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Most of the big names in Irish stand-up comedy – and there are several: Ardal O’Hanlon, Tommy Tiernan, Graham Norton, Jason Byrne, Dylan Moran – now work in the UK, but Dublin supports a lively local scene, especially at some of the gay-friendly venues. The majority of Dublin’s comedy nights take place in clubs or bars on a weekly basis. For details, consult the Event Guide or look on notice boards for flyers. The city’s most significant comedy venue is Murphy’s Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay, which is currently closed for rebuilding. Look out for the newly reopened venue in 2004. You should also keep an eye out for one-off comedy nights at GUBU and the Olympia . Ha’penny Bridge, 42 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, T 01 677 0616. Tue-Thu 2130 . E6. This is the place where many big-name comics first cut their teeth. Tuesday night is the ‘Battle of the Axe’, featuring a variety of amateur acts competing for the Lucky Duck Award, voted for by the audience. All manner of people turn up to try their luck and the audience contributes its fair share of colourful commentary. Wednesday is more traditional organized stand up, while Thursday is improv night, with a team of comics performing sketches based on audience suggestions. The International, 23 Wicklow St, T 01 677 9250. Mon and Thu 2100. E7.50. The upstairs bar currently hosts the homeless Murphy’s Laughter Lounge on Thursday nights and its own brand of improvisation on Mondays. It has a good atmosphere and probably the best of Dublin’s up-and-coming comics in house. Sugar Club, 8 Leeson St Lower, T 01 678 7188. Thu 2100. E13. This very fashionable nightclub offers pre-club stand-up sessions by some well-known Dublin comics.
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