Rooftop Bars in Dublin: Where to Drink with a View
You don’t just stumble upon the best parts of Dublin. You have to know where to look.
Most tourists stick to the same well-trodden route of historic pubs and cobbled streets in Temple Bar. They follow the sound of trad music spilling from every doorway, chasing an experience they’ve seen in a thousand pictures.
And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s only scratching the surface.
If you want a proper night out in Dublin – one that isn’t just an overpriced tourist trap – you’ve got to look up. Literally.
Why are good rooftop bars in Dublin so rare?
What most Dublin travel blogs fail to mention is that Dublin is not a city of rooftops. Unlike cities known for their vertical drama, Dublin’s skyline is tightly protected by heritage rules.
Add in the famous unpredictability of the Irish weather, and the fact that Dublin’s nightlife scene was built around the warm gravity of the pub, and you’ll begin to understand why there aren’t many rooftop bars in Dublin.
With that being said, they do exist, and the scarcity is what makes the rooftop bars you will find in Dublin so special.
These aren’t just pretty spaces for a rare summer night – they’re built for year-round use, with proper heating, smart shelter, and layouts that balance open air with comfort.
In fact, one of Dublin’s rooftop bars has quietly become the city’s best-kept secret, and locals have known about it for years.
The name? Bad Bobs, and if you’ve heard of it before your flight, you’re already ahead of most visitors!
Why Bad Bobs?
Forget the sterile, formal atmosphere of a hotel sky bar. The rooftop terrace at Bad Bobs is buzzing.
It’s got a proper indoor-outdoor setup, with one area being fully open to the elements, with other sections being sheltered and warmed by heaters, allowing the crowd to mingle comfortably regardless of the weather.
It’s a space designed for a real night out, where you can shed your coat even on a cold winter evening.
Music-wise, you’ll find live DJs playing house, funk, and modern chart music that is loud enough to build a party vibe but not so overwhelming that you cannot hold a conversation.
The crowd at Bobs is a mix of after-work groups unwinding, friends kicking off a weekend, and savvy tourists who have done their homework (like you!). There are no velvet ropes or VIP sections, just good craic.
Who books the terrace at Bad Bobs?
Honestly? Everyone.
Locals and visitors alike love a night out at Bad Bobs. Regulars book it out well in advance for milestone birthdays, hen parties, corporate drinks, and everything in between.
Due to its popularity, tables get booked out in advance, and if you don’t plan ahead, you might be disappointed.
Final Thoughts
Dublin will always have its famous pubs and historic landmarks, but the city’s best kept secrets are not really secrets at all. They are popular, high-demand experiences known for their quality and consistency, and the rooftop terrace at Bad Bobs is a prime example.
The ultimate Dublin nightlife experience is not about stumbling into a random bar and hoping for the best. It is about choosing to be in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the people who know their city best.
If you want to get a sense of what Dubliners actually do when they’re not being watched by tourists, get yourself to a rooftop bar, and you’ll see a side of Dublin that most people never do.
Planning a trip to Dublin? You may also enjoy these posts:
How to Spend One Day in Dublin
How to Visit Dublin on a Budget
18 Irish Dishes You Need to Try in Dublin
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