Carnival is a new bar on Wexford Street with no queues or pay in policy on a late weekend night, a friendly atmosphere and a funky music policy.

Many people have tried to make a success of this site over the years but too little success. But now Dermot Doran, co-owner of The Dice Bar, has taken over the joint and turned it into one of Dublin's most popular bars in a matter of months.

Carnival has got so popular they have had to open the upstairs section on Fridays and Saturdays and are keeping it open for private parties throughout the week.

Like The Dice Bar, Carnival's décor is very similar to a laidback East Village bar with a cool dark interior and a bright, funky bar. Carnival serves a large selection of drinks including Coors Light, Heineken and Guinness with a nice selection of Czech beers and bottled beers. The bar staff are friendly and quick to take your order and the prices are very reasonable.

Possibly the best thing about Carnival is the bar's relaxed party atmosphere with patrons dancing around the bar to a musical diet of Northern Soul, '60s rock and funky classics. Carnival features DJs seven nights a week and the night I spent in the bar, Annie Tierney of The Radio was doing a very job of getting the bar up and dancing.

One of the hottest joints in Dublin, Carnival is well worth a look.

Carnival
11 Wexford St,

Dublin 2.

Tel: + 353 (0) 1 4053604