it’s been here for William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: able buzz. – Dublin 1. Tel: 014970111. A decades. Lovely expresso, even 014539890. This place has The Abbey Theatre. 26, The Dragon. 64, South Great The Hut. 159, Phibsboro The Mint Bar. Westin welcoming traditional-style pub. lovelier leather seating. taken over Bar Mizu’s prime lower Abbey Street – Dublin 1. George’s Street - Dublin 2. The Grafton Lounge. Road, Phibsboro – Dublin 7. Hotel, Westmoreland Street - location, and offers a great Tel: 018962335. Ireland’s Na- Tel: 014781590. A relatively Unit 2, Royal Hibernian Way, Tel: 018302238. A decidedly Dublin 2. Tel: 016451322. This Lemon Jelly. 11, Essex O’Donoghue’s. Suffolk Street atmosphere. tional Theatre is well-furnished new kid on the gay bar block, Dawson Street – Dublin 2. old school bar – in a good way. underground bar has a cosy Street East - Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016770605. A and has plenty going on. this pub has a packed event Tel: 016796260. Opened Friendly service and a fine pint atmosphere and great drinks – 016776297. Delicious crepes very popular spot with people Q-Bar. 1-2, Burgh Quay - programme. where the popular Cocoon of Guinness are both on offer. try the elderflower Collins. and more are available at this who want that ‘local pub’ feel Dublin 2. Tel: 016777835. The Church. Junction of Mary once stood, this has a rather trendy café. in Dublin 2. One of the first places to serve Street and Jervis Street - Dublin The Duke. 8-9, Duke Street more laid-back feel than its The Long Hall. 51, South The Pavilion Bar. Trinity good-quality cocktails at prices 1. Tel: 018280102. Excellent - Dublin 2. Tel: 876764657. predecessor. Great Georges Street - Dublin College – Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. Lincolns Inn. 18-19, O’Neills. 2, Suffolk Street – to compete with a pint, Q-Bar pub-cum-restaurant-cum-club A nice large traditional pub 2. Tel: 014751590. A popular One of the cheapest places in Lincoln Place - Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 016793656. A is still a fun venue. that ticks all the boxes. with good service and a trad pub with impeccable traditional the city, the Pav is a hot spot 016762044. A classic old pub sprawling pub with oodles of evening on Sundays. credentials. for students and those who still that’s been redecorated with atmosphere and a mean selec- Solas. 31, Wexford Street The Clarence Hotel. 6-8, wish they were. considerable élan. tion of gourmet beers. - Dublin 2. Tel: 014780583. Wellington Quay - Dublin 2. A cocktail bar with a bit of Tel: 014070800. One of the Lotts Bar. 9, Lower O’Reilly’s. Tara Street Station outsider charm – and a very city’s best hotels and home to Liffey Street - Dublin 1. Tel: – Dublin 2. Tel: 016716769. nice lunch menu. both the Tea Rooms and the 018727669. A mixed décor of This place offers great value on Octagon Bar. Doyles a traditional and modern café pints and cocktails, and has an South William. 52, South 9, College Street – Dublin 2 bar, and a trendy crowd. interesting décor too. William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: The Czech Inn. Essex Gate, Tel: 016710616 016725946. Trendy club with Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Stroll into Doyles on any given afternoon and it’s hard to see Madigans. 25, North O’Sheas. 19, Talbot Street a pie-themed food menu, 016711535. Czech-themed bar at first glance how this easy-going pub with traditional fittings Earl Street - Dublin 1. Tel: – Dublin 1. Tel: 018365670. extensive cocktails and varied with plenty to appeal to eve- has been one of the most popular student hangouts since 018746362. A very casual, A veritable treasure trove of club nights. ryone, including an extensive time immemorial. It makes sense when you think about it, laid-back pub. a pub, with many cosy little beer range. though. The location – within five minutes of Trinity College – plays its part, of course, as does the upstairs room: it hosts spaces. Sufi’s Café. 45-50, Lower late events all through the week, including the Ruby Sessions McDaids. 7, Harry Street - Stephen Street – Dublin 2. Tel: The Dawson Lounge. 