Best Pubs & Bars

1. MULLIGANS of POOLBEG STREET

WHERE: 8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2, D02TK71 | 14 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday

Mulligan's has been serving pints since 1782 - and it hasn't changed much in that time. This will appeal to some people, but not to others - you hopefully known which category you come into! It describes itself as a "No nonsense pub with a cast of regulars and a lack of modern pomposity" - and that's pretty much exactly what it is. In the past, Mulligan's was an important literary pub, then a theatrical pub and after that a newspaper pub (given its proximity to the Irish Times offices) - John Fitzgerald Kennedy, when a reporter with the Hearst Newspaper, was known to spend time here.

2. KEHOE'S

WHERE: 9 South Anne Street, Dublin 2, D02NY88 | 14 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 10.30am-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 11.30am-11.30pm, Sunday

Located just off Grafton Street, Kehoe's of South Anne St is one of Dublin's oldest pubs at over 200 years old. It's also, however, one of the liveliest and most social pubs you'll ever enter! It's also mostly unchanged from its Victorian origins - and you'll still find original glass mahogany doors, traditional snug and partitions. Choose between the downstairs bar and the upstairs lounge (which used to be the owner's living quarters).

3. THE LONG HALL

WHERE: 51 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02DV74 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 12pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday

Another of Dublin's great Victorian-era pubs, the Long Hall has been around for over 250 years - and, again, has changed barely at all in this time. It still has the original Victorian dispensers for port and brandy by the original mahogany bar, as well as elaborate partitions with gold leaf detail, ornate stained glass and beveled mirrors. The pub takes its name from a long, narrow hall-like snug that used to run behind the bar (this was the women's part of the bar, while the men drank in the existing bar that exists today). As you walk up South Great George's Street, you'll easily notice the Long Hall by its distinctive red and white canopies. (Said, too, to be Bruce Springsteen's favourite Dublin pub).

4. THE PALACE BAR

WHERE: 21 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02H950 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday to Thursday; 12pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday

Yet another of Dublin's great and revered Victorian pubs, the Palace Bar is more than 200 years old. In its own words: "It's a treasure house of mahogany and oak, of gilded mirrors that have reflected the story of the city, of clocks that have ticked lazily across the centuries, measuring the gently passing days". Throughout the 20th Century, the Palace Bar was a meetinghouse for Dublin's literary greats, and it still attracts writers and actors from nearby Abbey Theatre, as well as students from Trinity College, visitors to Dublin and regulars. It's a calm, intimate, friendly and welcoming pub - especially pleasant for an afternoon or early evening visit. As well as the main bar downstairs, you'll find the Whiskey Palace upstairs lounge.

5. THE STAG'S HEAD

WHERE: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, D02TW84 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Monday to Thursday; 12pm-1am, Friday & Saturday; 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday

Modernised in 1895 (!), the Stag's Head was renowned as the most elegant pub in Dublin in its day - stained glass windows, mirrors, wood panelling and the spectacular stag's head above the bar. By Victorian standards, it was lavish. Pretty much unchanged since then, it's a huge favourite among Dubliners - in fact, ask any local what's their favourite pub in the city and the answer will probably be The Stag's Head. Also a nice option for lunch or dinner.

6. NEARY'S

WHERE: 1 Chatham Street, Dublin 2, D02EW93 | 13 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12am, Monday to Wednesday; 11.30am-12am, Thursday-Saturday; 12.30pm-10.30pm, Sunday

Neary's is one of the more 'respectable' of the old traditional Dublin pubs - perhaps due to its long connection to the arts and theatre owing to its proximity to the Gaiety Theatre (just across the street). It's been in business as Neary's since 1887 and nearly the original features remain intact and in use, including the two gas lamps that adorn the front door of the pub. Inside there are four gas lamps still in use - thought to be the last working indoor gas lamps in Ireland. The upstairs Lounge is also well worth a look and there is a small but good menu for food.

7. GROGAN'S or (CASTLE LOUNGE)

WHERE: 15 South William Street, Dublin 2, D02H336 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 10.30am-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday

While it doesn't possess the elegance or quiet grandeur of some of the other old Dublin pubs, Grogan's Castle Lounge (known more commonly as simply Grogan's) is without question a pub that Dubliners have huge affection for - there's a friendliness and an intimacy to its shabby elegance! The outside seats are the perfect perch for people watching on South William Street (perhaps the trendiest street in the city) while inside it's as much an art gallery as a pub where local artists display their works for sale.

