Choosing between the Afternoon Irish Dance Party and the Evening Dinner Show in Dublin depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The afternoon show is best for visitors who want to learn a few Irish dance steps, interact with professional performers and enjoy live music. The evening show is better for those who prefer a traditional three-course dinner followed by live Irish music, singing and professional dance performances.
Both experiences take place at Merchant’s Arch in Temple Bar and last approximately two hours. However, they have different schedules, ticket prices and formats. The afternoon experience includes three beginner-friendly Irish dance lessons, while the evening show focuses on dinner and live entertainment without structured dance lessons.
Here’s what to expect from each option, what your ticket includes and how to decide which experience fits your Dublin visit.
Afternoon vs Evening: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is participation versus dining and entertainment. The afternoon Irish Dance Party gives guests the opportunity to learn traditional Irish dance steps alongside professional dancers. The evening dinner show offers a more relaxed, seated experience with a three-course meal and live performances.
| Feature | Afternoon Irish Dance Party | Evening Dinner Show |
| Time | 2:30–4:30 PM | 7:00–9:00 PM |
| Days | Daily, subject to availability | Sunday–Wednesday |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Ticket price | From €25 | From €56.95 |
| Food | Available to purchase separately | Three-course dinner included |
| Live Irish music | Included | Included |
| Professional dance performances | Included | Included |
| Beginner dance lessons | Three lessons included | Not included |
| Reserved seating | Included | Included |
| Drinks | Available to purchase separately | Available to purchase separately |
| Location | Merchant’s Arch, Temple Bar | Merchant’s Arch, Temple Bar |
Both experiences combine Irish music and professional dancing, but the afternoon programme is more interactive, while the evening programme brings dinner and entertainment together in one booking.
Afternoon Irish Dance Party: Learn, Watch and Join In
Best for: First-time visitors to Irish dancing, couples, friends, families, hen and stag parties, and anyone who wants a hands-on Irish cultural experience.
The Afternoon Irish Dance Party is a two-hour experience combining live traditional Irish music, professional dance performances and three beginner-friendly dance lessons.
Taking place daily from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, it gives visitors the chance to experience Irish music and dancing without needing any previous knowledge or experience.
Unlike a traditional performance where the audience simply watches, this experience invites guests to become part of the event. Professional dancers demonstrate simple steps and guide participants through traditional group dances, making it accessible even to people who have never tried Irish dancing.
What Happens During the Afternoon Show?
The afternoon programme combines performances, music and dance lessons throughout the two hours. Guests have their reserved table for the entire experience and can take breaks between activities.
The published programme follows this schedule:
| Time | Activity |
| 2:30 PM | Welcome, arrival and opening live music |
| 2:40 PM | First professional Irish dance performance |
| 2:50 PM | First beginner dance lesson – 20 minutes |
| 3:20 PM | Live music and second dance performance |
| 3:35 PM | Second beginner dance lesson – 20 minutes |
| 4:05 PM | Two further dance performances and live music |
| 4:20 PM | Final beginner dance lesson – 10 minutes |
| 4:30 PM | Experience finishes |
The three lessons provide approximately 50 minutes of guided dancing in total, broken into shorter sessions throughout the programme.
You don’t need to know any Irish dance steps before arriving. The dancers demonstrate the movements and guide the group through each lesson. Participation is entirely optional, so guests who prefer to watch can enjoy the performances and music from their reserved seats.
What Does the Afternoon Ticket Include?
The standard adult ticket includes:
- A two-hour experience.
- A reserved table.
- Live traditional Irish music.
- Professional Irish dance performances.
- Three beginner-friendly Irish dance lessons.
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Guests can purchase drinks from the full bar, and Irish food is available separately at Merchant’s Arch.
This makes the afternoon option particularly suitable for people who have already planned their lunch or want to explore Dublin’s restaurants before or after the show.
How Much Does the Afternoon Irish Dance Party Cost?
The currently published ticket prices are:
| Ticket type | Price |
| Adult | €25 |
| Groups of 11 or more | €23 per person |
| Student | €15 |
The group rate makes the experience a practical option for hen and stag parties, birthday celebrations, school groups and friends travelling together.
For larger groups or specific arrangements, contact the team to confirm available dates, seating and booking options.
View the Afternoon Irish Dance Party tickets
Evening Dinner Show: An Irish Night with Food and Live Entertainment
Best for: Couples, families, visitors looking for evening entertainment, and groups who prefer dinner followed by a live cultural performance.
The Evening Dinner Show offers a different way to experience Irish culture in Dublin. Instead of taking part in dance lessons, guests enjoy a three-course dinner followed by traditional Irish songs, live music and professional Irish dance performances.
The experience takes place from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with dinner served first and the entertainment beginning at approximately 7:30 PM.
It is designed for visitors who want to combine a meal and live entertainment into one evening rather than organise separate restaurant and performance bookings.
What Happens During the Evening Show?
The evening begins with guests taking their reserved seats and enjoying a three-course dinner.
After dinner, musicians and singers bring the room to life with traditional Irish songs, music and stories. Professional dancers then perform choreographed routines, showcasing the rhythm, footwork and energy of Irish dancing.
The published evening programme follows this general structure:
| Time | Activity |
| 7:00 PM | Arrival and dinner begins |
| 7:15 PM | Three-course meal |
| 7:30 PM | Live traditional Irish songs |
| 8:00 PM | Stories, humour and Irish culture |
| 8:20 PM | Professional Irish dance performances |
| 8:30 PM | Live music and audience enjoyment |
| 8:50 PM | Final dance performance |
| 9:00 PM | Show finishes |
The evening format is primarily designed for watching and enjoying the performances from your table. Unlike the afternoon experience, it does not include the three structured beginner dance lessons.
