The area comes to life as the sun goes down and the lower end of the city centre street, home to many bars and restaurants, has recently had a £250,000 refurbishment. The new look includes 24-hour pedestrianisation, resurfacing and new security bollards.
There’s so much packed into just a few hundred feet – from a games bar with beer pong and shuffleboard to a delicious noodle restaurant. And there’s some gems further up Merrion Street, too.
Here’s my ultimate guide to a night out in Merrion Street, with 15 bars and restaurants to choose from. Businesses are listed in a loop from the top end down to the bottom stretch, and back up the other side.
13. Verve
Next door is Mean Eyed Cat's sister bar, Verve, an equally as raucous party venue. It's one for the agave lovers - there's a huge selection of tequilas and mezcals to enjoy, either straight or mixed in a wide range of cocktails. Get free nachos with every drink before 9pm, or get stuck in with weekly comedy and quiz nights. Photo: Simon Hulme
14. MOJO
This rock 'n' roll-themed bar serves some of the greatest guitar music of the previous four decades with perfectly-crafted cocktails, ice-cold beers and a lively dancefloor. There's a five-page cocktail menu with an incredible range of tipples on offer. And you can even learn how to craft your own with a cocktail masterclass, with the chance to take part in cocktail competitions. Photo: Simon Hulme
15. Noodle House
We're coming to the end of our tour and couldn't miss out Noodle House, a simple Chinese restaurant with tasty grub to enjoy in or take away. It specialises in roasted meats, including roast crispy belly pork and soy chicken. Photo: Simon Hulme
16. Liv
Last up is Liv, on the corner of Merrion Street and New Briggate. Dance away to a playlist of R&B, hip-hop, house and Desi beats at this cocktail bar, with £4 shots all night - including tequila rose, Jägermeister and Sourz. Photo: Simon Hulme