25, (a great singer-songwriter night) on Tuesdays, and DJs who Dublin 2. Tel: 016794395. A Oliver St John Gogarty’s. 016798577. A continental- Dawson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: know how to mix indie and alternative tunes with a touch of haunt of no less than Brendan Fleet Street, Temple Bar - style café with a secluded 016771487. An antidote to quality pop. The Ha Ha Comedy Club upstairs on Sundays is Behan in its day, this is one of Dublin 2. Tel: 016711822. atmosphere. the trendiness of the Dawson also well worth a look. If you’re more in the mood for a quiet the oldest pubs in the city and A traditional pub that’s very Street strip, The Dawson evening, though, the ground floor bar remains laid-back even one of the best. popular with tourists. Sweeney’s. 2, Dame Street lounge claims to be the when it’s packed and is a great place to watch any matches taking place before pulling a late one. They’ve also started - Dublin 2. Tel: 016350058. smallest pub in the city. We serving good pub grub in the evenings to match an already Messrs Maguire. 1-2, Peadar Kearney’s. 64, The boutique hotel-cum- believe it. highly-regarded lunch menu, and there’s a spacious room Burgh Quay - Dublin 2. Tel: Dame Street – Dublin 2. Tel: cocktail bar and Jazz club has available to hire for private functions. Little wonder, then, that 018041205. A massive pub set 016753971. Looking on the recently undergone a very this place is becoming popular outside student circles too. on many levels, with a good bar outside like any salty boozer, good revamp. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 12:00 to Peadar Kearney’s actually 02:30 (23:00 Sunday). 42 43 BEST OF DUBLIN

The Pint. 28, Aston Quay fancy the full-on Temple Bar Club Nassua. 1-2, Nas- Jacob’s Inn Hostel. 21, spending market, and hitting it Rí-Rá. 11, South Great - Dublin 2. Tel: 018745255. night out. sua Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Talbot Place – Dublin 1. Tel: right on the button. Georges Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Neighbourhood bar with a 016794388. The ‘home of 018555660. A welcoming, 016711220. A hugely popular varied live music mix. Ukiyo. 7-9, Exchequer Street the slow set’ plays old school youth-orientated hostel. Lillies Bordello. Adam student nightclub. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016334071. hits from the 1980s and other Court, Grafton Street - Dublin The Port House. 64, South Karaoke, sushi and cocktails decades every week. Kinlay House Hostel. 2-12, 2. Tel: 016799204. The Ripley Court Hotel. 37, William Street - Dublin 2. Tel: may be an unconventional Lord Edward Street – Dublin 2. playground for the super-rich Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 016770298. A gorgeous little recipe, but it certainly works. Copper Face Jacks. 29, Tel: 016796644. A very handy is increasingly letting in the 018365892. A new three-star tapas bar with candlelight, and Harcourt Street - Dublin 2. Tel: place to kip just off the edge of hoi-polloi. Just don’t try ap- hotel based in the centre of some innovative dishes. Wright Findlater 867816251. Many a romance Dame Street. proaching the celebs. the city. Howth. Findlater House, has begun (and ended) in this The Morgan Hotel. The Howth – County Dublin. Tel: heaving Dublin club. Harding Hotel. Fishamble Mezza. 13, Parliament Street Sin. 17-19, Sycamore Street Morgan Hotel, 10, Fleet Street - 018324488. A striking outdoor Street, Christchurch - Dublin 2. - Dublin 2. Tel: 016706424. - Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: Dublin 2. Tel: 014757166. This facade offers a hint at the styl- Crawdaddy. Old Harcourt Tel: 016796500. This place has Late night Lebanese cuisine is 016334232. Uber-popular place is very popular, and it’s ish café bar that lies within. Street Train Station, Harcourt all the benefits of a location just understandably popular. Temple Bar nightclub with a easy to see why – the cocktails Street - Dublin 2. Tel: on the edge of Temple bar, but mixed music policy. are frankly fantastic. 014780225. An intimate live without all the noise you’d get Molloy’s. 59, Talbot Street – Late Night venue downstairs at the POD right in the centre of it. Dublin 1. Tel: 018550017. An The Academy. 57, Middle The Odeon. 57, Harcourt complex. old-school Irish pub. Abbey Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Abbey Court Hostel. 29, Hotel Isaacs. 1, Store Street 014751895. A cool club and 014782088. With more room Bachelor’s Walk – Dublin 1. Day’s Inn. 95-98, Talbot – Dublin 1. Tel: 018134700. North Star Hotel. live venue that makes the most to breathe, you can appreciate Tel: 018780700. Good budget Street – Dublin 1. Tel: A handy little hotel for anyone Amiens Street, Dublin 1. Tel: of its space. the wonderfully restored décor accommodation by the Liffey 018749202. A handily lo- in the O’Connell Street area, 018363136. A convenient of this place all the better – ar- with free wifi. cated hotel, particularly for 02 with a great live venue in The location makes this an ideal The Button Factory. Curved rive before the late-night rush. concert-goers. Good Bits. place for travellers by bus. Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Brooks Hotel. 59-63, Tel: 016709202. The refur- The Palace Bar. 21, Fleet Drury Street – Dublin 2. Tel: Gilbert & Wright, Howl at the Moon. 7-8, O’Shea’s Hotel. 19, bished and revamped Temple Street, Temple Bar - Dublin 2. 012788093. A boutique hotel Dun Laoghaire. 128, Lower Mount Street - Dublin 2. Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Bar Music Centre is a great Bowes Tel: 016717388. One of the just off Grafton Street, you say? Lower Georges Street, Dun Tel: 016345460. A spacious 014568901. A hotel promising place for smaller gigs. 31, Fleet Street – Dublin 2. most welcoming traditional Yeah, we’ll take that. Laoghaire – County Dublin. club with many levels – and great food, drink and fun within Tel: 016714038 pubs to survive in Dublin city Tel: 016636148. One of the lots going on most evenings. walking distance of O’Connell The Drury Court Hotel. The sister pub to Doyles around the corner is drowning in an old- centre. Buck Whalleys. 67, Lower newest additions to the Dun Street. 28-30, Lower Stephen Street world charm that you don’t get just anywhere these days, with per- Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Laoghaire social scene has Ice Bar. Four Seasons Hotel, – Dublin 2. Tel: 014751988. fectly woodstained furniture and panelling, 1850s green leather cush- ‘The Secret Bar’. 3, 016334200. Popular wine bar, drawn new nightlife-lovers to Simmonscourt Road - Dublin Paramount Hotel. Parlia- Sitting close to the heart of ions, and even a chandelier. The décor would make Bowes feel a little Fade Street - Dublin 2. Tel: now with a full bar license and the seaside town. 4. Tel: 016654000. You can ment Street & Essex Gate, the city, this is a lively hotel bit like a gentleman’s club or library if it weren’t solidly unpretentious – you’re more likely to hear people discussing football than Foucault 017645681. The city’s worst- late opening. now get top-drawer sushi at Temple Bar – Dublin 2. Tel: with some delicious food on here, which is no bad thing. Whisper it, but it’s also one of the best kept secret doesn’t even need Grafton Capitol Hotel. this stylish cocktail bar – we’re 014179900. This Temple Bar offer too. places to enjoy high-end whiskeys outside those aforementioned (and a name badge to draw in the Celtic Lodge. 81-82, Lower Stephen Street – Dublin amazed nobody thought of the Hotel is just as lively as you’d hideously expensive) private clubs. You can usually get a table to your- punters. Talbot Street – Dublin 1. Tel: 2. Tel: 016481100. Good combination before. expect. The Mezz. 23, Eustace Street, self, which is nice, and there’s also nice music to enjoy: the daytime 018788810. Great facilities, rooms, great rates, and helpful Temple Bar - Dublin 2. Tel: barmen in particular seem to have a great taste in old jazz, so on any Thomas Reads. 1, Parliament bars and restaurants nearby, staff – it’s all anyone really Krystle. 21-25, Harcourt Raddisson Blu Hotel. 016707655. Formerly the mez- day off (or just an off-day) you can do a lot worse than spending the afternoon here reading the papers, drinking away a few productive Street - Dublin 2. Tel: N/A. and a spot by the Luas are all in needs from a city-centre hotel. Street - Dublin 2. Tel: Golden Lane – Dublin 2. Tel: zanine bar, this Temple Bar club hours, and yes, watching the football. Still a very popular bar among this establishment’s favour. 014784066. A club clearly N/A. A very impressive hotel is winning many new converts. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 16:00 to 23:30 clued-in people who don’t aiming for the high-class, high- within a short walk of the city (00:30 Friday and Saturday, 23:00 Sunday). centre. 44 45 Gilbert and Wrights Dun Laoghaire The Sugar Club. 8, Lower as transport to the venue from One of the best clubs and live Wynns Hotel. 35-39, Lower 128, Lower George’s Street, Dun Laoghaire – County Dublin. Leeson Street - Dublin 2. Tel: the city centre. venues in the city, Tripod hosts Abbey Street – Dublin 1. Tel: Tel: 016636148 016787188. An intimate live some top international acts 018745131. A very comfort- It’s a sight to warm the hearts of any jaded reviewer: a new venue with comfy seating, Tramco Brewery. 