Dublin’s art party is messy in the best way. I love the included materials (canvas, apron, paint) because it means you can show up and start, and I love the speed painting round at the end that turns a class into a mini challenge. One thing to consider: this is built like a party, with loud music and lots of momentum, so it’s not the quiet, sit-straight-and-watch-every-step kind of art time.

I like that alcohol is optional (you can buy it on site if you want) while you paint along to the playlist, and the themes change each night so the experience doesn’t feel copy-pasted. The vibe is friendly and social rather than strict, with instructor guidance and breaks where you paint to the music.

With a max of 20 people, you’re usually not lost in the crowd, and you can get help if you get stuck. Just note the setting is very music-forward, so if you’re sensitive to volume, plan accordingly.

Key things to know before you go

• All materials included: canvas, apron, and paint are provided so you can focus on the fun part
• No art experience needed: it’s more art party than art school
• Theme each night: you’ll follow a different concept depending on the date
• Speed painting round: a music-driven finish adds excitement and keeps the energy high
• Alcohol available on site: you can purchase drinks, but it’s not required to enjoy the night
• Small group size: up to 20 people helps you feel included

Entering This Must Be The Place in Smithfield

Your night starts at This Must Be The Place, at 42 Arran Quay in Smithfield. This part of Dublin sits close to the river and the action, so you can pair the class with a proper evening out rather than treating it like an isolated activity.

Even before you paint, the location matters for two reasons. First, it’s easy to reach using public transport, which helps if you’re juggling dinner plans or an itinerary full of walking. Second, the venue has the right feel for what the experience is: casual, social, and geared toward people who want to do something creative without overthinking it.

If you like activities that give you a built-in plan for two hours, this works well. You don’t have to find supplies, you don’t have to pick a design, and you’re not stuck staring at a blank canvas alone.

The Night’s Format: Art Party Energy With Real Guidance

Drink & Draw is often described as a paint and sip-style event, but the important detail is how the class runs. You’re not there to master technique or follow a perfectly slow step-by-step lecture. Instead, you’ll create a themed painting with help from the instructor, while upbeat music plays in the background.

The instructor support is practical. From what I’ve seen in how these events tend to run, the best ones do two things: they show you what to do in plain language and they keep you moving. That’s exactly the feel here. You get tips if you need them, but you’re also encouraged to paint your way rather than worrying about getting everything perfect.

One thing I really like is the structure that keeps things playful. There are music break moments where you paint along, which helps you stay engaged even if you’re not the type who normally enjoys “do this, now do that” activities.

A note on expectations

If you’re imagining a quiet gallery-style art experience, shift your mindset first. This one is more like a guided creative party, and the goal is to leave with a finished piece you made yourself—not to produce museum-level art.

Canvases, Aprons, Paint: Why the Setup Feels Like Value

I love experiences where the hardest part is showing up, and Drink & Draw does that. They provide the canvas, apron, and paint for you, plus the evening has a different theme each night. That combination is a big deal for value because you’re not paying extra for supplies or trying to figure out what materials you should bring.

What this means in real life:

• You can travel light. No guesswork. No extra purchases.
• You don’t waste time arriving and then hunting for items.
• You’re free to concentrate on the fun and the creative decisions you’re actually making.

And because you take the painting home at the end, the class isn’t just a memory—it becomes something tangible you can keep, gift, or hang up as a reminder that you did something different in Dublin.

If you’re traveling with friends, couples, or even going solo, this is especially nice. You’re all working from the same starting point, but you each end up with your own version.

Music-Led Painting and the Speed Painting Round Finish

The best part of these events is the moment they stop feeling like “work” and start feeling like a game. Drink & Draw has that built in with a speed painting round at the end.

Here’s what makes it memorable: you’re painting while music plays, and the challenge is timed/energized enough that you’re not stuck overthinking every stroke. You listen, react, and keep going. That’s a great way to create momentum, especially if you’re new to painting or you usually freeze when it’s time to start.

The “paint the song” concept is also a big crowd-pleaser. In one night’s experience, a participant had fun painting frantically to Don’t Stop Me Now—and that’s exactly the kind of high-energy distraction you want when the goal is to leave with a masterpiece without a headache.

If you’re the type who likes lively group activities, this ending is where you’ll feel the whole room click. Even if you were unsure at the start, the speed round helps everyone finish with a sense of accomplishment.

