Irish Village Dubai is a well-known Irish pub and restaurant in Al Garhoud, beside Dubai Tennis Stadium and close to GGICO Metro Station. The original venue combines an outdoor garden, indoor seating, Irish-style food, live music and sports in a setting designed around traditional Irish pub features.
The original Irish Village location is at the Al Garhoud branch. It opened after the development of Dubai Tennis Stadium. It was built around the spaces below the stadium terraces, giving the club a close connection to one of Dubai’s existing sporting venues.
Irish Village Dubai at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original branch | Al Garhoud |
| Address | 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, Dubai |
| Nearby landmark | Dubai Tennis Stadium |
| Nearest Metro | GGICO Metro Station |
| Phone | +971 4 282 4750 |
| Sunday–Thursday | 11 AM–1 AM |
| Friday–Saturday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Main offerings | Food, drinks, live music and sports |
The official website for the venue is currently available and lists the Al Garhoud branch with the same opening hours as above: 31 A Street.
The Original Al Garhoud Venue
Al Garhoud branch is based on a big garden outside with trees and a lake. The premises also feature wooden-trimmed rooms, vintage floor tiles and Irish decorative features.
It isn’t just about the name and the menu; its Irish identity is, too. The building was assembled with materials and skills from Ireland and then built in Dubai. This official history does refer to paving stones from Liscannor in County Clare.
One of the hallmarks of this branch is the garden. Its own description also mentions the lake, which is one of the attraction points, as well as the ducks, which have grown to be a part of the Irish Village.
Irish Village Dubai History
The Irish Village was conceived in parallel to the permanent Dubai Tennis Stadium. The Dubai Tennis Championships were taking place in a makeshift stadium when, in 1994, the new stadium was already in place to host the tournament. Some space under the stadium terraces allowed the opportunity to develop the concept of a permanent restaurant and entertainment space.
The Irish Village then evolved into a wider element of the stadium complex visitors’ experience. On the history page, it states that the idea was conceived by Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and supported by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
A highlight of the venue’s heritage is a bronze sculpture of three Irish musicians on the terrace. Inaugurated by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in 2007 to celebrate the venue’s 10th anniversary.
Food at Irish Village Dubai
The menu features traditional Irish food as well as a wider selection of pub and international food. Currently, the Al Garhoud menu features such dishes as Irish Stew, Fish and Chips, Cottage Pie, Chicken Pie, Beef Short Rib, Grilled Salmon and Chef’s Roast of the Day.
Vegetarian and vegan options include Broccoli and Cashew Nut Stir Fry, Vegan Cottage Pie and Beetroot and Quinoa Salad with Feta cheese amongst others. Children under 12 have a children’s menu as well.
If you are visiting and an Irish person at heart, you should look at the Irish dishes on the menu first. There are dishes that reflect the Irish theme of the venue directly, such as Irish Stew, Cottage Pie, Fish and Chips and Irish Cheese and Soda Bread.
According to the official menu, the prices listed are in AED, which also includes 7% Municipality Fees and 5% VAT. Menu items and prices may vary; please check the menu online before ordering.
Drinks and Pub Setting
Drinks are an integral part of the Irish Village experience. A current menu includes a selection of Draught, Bottled, Ciders, cocktails and Non-Alcoholic beers, including Guinness.
The setting is not a traditional restaurant, but more of an Irish pub. This is evident in the mix of food, drinks, live entertainment and sports.
Live Music and Sports
One of the most significant factors that has kept the establishment tied up with Dubai’s social scene and entertainment is the provision of live entertainment. The official website features special pages for musicians and sports, in addition to its list of events.
Live entertainment and sporting events like football, such as UEFA Champions League and Europa League games, are listed in the current events. The official event schedule is even more dependable than the programme changes, since they might not be set in stone.
It has also been the stage for large concert acts in the past. It is the official home of artists and groups such as Sir Bob Geldof, Sinead O’Connor, Madness, UB40, Texas and Boyzone. They are not currently a component of the venue’s programme, but rather are part of its history.
Connection with Dubai Tennis Stadium
Dubai Tennis Stadium is a key part of the identity of the original Irish Village. It was designed for people who have been attending events in the stadium and is now located next to the stadium.
This is especially important in large sporting events like tennis. Visit Dubai has found that the Irish Village is a favourite place to visit during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and one can enjoy the sport along with food, drinks and outdoor seating.
The terrace has also been extended for big events. According to Visit Dubai, it is able to host up to 3,500 for special events and concerts.
Metro Access
The Al Garhoud branch is also very easily reached by the Metro, which is just next to the original Irish Village (a popular destination for tourists) located at GGICO Metro Station. The venue has information about the Red Line GGICO station embedded in its location information.
