Oh we know it’s early, but we love Christmas and it will be here before you know it. At City Language School we think it is better to be prepared. Besides, you may need to do some research of your own before you decide on the best places to spend your precious Christmas time with your friends. There is a lot of craic to be had between now and December 25th and there are plenty of places near our school that do Christmas really well.
The Hole in the Wall, 345-347 Blackhorse Ave, Phoenix Park, Dublin 7
People who live up around this part of the city try their best to keep this place quiet because it’s such a beautiful secret at any time of the year. At Christmas, it’s extra special and the owners really go to town on making the pub feel extra Christmassy. In fact, this pub is quite possibly the envy of Laplanders. We’d suggest a walk in the nearby Phoenix Park on a clear and crisp day and just as the sun fades over the horizon, head for the Hole in the Wall. You won’t regret it. The injection of Christmas spirit will last a long time.
The Long Hall, Aungier St, Dublin 2
Just around the corner from the school, The Long Hall has been open since 1766 and is something of a shrine to antiquity. It is one of Dublin’s oldest, most beautiful and best loved pubs. Savvy tourists and Dubliners with excellent taste can be found here in equal amounts.The staff are well-known for their friendliness and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a window seat – one of the most prized places in the whole the city. Don’t expect to be dancing on the tables here. It is a place for catching up with friends.
The Gingerman, Fenian Street, Dublin 2
Tucked in behind Trinity College and just a short stroll from Pearse Street DART station, this is a staple of the post-work crew. Many a good intention has gone AWOL in here, mainly because of the positive atmosphere the owners create. Expect to bump into Santas, elves, tinsel and mistletoe hanging from every available overhead space. Great fun.
Strawberry Hall, Chapelizod, Dublin 10
A little outside the city centre in Chapelizod is the Strawberry Hall. According to tradition, they have been going mad here with Christmas decoration since the 1950s and every year there’s more tinsel, more reindeers and snow. A great pub with a surprising country feel.
Whelan’s, Wexford St, Dublin 2
Everyone needs to get some live music into them over the Christmas and this is as good as any and sometimes better than most. In Dublin, it’s famous around this time of year because of the multitude of reunion gigs featuring former Irish greats. Check the listings and see what’s on. You never know what you’ll get.
Mc Daid’s, Harry Street, Dublin 2
Every Dubliner has a pub in town that they go to every Christmas. It seems that many of them choose this one, and for good reason. Tasty pints, very friendly bar staff and dripping with the history of the writers and artists who used to patronise it, it’s a fine place to spend a couple of hours in the city around the festive season.
Bruxelles, Harry Street, Dublin 2
Just across the road from McDaid’s is this institution. Every city in the world has a place like this and we are in no way suggesting that this is the best nightclub in the world but it is a place with a late licence and three separate ‘areas’ including a spot for long haired and generally really sound rockers. Just say you know Sepultura and you’ll be fine.
Your Language School in Dublin City Centre
City Language School is right in the heart of Dublin City Centre. Dublin is the proud and vibrant capital of Ireland and with its cosmopolitan and modern feel, it has repeatedly been voted Europe’s friendliest city by Trip Advisor. Dublin boasts strong links with literature, music, dance and storytelling. As you walk through the streets of Temple Bar, you can absorb the musical tradition which spills onto the streets from the many bars and restaurants; truly a city of enormous beauty! Dublin is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery that will leave you with lifelong memories. It is perfectly located on the eastern coastline of Ireland and is a convenient gateway to the rest of Europe.
We are conveniently located in the heart of Dublin on Dame Street, giving you easy access to the whole city of Dublin as well as bus and tram lines for you to get around.