There’s a particular sound—the crack of a well-struck cue ball—that signals the start of a good night out. If you’ve tried to find a pool table in Dublin after midnight, you already know the options aren’t always obvious.

4 related posts

Pool halls in Dublin city centre: 3 (Ned Kelly’s, The Hideout, The Breakroom) ·
Irish pool table supplier: The Billiard Company ·
Table hire from: €15/hr (The Hideout) ·
Ned Kelly’s hours: 24hr (Thu–Sat)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact number of pool tables in each venue.
  • Whether Smyths currently stocks full-size pool tables (check local store).
  • Opening hours and prices for some bars and pool halls.
3Timeline signal
  • Ned Kelly’s operated around the clock Thursday to Saturday (DesignMyNight).
4What’s next
  • Check local venues for hourly rates and availability.

Four key facts, one pattern: the city centre offers three distinct venue types—24-hour sports club, artsy BYOB space, and a suburban multi-game centre.

Label Value
Best for late-night play Ned Kelly’s (open 24 hours)
Best for BYOB The Hideout
Best for table variety The Breakroom (pool, snooker, darts)
Top supplier The Billiard Company

Where can I play pool near me?

Top pool halls and bars in Dublin

  • Ned Kelly’s Sports Club – O’Connell Street Upper. Home to one of the largest collections of pool tables in Dublin city centre, open 24 hours Thursday to Saturday and until 3am otherwise (DesignMyNight).
  • The Hideout – 49 South William Street. Offers British and American pool tables, a BYOB policy, and table hire from €15 per hour (DesignMyNight; Dublin Town).
  • The Breakroom – Swords (north county Dublin). Pool, snooker, and darts tables under one roof.
  • The Back Page – 199 Phibsborough Road. A pub and sports bar with pool among other entertainment (DesignMyNight).
  • Ballinteer House – Dublin 16. Multiple pool tables outside the city centre (DesignMyNight).

What to expect at a local pool venue

  • Most venues price per hour or per game; rates vary.
  • BYOB venues may charge a corkage-style fee (The Hideout charges €5 per person to bring drinks, waived weekday daytime per DesignMyNight).
  • Bringing your own cue is usually allowed, but confirm with the venue.

The implication: for casual players, The Hideout offers the best value if you can visit on a weekday afternoon. Late-night players will prefer Ned Kelly’s 24-hour access.

The trade-off

Late-night players get all-hours access at Ned Kelly’s, but you’ll have to spend on drinks. The Hideout’s BYOB policy saves money if you bring your own, but daytime visits are cheaper.

What bars in Dublin have pool tables?

Popular bar venues with pool tables

  • The Hideout (pool bar, not a traditional pub)
  • Palace Bar
  • Planet Murphy’s
  • Buskers On The Ball
  • O’Reilly’s

These come from Yelp’s “Top 10 bars with pool tables in Dublin” list (Yelp, a user-review platform). Yelp’s rankings rely on crowd-sourced reviews, so the list is a starting point rather than a definitive guide.

Other options listed on Yelp

The Journal (Irish current affairs publication) published a roundup in September 2015 that included Bernard Shaw, Fibbers, and Ryan’s. While the list is dated, those venues may still operate pool tables—call ahead to confirm.

What this means: Dublin’s pub scene is fluid. Yelp and local articles give you a strong shortlist, but the best way to know is to drop in or check social media.

The catch

Many pubs don’t advertise their pool tables online. The most reliable method is to search for “pool table” on Google Maps and read recent reviews.

Where are pool halls and pool tables in Cork and across Ireland?

Pool tables in Cork

  • Venues like The Roundy and Charlie’s Bar reportedly have pool tables (based on crowd-sourced tips on Tripadvisor forums). Confirm directly, as information is anecdotal.
  • Dedicated pool halls in Cork are less documented than in Dublin, but Q Leisure (PoolTables.ie, a retailer with 20+ years in billiards) supplies tables to venues across Ireland, suggesting a presence in the south too.

Other Irish cities

Nationwide, pool halls appear in most major cities and many towns. PoolTables.ie frames itself as Ireland’s number one supplier of pool and snooker tables, indicating the sport has a strong country-wide following. If you’re exploring beyond Dublin, search for “pool tables in [city]” and compare a few recent listings.

The pattern: outside Dublin you’ll find fewer 24-hour options but often lower table-hire rates.

Where can I buy a pool table near me?