1. DARKEY KELLY'S

WHERE: 19 Fishamble Street, Dublin 8, D08PD8W | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11.30am-11pm, Sunday | SESSIONS: See details of what's on and times here

One of the best known pubs in Dublin for traditional Irish music with sessions every night of the week. Check the exact details here or call on 00353833464682. Darkey Kelly's also has a good food menu.

2. O'DONOGHUE'S

WHERE: 15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2, D02PF50 | 22 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12am, Mon-Thurs; 10.30am-1am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-12am, Sunday | SESSIONS: See details of what's on and times here or phone on +35316607194

Probably the most famous place in Dublin for Irish traditional music, perhaps due to the part if played in revitalising traditional music in Dublin in the 1960s. Every name in traditional music has played here over the years - and continue to drop in from time to time to partake in nightly sessions. There's usually a session from 9pm during the week and from 5pm on Saturdays, varying between classic and modern interpretations of the genre.

3. THE BRAZEN HEAD

WHERE: 20 Lower Bridge St, Dublin 8, D08WC64 | 8 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, 7 days a week | SESSIONS: At 9pm every evening, as well as a Sunday session from 3pm to 6pm

As well as being one of Ireland's oldest pubs - stretching back to the 12th century - the Brazen Head is one of the best pubs in Dublin to catch a traditional music session. It's a cosy pub spanning three separate rooms and an enclosed courtyard. As well as music, the Brazen Head has a good reputation for food. You can check out the menu here, which includes traditional dishes like beef stew and bacon and cabbage.

4. GOGARTY'S

WHERE: 2 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-2.30am, Mon-Sat; 12pm-1.30am, Sundays | SESSIONS: 2.30pm-2.30am, Monday to Saturday; 12pm-1.30am, Sundays

Gogarty's - or, to give it its full title, Oliver St John Gogarty's - has live music sessions every day of the week from 2.30pm until late in its upstairs room. You can get a taste of what the sessions are like here. There are also spontaneous sessions most nights of the week in the main bar downstairs. There is also a restaurant serving traditional Irish dishes - you can see the menu or make a reservation here. The food is ok but somewhat overpriced.

5. McNEILL'S

WHERE: 140 Capel Street, Dublin 8 | 6 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 10.30am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday | SESSIONS: Sessions from 9pm from Thursday to Sunday (but best to call ahead on 0035318728713 to check)

Of all the recommendations, this is probably the most authentic choice - it's off the tourist trail and for the most part frequented by local traditional music enthusiasts (although everyone is welcome!). It's a small, cosy pub that started out as a music shop back in 1834 - and sort of morphed into a pub where music sessions take place. (Interesting piece of trivia: the Horn that sounded the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War in 1854 was made in McNeill's musical instrument shop in the late 1840s).

1. THE BANK

WHERE: 20-22 College Green, Dublin 2, D02C868 | 8 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: BREAKFAST: 10.30am-12pm, Mon-Sun; LUNCH: 12PM-4PM, Mon-Sun; DINNER: 4pm-10pm, Mon-Sun | RESERVATIONS: Email info@bankoncollegegreen.com, call on 0035316770677 or book online here

Probably the most impressive, elegant and ornate interior of any bar in Dublin, The Bank on College Green is definitely worth a look. It occupies what was once the main banking hall of Dublin in a 19th Century building that was regarded as one of the jewels of Victorian Dublin. It has an excellent reputation for its food - you can find the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus online here - but doesn't perhaps have the character or buzz of other Dublin pubs. It's also a little more expensive than most other pub menus.

2. O'NEILLS

WHERE: 2 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 10.30am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11am-11pm, Sunday [Note though: food served 12pm-10pm daily] | RESERVATIONS: Call +35316793656 or email mike@oneillsbar.com

One of the most iconic and well-known pubs in Dublin, O'Neills is popular with locals and tourists - especially for its pub food. Food is served all day from noon onward. The menu changes each day but you'll usually find at least one traditional option, like Irish stew or bacon and cabbage. There is a particularly good oyster menu. Good value too.

3. THE PORTERHOUSE

WHERE: 16-18 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02VR94| Less than a 1 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-12.30am, Mon-Weds; 11am-1.30am, Thur & Fri; 10am-2.30pm, Saturdays; 10am-12am, Sunday | RESERVATIONS: Book a table online here or email phtemplebar@theporterhouse.ie.

The Porterhouse was the first craft beer pub in Dublin when it opened in 1996, and it's still doing three things really well: craft beer, food and live music. Ideally go for all three! You can see the menu here - the burgers are especially recommended with the meat supplied by famous, high-end Dublin butchers FX Buckley.

4. THE BRAZEN HEAD

WHERE: 20 Lower Bridge St, Dublin 8, D08WC64 | 8 minutes walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, 7 days a week [ Food served until 9pm] | RESERVATIONS: Email info@brazenhead.com or call 0035316795186

If you're looking for a pub with good food and a great atmosphere, the Brazen Head is an excellent option. Except themenu to offer things like seafood chowder, steamed mussels, beef stew, bacon and cabbage, and fish and chips. Be sure to end it all with an Irish Coffee. The Brazen Head is a particularly good option if you also want to catch a traditional music session.

5. THE STAG'S HEAD

WHERE: 1 Dame Court, Dublin 2, D02TW84 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Monday to Thursday; 12pm-1am, Friday & Saturday; 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday

One of the best pubs in Dublin, the Stag's Head offers a limited but good food menu, which is available. The Beef & Guinness Stew (€19) is particularly good. The Stag's Head is one of the most elegant of the old Victorian pubs in Dublin, so is worth a visit even if just for a quick drink.

1. THE PORTERHOUSE

WHERE: 16-18 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02VR94 | Less than 1 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-12.30am, Mon-Wed; 11am-1.30am, Thurs & Fri; 10am-2.30am, Sat; 10am-12am, Sunday

The Porterhouse was the first ever microbrewery pub in Dublin and has been going strong since 1996 - some of the beers are brewed on site but they also serve beers from other craft brewers from Ireland and beyond. Whatever type of beer you can think of, they have it - either on tap or in a bottle - and a good range of cocktails, whiskeys and spirits. There is a also a good food menu, served all day, and live music every night. The Porterhouse can get busy, especially at weekends, so it's a good idea to book a table if you're planning on having dinner there.

2. THE BEER TEMPLE

WHERE: 1 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02AN28 | 1 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Monday to Sunday

Heralded when it first opened as "the coolest new bar in Dublin", the Beer Temple is another craft beer mecca right on your doorstep! Like the Black Sheep (below), it is part of the Galway Bay Brewery network of pubs, so you're guaranteed some of the best craft beers in Ireland (as well as a good range of international craft beers and cocktails, whiskeys and spirits too). Also has a good food menu (pub food fare such as hot wings and burgers, but vegetarian and vegan options too).

3. THE BLACK SHEEP

WHERE: 61 Capel Street, Dublin 8, D02TK71 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Sun-Thurs; 12pm-1am, Fri & Sa

The Black Sheep specialises in craft beer and has a great selection of both Irish and international craft beers. It's owned by Galway Bay Brewery - one of the best independent, craft beer brewery - so you can expect a lot of its own beers on tap (not a bad thing at all! - but you'll also find a few options from Donegal brewery Kinnegar Brewing, which is arguably the best craft brewery in Ireland right now. Also has a very good pub food menu, served all day until 10pm, and a nice cocktail menu too.

4. TAPPED

WHERE: 44-46 Nassau Street, Dublin 2 | 11 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-3am, Mon-Sat; 11am-1.30am, Sunday

Tapped offers craft beer, cocktails, good pub food and DJs until the early hours of the morning every night of the week. Aside from being one of the Dublin's best craft beer pubs, it's also one of Dublin latest-opening pubs (until 3am most nights). There is a good range of beers and cocktails, and a good selection of eventstoo. You can book a table if you plan on having lunch or dinner here.

1. THE WORKMAN'S CLUB

WHERE: 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, D02VX36 | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11.30am-11pm, Sunday | EVENTS: Call on +35316706692 or check online here

The Workman's Club is an energetic, cool and vibrant venue that set out 15 years ago to provide a genuine creative space for indie arts - it's primarily a music venue, but also hosts comedy, spoken word, readings, book launches, art exhibitions etc. It also has regular club nights. It spans the entirety of an old Georgian building - from the basement to the roof terrace.

2. SIN E

WHERE: 14-15 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin 7, D07TF10 | 4 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 3pm-Late, Tuesday to Sunday; CLOSED on Mondays | EVENTS: Call on +35315554036 or check here

Been around for over 20 years and firmly established as one of Dublin's best music bars - but as well as live music, Sin E hosts comedy events, DJs and other artistic performances. It's just across the river from the apartment so easy to get to (and easy to get back from!).

