By Candace Driskell

The Temple Bar area and Dublin's famous nightlife.

Dublin's most captivating feature may very well be its nightlife. With hundreds of bars, a thriving nightclub scene and constantly evolving restaurants, the nation's capital is the very best place to spend an Irish evening.

BEST DUBLIN RESTAURANTS

Irish cuisine has come a long way from its "meat and two veg" past and Dublin has a wide range of quality restaurants. Unfortunately, eating out in Dublin can be rather expensive, but good deals can be found. Check out the early bird menus for more value for your euro.

Those looking for some traditional Irish fare should consider Gallagher's Boxty House in Temple Bar. Start your meal off with a boxty (an Irish potato pancake) and finish it up with a classic such as fish & chips. Gruel on Dame Street puts a modern twist on Irish comfort classics -- don't miss the divine root vegetable stew.

For a more exotic dining experience, try one of Dublin's many delicious Indian restaurants, such as Saagar on Harcourt Street. Monty's of Katmandu serves up authentic Nepalese food in Temple Bar, while Yamamori Noodles on Lower Ormond Quay has fabulous, fresh Japanese food in a beautiful setting.

If you fancy an evening you and your wallet will never forget, book a table at Restaurant Patrick Guilbauld. The holder of two Michelin stars features a lavish menu and an impressive collection of Irish art in its dining room. Other upper-crust eateries worth a visit are Balzac on Dawson Street and Chapter One, located beneath the Dublin Writers Museum on Parnell Street.

TOP DUBLIN PUBS

You've probably seen those postcards featuring images of Ireland's most idyllic pubs. Well, in Dublin, you can step inside the picture and experience an old-fashioned pub first hand. Start out at the Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest bar. Established in 1198, this charming pub was a favorite haunt of James Joyce and Michael Collins. Another famous spot for a libation is Mulligan's, the so-called "home of the pint." Tourists and locals alike congregate at Mulligan's, which is known for having the best Guinness in Ireland.

Johnnie Fox's in the Dublin Mountains is famed as the highest pub in Ireland. It's not. That honor belongs to the Top of the Coom in County Kerry. Still, Johnnie Fox's is well worth a visit; it offers great food, fantastic views of the city and traditional music nightly.

If you don't fancy a trip to the Dublin Mountains for a pint, Temple Bar is a city center neighborhood that's absolutely packed with drinking options. A popular spot with those visiting Dublin, Temple Bar is steeped in old school Irish charm. Grab a pint of the black stuff at the Auld Dubliner or the aptly named Temple Bar.

If you like your Irish bars to contain actual Irish people rather than tourists, check out O'Donoghues on Merrion Row. This authentic bar is a great place to hear an old-fashioned trad session.

FOR THE MORNING AFTER

After a long night out on the town, a full Irish breakfast will cure what ails you. The meal, which usually consists of eggs, toast, sausages, rashers (bacon), black and white pudding, and a tomato, is sure to knock any hangover on its head. Dublin's most famous café, Bewley's on Grafton Street, serves a good full Irish.

For those less inclined to take in their daily allowance of grease at breakfast, Keogh's on Trinity Street has a wide assortment of delicious scones. Or, if you prefer to stick to coffee, Bar Italia, at various locations throughout the city, has the best cuppa joe in town.

If you prefer trendy and contemporary to traditional and charming, check out one of Dublin's fantastic modern watering holes. Dandelion on St. Stephen's Green is a stylish venue with great food, cocktails and numerous dance floors. On South William Street, you will find Ba Mizu and Spy Bar, two very hip bars where the young and beautiful congregate.

NIGHTCLUBS

Most pubs in Dublin close early, with patrons being kicked to the curb at around 12:30 a.m. on weekends and 11:30 p.m. on weeknights. If you want to keep partying into the night, head to a late bar or one of Dublin's famous nightclubs. The Gaiety Theatre has a club that features live bands as well as DJs. Just off Grafton Street, Lillie's Bordello attracts Dublin's celebrities with its dark and stylish interiors.

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(c) 2009 Travel Muse Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.