We're dyed-in-the-wool karaoke obsessed here at One Fab Day. Never happier than when we're belting out a Celine Dion track in the basement of a restaurant, and, while we understand that the scenario we've just described will make many people shudder, we also firmly believe that, given the right crowd, karaoke is the perfect activity for hen parties, stag dos, and engagement parties.
We've even suggested to a few engaged friends that they should have karaoke at their wedding. So if you're looking for a place to do karaoke in Dublin or around the rest of Ireland, it's safe to say that you've come to the right place!
There's just one problem. In our opinion, the karaoke-loving population in Ireland are critically underserved. In Dublin, karaoke bars seem to open and shut in the blink of an eye, and the offering in other counties is scant at best. That said, we can't bear the thought of some pop-hungry revellers missing out on the chance to do their best Taylor Swift impressions, so we've come up some options for doing karaoke in Dublin and the rest of Ireland.
These ideas should have you messing up the lyrics to Like a Prayer in no time! Oh, and if we've missed one, please let us know via Facebook or Instagram - seriously, we'll add it to the list - and we'll be there in a heartbeat!
Where to Do Karaoke in Dublin
Dublin Bars & Restaurants with Private Karaoke Rooms
Marrakesh by Mindo
Marrakesh by Mindo is located on Dublin's buzzing Capel St and it's where Moroccan heritage meets pop culture. Upstairs, the restaurant serves Moroccan favourites including tagines and pastilles, with a side helping of belly dancing, while downstairs you'll find two private karaoke rooms, catering for parties of up to 20 people.
Capel St., Dublin 1 | marrakesh.ie | €100 per hour
Maneki
Come for the deliciously fresh and modern Japanese menu and stay for the karaoke. There's a small studio for 9 people and a larger one for up to 20
Dawson St, Dublin 2 | maneki.ie | from €35-€120 per hour
Wigwam
Wigwam is a buzzy weekend spot for brunch and offers a boozy afternoon Drag Brunch on Saturdays and karaoke goes until 9.45pm. For €45, you can choose three delicious cocktails from the menu, including rum mimosas and Cuba Libres, a dish and of course you get a seat at the best drag show in town.
You can reserve a karaoke room for up to 20 people for afterwards, or you can order food and drinks to your booth. Prepare for a particularly boozy version of B*Witched's C'est La Vie!
Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1 | wigwamdublin.com | €30 for 45 mins
The Bernard Shaw
The Bernard Shaw is a little bit of everything - bar, restaurant, event space, music venue and of course karaoke spot. You can grab food in Eatyard, the outdoor food market, and then book an entire floor for karaoke and ping pong for €150 for 3 hours for up to 30 people from 8pm. Now that sounds like a great night out!
Glasnevin, Dublin 9 | thebernardshaw.com | €30 for 45 minutes
Boba Bar
This unassuming Vietnamese takeaway has two karaoke rooms hidden away upstairs. Belt out your favourite hits under the strobe lights and colourful LEDs, while chowing down on some delicious noodles.
Parnell St., Dublin 1 | @bobabar_restaurant |
Dublin Bars with Regular Karaoke Nights
The George
This beloved Dublin gay bar hosts a karaoke night every Saturday night. Aptly titled Saturgays, the club night is hosted by drag performers Veda, Davina Devine, and also features a DJ set from Conor Behan.
George's St., Dublin 2 | thegeorge.ie | Free admission before 8pm, €10 after
The Woolshed
Thursday is karaoke night at the Woolshed on Parnell St., with one very special bonus - anyone brave enough to get up on stage gets a free shot!
Parnell St., Dublin 1 | woolshedbaa.com | Free admission
Local Pubs in Dublin with Regular Karaoke Nights
- The Patriot's Inn, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
- O'Connells, Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1
Something a Little Bit Different
Anto's Disco Taxi
It's not karaoke in the traditional sense, but the seven-seater taxi service provided by legendary Dubliner Anto comes pretty close - it's designed specifically to allow passengers sing along to their favourite hits while being transported from A to B!
Anto's Disco Taxi Facebook Page
Where to Do Karaoke in the Rest of Ireland
Irish Bars with Private Karaoke Rooms
The Mardyke
Comprising a bar, restaurant, bowling alley and retro arcade, this Cork city haunt is a one-stop entertainment shop that also happens to have private pods for karaoke.
Sheare's Street, Cork | mardyke.com | €5 to €7.50 per person per hour
KTV.IE
With four very slick karaoke studios to choose from taking from 10 to 20 people this is the perfect place to have a few drinks, nibbles and belt out a few tunes.
John's St., Limerick | ktv.ie | From €20 to €65 per hour
Pubs & Bars in Ireland with Regular Karaoke Nights
- Biddy Earlys, Kilkenny
- Robinson', Belfast
- The Union Street Bar, Belfast
- The Maverick, Belfast
- The Frisky Bear, Down
- Cronin's Pub, Cork
- Barr an Chaladh, Galway
Rental & Hire Options
Mobile Karaoke
If there isn't a suitable option on our list, the next best thing is to find a bar or restaurant with private rooms to rent, and ask if they'll allow karaoke via a mobile service. If the answer's yes, you're in business! Any of the following should be able to provide you with a professional karaoke set-up: Big John's Karaoke, Fast Eddie's Karaoke Hire or Karaoke.ie.
Airbnb
If you're planning to rent a house through Airbnb or hire a venue for your event, you might be able to turn one of the rooms into a karaoke station, provided that the location is pretty secluded (believe us, the neighbours won't appreciate your rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart!) You can either contact one of the above mobile karaoke services, or, if the house has a TV, you can simply purchase or borrow a karaoke machine for the weekend.
Still looking for the perfect way to celebrate? Check out our lists of hen party ideas, stag party ideas and mixed-gender party ideas.
