Reviewed · DRINKING TOURS
Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor
A painting party in the middle of Dublin sounds like a laugh, and this one is. What I like most is the step-by-step guidance for beginners and the genuinely fun, laid-back atmosphere with games mixed in. The main thing to consider is that drinks are not included, so your final total depends on how much you choose to buy at the on-site bar.
You meet in Smithfield, get a blank canvas and materials ready for you, then paint while a music set keeps the mood light. You can follow the lesson plan, or you can do your own thing. You leave with a finished canvas you can hang at home or gift, which makes it feel more than a casual night out for a group.
In This Review
- Key Things That Make This Dublin Party Work
- Entering The Drink & Draw Venue on Queen Street
- What Happens First: The Welcome, the Setup, and Getting Ready to Paint
- Painting With a Step-by-Step Instructor, Without the Pressure
- The On-site Bar, Custom Music, and the Games With Prizes
- How Much of This Is a Lesson, and How Much Is Your Own Art?
- The “Take Home Your Masterpiece” Moment
- Price and Value: Is $31 in Dublin Terms a Good Deal?
- Who This Dublin Painting Party Suits Best
- Should You Book This Drink & Draw Painting Party?
- FAQ
- How long is the Dublin Drinking and Painting Party?
- Where is the meeting point for the activity?
- What does the price include?
- Are drinks included?
- Do I need prior art experience?
- What kind of paint is used?
- Is the instructor English-speaking?
- Is there an age limit?
- How does cancellation work?
Key Things That Make This Dublin Party Work

- Instructor-led, no-art-experience required: you get guided step-by-step help.
- Canvas and supplies are ready when you arrive: less faffing, more painting.
- Feel-good music playlist: the vibe is built in, not an afterthought.
- On-the-fly challenges and prize moments: you will have chances to win during the session.
- Non-toxic paint that machine washes: easier cleanup if you get a little messy.
- Perfect for groups: it is set up for parties like hen dos and friend get-togethers.
Entering The Drink & Draw Venue on Queen Street

The experience starts at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. Plan to head there a bit early so you can settle in before the painting starts. When you arrive, you will be greeted and guided by the instructor, and the whole setup is built so you can jump right in.
This is city-center Dublin, so you will likely combine it with other nearby plans. Still, keep your schedule flexible enough that you do not feel rushed. Two hours goes fast once you have paint in hand, and you want time to actually enjoy the process instead of treating it like a timed task.
One practical note I really value: they set up your supplies and canvas ahead of time, so you are not hunting for tools or trying to decode what to do next. That matters, especially if you show up with friends who are chatting, a little tipsy, or both.
More Dublin taps opened in an evening:
What Happens First: The Welcome, the Setup, and Getting Ready to Paint
After you meet at the address, the instructor gets you through the basics and helps you get started. You are given a blank canvas to take home, plus the painting materials you need. That means you are not carrying a kit through Dublin streets or worrying about forgetting something.
From there, the session is built around a simple rhythm:
- you listen and follow along for the next step
- you paint what you see in front of you
- you adjust as needed with the guidance on hand
You can expect a relaxed atmosphere where perfection is not the goal. The instructor keeps things friendly and approachable, so if you have never picked up a brush before, you still get a real outcome by the end.
If you want to do something slightly different, the format supports it too. The experience lets you follow the lesson plan, or let your creativity take over. That flexibility is a big reason this works well for mixed-skill groups, where one person wants structure and another wants freedom.
Painting With a Step-by-Step Instructor, Without the Pressure
Here is the best part for first-timers: the class is designed so you do not need prior art experience. The instructor guides you through the process step-by-step, which turns painting from a mystery into a sequence of easy moves.
In practical terms, what that means for you:
- You will not be expected to improvise everything from scratch.
- You can copy the approach while still making it yours.
- Mistakes are part of the fun, since you are working at a comfortable pace.
The tone is patient and helpful. You can ask questions if something feels unclear, and the class format keeps you from getting stuck. This is especially good if you are the type who worries about being judged. In this setting, nobody is treating paint like a test.
Also, the paint is described as non-toxic and machine washable. That does not mean you should treat clothes like they are paint-proof, but it does mean cleanup is more forgiving. If you are planning to wear something you care about, I would still wear layers you can tolerate getting stained. Dublin can be wet, too, so a casual outfit is smart anyway.
The On-site Bar, Custom Music, and the Games With Prizes
This is a drinking and painting party, but it is not just a loud pub with canvases. There is an on-site bar where you can purchase drinks during the session. Alcohol is available to buy, and having that option helps some people loosen up and get creative.
