There's no shortage of great bars and pubs in Dublin, but some occasions call for an extra-special setting! When we've got something to celebrate, our first instinct is always to find a cosy spot high above the city where the air is fresh, the cocktails are exquisite and the views are spectacular! So today, we're sharing our favourite rooftop bars in Dublin, ideal for a special occasion, be it a swanky engagement bash, a sophisticated hen party, or a catch-up with a pal who's just flown into town. Ready for a rooftop drink? Of course you are!
Sophie's at The Dean
Perched high above the city, at the top of one of Ireland's best boutique hotels, you'll find the perfect one-stop shop for rooftop merrymaking. An Irish take on the New York-style glasshouse restaurant with 360° views, Sophie's boasts an extensive cocktail list (including four variations on the Aperol Spritz!) and is ideal if you want to combine your drinking with a luxurious dinner.
Location: Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 | Website: sophies.ie
The Vintage Cocktail Club
Few Dublin bars take cocktail-making as seriously as the team behind the Vintage Cocktail Club, the 1920s speakeasy-styled gem that's hidden away at the top of an unassuming building in the heart of Temple Bar. Using ingredients like plum bitters and gingerbread liqueur, they create some of the most inventive cocktails in the city, and their secluded roof terrace is the perfect place to enjoy them. The food menu is worth a look, too!
Location: Crown Alley, Temple Bar | Website: vintagecocktailclub.com
Fade Street Social
The outdoor space at Fade Street Social may be known as the Winter Garden, but it's glorious in all weathers! Serving elaborate flat breads and even more elaborate cocktails, it's ideal for when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and their wine list is among the best in town!
Location: Fade St., Dublin 2 | Website: fadestreetsocial.com
No Name Bar
For sunny-weather drinks, it's hard to beat the rooftop deck at Dublin city's favourite unnamed bar (often called Snail Bar or The Secret Bar). The shabby chic décor is accompanied by a neat and tidy cocktail menu bearing cutting-edge creations as well as long-standing classics.
Location: Fade St., Dublin 2 | Website: nonamebardublin.com
The Taphouse
For relaxed vibes and some of the best people-watching opportunities in the city, it's got to be the pretty rooftop bar at the top of The Taphouse. Overlooking Ranelagh village, it's a city centre hotspot that feels like a local haunt and boasts an extensive beer menu, as well as a fabulous selection of cocktails (Limoncello Prosecco? Yes, please!) and a crowd-pleasing food offering of burgers, tacos and some modern takes on traditional pub grub.
Location: Ranelagh Village | Website: taphouse.ie
The Guinness Storehouse
Only visitors to the world-famous Guinness Storehouse at St. James Gate are able to drink in Ireland's highest bar, unless of course you're invited to a private party at the home of the black stuff! The aptly-named Gravity Bar sits on the seventh floor, meaning that you really can see every part of the city from your chair. The one-drink-per-visitor rule means that it's not suited to long nights out, but it's worth a visit f0r the view alone!
Location: St. James Gate, Dublin 8 | Website: guinness-storehouse.com
Opium
Located at the heart of Dublin's fast-growing Camden Street area, The Botanical Garden at Opium is more of a hidden terrace than a traditional rooftop bar, so don't go expecting amazing views. Instead, you'll find eclectic interiors, a laid-back atmosphere and edgy cocktails with a strong Asian influence.
Location: Wexford St., Dublin 2 | Website: opium.ie
The Marker
Easily one of the best-loved rooftop bars in Dublin, the top-floor watering hole at The Marker hotel in the city's buzzing docklands area is effortlessly stylish and benefits from one of the most gorgeous, sprawling views in town! Throw in creative cocktails (the Lemon Bon Bon was invented by a former hotel guest!) and generous grazing boards and you've got a seriously special night out.
Location: Grand Canal Square, Docklands | Website: themarkerhoteldublin.com
Already planning your next meal? Check out our pick of the best brunch spots in Dublin.