New vs. used pool tables

  • New: The Billiard Company (thebilliardcompany.ie, Ireland’s leading pool table supplier) offers a full range—from entry-level to tournament-standard tables.
  • Used: Check DoneDeal, Facebook Marketplace, or local classifieds. Prices vary widely; inspect the slate and cloth condition before buying.

Online retailers and local stores

  • PoolTables.ie (pooltables.ie, operated by Q Leisure) sells both pool and snooker tables online and delivers nationwide.
  • Argos (UK and Ireland) occasionally carries smaller pool tables, but full-size models are rare.

Why this matters: if you want a table that will last, buying from a specialist like The Billiard Company or Q Leisure ensures proper delivery, installation, and warranty. Used tables from private sellers can save money but require careful inspection.

Does Smyths sell pool tables and where else can I buy in Dublin?

Smyths toy stores

  • Smyths traditionally stocks smaller, children’s pool tables (foldable or tabletop versions). Full-size professional tables are not typically carried (Smyths Toys, Irish toy retailer). Check your local store or online inventory for current availability.

Specialty pool table retailers in Dublin

  • The Billiard Company – based in Dublin, offers showroom viewing and delivery across Ireland.
  • PoolTables.ie – nationwide delivery, with a showroom in Dublin (contact for address).
  • Some furniture stores (e.g., McElhinneys) stock pool tables seasonally.

The trade-off: buying from a specialist costs more upfront but includes professional installation and often a warranty. Second-hand options from local sellers are cheaper but you risk warped slate or worn cloth.

What to watch

When buying second-hand, ask about the slate type (one-piece is better than three-piece for consistency) and whether the table has been stored in a damp environment. Moisture can permanently damage the playing surface.

What the facts say — and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Ned Kelly’s is open 24 hours and has a large collection of tables (DesignMyNight).
  • The Hideout offers BYOB and both British and American pool tables (Dublin Town).
  • The Billiard Company is Ireland’s leading pool table supplier (The Billiard Company).

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of pool tables in each venue.
  • Whether Smyths currently stocks full-size pool tables (check local store).
  • Opening hours and prices for some bars and pool halls.

The pattern: confirmed facts rely on official sources, while unclear items require direct verification.

What the venues say about themselves

“We’re a Dublin city center pool hall … with high quality British and American pool tables, offer BYOB and an eclectic new vibe!”

The Hideout website

“Home to one of the largest collections of pool tables in Dublin city centre, open 24 hours.”

DesignMyNight, describing Ned Kelly’s

These quotes capture the two distinct experiences Dublin offers: a hip, bring-your-own-bottle space and a no-frills, all-hours sports club.

For anyone in Dublin looking for a pool table—whether to play tonight or to install in the spare room—the choice is between late‑night convenience at Ned Kelly’s or the affordable, BYOB creativity of The Hideout. For buyers, a specialist supplier like The Billiard Company delivers reliability, while the second‑hand market offers savings if you know what to check. For the casual visitor, the city centre has enough variety to satisfy any cue‑wielding urge, but always check hours and pricing in advance—Dublin’s pool scene rewards a little planning.

For those comparing prices, a detailed pool table cost guide Ireland breaks down used versus new options across Ireland.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a pool table in advance?

At busy times (Friday and Saturday evenings), booking is recommended. DesignMyNight notes that The Hideout accepts online bookings to guarantee a table.

What are the basic rules of pool?

Standard eight-ball rules apply in most Dublin venues. The Billiard Company (thebilliardcompany.ie) provides a quick rule sheet with every table purchase.

Can I drink alcohol while playing pool?

Yes—most bars with pool tables serve alcohol. The Hideout allows BYOB with a small corkage fee.

Is it allowed to bring my own cue?

Generally yes. Venues like Ned Kelly’s and The Hideout permit personal cues, but it’s polite to ask staff first.

What is the typical cost per game or per hour?

Table hire at The Hideout starts from €15 per hour. Other venues charge per game (approx. €1–€2) or per hour.

Are there age restrictions at pool halls?

Most pool halls are open to all ages during the day, but after a certain hour (often 9pm) they become over-18s only. Check each venue’s policy.

What types of pool tables (American vs. British) are common in Dublin?

Both are common. The Hideout offers both British and American tables. British tables (7ft) dominate pubs, while American tables (9ft) are more common in dedicated pool halls.

The pattern: these seven questions cover the most common concerns for players in Dublin.

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