Words by: Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City Night Time Economy Advisor
Despite what anyone says, Dublin is a great city. A city where there’s always something to do. From world-famous pubs to every kind of restaurant you can think of, from Michelin star dining to street food, alongside museums, galleries and parks shaped by our Georgian and Victorian heritage.
Lately, people, particularly younger generations, are going out a bit differently. It’s not just pubs, clubs and restaurants. People are heading out to paint in the dark, try pottery making, play indoor golf, visit museums after work, or spend time in late-opening cafés and cultural spaces. This isn’t a trend on paper; it’s happening, and it’s adding to what the city already offers at night.
Of course, Dublin isn’t perfect, but no city is. It remains one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, and that doesn’t happen by accident.
My role, as Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, is about bringing people together. While some stakeholders compete and others have different priorities, there is a shared goal: a culturally rich city that is easy to get around and where people feel safe. That’s what underpins the three pillars of Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Strategy: culture, transport and safety.
There are some clear examples of that progress. The Dublin Nights Help Zone, known as the Nee Naw, provides a place to go if a night out doesn’t go to plan. Staffed by medics and welfare teams, it supported almost 2,000 people on the street during its pilot phase. Following that success, plans are now being developed for a return later this year.
Dublin Nights Mapped is another simple but effective initiative. Built on Google Maps, it highlights evening activities that don’t focus on alcohol. Thousands of people are using it and experiencing the city differently, whether that’s late cafés, cultural venues, evening attractions or something new altogether. It reflects a more varied, more inclusive and ultimately healthier night-time offer.
One of the most exciting developments this year has been Dublin by Dusk. Supported by Dublin City Council, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Fáilte Ireland and DublinTown, it takes place on the last Thursday of every month. The first event brought together dozens of venues, attractions and businesses across the city and generated significant national media coverage. From museums and galleries to hospitality, retail and cultural experiences, Dublin by Dusk is helping to showcase the city at a different time of day and encouraging more people to explore what Dublin has to offer after work.
This is why the Dublin Brand message that there’s ‘always something on’ rings true. It’s not just a campaign; it reflects the reality of the city. The challenge now is making that visible and accessible to more people.
We all want more people in the city, more free and low-cost things to do, and a stronger sense of safety. The data shows progress, with people’s sense of safety at night continuing to improve. But momentum matters.
Be proud of your city. Try something different. Go to a show, visit a gallery, take in a late-opening museum, or head out for a meal somewhere new. You won’t regret it. Dublin at night has more to offer than ever, and it’s there to be experienced.
For more visit: dublinnights.ie