Guests can still enjoy the atmosphere, listen to the musicians and join in with the songs where appropriate, without needing to get onto the dance floor.
What’s Included in the Evening Dinner Show?
The evening ticket includes:
- A two-hour dinner and entertainment experience.
- Reserved seating.
- A three-course dinner.
- Live Irish music and singing.
- Professional Irish dance performances.
Drinks are not included in the ticket price but can be purchased from the full bar.
The dinner menu offers a selection of dishes, with the available choices subject to change. Guests with allergies or specific dietary requirements should contact the team before booking to confirm what can be accommodated.
How Much Does the Evening Dinner Show Cost?
The currently published ticket prices are:
| Ticket type | Price |
| Adult | €56.95 |
| Senior | €53.95 |
| Ages 12–16 | €47.95 |
| Under 12 | €44.95 |
The three-course dinner is included in these prices, making the evening option convenient for visitors who want to plan their dinner and entertainment together.
The regular public evening shows run from Sunday to Wednesday. Groups of more than 10 guests can contact the team to enquire about alternative dates and group arrangements.
Explore the Evening Dinner Show and check availability
Which Show Is Better for Different Types of Visitors?
Both experiences welcome different types of visitors, but some groups may find one format more suitable than the other.
Couples
The Evening Dinner Show is a good choice for couples who want to enjoy dinner and live entertainment together. It provides a structured evening with a meal, music and dancing in one venue.
The afternoon option may suit couples who prefer a more interactive activity and want to learn something new together.
Families with Children
Both options are family-friendly.
The afternoon show gives children the opportunity to try simple Irish dance steps with professional dancers. It can be particularly appealing to children who enjoy music, movement and participating in group activities.
The evening show is an alternative for families who prefer a seated dinner and live performance. Reduced child ticket prices are available.
Parents should consider their children’s age, interest and usual dinner schedule when choosing between the two.
Friends, Hen and Stag Parties
The Afternoon Irish Dance Party is particularly suitable for groups of friends and celebrations where participation is part of the fun.
Guests can learn simple dance steps together, watch professional performances and enjoy live music. Nobody is expected to have previous dancing experience, and participation remains optional.
The evening show offers an alternative for groups who would rather enjoy a three-course meal followed by live entertainment.
For larger groups, contact the team in advance to discuss seating, dates and booking arrangements.
Solo Travellers
Solo visitors can enjoy either experience.
The afternoon option provides opportunities to join group dance lessons, while the evening show offers a relaxed way to experience Irish music and dancing from a reserved table.
Both are hosted by professional Irish musicians and dancers, making them suitable for visitors interested in learning more about Irish culture.
Tour Groups and Organised Visitors
The best choice depends on the purpose of the itinerary.
The afternoon show works well for tours that want to include an interactive cultural activity during the day. The evening dinner show is more suitable for itineraries that include a group dinner and an organised entertainment experience.
Groups of more than 10 can contact the team to discuss alternative evening dates, larger bookings and arrangements.
Location: Both Experiences in the Heart of Temple Bar
Both the Afternoon Irish Dance Party and Evening Dinner Show take place at Merchant’s Arch, 49 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
The venue overlooks the River Liffey and is beside the famous Ha’penny Bridge, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing or an evening in Dublin city centre.
Merchant’s Arch is a historic 19th-century building with a traditional pub atmosphere. The performance space is upstairs, providing an intimate setting for live Irish music and dancing.
Its central location also makes it convenient to explore the surrounding area before or after your experience.
For more information about the venue, see the Merchant’s Arch visitor listing on Visit Dublin.
Accessibility information: The performance room is upstairs and reached by a spiral staircase. There is no lift, and the performance space is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact the team before booking if anyone in your group has mobility requirements.
Booking Information: What to Know Before You Choose
Before booking either experience, consider the following practical details.
Book in advance. Pre-booking is essential, and availability depends on the selected date. The evening show has a more limited regular schedule, so check availability before planning the rest of your evening.
Check the current ticket inclusions. The afternoon ticket does not include food or drinks. The evening ticket includes a three-course dinner but excludes drinks.
Inform the team about dietary requirements. Contact the team in advance if anyone attending has food allergies or specific dietary needs.
Confirm group arrangements. Groups of more than 10 people can enquire about group rates and alternative dates. Larger bookings should be discussed with the team before making travel arrangements.
Check accessibility. Both public experiences take place in the upstairs performance room at Merchant’s Arch. There is no lift, and the room is not wheelchair accessible.
Review cancellation terms. The booking page currently advertises a full refund for cancellations made up to 48 hours before the show. It also advertises a payment option with 20% upfront and the remaining balance later. Check the terms shown during checkout before confirming your reservation.
So, Which Irish Dance Experience Should You Choose?
The right option comes down to whether you want to participate in Irish dancing or enjoy a dinner and performance.
Choose the Afternoon Irish Dance Party if you:
- Want to learn traditional Irish dance steps.
- Enjoy interactive group activities.
- Prefer a lower ticket price.
- Want to experience Irish music and dancing during the day.
- Are organising a group activity or celebration.
Choose the Evening Dinner Show if you:
- Want a three-course dinner included in your ticket.
- Prefer a seated entertainment experience.
- Want to enjoy live Irish songs and professional dance performances.
- Are planning an evening activity in Temple Bar.
- Prefer to combine dinner and entertainment in one booking.
Both experiences offer live Irish music, professional dancing and a central Dublin location. The key difference is that the afternoon show invites you to take part, while the evening show lets you enjoy Irish culture over dinner and live entertainment.
Whichever you choose, you’ll have an opportunity to experience traditional Irish music and dancing in the heart of Dublin.
Ready to experience Irish music and dancing in Temple Bar?
Explore the two options, check your preferred date and reserve your table.
