Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor

REVIEW · DUBLIN

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor

  • 4.512 reviews
  • From $31
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Operated by Alternative Dublin · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 4.5 (12)Price from$31Operated byAlternative DublinBook viaGetYourGuide

Two hours. One canvas. No art degree needed. This Dublin Drink & Draw party turns a night out into a step-by-step painting class, with an on-site bar and a take-home masterpiece. You’ll be guided in a relaxed city-center setting, even if you think you’re terrible at painting.

I especially like that it’s built for real beginners: the instructor leads you through the process, and the focus stays on fun, not perfection. I also love the add-ons that keep energy up, like the custom playlist and the chance to win small prizes along the way.

One consideration: the class price does not include drinks, so your total can creep up if you plan to drink during the session.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield and ask for Drink & Draw for a smooth start
  • No previous painting experience required, since the instructor guides you step-by-step
  • Feel-good music runs through the session to keep the mood light
  • Chance to win prizes with games and challenges during the class
  • Non-toxic, machine-washable paint makes mess more manageable
  • Drinks are available to purchase, but they’re not included in the ticket price

First Stop at 3 Queen Street: Getting Set Up Fast

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - First Stop at 3 Queen Street: Getting Set Up Fast
You start at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield, where you ask for Drink & Draw. This matters more than you’d think: when a class is only two hours long, getting seated and supplied quickly is half the battle.

Once you’re in, you don’t arrive to a half-prepared craft station. The setup is already there, including your canvas and the painting materials. That means you can spend your time painting instead of hunting for supplies or figuring out how everything works.

You’ll also finish back at the meeting point, which keeps the evening simple. For a busy Dublin day, I like anything that doesn’t require extra navigation at the end.

The On-Site Bar and Playlist That Set the Mood

This is billed as a drinking and painting party, but the key word is still party. Drinks are available at an on-site bar, and you can purchase refreshing beverages while you paint. The ticket price covers the instruction and materials, not the alcohol—so if you want to budget, decide upfront how many drinks you’ll have.

The session also includes a custom-designed playlist with feel-good music. That’s not just background noise. Good music helps people relax into the process, and it sets a social tone that makes the whole thing feel like an evening out, not a workshop you attend in silence.

If you’re going with friends, this is one of those experiences where the vibe is part of the product. Even if your painting skills are shaky, the mood tends to carry you.

Instructor-Led Painting, With or Without a Lesson Plan

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - Instructor-Led Painting, With or Without a Lesson Plan
The instructor is there to guide you through the painting step-by-step, and the language is English. That’s helpful if you want clarity without a language barrier. The guidance is also explicitly designed for people who don’t have previous art experience, so you shouldn’t feel like you’re behind.

Here’s the practical twist: you can follow the lesson plan or you can take creative liberties. That flexibility is a win because some people want structure, while others want to freestyle. Either way, you’re working from the same base materials and canvas.

I like that the experience doesn’t push perfection. The goal is to help you create something you can actually bring home and show people. In a city like Dublin—where you’ll likely pack a lot of sights into your trip—that kind of low-pressure activity is a smart change of pace.

Games, Prizes, and the Fun Pressure (Not Real Pressure)

At this party, the room has momentum. Along the way, you’ll get games and challenges, with a chance to win prizes. It’s a light way to keep everyone engaged, especially in a group where skill levels vary.

The games also tend to do something useful: they take the focus off making the “right” painting and shift it to participating. If you freeze when someone says the word technique, this kind of structured fun helps you stay moving.

A helpful tip: if you’re the sort of person who plans to keep your paintbrush down, decide early to participate at least once in a challenge. You don’t have to be competitive to enjoy it, but the event is clearly designed to reward involvement.

What You Take Home: Canvas, Non-Toxic Paint, and Mess Control

You bring home your own painting at the end of the party. That’s the simplest reason this works well as a souvenir: it’s personal, it’s yours, and you don’t have to find space in your suitcase for something that breaks.

