With nearly 550,000 residents (and growing), Dublin is one of the liveliest cities in all of Europe. Our town welcomes millions of tourists a year, drawn by our famous hospitality. Usually, the tourists come for the pubs and scenery but we locals know there’s so much more. So finding Dublin hookups should be easy, especially if you try one of these top hookup apps:
Site Our Experience Our Rating Free Trial Link 
Experience Highlights Try AFF For Free 
Tinder Highlights Try Tinder 
Experience Highlights Try Passion
Dublin is a thoroughly modern city with an active nightlife that spreads from Blackrock to Finglas. Arranging to hook up with someone new is just a matter of finding the right bar. Of course, in a city full of pubs, that’s easier said than done. More and more people are also trying Dublin hookup apps and sites. They can generally be less of a hassle but they can also be just as fruitless.
I’m a dating expert who has been out and successfully met in Dublin more times than I care to remember. I know how frustrating it is to invest time and money and wind up with nothing to show for it. That’s why, with local help, I researched and created this list of the best Dublin hookup sites, apps and bars. You aren’t stuck out in Rathdaniel, so why live like you are? Start getting laid on the regular.
Keep reading for our recommendations and be sure to give them a try. Comment below to let us know how our suggestions worked out for you.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding the Ideal Spots to Hook Up in Dublin
The thing with finding hookups is that it's not something you can be good at in a matter of days, especially if you're new to the city. Good thing our team of experts at Heart Insider frequently collaborate to keep our list of recommendations as updated as possible. Here's how we found the best places to find Dublin hookups:
- We start off by doing research online about which spots get the most buzz when it comes to finding hookups. We then create a list of places that seem popular enough to put on our list.
- We enlist the help of our ground crew--locals who know the city well and know how to find hookups. They go to each location to see if it really is easy to meet women and talk to them. They then use their charm to find hookups at each spot.
- Every spot is vetted by a number of our experts, all looking for the most conducive places to find hookups.
- At the same time, our experts also use a variety of hookup apps and sites to see what the online dating scene is like in every city.
- After rigorous testing, we create our ultimate list of hookup hotspots in the city. Every few months, we update our recommendations to remove closed venues and replace them with new ones that we think you'll love.
Our favorite spots to find Dublin hookups
Whether you’re a student at Dublin City University or you’re a working stiff, getting laid shouldn’t be hard. These are the Dublin hookup bars, sites and apps that get results.
AFF is Dublin's best hookup app (try it free)
Most hookups are starting online in Dublin now. If you're not on at least one app you're really going to be missing out. Out of the two top hookup apps in Dublin, AFF and Tinder we've definitely been seeing better results with AFF lately, especially for single guys. Tinder is still decent but more focused on relationships.
From what we've seen, most guys will get their best results using AFF, especially if they're tired of wasting time and money.
What sets AFF apart is that it's 100% focused on hookups and the women using it actually want to meet in person. Instead of being filled with girls just looking for compliments to boost their ego, its users are really looking for some fun in person.
Check out their free trial below and see why it's become so popular in Dublin. We've had an easy time using it and most guys are getting their best results there. Check out our review of Adult FriendFinder to know more about how you can make this amazing hookup site work for you.
More than a third of young adults in Ireland have met someone in real life that they originally got to know online, according to data from the Economic and Social Research Institute. Many of these would have met their online companion on dating or hook-up apps. Some 50% of young adults have tried dating apps at some point in their lives, according to a study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health. It has been projected by Statista that dating app usage will continue to rise in Ireland for the next four years at least.
Some 16% of those using dating apps have done so specifically for casual encounters, according to the latest Esquire Sex Survey. And that’s exactly what AFF can help you to do.
What they're saying about AFF:
Sachin Dawhan - Quora
“The hook up site has existed for a very long time and it’s what everyone knows (especially women). And so they’ve got millions of users globally.
And for female profiles, you need that high volume of users as otherwise it will not work.
If you can use the site or app to your advantage, will obviously depend a lot on if you can stand out from the crowd and attract those female profiles.
But in my experience it’s really not that hard because most male users seem to have problems just being themselves. And this is number one thing females are looking for before they want to know if you are compatible sexually.”
Jean Callaway - Quora
100 % legit and you will find me there. I do hear a lot of the men complain that a lot of the woman ask for giftcards and are hustling but ive dated both men and women on AFF and have been a member many years and i assure you its a great place to be real and find exactly the friends with the kinks you seek .Have fun !
Toners lightens up the typical pub with a beer garden
When you’re wanting to drink with a lively crowd, your best bet is a beer garden. Getting out into a sunny, friendly atmosphere changes everything and can start a raucous, happy day out. For the purposes of hooking up, this atmosphere is ideal.
