Student Special: The top pubs, clubs and eateries for nights (and days) out in college

GALWAY

Massimo
10 William St. W, Galway
Tel: (091) 582 239
massimogalway.com
A local staple since 2000, Massimo is a big hit with students. Mondays bring “Little Island Open Mic”, where singers, poets and musicians sign up on the night to perform. Thursdays are the legendary karaoke nights, often packed to the brim and buzzing with energy – a true Galway Thursday tradition.

The Blue Note
4 William St W, Galway
Tel: (091) 589 116
instagram.com/bluenotebargalway
This West End favourite draws the alternative crowd with candlelit charm and a famously social smoking area where strangers quickly become friends. The extensive tap list is a highlight – try the Lindemans Kriek Cherry – and DJs spin everything from alt techno to ’90s hip hop, keeping the vibe fresh and unpredictable.

Tigh Neachtain’s
17 Cross Street Upper, Galway
Tel: (091) 568 820
tighneachtain.com
In the heart of Quay Street, Tigh Neachtain’s is Galway’s go-to for sunny-day pints and unbeatable people-watching. Its outdoor seating is perfect for catching buskers, meeting friends by chance and soaking up the city’s lively rhythm. Known as one of Galway’s best pubs, it pairs a friendly atmosphere with a perfect pint of Guinness.

Tigh Neachtain’s

Pizza & Pasta Napoli
15 Cross Street Upper, Galway
Tel: (091) 532 806
pizzapastanapoli.ie
Right next to Tigh Neachtain’s, Pizza & Pasta Napoli is a Galway institution for late-night eats. Often hailed as the city’s best pizza, it stays open until 3am most nights, making it the final stop after a night out. A warm slice here is the perfect cap to an unforgettable Galway evening.

Kumar’s Taste of Asia
2 Flood St, Galway
Tel: (091) 566 696
kumarstasteofasia.com
In the Spanish Arch, Kumar’s serves authentic Indian cuisine with a student-friendly date night special – €64.95 for two, or €54.95 for vegetarians. The deal includes starters, mains, naan or rice, chutney, wine or beers, and tea or coffee. Its cosy atmosphere and generous portions make it a standout choice in Galway’s food scene.

DUBLIN

Disndat
3 Dame Court, Dublin 2
Tel: 089 981 0525
disndat.ie
A lively and eclectic Irish pub tucked away in the heart of the buzzing Dame Court area. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, great craic and regular live music, it’s for sure one to make your go-to spot. They’re currently offering a fantastic deal – a toastie, crisps and a pint for just €10, available daily until 5pm.

disndat

Whelan’s
25 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 478 0766
whelanslive.com
One of Dublin’s best-known live venues, Whelan’s hosts cheap “Ones To Watch” gigs and other student-friendly events. From Monday to Thursday, the late-night silent discos keep the dancefloor alive, with two channels to choose from for just €5. A great spot to discover new music or dance until closing time.

O’Regan’s
26-27 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Tel: 087 434 3209
oregansdublin.com
This family-run pub is a gem for chilled nights out, with free-entry jazz every Tuesday from 8 to 11pm. They also show films on a projector screen – perfect with a pint or cocktail in hand. Right in the middle of the city’s nightlife streets, it’s an easy place to start or end the night.

Irish Film Institute
6 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Tel: (01) 679 3477
ifi.ie
The IFI offers €5 tickets for under-25s, making it a go-to for budget-friendly cinema. Alongside new releases, they show arthouse, indie and international films. The venue also has a cosy restaurant and a vibey smoking area for post-movie chats. Don’t miss their shop for DVDs, film books and quirky movie memorabilia.

Xian Street Food
16 N Earl St, North City, Dublin 1 / 28 South Annes St, Dublin 2
(01) 878 8108 / (01) 677 8953
xianstreetfooddublin.ie
Viral on social media for what many call Dublin’s best spice bag, Xian Street Food serves up quick, tasty meals at two central locations. The €12.50 spice bag meal deal – including drink and sauce – is a student favourite. Perfect for casual dining or a quick bite after a night out.

