Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor

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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Paint, sip, and laugh in Dublin. This drinking and painting party is a simple way to be creative in Smithfield without worrying about talent, because the instructor guides you step-by-step from start to finish.

Two things I really like: the vibe is relaxed and beginner-friendly, and you get a setup that lets you focus on painting instead of logistics. The class also has a custom feel-good playlist plus mini games and prize moments built into the flow, which keeps it from turning into a stiff classroom.

One thing to consider: drinks cost extra at the on-site bar, and the session isn’t for kids under 18. If you’re hoping for a totally alcohol-included price, this isn’t that kind of party—plan your budget accordingly.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

  • No prior art experience needed: you’ll get guided instructions and permission to keep it fun.
  • Supplies are ready when you arrive: canvas, materials, and everything you need are set up for you.
  • Feel-good playlist: music runs through the session, not just at the start.
  • Games + chances to win prizes: they add energy without derailing the painting lesson.
  • Take home your own canvas: you leave with a finished piece you can hang or gift.

A handful more Dublin outings we would happily send a friend to

A 2-Hour Creative Break in Dublin’s Smithfield

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - A 2-Hour Creative Break in Dublin’s Smithfield
This isn’t a museum tour or a long pub crawl. It’s a compact, two-hour experience built around one goal: help you make a painting you’re comfortable showing off later. You’ll head to the venue in Smithfield, meet your English-speaking instructor, and then spend the class creating on a blank canvas at an easy pace.

The “drinking” part is real, but it’s designed to support the mood, not replace the activity. You can buy drinks at the bar during the session, and the drinks are there to help loosen up while you paint. The format makes it a good option when you want something social that still has a clear start and finish.

And because it’s beginner-friendly, you don’t have to spend time figuring out techniques first. The point is not perfection. The point is finishing something you made, with help when you get stuck.

Finding Drink & Draw at 3 Queen Street

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - Finding Drink & Draw at 3 Queen Street
Meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield and ask for Drink & Draw. That’s your anchor point, and it matters because it’s an easy place to orient yourself. Once you find the venue, you’ll be greeted by your instructor and brought into the activity without a lot of waiting around.

Since the class is only two hours, showing up a few minutes early is smart. You’ll want time to settle in, grab your seat, and get your canvas in position before the lesson starts. The event is set up so you can get going quickly, which is ideal if you’re fitting this into a packed day in Dublin.

Also, it runs in a city-center area, so you’re not locked into a far-out neighborhood just to find something fun to do. That’s a real value for a short activity: you can pair it with dinner plans nearby and still keep the evening comfortable.

What Happens When You Walk In: Supplies, Canvas, and Setup

Once you’re inside, the experience is designed to keep things simple. You’re not arriving to a blank room and hoping someone eventually helps you source materials. Your canvas and painting supplies are ready, and the instructor runs the class in a step-by-step way.

Here’s what that means for you practically: you can treat this like a social event with a creative outcome. You don’t need to bring brushes, paint, or paper. You also don’t need to study any art references ahead of time. Just bring your curiosity—and maybe your best “I’ll try my way” attitude.

The session uses non-toxic paint, and it’s described as machine washable. That’s useful to know if you’re traveling with lighter clothing or you’re worried about getting paint on yourself. Even so, you’ll still want to be mindful—painting parties are fun, but paint tends to do what paint does.

The Painting Lesson: Step-by-Step Guidance Without the Pressure

The core of the experience is instructor-led instruction. You get a blank canvas and you follow the lesson plan at your own pace, with prompts and guidance to keep you moving forward. This is where the “beginner” promise matters most: you’re guided through choices so you’re not staring at a canvas thinking, now what?

The class also offers flexibility. You can follow along with the lesson plan, or you can choose to do your own thing. That freedom is important because it lets you balance structure with personal style. If you enjoy coloring inside the lines, you’ll be supported. If you want to freestyle, you’ll still have a framework to keep you from getting stuck.

Based on the way the experience is described, the instructor’s job is to help you create something presentable and satisfying, not to grade you. One of the most positive signals from the event’s feedback style is patience—people feel well guided and not rushed. That makes it a good choice if your confidence is low but your interest is high.

The Custom Playlist, Games, and Prize Moments

This is one of those experiences where you’re not expected to be quiet and solemn for two hours. You’re painting to a custom-designed playlist with feel-good tunes, and there are fun games woven into the party format.