3. THE FOGGY DEW

WHERE: 1 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02WP21 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-12am, Sun-Thurs; 12pm-1am, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Call on +35316779328 or check online here

Just a short walk down Dame Street, the Foggy Dew is a friendly pub that often passes under the radar - never too packed. It's a pub dedicated to music. Aside from a ton of music memorabilia throughout, there is music most nights of the week. Call them or check here to see what's on. Expect an emphasis on 80s rock with occasional blues and jazz sessions too.

4. BRUXELLES

WHERE: 8 Harry Street, Dublin 2, D02KX36 | 14 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11am, Sun-Thurs; 11am-2.30am, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Call on +35316775362

In all, there are 3 separate bars within Bruxelles. The main bar on the ground floor is the more sedate of the three. You can expect the occasional jazz session here. Downstairs you'll find the Rock bar and the Zodiac bar. For hard rock and heavy metal fans in Dublin, Bruxelles is the long-established central venue. There'll be a lot of long hair, denim and leather.

1. THE WORKMAN'S CLUB

WHERE: 10 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2, D02VX36 | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 11.30am-11pm, Sunday | EVENTS: Call on +35316706692 or check online here

The Workman's Club is an energetic, cool and vibrant venue that set out 15 years ago to provide a genuine creative space for indie arts - it's primarily a music venue, but also hosts comedy, spoken word, readings, book launches, art exhibitions etc. It also has regular club nights. It spans the entirety of an old Georgian building - from the basement to the roof terrace.

2. WHELAN'S

WHERE: 25 Wexford Street, Dublin 2, D02H527 | 17 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 5pm-1.30am, Mon-Thurs; 5pm-2.30am, Fri & Sat; 5pm-1am, Sunday | EVENTS: Check online here

Describing itself as "Dublin's original live music venue", Whelan's has been showcasing new and established bands and musicians for decades, including Jeff Buckley, Ed Sheeran and the Arctic Monkeys. The main venue has a 400 capacity so it's small enough to be an intimate experience. The main bar also hosts the occasional gig - smaller, unplugged, more relaxed. You can just show up and pay in at the door but if there is something you especially want to see, it's best to get tickets in advance. Can do that here.

3. THE GRAND SOCIAL

WHERE: 35 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1 | 7 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 10.30am-12.30am, Sun-Wed; 10.30am-2.30am, Thur, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here

Right next to the Ha'Penny Bridge, the Grand Social is just across the river from the apartment. It hosts gigs and sessions of just about every musical genre you can think of - check out what's on and get tickets here. It has three different spaces within it: The Ballroom on the ground floor is the main bar and an open space where you'll normally find DJs and dancing; the Parlour, which hosts gigs; and the Loft, which opens out to a rooftop beer garden.

4. THE BUTTON FACTORY

WHERE: Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 5 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11pm, Sun-Thurs; 12pm-3am, Fri & Sat | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here

One of the bigger venues in the city centre, the Button Factory is in the heart of Temple Bar. As well as live music, you'll find club nights - everything from hip-hop to salsa - DJ sessions etc. There is also the Crowbar Terrace, which is a much smaller venue. If there is nothing on in the main venue, the bar will still be open.

5. THE ACADEMY

WHERE: 57 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1, D01W573 | 10 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: depends on what's on | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here

One of the biggest dedicated venues in the city, the Academyhosts a range of artists and bands throughout the week but weekends tend to be club nights with DJs, dancing etc. Check online to see what's on. Nights in the Academy can be hectic and high energy...not for the faint-hearted!

6. THE OLYMPIA THEATRE

WHERE: 72 Dame Street, Dublin 2, D02K135 | 3 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: depends on what's on | EVENTS: Find out what's on and get tickets here

Saving the best until last, the Olympia Theatre is without doubt the most spectacular, most beautiful music venue in the city. It started out as a music hall in 1879, and today hosts music, drama, comedy and more. You wouldn't think it but beyond the modest interior is a 1,200-seat venue that hasn't changed from its Victorian origins. Red velvet seats, stalls, upper tiers and its history and legacy all add to the experience.

1. PERUKE & PERIWIG

WHERE: 31 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, D02TK71 | 14 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Elegant bar & restaurant | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Mon-Thurs; 11am-12.30am, Fri & Sat; 12.30pm-11pm, Sunday | RESERVATIONS: Call +35316727190, email book@peruke.ie or book online here.