Luckily, one of Dublin’s best and oldest pubs also has a great beer garden, so you can enjoy it no matter the weather. Toners on Baggot Street has everything you love about pub drinking but with the option of enjoying the sun. It draws a great crowd, including plenty of sexy women. Come through and turn an afternoon of day drinking into an evening of bed play.
What People Are Saying About Toners:
Brian Gildea - Google Maps
“Definitely up there for top Guinness in Dublin. Particularly with the expansive outdoor area which is sheltered and full of heating.”
The best Dublin pickup bars we've tried
The search for Dublin hookups is a never-ending endeavor. Here are a few more great suggestions for how to make your sexual fantasies come true.
Drop Dead Twice wants you to bring the fun
Down on Francis Street, you’ll find a cocktail bar with a twist. No, the bartenders at Drop Dead Twice aren’t dressed up as knights, nor do they speak in riddles. The gimmick here is that you bring the liquor and they make the drinks. Yep, it’s a BYO cocktail lounge. They will make you pretty much anything you want so long as you supply the spirits.
While that might seem like an unnecessary step, in practice, it works exceptionally well. Where else in this city are you going to get four exquisite cocktails for €25? Pick up your date (or one-night stand; we’re not judging) and choose your poison together. Then let these expert mixologists set the mood with unique potions that will get the night rocking.
NOTE: At the time of writing, Drop Dead Twice was forced to temporarily closed because of a fire. However, restoration plans are on the way.
What People Are Saying About Drop Dead Twice
Owen Mason - Google Maps
“Fantastic place, friendly Staff great atmosphere. Drinks and cocktails are fantastic.”
Vintage Cocktail Club is worth the search
A classic speakeasy combines everything we seek in Dublin hookup bars: dim lighting, cosy seating and strong, delicious drinks. Hidden within the Temple Bar neighbourhood, Vintage Cocktail Club is a strict 23-and-up experience. Based on Prohibition-era bars from that dark period in America’s history, VCC brings old-fashioned sophistication to Dublin.
Ring the doorbell and be led into a candle-lit lounge that feels like a trip through time. The cocktails are made with care while the décor will make you forget you’re in the heart of Ireland. It’s a great locale for drinks with friends or even if you’re flying solo. However, the best way to enjoy VCC is in the company of a beautiful woman.
What People Are Saying About Vintage Cocktail Club:
Ali Tassavor - Google Maps
“Outstanding cocktail menu, great atmosphere and friendly staff and male reservation in advance!”
The hookup apps in Dublin dating coaches prefer
A huge number of hookups start online now. You don't have spend all day on the apps but spending 10-20 minutes a week sending messages can really pay off. These are the best hookup apps in the city right now:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Hookup Site Right Now | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Great If You're Handsome | Tinder Highlights
| 8 | Try Tinder |
2nd Best For Most Guys | Experience Highlights
| 8 | Try Passion |
The best clubs for finding hookups in Dublin
Here's a list of a few clubs that we believe can help you get laid in Dublin...
Mother - Perfect for finding young hookups in Dublin
Mother is a gay club, but there are plenty of attractive straight women who attend to dance and have a good time with their gay pals. This traditional pub has something for everyone. A large dance floor to dance your soul out, a great selection of cocktails and drinks, and laid back private rooms for chilling and chatting with your date.
Whether you’re a traditionalist and will come here to dance or a laidback gentleman looking to get laid in Dublin, this venue is just for you.
What People Are Saying About Mother
Prymary Colours - Google Maps
“One of, if not, THE best club nights in Ireland. The atmosphere is so welcoming. The music always varies. The energy is electric. The vibe is safe & fun.”
The Laughter Lounge - An unexpectedly good place
Ok, that may not be the sort of “club” you’ve been looking for, but the Laughter Lounge has its perks:
- It’s perfect for bringing a date along
When it comes to good humor, the primitive female brain doesn’t really differentiate between the cause and the effect. If you give her an experience where she laughs her stomach out, she will think you are fun just because the experience itself was emotionally provocative.
“The comedians will do all the work to make her (and you) laugh,” explains dating coach and writer Ciaran Callam.
“And by the end, you’ll both be floating on a transcendent endorphin high, one which will greatly help the chances of you both getting familiar between the sheets.”
So, our advice is, once you find the perfect Dublin hookup, take her out here, and the Laughter Lounge will build some “bond” between you two.
- Hot older women come here a lot
Those who don’t like clubbing till 3 a.m still go out on Saturdays. So, yes, you can still find some of the hottest Dublin singles in the venue. Just make sure you dress up well and introduce yourself with confidence. It takes a lot of courage to walk up to a woman you don’t know for a quick chat, especially when she’s surrounded by other “hunters.”
What People Are Saying About The Laughter Lounge:
Leon - Google Maps
“Perfect place to watch a Stand Up. Great atmosphere, excellent seating. Food and drinks are served at your seat. Overall great experience.”