Doom Slice
14 Dame Ln, Dublin 2, D02 XC91
doomslice.pizza
Serving Detroit-style pizza by the slice from €5, Doom Slice lets you grab food and bring it into the Pawnshop bar next door. By day, it’s relaxed and dog-friendly; by night, Pawnshop turns into a lively club with techno sets in the basement. Open late five nights a week, it’s ideal for pre- or post-party fuel.

Doom Slice

CORK

Crane Lane Theatre
Phoenix St, Centre, Cork
Tel: (021) 427 8487
cranelanetheatre.ie
A cornerstone of Cork’s nightlife, Crane Lane is open late seven nights a week with live music, DJs and a unique burlesque-cabaret feel. It has three distinct bars and a top-rated beer garden. Keep an eye out for free-entry gigs and student-friendly nights – it’s a cultural hub with something different around every corner.

Wilde
64 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 K5FH
Tel: (021) 234 4455
wildecork.com
Cork’s only LGBTQ+ late-night venue, Wilde offers drag karaoke, drag bingo, DJs and cocktail-making classes. Open Friday to Sunday, it’s an inclusive space known for great music and even better vibes. Formerly Vibe, it reopened in 2024 with a refreshed look and a strong commitment to Cork’s queer nightlife scene.

Three Fools
Grand Parade, Centre / Millstream Lane, Main Street, Carrigaline / Unit M9, Douglas Court Shopping Centre
threefoolscoffee.ie
With three locations across Cork, Three Fools is a student favourite for quality coffee in a cosy, unfussy setting. Whether studying, catching up with friends or grabbing coffee beans and brewing gear to take home, it’s a space that blends top-notch coffee with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

Marina Market
Centre Park Rd, Cork
marinamarket.ie
Open daily from 8am, Marina Market is a creative hub packed with food stalls, local art, vintage clothes and live music. With over 35 food and drink vendors, it’s a place you can visit repeatedly and always find something new. Events range from vinyl markets to fashion shows and DJ nights.

Marina Market

The Arc Cinema
N Main St, Centre, Cork
Tel: (021) 427 9595
cork.arccinema.ie
The Arc Cinema showcases indie films, documentaries and international releases alongside the big hits. On Wednesdays, students get discounted tickets for €6.50 with valid ID. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed night, a rainy-day escape or a film festival screening you won’t catch at mainstream cinemas.

LIMERICK

The Icon Nightclub / Smyths Bar
Denmark St, Prior’s-Land, Limerick
Tel: (061) 310 766
instagram.com/smyths_d_icon
Known locally as “Smycon”, this two-part venue is Limerick’s go-to nightclub combo. Start with drinks at Smyths, then head into Icon for dancing across two floors – upstairs for chart and party hits, downstairs for old-school tunes. Thursdays are Ladies’ Night with free entry for women, and arriving before 11pm usually gets you in free.

Angel Lane
2c Robert St, Cornmarket Row, Prior’s-Land, Limerick
Tel: (061) 316 996
angellanenightclub.ie
Directly across from Icon, Angel Lane is another student nightlife favourite. Queues start forming around 11pm, but the bouncers stagger entry so the wait isn’t too bad. With a central location and buzzing atmosphere, it’s an easy choice for a big night out or a spontaneous change of plans mid-evening.

Angel Lane

Mollys Late Bar
Ellen St, Prior’s-Land, Limerick City
Tel: (061) 468 444
mollyslatebar.ie
Open seven nights a week during the student calendar, Mollys has three floors, three bars, private booths and a heated beer garden. DJs rotate nightly, playing chart, R&B, house, disco and hip hop. Student deals include 2 mixed drinks for €11, pitchers for €10 and €3 apple and cola shots.

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