Academy Plaza Hotel

You're stumbling out of the Gate Theatre or wrapping up a night around Parnell Square when the realisation hits - you're not quite ready for home yet. Thank Christ for this 24-hour hotel bar that never judges your timing, whether you're rolling in at 2am or need a hair-of-the-dog at 7am. The location couldn't be handier, tucked just off O'Connell Street where you can watch the city's night owls and early birds cross paths through the windows. It's not trying to be the fanciest spot in Dublin 1, but sometimes that's exactly what you need - a proper drink served without pretension at whatever hour suits you. The staff have seen it all and pour a decent pint, making this your reliable backup plan when the rest of the city centre has gone to bed.