121, along with more offbeat artists. able hotel that still manages to pub that’s actually made a serious effort. This branch of the a pleasant bar, and a strong Lower Rathmines Road - Dublin have a lovely historic feel. Gilbert and Wright’s night-life empire is their first foray into the south side of the city, and they’re clearly determined to event line-up. 6. Tel: 014968050. A purveyor Vanilla Nightclub. 19-21, blow people away. The décor is retro, and not in the sense of craft beer by day and hip Morehampton Road – Dublin Zaytoon. 14-15, Parlia- that somebody’s half-heartedly installed an old lamp in and The Twisted Pepper. 54, student club by night, this 4. Tel: 016739805. A stylish ment Street - Dublin 2. Tel: called it funky: this place is saturated with 1970s-style fur- Middle Abbey Street - Dublin place ticks two very different boutique club with great private 016773595. One of the best niture, loads of old records and artefacts from a far cooler 1. Tel: 018734038. This boxes very well. booths. kebab places in Dublin, and just time. There’s a stack of magazines we normally only see in venue gives a welcome stage off Temple Bar. Enough said. Mad Men (they even take The New Yorker, for goodness to some cutting edge electronic Trinity Lodge Hotel. 12, Wrights Café Bar. The sake!) giving us even more reason to stay a while. The charm is more than superficial too, with service that’s efficient but musicians and DJs. Regular club South Frederick Street – Dublin Plaza, Swords – County Dublin. doesn’t break the easy-going vibe, a very respectable cock- nights Pogo and Mud are also 2. Tel: 016170900. A hotel with Tel: 018406744. One of tail menu and the kind of relaxation that comes from enjoy- great fun. excellently appointed rooms in Ireland’s original superpubs ing great drinks in a particularly interesting sitting room. a great location. remains a fun place both for a Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 17:00 (15:00 The Wright Venue. Airside, cocktail (try the Wright Flirt) or Friday, 12:00 Saturday and Sunday) to 23:30 (00:30 Friday Swords - Co. Dublin. Tel: Tripod. Old Harcourt Street good Irish food. and Saturday, 23:00 Sunday). 018900099. A gigantic, Miami- Train Station, Harcourt Street style club. Buses are available - Dublin 2. Tel: 014763374.

Pacinos The Exchequer

18, Suffolk Street – Dublin 2. 3-5, Exchequer Street – Dublin 2 Tel: 016775651 Tel: 016706787 This already-popular Italian eatery continues to improve in It’s easy to see why this hip gastropub has recently celebrated leaps and bounds. In the space of a year, they’ve added regu- a very successful year in business even as many other places lar nights featuring salsa dancing, comedy, live rock’n’roll and bite the dust. Along with an intriguing décor, you’ll find real even theatre at a weekly supper club. They’ve also started of- substance to what the exchequer offers, including quality Irish fering great food on the go, from pastas, pizza, and ciabatta food with that rare combination of creativity and value – it’s to a range of their tasty sauces to take home and work with pub grub with a creative twist, and it’s already piling up ac- yourself. Of course, no chef at home can quite capture the colades: The Exchequer was a deserved winner of the Best charm or atmosphere in Pacinos’ spacious dining room, or Gastropub award at the Irish Restaurant Awards 2010. Their the sterling service on offer. Pacinos has successfully hosted celebrated Sunday roast – a generous traditional meal for four many private parties and high-profile events already and, with – is a steal at €39.95. 16 years under its belt, don’t be surprised if this revitalised The Exchequer has also caught on as a night-time venue with venue adds many more. the help of DJs Marina Diniz and Richie Rock doing a mix of Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 9am (09:00 upbeat, summery tunes and darker heavy house. Top mixolo- Saturday, 10:00 Sunday) to 23:00 (22:00 Sunday/Monday). gist Darren Geraghty has also honed a well-thought out cock- Late club Friday and Saturday from tail menu that gives a new twist to old classics, and throws in 23:00. For more information, go to Pacinos.ie many innovative creations as well. Opening hours: Open seven days a week, from 07:30 (08:00 Saturday and Sunday) to 23:30 (01:00 Thursday, 02:30 Fri- day and Saturday, 23:00 Sunday). 47 Get what you want! Believe it

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eoc00490 - O'Connell St.Branch Ad.indd 1 12/11/2010 11:09