Reviewed · DUBLIN 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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Dublin’s Drinking and Painting Party gives you a lively way to spend two hours without needing an art degree, steady hands, or much of a plan. You arrive at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield, buy a drink if you wish, and settle in with a blank canvas, fresh materials, music, and an instructor ready to guide you.

I like the easygoing format: you can follow the lesson step by step or wander off in your own creative direction. I also like the little competitions and challenges, which add some harmless mischief to what could otherwise be a quiet painting class.

The main thing to consider is cost beyond the $31 booking price. Your canvas and art supplies are covered, but drinks are not, and you must make your own way to the venue. This is an adults-only activity, too.

Key points to know before you book

  • Your finished canvas goes home with you, making this more than a temporary night out.
  • The instructor welcomes beginners, so you do not need previous painting experience.
  • Drinks are bought separately at the venue’s on-site bar.
  • Feel-good music and playful contests keep the class social rather than formal.
  • All supplies are waiting when you arrive, including a canvas and painting materials.
  • The session lasts two hours and begins and ends at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield.

A painting party rather than a formal art lesson

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - A painting party rather than a formal art lesson

The appeal here is simple: you get a creative activity with the social feel of a night out. Instead of sitting through a serious studio lesson, you paint while listening to a custom playlist, having a drink, and taking part in occasional games.

That mix matters if you want something more active than a pub visit but less demanding than a full art course. You have a clear activity in front of you, yet the mood is designed to stay relaxed. The supplied information makes a point of saying that artistic perfection is not the goal. That is useful advice to take seriously.

You should expect guidance, not a rigid exam. The instructor leads you through the painting in stages, but you can also choose to depart from the lesson plan. If you have never painted before, following the steps gives you a useful safety net. If you already enjoy drawing or painting, you can use the outline as a starting point and make the piece your own.

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Arriving at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield

Dublin: Drinking and Painting Party with Art Instructor - Arriving at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield

You are responsible for getting to the meeting point at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield. Once there, ask for Drink & Draw. The activity begins and ends at this same venue, so there is no second meeting point to find and no transport segment to arrange.

That setup makes the evening easy to plan around. You can arrive in the city center, take part, and leave from the place where you started. On the other hand, transportation is not included, so you should allow enough time to reach Smithfield on your own.

No group size is provided, so I would not book this expecting either a tiny private workshop or a large party. The format is clearly social, and the experience is best approached as a shared class rather than one-to-one tuition.

Getting set up with canvas and paint

The practical side is handled for you. When you enter, the canvas and painting materials are already set out. You do not need to pack brushes, paints, or a blank canvas, and you do not need to spend the first part of the session learning how to prepare a workspace.

One canvas is included for you to keep. That gives the activity a satisfying finish: you leave with a physical reminder of the evening rather than only a few photographs.

The paint is non-toxic, and the information provided says it can be machine washed. That is reassuring for a casual class, especially if you are concerned about splashes on clothing. I would still wear something you do not mind getting marked. Non-toxic does not mean every outfit will emerge spotless.

Buying a drink at the on-site bar

Drinks are available at the venue’s bar, but they are not included in the $31 price. This is worth keeping in mind when comparing the activity with other Dublin nights out. Your booking covers the creative part, while your bar bill depends on what you choose to buy.

The bar helps the party feel informal. You can pick up a refreshing drink and return to your canvas instead of leaving the venue to find somewhere else. It also gives you a natural way to chat with the people around you during the painting breaks.

Still, you should budget for both parts. At $31 per person, the experience is fairly easy to understand from a value point of view: you are paying for a two-hour instructor-led activity, a canvas, materials, music, and a chance to win prizes. Drinks add to the final cost, so the total may be higher than the headline price.

A few more Dublin half-days to weigh up

Following the lesson, or making your own design

The instructor gives you a step-by-step path through the session. That is particularly helpful if the blank canvas makes you freeze. You can watch the progression and copy the broad approach, adding your own colors and details as you go.

You are not forced to copy every part. The class also allows you to follow your own ideas. This balance is one of the strongest features for mixed groups, since not everyone arrives with the same comfort level. A complete beginner can stay close to the instructions, while someone more confident can experiment.

I would treat the finished work as a personal souvenir, not a test of technical skill. The point is to enjoy the act of making something. If your painting looks a little different from the example, that is not a problem. In fact, the differences are what make the canvases worth taking home.

Feel-good music and games between brushstrokes

Music plays an important role in setting the mood. The session includes a custom-designed playlist of feel-good tunes, so the room is not likely to feel like a silent classroom. That makes the experience a better fit for a birthday outing, hen party, or a group of friends looking for a shared activity.

