This section is dedicated to all things related to the Night-Time Economy in Dublin. Here, you’ll find updates on what Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor has been up to, along with various initiatives Dublin City Council is implementing to enhance our city after dark. There’s also a selection of event recommendations from the NTE Advisor, in association with The Goo – The Going Out-Out guide to gigs & clubs in Dublin
Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Strategy: One Year On
Dublin City’s Night-Time Economy Strategy has just passed its first year and is already delivering major results. By the end of 2025, almost 200 cultural events will have been supported or directly managed in just 18 months.
Key milestones include the launch of the Dublin Nights Help Zone (The Nee-Naw) 🚑, new safety initiatives, and progress on late-night transport improvements with the NTA.
A highlight of the year is the Dublin by Night Festival, taking place on Saturday, November 1st, across Capel Street and Dame Street. The festival is expected to attract over 50,000 people, offering free cultural experiences, music, and community activities after dark.
For the first time, the Nee-Naw will operate in two city locations on the same night, underscoring its growing role in Dublin’s nightlife infrastructure.
Together, these initiatives reflect the core aim of the Night-Time Economy Strategy: to make Dublin a vibrant, safe, and inclusive city after dark.
The Nee Naw returns until Christmas
After a successful summer pilot and Autumn run, Dublin’s Help Zone — better known as The Nee Naw — is carrying on the good work until Christmas.
Based on Camden Street, the service has supported major city events including Freshers’ Week, Culture Night, and Dublin’s first ever NFL weekend. The Nee Naw is staffed by medics, a welfare officer, and trained security, offering first aid, welfare support, directions, water, flip flops, and reassurance to anyone who needs help on their night out.
The Nee-Naw team have engaged with hundreds of people since its inception, providing everything from water and guidance to first aid and support for vulnerable individuals. The response from the public, businesses, residents, and Gardaí has been overwhelmingly positive.
Funded by the Department of Justice, the Nee Naw is part of Dublin City Council’s Night-Time Economy strategy, and is being monitored as a model that could be rolled out more widely across Ireland.
📍 Find the Nee Naw on Camden Street this Winter & Festive season — making Dublin’s nightlife safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable for all.
Safe & Sound:
Free Safety Training for Dublin’s Night-Time Economy
The Safe & Sound initiative offers 12 months of free online training for businesses and workers in Dublin City and the other eight Night-Time Economy pilot areas.
The short, practical modules cover:
- Anti-sexual harassment
- Bystander intervention
- Drink spiking awareness
- Safeguarding
- Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
Alongside the training, 17 new policy templates are available nationwide to help pubs, venues, festivals, restaurants, and cultural spaces adopt best practice in safety, welfare, and vulnerability support.
Developed by Night-Time Economy Solutions (NTES) in partnership with Ireland’s nine Night-Time Advisors and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Safe & Sound is a key part of Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Strategy.
How to get involved:
- Businesses in pilot areas, including Dublin, can sign up via the Bundle: Irish NTE Advisors
- Learn more about the Dublin_City_action_Plan.pdf
What Else Is Happening?
There’s plenty happening behind the scenes! We’re collaborating with various venues and promoters, as well as engaging with Dublin’s top cultural institutions. We’re also in discussions with the NTA, Irish Rail, and other transport agencies to develop late-night transport solutions. Working closely with the DCC City Coordination Team, we’re developing safe spaces and initiatives, with even more projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned!
The links below will give you a comprehensive look at what’s been happening over the last few months.