Spanning a three-storey Georgian townhouse, Peruke & Periwig is certainly one of the most beautiful, elegant bars in Dublin, The ground floor is a bar, serving beers, wines, cocktails and spirits, as well as bar snacks. There are lounges on the two upper floors offering cocktails and the restaurant menu. Throughout is vintage decor - gilded portraits, velvet, and antiques.

2. FARRIER & DRAPER

WHERE: 59 South William Street, Powerscourt Townhouse, Dublin 2 | 10 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Elegant bar & restaurant | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Mon-Weds; 12pm-2.30am, Thurs-Sat; 12pm-1.30am, Sunday | RESERVATIONS: Call on +35316721220 or email at bookings@farrieranddraper.ie

Farrier & Draper is a unique venue spread over three levels: the bar, the Georgian lounge with plush armchairs, and the Gallery Room. The style is eclectic, the ambience is cosy and welcoming. Food is served between 12pm and 9pm daily.

3. CAFE EN SEINE

WHERE: 40 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, D02XO67 | 16 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12pm-11.30pm, Mon-Wed; 12pm-1am, Thursday; 12pm-2.30am, Friday and Saturday; 12pm-11.30pm, Sunday

A stunning interior, Cafe En Seine is a hugely popular bar just beyond Grafton Street on the south side of the city. It's the epitome of elegance with its art nouveau interior, replete with gilded ceilings, lanterns, and plush seating. A nice option too for lunch or dinner, you can check out the menus here.

4. THE HORSESHOE BAR

WHERE: The Shelbourne Hotel, 27 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02K224 | 20 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 5pm-11.30pm, Tuesday-Friday; 10am-12.30am, Saturdays; CLOSED, Mondays & Sundays

The Horseshoe Bar in the Shelbourne Hotel is an historic, iconic bar in Dublin, which, unlike some of the other bars in the Shelbourne Hotel, is always open to the public. It gets its name from the shape of the bar counter. It's a bar with class, character and distinction - the perfect choice if that's what you're looking for!

1. PANTI BAR

WHERE: 7-8 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01EH93 | 4 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: LGBTQ venue | € | TIMES: 4pm-11.30pm. Sunday to Thursday; 4pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday

Owned and run by drag queen, gay rights activist and entrepreneur Rory O'Neill, Panti Bar is the epicentre of the LGBTQ scene in Dublin. It's laid back and welcoming with a host of events - from karaoke to pub quizzes - that change by the night. Saturday nights are especially packed with drama, humour, so get there early. It gets very busy at the weekend.

2. THE GEORGE

WHERE: 89 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2 | 6 minutes walk from the apartment | WHAT: LGBTQ bar and late-night venue | TIMES: 2pm-2.30am, Monday to Friday; 12.30pm-2.30am, Saturday & Sunday

The George was the first and only gay bar in Dublin when it first opened in the 1980s. It's still arguably the main LGBTQ venue in Dublin - and the only still-going LGBTQ nightclub in the city (open until 2.30am most nights). It's free entry on weekdays but there is a €10 charge after 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. You can check out what's on each night here.

3. PENNYLANE

WHERE: 2 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1 | 4 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: LGBTQ Lounge & Cocktail Bar | TIMES: 5pm-11.30pm, Monday to Thursday; 5pm-12.30am, Friday & Saturday; 5pm-11pm, Sunday

The sister venue to PantiBar, Pennylane is a more relaxed, (usually) quieter venue than some of the other main LGBTQ venues in Dublin. Especially good for cocktails, and has a really nice outdoor terrace (for sunny days).

4. STREET66

WHERE: 33-34 Parliament Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 2 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: LGBTQ bar and late night venue | TIMES: 3pm-midnight, Monday to Thursday; 3pm-2.30am, Friday; 1pm-2.30am, Saturday; 1pm-11.30pm, Sunday

Somewhere between relaxed and trendy, Street 66 manages to mix plush, comfortable armchairs with an energetic dancefloor. Often stages events - live music, drag queens, karaoke and such. Good range of spirits and wines as well as more standard beer and cocktails.

1. LOOSE CANON

WHERE: 29 Drury Street, Dublin 2, D02RX95 | 9 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 11am-10.30pm, Monday & Tuesday; 11am-11.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday; 12.30pm-10.30pm, Sunday

Loose Canon is a small, hip bodega-style wine bar on Drury Street. They'll generally have around a dozen wines available by the glass, which change regularly. There is a small but exquisite food menu - cheese plates, cheese and meat plates and their near legendary toasted sandwiches (not to be missed). There are a couple of tables and seating for 5 or 6 inside.