Best places to meet sexy Dublin girls during the day
For those who don't like partying, we for you covered. Here are a few good places where you can meet cute Dublin locals during the day...
Clement and Pekoe will help you clear your head
Don’t crucify us but sometimes we need a change of pace from the pub scene. As an alternative to the pint, a cup of coffee can be quite refreshing. You surely know that. Did you also know, though, that as an alternative to Dublin hookup bars, coffee houses can be an amazing experience? We’re here to say it’s so.
“The right attitude for approaching and picking up women in a coffee shop is about accepting that it’s totally fine to chat to a random woman in a coffee shop,” says dating and relationships expert Dan Bacon.
“It’s not a crime, it’s not ‘dangerous’ and it won’t end up with you getting a hot coffee tipped over your head," he goes on to say.
Our favourite coffee house in Dublin is Clement and Pekoe, down on South William Street. It has a refined and welcoming charm that a corporate shop can’t hope to match. It also serves far superior coffee. Very importantly, there is plenty of space for spreading out and having a chat. Bring a date or meet a new friend and watch how the day turns into night.
What People Are Saying About Clement and Pekoe:
Coldagh Byrne - Google Maps
Coffee is always amazing in this place! Outside bench in the sun on an Irish summer’s day is my idea of perfection.
Lemon Jelly - has a lot of single girls
Once you’ve given all the other options on our list a try, there are still ways to keep things fresh. Bars are the usual spots for meeting sexy singles but they hardly hold the monopoly on Dublin hookups. If you have the right moves and smooth enough opening lines, you can initiate a sexy encounter anywhere. Try Lemon Jelly Cafe, for instance.
Yes, you actually can pick someone up at the coffee house. If you’re not creepy or pushy, it can be done easily. The tables are full of single women who could be up for adding something (or someone) to their to-do list. Find a natural way to start a conversation and a connection could happen in seconds. From there, the day could go anywhere.
What People Are Saying About Lemon Jelly:
Laura Acebes Garcia - Google Maps
“I was attracted to this cafe for its look and also because the first time I passed by it was packed.”
Art Cafe is a small place where big things happen
Some places are cramped and some are charmingly cosy. Depending on your point of view, Art Cafe could be considered either. We just think of this centrally located bar as a delightful place to drink with friends or a date. No, there isn’t a ton of space here but that’s okay. You were wanting to get close anyway, right?
With its rustic brick walls and exposed lighting, Art Cafe feels like the den of an eccentric millionaire. Many hot locals come here for several events, especially over-30 singles, so there's a good chance you find a Dublin hookup at this venue.
What People Are Saying About Art Cafe:
Olga Villareal - Facebook
“Nice place!! Good events and staff is really kind.”
Other great spots to get laid in Dublin
No matter what people say, Tinder is still one of the best places to get laid in Dublin - and anywhere. All you need is to install the app, add a few good photos, and voila, you're one step closer to getting some of the best hookups in Dublin.
Tinder can still be good
From Trinity College to UCD, Dublin coeds know Tinder is a phenomenon. When it first released back in 2012, you couldn’t find a Millennial who wasn’t using the app. It quickly became the most talked-about method for arranging Dublin hookups. Some 200,000 people have signed up to the app in Ireland, with 50,000 of them being active users, according to data from Ipsos MRBI. Over time, though, the shine starts to wear off. Lots of older users found Tinder to be more frustrating than fun.
The painful truth is that Tinder is an app for the young. You will age out of it very quickly, because its ideal demographic is people 18-28. That’s why the Gen Z college students are still so enamored with it. They have a few more years when it will remain one of the most reliable Dublin hookup apps. If that’s you, have fun!
Of course, that’s assuming you’re also very good looking. For men on Tinder, if you aren’t in the top 10-15% in terms of looks, you won’t have much luck. Your profile photos are everything, so if you don’t take a pretty picture, be prepared to be ignored. It’s a harsh reality but you might as well hear it us from us.
Tinder is far easier for women. It still helps to be in the top half of looks but almost all female users get regular matches. The messages come at a furious clip for them. In fact, the sexiest women on Tinder rarely respond because they get so many messages. The ego boost is sufficient enough reason to be on the app.
For everyone else, Tinder is a very polarising app. In fact, an analysis by Electronics Hub suggested that Tinder was the most hated app in Ireland, despite it having such a large user base.
As the app’s popularity has plateaued, the makers have tried to expand their market. They are now looking to make Tinder more focused on general dating and relationships. Godspeed to them, but for the most attractive men and women, Tinder will always be an amazing hookup app.