The games matter because they break up the class rhythm. You’ll get painting time, then a chance to shift gears with an activity or challenge. You’re also in the running for small prizes. It’s not just random trivia; it’s part of the flow meant to keep energy up while everyone focuses on their canvas.

If you’re the type who gets restless in long, sit-still activities, this structure helps. It keeps the time moving and makes the room feel social rather than task-focused. And even if you’re not competitive, the fact that the games are “ad hoc” and lightweight makes them easy to enjoy without pressure.

Alcohol at the Bar: How to Think About Drinks and Budget

Drinks are available to purchase at the venue’s on-site bar. They’re not included in the ticket price, so your final cost depends on what you order and how much you feel like having during the session.

At $31 per person, the ticket price covers the core creative value: instructor guidance, the materials, and the canvas you take home. That’s the real cost center for the event—someone has to provide the painting supplies and coach you through it. The alcohol is an optional add-on, which is fairly common for this style of party.

Practical tip: decide ahead of time whether you’re doing one drink or more. Two hours isn’t a long window, so it’s easy to overbuy if you’re in party mode. If you want the “sip” vibe without surprise spending, go with one drink early and then reassess.

One more consideration: the event is not suitable for children under 18, so it’s very much aimed at adults.

Your Take-Home Canvas: What You’ll Leave With

At the end of the party, you take home your finished painting. You’ll have 1 canvas and the supplies you used were provided as part of the experience, so the big win is that your ticket becomes something physical you can keep.

What to think about is how you’ll transport it back to your hotel or your next stop. The listing information doesn’t spell out packing tools, so you might want to plan for your own protection—something simple like careful handling and keeping it flat if possible.

You can hang the painting at home, or give it as a gift. That’s more meaningful than people expect. Even when the painting isn’t “perfect,” it’s personal because you made it during a fun event with guidance. It also gives you a nice souvenir that doesn’t rely on buying something in a shop.

Who This Works Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This type of class fits best when you want a social experience that still has a clear activity plan. It’s great for groups who don’t want to agree on a strict sightseeing agenda. It’s also ideal when you want an easy way to get creative without fear of getting it wrong.

It’s especially good if:

  • You’re traveling with friends and want a shared activity with an endpoint
  • You’re not confident in your art skills, but you are curious
  • You want something more interactive than a typical bar stop
  • You like music-driven, party-like classroom energy

You might choose something else if:

  • You mainly want drinking, not painting
  • You don’t want alcohol-related venues at all
  • You prefer structured art instruction focused on technique rather than making a fun finished piece

Price and Value: Why $31 Makes Sense Here

The price is $31 per person for a two-hour guided painting party, and what you’re paying for is more than just “paint and paper.” You’re getting:

  • An instructor to guide you step-by-step
  • Painting materials
  • A canvas you keep
  • A custom playlist
  • Small games and prize moments

When drinks aren’t included, the ticket cost can feel more reasonable because you’re not paying for alcohol you may or may not drink. You can control that variable by choosing how many drinks to buy at the bar.

In other words: if you’d rather pay a set fee for the creative part and then decide on drinks later, this pricing model works well. If you’re expecting everything to be included, you’ll need to budget separately for bar purchases.

Should You Book the Drinking and Painting Party?

I’d book it if you want an easy, low-stress creative experience in Dublin that doesn’t require skills, special supplies, or a long commitment. The biggest reasons are the guided format for beginners and the fact that you leave with a canvas you can actually use as a souvenir.

I’d pause if you’re on a tight budget and you plan to drink heavily, since the bar is extra. I’d also skip it if you want a quiet, art-lecture style class rather than a party with music and game breaks.

If you’re looking for a fun change of pace—something social, structured enough to be comfortable, and still creative enough to feel personal—this is a strong fit.

FAQ

How long is the Dublin Drinking and Painting Party?

It runs for 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $31 per person.

Do I need prior art experience?

No. The class is designed so you can enjoy painting without any previous experience.

Is the instructor included?

Yes. An English-speaking instructor guides you through the session.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase at the on-site bar.

What’s included with the class materials?

You get a canvas to take home, plus painting materials.

Is there music during the event?

Yes. There’s a custom playlist with feel-good tunes.

Are games or prizes part of the experience?

Yes. There are games along the way with chances to win prizes.

Is this event suitable for children?

No, it’s not suitable for children under 18.

Is the paint non-toxic?

The class uses non-toxic paint that can be machine washed.

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