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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A Dublin painting party built around the name Drink & Draw is a fun twist on the usual studio class. You get a step-by-step session with an art instructor in the city center, plus the freedom to make it yours. It is a great option when you want something creative that still feels like a night out.

What I like most is the no-art-experience needed approach. You are guided through the process in a relaxed way, so you are not stuck copying a perfect technique. And I really appreciate the vibe: feel-good music, an on-site bar, and games that keep the mood light.

One consideration: drinks are not included. You buy them at the venue bar, and the experience is not suitable for children under 18, so it is best if your group is ready for an adult social atmosphere.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Take-home canvas included so you start with a blank slate and leave with your own finished piece
  • English-speaking instructor runs the session in a patient, beginner-friendly way
  • Custom feel-good playlist sets the tempo while you paint
  • Prizes and challenges add momentum beyond a typical paint-and-sip lesson
  • Non-toxic, machine-washable paint helps you worry less about mess

Why Dublin Drink & Draw Works So Well

This kind of class makes sense in Dublin because it hits that sweet spot between local social life and something creative. You are not going to a stuffy museum lecture. You are going to a venue where people are there to have fun, make something, and go home with a physical reminder of the night.

I like that the format is clearly designed for beginners. You do not need prior painting skills, and the “don’t chase perfection” attitude is exactly what makes these sessions work. When you are relaxed, you stop fighting the blank canvas and start making choices.

Another reason it fits well for visitors: it is only 2 hours. You get a meaningful activity without eating up your whole evening. It is an easy add-on to a Dublin trip, especially if you already plan to wander the city by day and do something different at night.

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Getting to 3 Queen Street and What Happens When You Arrive

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - Getting to 3 Queen Street and What Happens When You Arrive
Your meeting point is 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. You should go there and ask for Drink & Draw. It is a straightforward check-in, and that matters because the class experience starts the moment you walk in.

When you arrive, you are greeted by the instructor and brought into the flow of the session. A big practical win here is that the materials and supplies are already set up for you. That means you avoid the awkward scramble of figuring out what goes where, and you can focus on the painting.

If you want the smoothest start, show up a few minutes early so you can settle in, pick up any basics, and get comfortable before the instructions begin. Also, plan for a comfortable outfit. Even with non-toxic paint, you might want clothes that you do not mind getting a bit artistic.

The 2-Hour Painting Lesson, From Blank Canvas to Your Own Piece

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - The 2-Hour Painting Lesson, From Blank Canvas to Your Own Piece
The heart of the experience is the instructor-led step-by-step painting session. You are provided with a blank canvas and the materials you need. Then the instructor guides you through the process so you are not left guessing.

Here is what that means for you, practically. You can follow the lesson plan closely, and you will still be able to see your progress. Or, if you feel a little adventurous, you can do your own thing. That flexibility is useful if your group has different personalities. Some people want structure. Some people want freedom. This format gives you both.

You should also know that the instructor’s job is not to test your technique. The goal is a finished painting you can take home. That is why the environment stays supportive and stress-free. The “no art experience necessary” message is not just marketing. It translates into how the lesson is paced and how you are encouraged to relax and create.

At the end, you leave with a complete piece you can hang up at home or give as a gift. That take-home payoff is a big part of the value, because you are not just attending an event and then forgetting it.

The On-Site Bar, Drinks, and the Atmosphere

This is a drinking and painting party, so the atmosphere leans social. You can buy refreshing drinks at the venue bar during the session. Drinks are not included in the price, which is worth planning for, especially if you have a group.

The bar is not just there for show. It is tied into how the night feels. People relax, chat, and settle into the music and the painting. If you are coming as part of a group, this setup can make it easier to mix people, not just sit in separate corners doing their own thing.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, the data says drinks are available to purchase at the bar, but it does not list specific drink types. You can ask when you get there. Either way, the key is that you have the choice to keep things light and fun while you paint.

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Games, Prizes, and the Custom Playlist

One of the standout pieces of this experience is that it is not a straight paint tutorial. Along the way, you get games and chances to win fun prizes. It adds energy, and it keeps the class from feeling like a quiet workshop.