The occasional games and competitions add another layer. You may have the chance to win small prizes through ad hoc challenges during the session. These contests are not the main event, but they break up the painting and give the group something to laugh about.

The activity’s feedback points to a friendly atmosphere, good supplies, and a helpful, patient artist. That combination is important. Music alone can feel like background decoration, but an instructor who keeps the pace comfortable and explains the process clearly can make the difference between feeling stuck and enjoying yourself.

What the two-hour schedule feels like

The exact starting times depend on availability, but the total session lasts two hours. That is long enough to create a finished canvas without turning the evening into a major time commitment.

At the start, you find the venue, ask for Drink & Draw, meet the instructor, and get settled with your supplied materials. The instructor then introduces the painting process and begins guiding the group through the stages.

The middle portion is where the social side comes into play. You paint, listen to music, purchase drinks as you wish, and join the games or challenges. You can work at the lesson’s pace, ask for help, or adjust your piece as your own ideas take over.

Near the end, you finish your canvas and prepare to take it home. The activity does not continue to another location, so you are free to leave from 3 Queen Street once the two hours are complete.

Why this works well for a hen party or group outing

The format suits groups that want to do something together but do not want a demanding physical activity. Everyone receives the same basic materials and takes part in the same guided session, while the final paintings can look completely different.

It also gives a group a shared subject for conversation. You can compare progress, ask the instructor for help, and see how differently people interpret the same lesson. The games add a bit of friendly competition without making artistic ability the only focus.

A hen party is a natural match, and this activity has also been described as fun for that kind of occasion. I can also see it working for a birthday or a casual night with friends. The adult-only rule keeps the tone geared toward grown-up socializing, though it means families with younger children will need another plan.

The limits of the experience

This is not the right pick if you want a serious art-school lesson, a detailed study of Dublin, or a tour that takes you around the city. The activity stays at the venue and focuses on painting, music, drinks, and games.

You also should not expect the price to include refreshments. The bar is available, but each drink is an extra purchase. That is not unusual for this type of event, yet it is easy to overlook when planning a night out.

The lack of named instructor information may matter to some people, too. You know the session is led in English by an art instructor, but no individual guide name is supplied. If personal teaching credentials or a particular artist are important to you, check the current booking details before paying.

Finally, the two-hour length gives you a pleasant creative break, not an all-day activity. If your group wants a full evening, you will need to add your own meal, pub stop, or another Dublin plan before or after the class.

Is $31 good value?

I think the price is reasonable for someone who wants a ready-made activity. You receive the canvas, paint supplies, instruction, music, and the chance to win prizes. You also avoid the cost and effort of buying materials yourself or arranging a private lesson.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise spend money on a casual evening out. For $31, you get a defined two-hour event and something tangible to keep. It is less attractive if you are only interested in drinking, since the bar purchases are separate and the painting is the central activity.

The take-home canvas adds real value. Even if your painting is not perfect, it can become a funny keepsake from a group trip or a personal gift for someone at home. The fact that the materials are supplied also makes this easier for visitors who do not want to pack art equipment.

Who should book this Dublin activity?

I would choose it for an adult group that enjoys light competition, music, and hands-on activities. It is especially suitable for a hen party, birthday gathering, or friends who want a change from the usual pub routine.

Beginners should feel comfortable here. The instructor guides you through the process, and the class does not require previous art experience. More experienced painters can use the lesson as a base and add their own ideas.

I would skip it if you dislike group activities, want quiet studio time, or have no interest in buying drinks and socializing around a canvas. It is also not suitable for children under 18.

Cancellation is flexible enough for most changing Dublin plans: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying on the day of booking.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a cheerful, low-pressure night with a creative result to carry home. The best reasons are the ready-to-use supplies, patient step-by-step help, music, and the freedom to make the painting your own.

Go in expecting an entertaining group class, not a polished gallery workshop. Add money for drinks, arrange your own route to Smithfield, and wear practical clothing. If those points suit your plans, this two-hour Dublin activity offers a good change of pace and a canvas that will remind you of the night long after the paint dries.

FAQ

Where does the painting party take place?

The activity takes place at 3 Queen Street in Smithfield, Dublin. Ask for Drink & Draw when you arrive.

How long does the experience last?

The painting party lasts two hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase at the venue’s on-site bar, but they are not included.

Is painting experience required?

No. The instructor guides you step by step, and no previous art experience is needed.

What art supplies are included?

You receive one canvas to keep, along with the painting materials needed for the session.

Can I take my painting home?

Yes. Your finished canvas is yours to take home at the end of the activity.

Is the activity suitable for children?

No. The experience is not suitable for children under 18 years old.

What language does the instructor speak?

The instructor leads the experience in English.

Is cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

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