You’ll receive a 1 canvas to take home plus painting materials. There’s also an important practical note: the paint is non-toxic and can be machine washed. That doesn’t mean you should treat your clothes like a washable sketchbook, but it does reduce the stress if you get a little splatter.

Plan for a normal “art day” situation:

  • Wear something you’re okay with getting paint on.
  • Bring a small bag or container to keep your canvas from rubbing against other items.
  • If you’re heading out afterward, consider having a plan for a quick change of top or sleeves.

Also, hang it up when you get home. This kind of souvenir works best when it becomes part of your daily life, not when it gets stored in a closet and forgotten.

Who This Works For (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is designed to be relaxing and fun. It’s also not suitable for children under 18, so it’s really meant for adults and teen groups that meet the age requirement.

I think it’s a great fit if you want:

  • A social activity for a group that doesn’t require everyone to be “good at art”
  • An evening plan with a clear start and end (so you’re not improvising after dinner)
  • A take-home item that feels more meaningful than a standard souvenir

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling solo and want structure. Even if you’re quiet, the instructor-led format gives you something to focus on while still being social.

Who might want to skip it:

  • If you hate painting classes and feel you’d be miserable sitting for two hours regardless of the vibe.
  • If you’re very strict about staying dry (since drinks are part of the concept, even if you can choose not to buy any).
  • If you’re looking for a major art museum style tour; this is about making art, not touring collections.

Price in Dublin: Does $31 Offer Value?

At $31 per person for a roughly two-hour experience, you’re paying for more than a ticket into a room. You’re paying for the instructor guidance, a blank canvas you keep, painting materials, and the atmosphere (music and games included).

The biggest way to judge value is to compare what you’d pay to do this yourself. Buying supplies, figuring out a lesson plan, and finding an instructor for a quick evening can cost a lot more than a single fixed class fee. Here, the structure is built in, and the supplies arrive ready.

One trade-off is the drinks. Since alcohol is available to purchase at the bar but not included, your final cost depends on how much you order. If you drink a little, this stays very reasonable. If you plan to have several, budget accordingly.

Overall, I’d call this a solid value for Dublin because you’re getting an actual activity output—your painting—plus an instructor-run experience that’s meant for beginners.

A Simple Two-Hour Plan: How Your Evening Likely Flows

You can think of the evening as a loop:

  1. Meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield and get settled.
  2. Settle in with the instructor and start painting on your canvas.
  3. Use the lesson flow or add your own twists as you go.
  4. Participate in the games/challenges for the chance at prizes.
  5. Finish up, take home your painting, and head back to the meeting point.

Because the duration is listed as two hours, it helps to show up with a relaxed mindset. Don’t plan an intense dinner-and-then-rush itinerary. Give yourself time to arrive, order a drink if you want one, and start painting without stress.

If you’re tight on time in Dublin, this is still workable, but I’d rather you treat it as the main event for that block of hours.

Should You Book Drink & Draw in Dublin?

Book it if you want an easy, adult-friendly activity in the center of Dublin that turns into something you can take home. It’s well suited to groups because it’s beginner-friendly, social, and keeps moving with music and games.

Skip it if you’re expecting a serious art critique session or a museum-style art tour. This is a fun class where the goal is participation and a finished canvas, not art history homework.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my practical call: if you can spare two hours for a guided, low-stress creative evening, this is one of the better ways to buy a memorable souvenir without hunting for one.

FAQ

How long is the Dublin Drink & Draw painting party?

The experience lasts 2 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the specific time you want.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. Ask for Drink & Draw when you arrive.

Is prior painting experience required?

No. The class is designed so you can have a good time without previous art experience.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase at the on-site bar, but they are not included in the ticket price.

What supplies do I get?

You’ll be provided with a blank canvas to take home, plus painting materials. An English instructor guides you step-by-step.

Can I follow a lesson plan or do my own design?

Yes. You can follow the lesson plan or let your creativity take over while you paint.

Is the paint safe and easy to clean up?

The paint is non-toxic and can be machine washed.

Is this activity suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 18.

What are the cancellation and payment options?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, depending on availability.

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