These interruptions matter because they break up the focus required for painting. Instead of waiting for the next step, you get little bursts of interaction. That is especially helpful if your group includes people who are nervous about painting. A game can make them feel like they belong faster.

You also get a custom-designed playlist with feel-good tunes. Music can make or break an evening like this, and the promise here is that you get songs designed to keep the mood positive. It fits the rest of the class style: relaxed, friendly, and geared toward having a good time, not producing art for judging.

What You Take Home, and How to Make It Actually Worth Keeping

Most activities in Dublin give you a memory. This one gives you a physical product: your 1 canvas to take home and keep. That changes the way you experience the night. You are invested because you can see a result, and it is tangible enough to take home immediately.

The non-toxic paint detail is practical too. It uses paint that is machine washable, which helps with the mess factor. It does not mean you should be careless, but it does mean you are not dealing with harsh, scary materials.

If you are thinking about gifting: the fact that you can hang it up makes it a real present, not a novelty. For a hen party, birthdays, or a group “we did this together” souvenir, that take-home angle is a big reason people enjoy it.

Tip for your own day planning: when you book this, consider what you will do with your canvas afterward. Bring a way to transport it safely so it does not get bumped on the walk back.

Price and Value: What $31 Really Covers

The price is listed at $31 per person, and the duration is 2 hours. That is a simple way to judge value: you are paying for time, guidance, and all the art materials you need for a finished canvas you keep.

What you get included is not just “instructions.” You get:

  • the canvas to take home
  • painting materials
  • an instructor
  • a custom feel-good playlist
  • the chance to win prizes

So you are not paying only for someone to talk at you. You are paying for a ready-to-create setup, plus a social atmosphere that includes music and games.

Drinks are not included, so the true total for your group can rise depending on what you buy at the bar. Still, if you budget for a drink or two, you can keep it predictable. From a traveler’s perspective, that means you can treat it as a planned evening activity with optional splurges, not an open-ended art bill.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This experience is ideal if you want a fun group activity that does not require skill. It works well for:

  • hen parties and other celebrations where people want to do something together
  • couples on a date night who prefer a hands-on activity
  • solo travelers who want an organized social setting without the pressure of nightlife planning
  • anyone who worries they are not creative enough

The class is also a good fit if you want to follow a plan but still leave room for personal touches. That flexibility makes it feel less like a strict workshop.

One group that might hesitate: people who do not want an alcohol-forward atmosphere. Because drinks are part of the venue setup and purchase happens at the bar, it is not the best choice if you are looking for a purely kid-friendly or totally dry activity. The experience is also not suitable for children under 18.

A Practical Dublin Evening Plan Around This Class

If you want to make it a smooth evening, I suggest thinking of this as your “anchor activity.” You can build before and after around it:

  • Do lighter sightseeing or shopping before you go, then arrive ready to create.
  • Keep the rest of the night simple after, because you will have a canvas to transport.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and plan to relax. This is meant to be low-stress.

Also, because it is instructor-led and step-by-step, you do not need to overthink what you will do. You just show up, follow along, and enjoy the ride.

Should You Book Drink & Draw in Dublin?

Yes, if you want a beginner-friendly art class that feels social and fun, with a real take-home result. The mix of an instructor you can follow, a relaxed atmosphere, and prizes and games is exactly why this style of event works.

I would skip it if you are on a super tight budget and do not want to add bar costs, or if your group wants an all-ages, alcohol-free activity. Also, if you hate music or group games, this may feel more structured than you expect.

If you do book it, arrive early at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield, ask for Drink & Draw, and give yourself permission to create something you can be proud of without overworking every detail. The whole point is finishing your own masterpiece, not building a perfect one.

FAQ

Where does the Drink & Draw party meet in Dublin?

You meet at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. Ask for Drink & Draw.

How long is the experience?

The class runs for 2 hours. Starting times can vary, so you should check availability.

Is there an art experience requirement?

No. The session is designed so you do not need previous painting or art experience.

What is included in the price?

You get 1 canvas to take home, painting materials, an instructor, a custom playlist with feel-good tunes, and the chance to win prizes throughout the event.

Are drinks included?

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

What kind of paint is used?

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

Is this activity suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

Can I cancel, and can I pay later?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

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