What people are saying about Tinder:
Sarah - Quora
“I met my current and only boyfriend of the past 8 years, with just a genuine swipe right on the basic Tinder app with no added extras! It can work but the journey is often not the easiest for sure. And, I would rather I hadn’t wasted hours of my life on them. But, it did pay off and for that, I’m extremely grateful xxx”
Map of all of our hookup recommendations
We've included all of our top recommendations for finding a hookup in Dublin from above into the map below. This will help you properly plan which spots to try on any given night so you can try different options on the same night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hookups in Dublin
How can you get laid in Ireland?
The best way to get laid in Ireland is by going to hookup bars like The Liquor Rooms and Toners and by meeting women on hookup sites like AFF.
How do you flirt with an Irish girl?
Irish guys are notoriously shy when it comes to flirting. So a bit of confidence while meeting them at one of Dublin's top hookup bars will go a long way.
How do you get a girlfriend in Ireland?
A great way to get a girlfriend in Ireland is by going to bars like The Liquor Rooms (for dancing) and Toners (for the typical pub experience)
What is hookup culture like in Ireland?
Hookup culture in Ireland is somewhat rampant. In the latest edition of the Irish Sex Survey, some 71% of sexually active respondents said they’d had a one-night stand, while 31% had done so on more than five occasions. So, if you’re seeking casual sex, don’t be shy about your intentions. The chances are: you’ll be able to find someone on the same page as you.
“One-night stands seem to have replaced the older version of necking or heavy petting with someone,“ says Trish Murphy, a psychotherapist and agony aunt for The Irish Times. “Most people seem to understand that it is what it is, and that no more is expected.”
Should I try meeting Irish women in real life or online?
Both methods can work if you put the effort in! Ultimately, the answer will come down to your personal preference. If you’re having fun while trying to pick up women, your enthusiasm will usually rub off on them!
“Anyone who comes to me for matchmaking is absolutely exhausted by online dating,” mentioned Mairead Loughman, founder of Love HQ.
“They’re seeing so many people who are in relationships or married that are on Tinder or on other dating platforms.”
At the same time, there are men who prefer the ease of meeting women while sat at home swiping on their phone.
How can I attract women on dating apps?
The quality of your photos is the most important factor that’ll determine your success with dating apps. The more effort you put into improving your photos, the more female attention you’ll be likely to attract.
“People are swiping through lots and lots of photos. You need something about your photos thast jumps off the page,” says Saskia Nelson, founder of dating photography business Hey Saturday.
“Low quality photos attract low quality dates,” she adds.
Indeed, data from eHarmony reveals that profiles with photos are 9x more likely to receive a message than those without one.
It’s also worth skipping the smalltalk and asking to meet your online beau with more haste. A huge analysis of online dating conversations from the University College Dublin revealed that most successful interactions where phone numbers are exchanged occur within 20 messages.
Professor Taha Yasseri, who led the study, said: “In a bar, you wouldn’t give out your number after 20 sentences exchanged, so it’s a very quick interaction.”
At the same time, when it came to find a worthwhile match, Yasseri advised men to “take your time, be patient and don’t rush”.
How can I stay safe when hooking up with women in Ireland?
The key to staying safe while ‘playing the field’ is to take your time, get to know someone and use your better judgement before jumping into bed (or any private place) with a woman you barely know.
This applies to both online and offline interactions. Some $3.3 billion was lost to online romance scams in 2022, according to FBI data. In most cases, the victims would have been guilty of following their emotions instead of their head a little too much.
When you use logic and take the time to really know someone, you’re unlikely to end up in a dangerous situation.
If you liked this check out these other great spots for hookups:
References:
Bacon, D. (n.d.) How to pick up women in coffee shops. The Modern Man.
Callam, C. (2023) 10 unconventional 1st date ideas to get a woman’s heart racing this summer. The Good Men Project.
Capplis, C. (2022) The key to success in online dating? Asking questions and getting that number fast. Irish Examiner.
Castro, Á., & Barrada, J. R. (2020). Dating apps and their sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates: A systematic review.
Collier, K. (2023) Online romance scams are netting millions of dollars — And pushing some to self-harm. NBC News.
eHarmony (n.d.) Facts about the eHarmony photo approval.
Esquire. (2017). The great Esquire sex study.
Failte, C. M. (2022) Everything you need to know about Irish pub culture. Irish American Mom.
Holmquist, K. (2015) The sex survey: The internet and casual sex, new ways to hook up. The Irish Times.
Iona Institute (2010) Survey reveals high level of casual sex among young Irish.
McCarthaigh, S. (2023) Over a third of young Irish people meet online acquaintances in real life - ESRI study. Breaking News. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(18), 6500.
O’Dea, B. (2022) It’s official: Tinder is the most hated app in Ireland. Silicon Republic.
Statista (2023) Dating services - Ireland.
Weckler, A. (2017) Over 200,000 profiles prove how popular Tinder is with young Irish. Irish Independent.
Wilson, J. (2023) Married people on Tinder leaving singletons ‘absolutely exhausted’. Newstalk.
Contributing Author:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
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