With nightclubs and bars back in full swing and as we brush the dust off our heels and ID’s, it can be hard to remember where we left off 18 months ago when we last went “out-out”. Many of us may be feeling a bit rusty and for many students, the last few weeks will have been their first time setting foot in a nightclub. Learning how to budget and control the bank account is another issue, so here we have rounded up a selection of places for you and your friends to visit when you hit the town, and it might even give you some inspiration before planning those highly anticipated Christmas parties and nights out!

Quizzes and Music Bingo: Wigwam 

Located on Abbey Street, Wigwam is a Rum bar and nightclub that offers a range of activities that won’t break the bank. Their quiz and bingo nights take place every Friday and Saturday night from 8-10:30 pm and better yet, they are free to take part in! All you have to do is sign up in advance for the chance to win vouchers, event tickets and most importantly, drink vouchers. They offer a QR code at your table, which makes it easy to order off their menu as you play, which includes their 2 for €14 cocktails and bar bites. For a full selection of what’s on at Wigwam, head to their Instagram page for all the info!

House Party Vibes: Workman’s Club 

 Located on Wellington Quay, a night out at The Workman’s Club often feels more like a house party than a bar. The relaxed vibes are paired with two dance floors and open karaoke nights on Sundays, bringing something for every student out there. They even offer one of the most renowned burgers in Dublin, Wow Burger, and their €5 Zaconey and Cokes mean budgeting is all the more manageable!

Best LGBTQ+  Club: The George

As one of Ireland’s most iconic LGBTQ+ nightclubs, they run a spectacular lineup all week long, From Thirsty Thursdays to Karaoke nights on Saturdays, this is a spot that knows how to party. The George brings attitude, lip-syncing and spot prizes to a whole new level and even offers no cover charge on Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information on what’s on each night, head over to their website!

Late Night Fun: Tramline

Not only are drinks €2 and it boasts DJ guests such as Marcus O’Laoire, this nightclub located on D’Olier Street pushes closing time out further than most other hotspots in the city centre. Finishing up most nights at 3 am, there is no surprise that it has become a haven for younger college students, particularly on Monday nights.

Toasties and Tattooing: Antisocial 

 Opening its doors in January 2020 right before Covid hit, the team at Antisocial ensured that they would come out of the other side thriving – and that they did. A new favourite spot for students, the bar is located in The Liberties on Francis Street and mixes Instagram worthy cocktail towers with tasty toasties, great music and is even dog friendly. On their “Royal Rumble Sundays”, Antisocial offers €20-30 stick n poke tattooing, €6 Jameson and Ginger Ale and a pint and a shot for €10. What more could you ask for?

New Club to Try: Memas

 A new spot on the Northside, Memas is on Parnell Street and in their own words, they are “purveyors of libations and good times”. They are also dog friendly, have DJs each weekend and offer brunch specials such as mimosa and bellini towers for €20. They are also planning a Christmas market on the 11th of December, giving you plenty of time to check the place out before the busy Christmas season kicks off.

Ruth Delaney- Arts & Lifestyle Correspondent