Last updated on February 18th, 2023 at 11:48 am
There’s no better way to kick back after a long day than to play a few games of pool or snooker with friends. Challenging yet also beginner-friendly, pool and snooker can be enjoyed by all, no matter their level of experience or age.
Both pool and snooker trace their origin back to the medieval game of billiards. Originally played as a stick and ball lawn game, billiards was first played on tables in the 15th century. The table variety of the game spread across Europe, and later the rest of the world. Pool became the most popular billiards game in the United States in the 19th century, while snooker rose to prominence in India in the same period. Today, both variants are still going strong in every corner of the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a serious pool or snooker hall to practice in, or just looking for a good spot to catch up with some friends over a game or two, there is a pool or snooker hall in Dublin to suit your needs.
In this post, we share the 7 best pool and snooker halls in Dublin in 2023.
Map of Pool and Snooker Halls
The following map shows the location of every pool and snooker hall highlighted in this post:
Fairview Snooker Club
Fairview Snooker Club is the definition of a hidden gem – this snooker club is inconspicuously tucked away in the North Dublin neighbourhood of Fairview between Paddy Power and Gaffney’s Pub. The snooker hall is one of the last of its kind on the north side of the city.
The snooker hall has a laidback, no nonsense vibe, with several high-quality snooker tables and pool tables. The friendly staff are helpful and keep the tables well maintained. The snooker hall also serves beer.
Fairview Snooker Club is a genuine gem, and the perfect spot for anyone looking to play a few serious games of pool or snooker in a quiet atmosphere, but also great for a relaxed catch up with friends over a few drinks and some quality pool or snooker time.
The tables at Fairview Snooker Club can be rented by the hour.
Location: 2A Fairview, Clontarf, Dublin, D03 AV27
CrossGuns Snooker Club
As the oldest snooker club in Ireland, CrossGuns Snooker Club is the real deal. Operating successfully since 1958, the club is steeped in Irish snooker history and is a must visit for true fans of the game.
Alongside snooker, the club also have American pool tables. Tables can be rented for €10 an hour from Monday to Friday, with a special weekend rate of €8 per hour on Saturdays and Sundays. A student discount rate of €8 is available all week.
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and chocolate are available at the club.
CrossGuns Snooker Club is the place to go in Dublin for a serious game of pool or snooker.
Location: 7 Royal Canal Bank, Phibsborough, Dublin, D07 A06F
Website: http://www.crossgunssnookerclub.com
The Hideout
Located in the centre of Dublin on South William Street, The Hideout is a BYOB pool hall with chill vibes and great facilities. The pool hall offers a mix of British pool tables and the large American pool tables.
Melodic deep house music is usually on the stereo, which makes for a relaxed atmosphere combined with the low lighting.
Tables can be rented by the hour, and cost €15 per hour from Sunday to Thursday, and €20 on Fridays and Saturdays. BYOB is €5 per person, which offers great value if you’re looking to play a few games over a six pack of tall ones. Happyily, there are mini fridges available for each table to keep your drinks frosty.
The Hideout is a great place for some casual games of pool with friends, and its city centre location makes it ideal for meeting up.
Location: 49 South William Street, Dublin
Website: http://thehideout.ie
The Breakroom
Continuing the BYOB trend, The Breakroom in Swords also offers BYOB for €5 per person, with a beer cooler for every pool and snooker table.
The Breakroom offers both British and American pool tables, and snooker tables, catering to all players. For those on the north of the city, look no further for your pool or snooker fix.
It should be noted that BYOB is limited to six drinks per person.
Location: 1st Floor, 17 Main Street, Swords
Website: https://thebreakroom.ie
Ned Kelly’s Sportsclub
Conveniently situated on O’Connell Street is Ned Kelly’s Sportsclub. Named after the infamous Australian outlaw, this pool hall also doubles as a casino, making it an excellent spot to combine some classic late night activities.
With six large tables, classic pool lighting, and great location, this pool hall is the perfect spot to kick off an evening out in Dublin.
Tables can be rented from €12 an hour for non-members, or €10 for members. We recommend signing up for the free membership to take advantage of the discount, as this also allows you to enter the casino.
Location: 43 O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin
Website: https://www.nedkellys.ie
Ken Doherty Snooker and Sports Club
Perhaps Ireland’s greatest snooker player ever, Ken Doherty has been a legend in the sport since his 1997 World Championship win. The player and pundit has now set up his own snooker club in Terenure to further the game in his hometown of Dublin.
The club features professional snooker tables and British and American pool tables, as well as table tennis and darts.
More information on Ken Doherty Snooker and Sports Club can be found here.
Location: Terenure Cross, 3 Terenure Place, Terenure, Dublin 6
The Classic
Rounding out our list of the best pool and snooker halls in Dublin is The Classic in Finglas. An old-school spot, this is the perfect place to sharpen your pool or snooker skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
For serious players looking to up their game, look no further than The Classic. Rates are very reasonable compared to other pool and snooker halls.
More information on The Classic pool and snooker hall can be found here.
Location: 120 Ballygall Rd West, Finglas East, Dublin 11, D11 T443
