BRUXELLES, Harry Street, Dublin 2
Less of a spit and sawdust kinda joint more of a meeting of leather and Britpop. There are three separate bars in this popular boozer. Upstairs bar, decorated with famous front pages and a few, but not many, tourists because of it's city centre location. Downstairs is where the real party starts. Split into two separate rooms you must choose where your musical (and fashion) heart lies. To your right the clean-cut kids listen to a jukebox filled with popular hits and on Wednesday nights the Zodiac Sessions take place showcasing Irish musical talent. Turn to your left however is an exciting realm of leather and denim. Not to mention lace and lots of eyeliner. And that's only the boys. Metal and rock are the order of the day here. Order snakebite and head bang your way through the evening.

NEARY'S, Chattam Street, Dublin 2
Backing on to the stage door of the Gaiety theatre legend has it that actors feeling the pressure of the roar of the grease paint would nip in here during the interval for a stiff one. Still a bit of thesbo crowd here but you can't really go wrong popping into Neary's for a very good pint and maybe a 'proper' hang sangich that comes with plenty of English mustard. A great place, in my opinion, for a first date or Friday night booze up, proper staff and giant stools at the bar upstairs for those of us who like a little comfort for their derrière.

THE SOUTH WILLIAM, South William St, Dublin 2
Still very much the new kid on the block, the South William is fashionable and friendly, which is a rare thing I'm sure you'll agree. Pop in early and sample one of their ironically gastro-tastic pies. The South William is spread over three levels furnished with miss matched modern vintage pieces. Can get a little claustrophobic on weekend evenings, a good spot to start your night.

ANSEO, Camden St, Dublin 2
It's small, it's scruffy and it's always packed, but you will fall in love with this place. ;They have Djs seven nights a week who play from behind the bar, the tunes can be anything from noodely electro to punk or maybe cheesy disco, but all played with an it's only rock n roll attitude. For what is in essence an indie bar there is a remarkably low wanker count, probably because Owner, Eddie and Manager, James just wouldn't have it!

CARNIVAL, Wexford St, Dublin 2
A dive bar in the best sense of the word, dark and with a smell of New York sleaze. Similar but scruffier than it's north side sister The Dice Bar. Much of the dice bar and carnival's fuck it, lets have a party atmosphere is down to it owner Dermot Doran, he's a force of nature. Music policy is loud.

THE DICE BAR, SmithField
Hidden away on a side street off the lifey's quays; The Dice Bar is a black and red neon gem. Nightly DJs will play you fifties rock a billy, sixties soul, rare groove and funk, for the early part of the evening before things get messy, then anything goes. A hard spot to leave walking in a straight line.

WHELAN'S, Wexford St, Dublin 2
Somewhat of an institution at this point, and the focal point of the Wexford street music scene, shove your way to the bar through warring inde kids and singer songwriter types, or check out the back room venue where local and international acts who are often to big for the gig play most nights of the week.

THE BERNARD SHAW, Richmond St, Dublin 2
The Bernard Shaw was just sitting there being a bar where old blokes mumbled into their pints until the Body Tonic crew moved in, worth checking out for quality music and top notch smoking area, which is more in doors than out doors and even has a pool table.

THE VILLAGE, Wexford St, Dublin 2
Though best known for it's large first floor live venue, the Village's street level bar is one of the best run spots in the city, if you're a vodka snob, like us, you will be impressed with the selection, and they'll mix you a fine cocktail if you ask nicely. The Village opens late with DJs every night but gets crazy crowded Thursday through Sunday. On Sundays the Village hosts Songs of Praise, the best night out in the city, but don't take our word for it, just ask around, and it's free in.


Photography by stuseaphotos