This is especially beneficial for people visiting for an event at the site who don’t want to drive. Please note that the information provided on Metro schedules and service arrangements may be updated and is subject to change, so please check the information when making your journey.
Irish Village Dubai Branches
Irish Village Dubai may be more than the original Al Garhoud venue. As of today, the official site has listed Al Garhoud and Dubai Studio City as the branches in Dubai.
Studio City is on the first floor of Studio One Hotel. It offers a more contemporary take on the original, featuring lighter interiors, high ceilings, an outdoor terrace and several screens for games.
That is, the two branches should not be considered to be exactly the same venue. The Al Garhoud location is the original garden-based setting and adjacent to Dubai Tennis Stadium and Studio City has a more contemporary hotel-based environment.
Al Garhoud vs Studio City
The only difference is the setting. Al Garhoud caters for the traditional pub, lake and Irish Village garden, whereas Studio City is set in the modern interior with the extensive terrace of Studio One Hotel.
The two branches are open at the same time, which is 11 AM to 1 AM Sunday-Thursday and 11 AM to 2 AM Friday-Saturday. However, their individual events and facilities should be examined on an individual basis.
Opening Hours and Contact
The official hours for the Al Garhoud branch are now Sunday to Thursday from 11 AM – 1 AM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM – 2 AM.
Al Garhoud venue’s listed telephone number is +971 4 282 4750. The event website is a better source of information regarding current events, offers and branch information before visiting a specific event.
Events and Special Offers
Irish Village Dubai is a restaurant that doesn’t just offer regular restaurant deals and event promotions; it also does so with a specific twist. Some of the current offers are lunch deals, ladies’ nights, a weekend roast deal, a wings promotion and other offers based on each branch.
Promotions may be changed and are subject to a specific branch or day. Therefore, offers on an older page should not be considered a permanent fixture in the venue.
What to Expect at Al Garhoud
The Al Garhoud branch is most unique in terms of its food, drinks, live entertainment, interiors and direct connection with Dubai Tennis Stadium, with an Irish theme throughout and a garden setting. These are all part of the “identity” of the venue, not features that have been placed on it.
The venue is thus different than a restaurant, which is primarily for eating. A visitor to the Irish Village for a tennis tournament, live music and more will be searching for something other than the main dining aspect of the event, while the food menu is the central element of the Irish Village experience.
Irish Village Dubai for Families and Dogs
The official Al Garhoud branch details include that it is a dog-friendly branch, which is also popular amongst families for outdoor space. It’s especially related to the size of the garden space and not so much to the common indoor pub scene.
If a visitor is making arrangements to visit with children or a dog, they are advised to check with the relevant branch as arrangements may vary from location to location.
Why the Al Garhoud Location Matters
The Al Garhoud branch is the most related branch to the original Irish Village story. The newer Studio City branch is far removed from its Irish origins, while its location next to Dubai Tennis Stadium, traditional Irish features and its long-running entertainment programme lend it a sense of identity.
So, if you’re looking in particular for the original Irish Village Dubai, then the Al Garhoud address will be the one you need: 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, Dubai, opposite the Dubai Tennis Stadium and GGICO Metro Station.
Conclusion
Irish Village Dubai Al Garhoud is the original Irish Village venue, offering a traditional Irish pub atmosphere, an extensive outdoor garden, food, drinks, live music and sports next to Dubai Tennis Stadium. The Al Garhoud branch is different from the newer Studio City, because it is located near GGICO Metro and because it is built by Irish engineers and features Irish-built design elements.
The essentials to confirm for a planned visit are the location of the branch and timings, as well as the programme. The official Irish Village website offers up-to-date information on the Al Garhoud venue, menus, offers and event information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Irish Village Dubai?
The original Irish Village is at 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, Dubai, next to Dubai Tennis Stadium and GGICO Metro Station.
What are Irish Village Dubai timings?
The Al Garhoud branch is open from Sunday to Thursday, 11 AM-1 AM and Friday and Saturday, 11 AM-2 AM.
Which metro station is nearest to Irish Village Dubai?
GGICO Metro Station is next to the Al Garhoud branch.
What food is available at Irish Village Dubai?
There is a menu of Irish Stew, Fish and Chips, Cottage Pie, Chicken Pie, Beef Short Rib, salads, sandwiches and desserts, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
Does Irish Village Dubai have live music?
Yes. It regularly posts live musicians and entertainment events on its official website.
Does Irish Village Dubai show sports?
Yes. Sports are a feature of the venue and current events include Formula One, Champions League and Europa League football matches.
How many Irish Village branches are in Dubai?
Currently, the official site has the following branches in Dubai: Al Garhoud and Dubai Studio City.
Is Irish Village Dubai next to Dubai Tennis Stadium?
Yes. The original Al Garhoud branch is adjacent to Dubai Tennis Stadium and has a longstanding association with events hosted at the venue.