Alcohol, Volume, and Choosing the Right Mood for Tonight

The event is described as a creative class with alcohol in the mix, but the key word here is in the mix. You can buy alcohol and paint while loud music plays. That means the experience isn’t quietly BYOB; it’s a social format designed for atmosphere.

So, here’s how to choose the right night for your personal taste:

• If you like upbeat energy, music you can feel, and a lively room, you’ll probably have a great time.
• If you prefer calm settings and minimal noise, you might find the volume and party feel distracting.

One practical tip: if you want to enjoy the art without letting alcohol drive your decisions, pace your drinks. You still get the main attraction—painting with support and a fun theme—either way.

Also remember: this is not a heavy drinking event that’s focused on intoxication. It’s focused on creating. Alcohol is an option, not the mission.

Who This Works For (Solo, Couples, and First-Time Artists)

The format is a good fit if you fall into one of these categories:

• First-timers: You don’t need art experience. The whole point is that you can join without prior skills.
• Social travelers: It’s easier to talk to people when you’re all working on the same themed painting at the same time.
• Solo visitors: I’ve seen these setups work well for solo travelers because the room has something shared to focus on, so conversation flows naturally.
• Couples and friends: If you like doing activities together, the group energy helps, and you also get a fun, take-home souvenir from the same night.

People do best when they lean into the tone. If you treat it like a casual art party, you’ll relax and enjoy the ride. If you treat it like a strict art exam, you’ll probably end up frustrated, because the event is designed to be fun first.

And the group size matters here. With a maximum of 20 travelers, it’s not a huge crowd where you’re forgotten. You’re more likely to get quick help if something isn’t clicking.

Practical Timing: Two Hours to Make Something Real

The experience runs about two hours. That’s an ideal length for Dublin because it fits into a typical evening plan without eating half your day.

In practical terms, two hours is enough time to:

• get your canvas started
• follow along with the theme and instructor guidance
• build toward a finished look
• end with the speed painting challenge

If you’re on a tight schedule, this duration is a strong selling point. You’ll get a complete activity cycle—start to finish—in one block.

One small consideration: because it’s a set event, don’t assume you can stroll in late. Plan to arrive with enough time to check in comfortably and get seated before the painting begins.

Value Check: What You’re Paying For (Without the Hidden Costs)

Even without seeing pricing details, the value logic is clear from how the event is designed.

You’re paying for:

• a guided art session with a nightly theme
• instructor support and the overall structure that keeps things moving
• a complete set of supplies: canvas, apron, and paint
• an ending activity (speed painting) that adds excitement
• a take-home finished painting

That’s the big deal: most “creative” experiences charge extra for supplies, or they hand you a kit and leave you to figure it out. Here, the supplies are included, and the event format is built to help you succeed even if you’re brand new.

It also helps that the event is in the city, so you’re not spending your limited time commuting across Dublin for a single activity. When you can pair it with dinner or a pub stop after, the night feels like part of the trip rather than a detour.

Book It or Skip It? My Straight Answer

I’d book Drink & Draw if you want a fun Dublin evening where you leave with something tangible and you don’t need to be an artist. The included materials, the themed setup, and the high-energy speed painting round make it a good “do something creative” choice for both couples and solo travelers.

I’d think twice if you’re the kind of person who needs quiet, hates loud music, or expects a traditional art class with slow, methodical instruction. This isn’t that.

One more piece of advice from real-life travel habits: if your plans are tight (work schedule, timed dinner reservations, or a specific date with no flexibility), double-check your booking details before you head out. One unhappy experience shared that a schedule mismatch can ruin the evening, so confirm the start time on your tickets and keep your confirmation handy.

FAQ

How long is Drink & Draw in Dublin?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What does the class include?

You get a canvas, an apron, and paint, plus a different theme each night.

Do I need any art experience?

No experience is necessary. It’s designed so most people can participate.

Is alcohol included?

Alcohol isn’t required. You can purchase alcohol on site if you want while you paint.

What happens at the end of the event?

You do a speed painting round, and you take your painting home at the end.

Where is the meeting point?

It starts at This Must Be The Place, 42 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland.

What language is the event in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is cancellation free if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Is it near public transportation?

Yes, it’s near public transportation, and the venue allows service animals.