Dubliners ‘going out differently’ as interactive map boasts 250,000 interactions
Nightlife in Dublin is going through some changes as the Night-Time Economy Advisor states “Dubliners are going out differently.”
With an increased focus on night-time activities that move beyond just the pub, Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy Advisor Ray O’Donoghue believes people aren’t going out less in Dublin, but the way that they enjoy the city after dark has changed. “We’re seeing more people come into the city earlier, explore more of it, and shape their night around experiences rather than just one venue,” he said.
This comment comes after the interactive ‘ Dublin Nights Mapped ’ website reached over 250,000 interactions in just under three months, which highlights a growing shift in how people are experiencing the city after dark. Launched in January 2026, the interactive map showcases a wide range of evening activities across Dublin, from late opening cultural spaces and cafés to social experiences and outdoor locations.
“Dublin Nights Mapped is helping people discover what’s already there, whether that’s a walk along the old city walls, time in places like Blessington Street Basin, or visits to cultural spaces and social venues across the city,” Mr O’Donoghue stated.
This milestone in usage comes as longer, brighter evenings are drawing more people in the city and opening the possibility for people to build their nights around activities and experiences over traditional late-night routines. Footfall figures also appear to be moving in a positive direction, suggesting this shift may already be having an impact on how people use the city in the early evening.
People are also feeling more comfortable exploring the city in the evenings, as the Your Dublin Your Voice survey states the number of people who say they feel safe in Dublin at night has increased from 31% in October 2024 to 40% today. While that’s still a minority of the public, it is the highest level recorded in 15 years.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam says Dublin Nights Mapped proves the capital is alive and well after dark. He commended the website for showing “Dublin at its best.”
“Our city is becoming more welcoming, more vibrant and more enjoyable in the evening, with everything from culture and heritage to cafés, outdoor spaces and new experiences on offer. As the brighter evenings arrive, this is a real opportunity to bring more people into the city, support local business and show Dublin at its very best,” he said.
Popular experiences featured on the map include social gaming venues such as Flight Club and Lane7, as well as quieter city locations like the gardens at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and historic walking routes through the city. With sunset now stretching beyond 8pm, ‘Dublin Nights Mapped’ is encouraging people to make the most of the city in the early evening hours.
“This is about giving people more choice and making the city feel open, welcoming and full of things to do at different times of the evening,” Mr O'Donoghue added.
Dublin Nights Mapped forms part of a wider strategy to support a more diverse and sustainable night-time economy, with further developments to be announced in the coming weeks. Dublin Nights Mapped is available to explore via DublinNights.ie or by searching on Google Maps.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme