6 Best Bars in O'Connell Street and Around, Dublin

Originally fronted by the infamous Dublin drag queen Panti and a cultural hot spot for the local LGBT community, this amusingly named gay bar has loud music at night but is pretty chilled-out during the day.

This latest incarnation of the bar at the Morrison Hotel is an überhip cocktail joint that is trying (perhaps a little too hard) to attract the cool crowd. Still, the bar staff are inventive with their cocktails, and aficionados of Irish whiskeys will be thrilled with the selection.

A music hub with four floors of entertainment of every kind, the Academy is anchored by big-name local and international DJs and gigs. It attracts a young, dance-crazy crowd who like to party until the wee hours.

This cool bar for lovers of electronic music is based around a custom-made sound system and an enviable vinyl collection . . . oh, and they specialize in craft beers and daring cocktails, too.

A hop and skip from O'Connell Street, the Celt offers traditional Irish music seven nights a  week and draws a nice mix of locals and tourists. On busy weekends, to quote the natives, the place is "heaving."

Directly across from the Abbey Theatre, the Flowing Tide draws a lively pre- and post-theater crowd. No TVs, quality pub talk, and a great pint of Guinness make it a worthwhile visit (although the decor won't win any prizes).