Reviewed · DRINKING TOURS

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor

4.5 · 12 reviews From $31 Operated by Alternative Dublin · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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This is art class, with a bar twist. In Dublin, you get a guided painting session, a ready-to-go setup, and a relaxed vibe that works even if you’ve never painted before.

I love that it’s instructor-led step by step, so you’re not left staring at a blank canvas wondering what to do next. I also like the custom feel-good playlist and the easygoing atmosphere, which keeps the whole 2 hours light and fun. One thing to consider: you’ll be buying your own drinks at the on-site bar, so plan a bit extra if you want alcohol.

The format makes it ideal for groups who want something social that doesn’t require skills. You’ll bring your finished piece home at the end, which is great for a gift or a slightly chaotic wall moment with friends.

Best of all, there’s no pressure to be perfect. The main rule is simple: relax, follow along (or improvise), and let the paints do the talking.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • All supplies are set up for you when you arrive, so you can jump right in.
  • No art experience needed, the instructor guides you through the process.
  • Alcohol is optional but purchasable on site, at the venue’s bar.
  • Games and prize moments add energy during the class.
  • You get a blank canvas to take home, finished by your own hand.
  • Non-toxic, machine-washable paint helps if you get a little messy.

Where You Go: 3 Queen Street, Smithfield

The event meets in Dublin’s city center at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. When you arrive, go in and ask for Drink & Draw. That’s your anchor point for the whole experience, and it also means you’re not dealing with a long, complicated transfer.

The practical upside of a single, central venue is that you can build this into the rest of your day without stress. You’re not hopping across town, and you’re not coordinating multiple meetup points. It also helps if you’re with friends on a tight schedule, since the experience runs for about 2 hours.

Because it’s Smithfield, you’ll likely find it easier to pair this with a pub stop before or after. Just keep in mind that your ticket covers the class and materials, not the drinks, so the venue bar is where you’ll spend any alcohol budget.

One more small tip: arrive a few minutes early. The supplies are ready, but you’ll still want time to check in, settle in, and get your canvas in the right place before the instructor starts guiding the group.

A Two-Hour Session Built for First-Timers (and Hen Parties)

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - A Two-Hour Session Built for First-Timers (and Hen Parties)
This isn’t a serious studio course that punishes mistakes. It’s a stress-free painting party designed for fun, with an instructor who helps you create something you can actually take home.

The class format is step-by-step, so you’re not “teaching yourself” from a blank wall of instructions. That matters, because beginners often worry they’ll slow everyone down. Here, the structure is built so you can move at your own pace while the instructor keeps the lesson moving.

I also like that the experience is explicitly relaxed about perfection. You’re encouraged to enjoy it rather than chase artistic perfection. That makes it a strong option for group celebrations. It’s especially easy to imagine a hen party vibe here, because it mixes social time, a guided activity, and a final take-home keepsake.

And yes, you’ll be listening to music during the session. The atmosphere is designed to feel upbeat, not quiet and intimidating. You’ll still do real painting, but it won’t feel like homework.

One more consideration: it’s not suitable for children under 18, so this is aimed at adults. If you’re traveling with teens, it’s best to confirm fit with the event rules before you book.

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The Bar Side: Plan Your Drinks Without Derailing the Class

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - The Bar Side: Plan Your Drinks Without Derailing the Class
The ticket price covers the painting experience, but drinks aren’t included. Alcohol is available for purchase at the on-site bar, and the idea is that you can choose what you want and keep the energy going while you paint.

This is a smart setup for groups. Some people want a drink, some don’t, and the class still works either way. The bar gives you a social focal point without turning the whole session into a party where nobody’s paying attention.

If you plan to drink, do it in a way that keeps you comfortable with focusing. You’ll still want fine motor control for painting, and it’s easier to enjoy the lesson when you’re not rushing to catch up. If you prefer to skip alcohol, you can still participate fully, since the core value is the instructor guidance and the art supplies.

Also, check your budget. At $31 per person, the class itself is good value, but drinks can change the total cost quickly depending on what you order. If you’re comparing options, calculate the full “one drink or two” scenario, not just the base ticket.

Bottom line: treat drinks as part of the fun, not as the main activity. Then the painting actually stays enjoyable.

How The Painting Lesson Works Step by Step

You’ll be greeted by your instructor at the venue and guided through the painting. You’re provided with a blank canvas and all the materials you need, so you’re not hunting for brushes or worrying you brought the wrong kind of paint.

A key benefit for first-timers is that you get a lesson that’s designed for beginners. The goal is not to test technique. The goal is to help you produce a finished piece you’ll be happy with.

You can follow the plan the instructor provides, or you can change things and do your own thing. That flexibility is great if you’re the type who needs structure but also wants creative freedom. It also helps mixed groups, because one person might paint exactly as shown and another might tweak colors, shapes, or details.

During the session, you’ll use the supplied materials while a custom playlist sets the mood. Music matters more than people expect. It makes the class feel like an event rather than a worksheet, and it helps the group vibe stay positive.

