Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [103]
For entertainment information, pick up a copy of the Event Guide (www.eventguide.ie), a bimonthly freebie available at many locations, including bars, cafes and hostels; the fortnightly music-review Hot Press (www.hotpress.com); or the freebie In Dublin, also out every two weeks. Friday’s Irish Times has a pull-out entertainment section called the Ticket, which has comprehensive listings of clubs and gigs; the Irish Independent’s version, also out on Friday, is called Day & Night.
Cinemas
Ireland boasts the highest attendances in Europe of young filmgoers. Consequently it’s best to book in advance by credit card, or be prepared to queue for up to half an hour for tickets at night-time screenings. Dublin’s cinemas are more heavily concentrated on the northern side of the Liffey. Admission prices are generally €6 for early afternoon shows and around €9 for the rest of the day.
Irish Film Institute (Map; 679 5744; 6 Eustace St) The multiscreen cinema shows classics and art-house films. The complex also has a bar, a cafe and a bookshop.
Lighthouse Cinema (Map; 879 7601; www.lighthousecinema.ie; Smithfield Plaza) Classic films and alternative, art-house releases are the staple of this brand-new cinema – easily the most beautiful in town – with four screens and a trendy cafe-bar.
Savoy (Map; 874 6000; Upper O’Connell St; from 2pm) A traditional four-screen first-run cinema, Savoy has late-night shows at weekends.
Screen (Map; 671 4988; 2 Townsend St; from 2pm) Between Trinity College and O’Connell Bridge, the Screen shows new independent and smaller commercial films on its three screens.
Cineworld (Map; 872 8400; Parnell Centre, Parnell St; from 10am) This multiscreen cinema is where you’ll get all the mainstream releases.
Nightclubs
Restrictive opening hours, late-night bars offering a free version of the same and the continuing squeeze of the musical mainstream have all had an impact on Dublin clubland. Dublin’s population may be increasingly multicultural, but they’re a largely conservative bunch whose tastes range from charty stuff to a bit of alternative rock, and from R&B to commercially flavoured dance music. Which doesn’t mean you can’t get your groove on and have a good time, something Dublin seems particularly adept at.
The seemingly endless list of what’s on is constantly changing, so check out the (by no means exhaustive) listings in the Event Guide and In Dublin. Most clubs open just after pubs close (11.30pm to midnight) and close at 2.30am or 3am. Admission to most costs between €5 and €8 Sunday to Thursday, rising to as much as €15 or €20 on Friday and Saturday.
Academy (Map; 877 9999; 57 Middle Abbey St; 10.30pm-3am Fri & Sat) Disco, R&B, alternative rock, hard dance…whatever keeps them dancing, the Academy will play, so long as it’s not sellout commercial.
Andrew’s Lane Theatre (Map; 478 0766; St Andrew’s Lane; 10.30pm-3am Thu-Sun) Recently converted from a much-loved theatre, ALT’s stripped-down look will please club purists: a huge dancefloor, an amazing sound system and a bar are the essentials to a good night. Add a couple of regular nights (Sunday’s Italian Factory is a banging night of European hard house), a regular menu of visiting DJs and live gigs and you’ve got the makings of a great night.
Krystle (Map; 478 4066; www.krystlenightclub.com; Russell Court Hotel, 21-25 Harcourt St; 10.30pm-3am Thu-Sat) The favourite venue of many a Celtic cub, Krystle (annoyingly pronounced ‘cris-tal’ by its snootiest devotees) is where you’ll most likely find the current crop of celebrities and their hangers-on, although you’ll have to wade your way through the huge main floor and gain access to the upstairs VIP lounge for maximum exposure. Chart hits and club classics are the mainstay.
Renard’s (Map; 677 5876; www.renards.ie; South Frederick St; admission free-€10; 10.30pm-2.30am) Not quite as self-regarding as Lillie’s Bordello (opposite) and run by Colin Farrell’s godfather, this is the actor’s (and other celebs’) favourite den of iniquity when in town. Renard