Along with the bar, you get a custom-designed playlist with feel-good tunes. Music is one of those small details that can make or break a group activity. Here, it is built into the experience, so you are not stuck listening to whatever happens to be on in the room.
Then come the games and challenges. Throughout the event, you have chances to win fun prizes. Those little competitive moments do two helpful things:
1) they keep energy up when people start to focus
2) they break the class into short segments, so it does not feel like one long lecture
If you are coming with friends, this is a great setup for laughing together. If you are coming as a couple or just want a fun solo night out, the games still help you meet people without forcing anything.
How Much of This Is a Lesson, and How Much Is Your Own Art?
One of the nicest parts is the balance between structure and freedom. You can follow the lesson plan closely and still leave with something you genuinely made. Or, if you feel more confident, you can take the basics and steer your canvas in your own direction.
For me, that flexibility is worth a lot. Sometimes classes feel rigid, and you spend the whole time trying to match someone else’s vision. Here, the goal is your final piece, not a perfect replica.
That is also why this fits different group personalities:
- the planner types like having steps to follow
- the creative types like the ability to do their own thing
- the nervous types like that the instructor is guiding instead of testing
You will still get a clear path to a complete painting by the end. You just get permission to enjoy the process.
Another way the same day could go from Dublin:
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The “Take Home Your Masterpiece” Moment
The final stretch is where it all clicks. When the class ends, you take home your own canvas. Because you are working on a blank canvas provided at the venue, you are not dealing with complicated materials or fragile surprises.
What you should plan for is simple:
- bring a way to carry it home comfortably
- avoid putting it in a situation where it can get smudged right away
- think about whether it is a gift, since it is meant to be shareable
This take-home piece is a big value factor. Two hours can be a fun night, but it is easy to forget it the next day. Having a physical result makes it memorable.
If you are visiting Dublin with limited time and you want something you can bring back, this is a good option. It is also a nice idea for group travel, because people can compare styles and laugh at the unexpected choices they made.
Price and Value: Is $31 in Dublin Terms a Good Deal?
At about $31 per person for a 2-hour session, the price is relatively straightforward, and most of what you pay for is included. You get:
- 1 canvas to take home
- painting materials
- an instructor
- a custom music playlist
- the chance to win prizes during the event
What is not included is drinks. You buy those at the on-site bar. That is the one variable that changes the overall cost depending on your night.
So, is it good value? For me, it is when you want something structured but not intimidating. You get a guided creative activity, not just entertainment. You also get a tangible souvenir at the end, which is different from many “pay for an evening” activities that end with a memory only.
If you are already planning to spend on drinks anyway, the math usually works out better. If you want a totally low-spend night, you can still enjoy it, just expect the bar to be an optional add-on.
Who This Dublin Painting Party Suits Best
This is a strong fit for:
- adults 18 and over who want an easy social activity
- beginners who want guidance without judgment
- groups like hen parties or birthday get-togethers where you want shared laughs plus a keepsake
- people who like structured fun, with just enough freedom to make it personal
It is also a good plan if your group has mixed interests. Someone can be there for the drinks and vibe, someone else is there for the painting, and nobody has to “perform” beyond showing up and trying.
The one clear mismatch: it is not suitable for children under 18, since it is built as an adult drinking and painting activity.
Should You Book This Drink & Draw Painting Party?
Book it if you want a low-stress, beginner-friendly creative night in central Dublin. I would especially recommend it if you are traveling with friends and want an activity that feels like a real experience, not a rushed tourist stop. The step-by-step instructor format, the pre-set supplies, the feel-good playlist, and the built-in games with prizes all point to a class that is meant to be fun first.
Skip it or think carefully if you are hoping for a purely quiet art workshop. This one is designed as a social event with music and an on-site bar, and you should expect that energy.
If you are deciding last-minute, I would base your call on one question: do you want a painting you can take home after two hours? If yes, this is one of the more satisfying ways to spend an evening in Dublin without needing any prior skills.
FAQ
How long is the Dublin Drinking and Painting Party?
The class runs for 2 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when you book.
Where is the meeting point for the activity?
Meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield, and ask for Drink & Draw.
What does the price include?
You get a canvas to take home, painting materials, an instructor, a custom playlist, and the chance to win prizes during the event.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks are available to purchase at the on-site bar.
Do I need prior art experience?
No. The experience is designed so you can have a good time without previous painting experience.
What kind of paint is used?
The experience uses non-toxic paint that can be machine washed.
Is the instructor English-speaking?
Yes, the instructor is listed as English.
Is there an age limit?
It is not suitable for children under 18 years.
How does cancellation work?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Just in from the Liffey side
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