If you’re worried about your ability, here’s what to remember: the experience explicitly says you don’t need to worry about art perfection. That instruction alone changes the entire pressure level.

Also keeping time in Dublin

Games, Prizes, and That Feel-Good Playlist

A normal paint night can feel a little like paint-by-numbers. This one adds energy through games and the chance to win fun prizes during the event.

Those interruptions do two things. First, they break up the quiet “paint, paint, paint” rhythm so you stay engaged. Second, they create a group feeling, where you’re not just sitting there waiting for the instructor to talk again.

The best part is that the prizes and challenges fit naturally into the flow, so it doesn’t feel like forced entertainment. If you’re going with friends, it gives you something to react to together, and it makes the session feel more event-like.

Then there’s the music. The class includes a custom-designed playlist with feel-good tunes. That’s not just background. It helps set timing, boosts the mood, and makes the whole room more upbeat.

If you hate awkward games, you’ll still be fine because the core experience is the painting. But if you love a bit of competition, this is where you’ll get extra laughs.

Your Take-Home Canvas and Non-Toxic Paint Practicalities

At the end, you leave with your own finished canvas. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the experience, because it’s not a “watch and learn” situation. You paint, you create, and you go home with proof you did it.

The included canvas is yours to keep, and the idea is that you can hang it up at home or give it as a thoughtful gift. That makes it more than a one-off night out. It’s the kind of souvenir you’ll actually display.

There’s also an important practical detail: the painting uses non-toxic paint that can be machine washed. If you get some on your clothes or hands, you’re not dealing with harsh, permanent staining. That’s a big deal for people who want to participate but don’t want to worry the whole time about ruining their outfit.

Still, treat the experience like a hands-on activity. Wear something you’re comfortable getting paint on, just in case. The “machine washable” detail makes cleanup more manageable, but the best plan is to not wear your fanciest shirt.

If you’re heading to dinner right after, consider how you’ll get home and whether you’ll need time to tidy up before you go. A little planning helps you enjoy your night instead of thinking about the mess.

Price and Value: What $31 Gets You in Dublin

At $31 per person for about 2 hours, this is a very straightforward value proposition. The ticket includes:

  • A canvas to take home
  • Painting materials
  • An instructor
  • A custom playlist
  • The chance to win prizes

What’s not included is just as important. Drinks are extra, purchased at the bar.

So the real question isn’t only whether $31 is affordable. It’s what you’d pay elsewhere for the same combination: materials plus instruction plus a finished souvenir plus a fun social atmosphere. For many people, the “take-home art” part makes the class feel like a purchase you keep, not a disposable activity.

Also, you’re not paying for talent. You’re paying for structure. That means a beginner can still create something and leave with it. And if you’re traveling in a group, the shared experience can stretch the value because you’re all doing something together, not just sitting near each other.

If you want the best deal, decide in advance how much you’ll spend on drinks. The base price is clear and reasonable; your total cost depends mostly on what you order at the bar.

Who Should Book, and Who Might Want Something Else

This experience is a great fit if you want a social activity that isn’t dependent on art skills. It’s especially good for:

  • Adults traveling in groups who want an easy, guided activity
  • First-timers who want step-by-step help
  • People who like music and a relaxed party atmosphere
  • Celebrations like hen parties (the vibe fits really well)

You might want to skip it if you’re looking for a silent, serious art class where technique is the main focus. This is designed for fun and confidence, not for deep technical training.

It also isn’t for kids under 18. If you’re traveling with younger visitors, this won’t be the right match.

Finally, if you’re very sensitive to the idea of buying alcohol, remember drinks are optional but available for purchase. You can still enjoy the class without drinking, since the main value is the painting session itself.

Should You Book This Dublin Painting Party?

I think you should book this if you want an activity that’s low-stress, social, and produces something you can physically take home. The combination of guided step-by-step instruction, a ready setup, and the music plus games approach makes it feel more like an event than a chore.

It’s also a strong choice for Dublin because it’s in a city-center spot with a simple meetup location at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. You can fit it into a day without major logistics.

Book it if you enjoy group energy, want a memorable souvenir, and would appreciate the peace of mind of beginner-friendly guidance. Just budget for drinks at the bar, and you’ll be set.

If you’re unsure, the deciding factor should be this: do you want a fun night creating art, or do you want a more traditional museum-style activity? For the first option, this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

Where does the class meet in Dublin?

It meets at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. Go there and ask for Drink & Draw.

How long is the painting party?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

You get 1 canvas to take home, painting materials, an instructor, a custom feel-good 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 any previous painting experience?

No. The class is designed so you can have fun without needing prior art experience.

What language is the instructor teaching in?

The instructor is English.

What kind of paint is used?

It uses non-toxic paint that can be machine washed.

Is this activity suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 18 years.

What are the age and timing basics for booking?

It runs for about 2 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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