2. PIGLET WINE BAR

WHERE: 5 Cow's Lane, Temple Bar, D08VR94 | 2 minute walk from the apartment | TIMES: 12.30pm-9.30pm, Mondays; CLOSED, Tuesdays & Wednesdays; 12.30pm-9.30pm, Thursdays & Fridays; 1pm-9.30pm, Sundays

Just over a minute walk from the apartment, Piglet is a delight - a small, intimate and friendly little wine bar on the pedestrian Cow's Lane just around the corner. As well as a superb collection of wines, it has a nice food menu - mainly Mediterranean-influenced tapas, small dishes and mains. A nice option for a glass of wine and a nibble, dinner or something in between. You can see both the lunch and dinner menus here. You can walk in or book a table.

3. 9 BELOW

WHERE: 9 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02C891 | 16 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Wine and Cocktail Bar | TIMES: 5pm-11.30pm, Wednesday to Friday; 4pm-12.30am, Saturdays; 1pm-8pm, Sundays; CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays | RESERVATIONS: Can make a reservation online here, email at welcome@9below.ie or call on +35319059990.

9 Below is a discreet, elegant, sophisticated wine and cocktail bar located in the basement of a Georgian building on St Stephen's Green. There is an extensive wine, cocktail and spirits menu, but they also serve bottled beers. The food options are pretty limited - just a couple of 'nibbles' options but you can order a charcuterie board (priced at around €100) but you need to request it in advance.

1. VINTAGE COCKTAIL CLUB

WHERE: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | 6 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Hidden cocktail bar and restaurant | TIMES: 3pm-11pm, Monday to Thursday; 3pm-12am, Friday; 12pm-12am, Saturday & Sunday | RESERVATIONS: Book a table here.

The Vintage Cocktail Club is a discreet, almost hidden venue in the heart of Temple Bar. There is no signage or clues as to where it is, just a simple 'VCC' on the door of what looks almost to be a derelict building! Don't be put off, though - it's a ruse and what lies behind the door is sheer elegance. An amazing range of cocktails and an excellent food menu too. In all, there are three floors and a fantastic roof terrace. As it says itself, it's the epitome of 1920s chic.

2. 9 BELOW

WHERE: 9 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02C891 | 16 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Wine and Cocktail Bar | TIMES: 5pm-11.30pm, Wednesday to Friday; 4pm-12.30am, Saturdays; 1pm-8pm, Sundays; CLOSED on Mondays and Tuesdays | RESERVATIONS: Can make a reservation online here, email at welcome@9below.ie or call on +35319059990.

9 Below is a discreet, elegant, sophisticated wine and cocktail bar located in the basement of a Georgian building on St Stephen's Green. There is an extensive wine, cocktail and spirits menu, but they also serve bottled beers. The food options are pretty limited - just a couple of 'nibbles' options but you can order a charcuterie board (priced at around €100) but you need to request it in advance.

3. THE SITTING ROOM at DELAHUNT

WHERE: 39 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2 | 21 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: Cocktail lounge above Delahunt restaurant | TIMES: 5pm to Late, Tuesday to Saturday; CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays | RESERVATIONS: Walk-ins or book a spot online here

While Delahunt on Camden Street is primarily praised for its downstairs restaurant, the upstairs cocktail bar is among the very best in the city. There is an understated interior, centered around the big bay window that overlooks Camden Street. Some nice, unique options on the cocktail menu. Combine dinner in the downstairs with cocktails upstairs for a great evening.

4. THE CHELSEA DRUGSTORE

WHERE: 25 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2 | 8 minute walk from the apartment | WHAT: 'Bohemian' cocktail bar | TIMES: 5pm to Late, Monday to Friday; 12pm to Late, Saturdays and Sundays | RESERVATIONS: Walk-ins or book a spot online here

The Chelsea Drugstore bills itself as a "bohemian cocktail bar" (it's, in fact, part of The Market Bar group of venues). It's a nice, casual cocktail bar nonetheless, and also does a good brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Other times, there is a limited food menu - mainly snacks. Cocktails all under €15. A good option for a cocktail menu only a short walk from the apartment, but not as 'special' as the other options listed here.