Spy

So not to get confused: Wax is the name bestowed on the nightspot found in the basement of the Spy complex. It therefore makes for a poor cousin to the grandiose Spy pumping upstairs, helped along by the fact that Spy is ‘going off’ in one of the finest 18^th century town mansions in Dublin whilst Wax remains relegated to the murky basement. However, many contend that Wax would not work upstairs surrounded by authentic Victorian furnishings because of the dance-​techno music blasting from the speakers, whilst upstairs in Spy you are treated to a hot n’ sweaty more disco inclined experience. Upstairs in what was originally Lady Powerscourt’s Dressing Room you can get your groove on in a handsome setting.
I much prefer Spy to Wax where you get to dance to eclectic DJ sets renowned for their versatility. On any given night one DJ set could include Led Zeppelin followed by a smooth transition into Hot Chip then onto a chorus from The Kinks before a final bop to a remix of the Ghostbusters theme tune.
The original Victorian interior furnishings and fittings have been very sympathetically redeveloped to ensure a contemporary milieu is formed without losing touch with the time-​honoured furnishings. It is this faithfulness to the building’s original authenticity that makes the place stand out so gracefully from any other club in Dublin — it really is like having a rave in your wealthy friend’s house.

I always get confused between Spy and Wax but I can confirm that Spy is a bar that is on street level while Wax is a ‘club’ that is underneath. I’m not huge fan of either, but Spy is the better of the two.
It’s a nice bar with a ‘cool’ crowd. It’s split level to when you enter, there’s a small amount of room downstairs, then half way up the stairs is another room and up the top there’s another bar. It sounds like it’s huge, but it isn’t really.
They always have different local dj’s playing.

Spy bar is a great spot, the interior is listed (meaning it’s protected on the grounds of architectural heritage). Check Georgian ceiling details and frescoes on the wall, while you’re having a few. The décor is funky and the ambiance is casual and relaxed. Perfect for an after work/​shopping cocktail, or an early evening glass of wine. If you’re lucky enough you might get one of the seats on the street you have one of the best spots in Dublin for a spot of people spotting.
Bottles of wine for 10 euro before 9 and cocktails for a fiver. After 9 the pints don’t break the 5 euro limit, so I’m happy.
On a Thursday at 8 Spy are showing some of the worst films ever made. Sit on the comfy leather couches and throw your free popcorn at the screen in disgust. With an introduction from a knowledgeable and well spoken film nerd, and a good sound system it’s an hilarious way to spend a few hours.

Although part of the Spy complex, Wax would probably be regarded by Spy as its slightly scuzzy cousin.
There is definitely an element of dinginess about Wax. Located in the basement of the Powerscourt centre, it is a really small little box of a nightclub, with really low ceilings, sparsely decorated.
But that’s part of the night on offer at Wax; you don’t go to lounge around the place looking louche like the denizens of Spy, you’ve come to get zilla’d and bop around to banging techno.
This gives Wax a strange mix of patrons. One half of its customers look like a group of «Skins» extras, young with trendy haircuts and raver clothes. The other half are slightly older, mainly lads, typically a little scobey. All of them are mashed out of their heads.
Wax is decent enough on a Friday night; Wednesday used to be the evening of choice, but I haven’t been there on a Wednesday for a while now.
I was in Spy on a Thursday just a couple of weeks ago, and we decided to pop down to Wax. The place was empty, with none of the emo kids, just very few scobes, so we left fairly shortly after that.
That’s another thing about Wax, if you’re looking to pull a young one, don’t bother your arse, even on a Wednesday the ratio is totally against you. So if you like techno music, Wax on Wednesday. if you’re looking to pull, Coppers on… well basically any night of the week.

Spy nightclub is a trendy spot that attracts a sophisticated clientele, but the venue is not snobby and offers some good drink promos. When I was there on Friday night, house wine cost only 10 Euro before 9 pm. Of course for that price, I had to buy two.
If you’re not a wine drinker, Spy makes a variety of cocktails. The bartender was shaking up all kinds of concoctions and pulling pints too. The bar was slightly too busy for the two staff working there.
Even though the service was kind of slow, this club is worth a visit for the layout alone. Spy has a unique maze-​like interior, reminiscent of a posh house.

First of all, the building! Wow! Just wow! It’s a Georgion townhouse complete with lots of period features. This is a place where it feels fabulous to be. But be warned, the staff are a little haughty and the drinks are incredibly expensive. The music was, however, out of this world. It was like the DJ was playing all the songs I have ever nursed a nostalgic love for. There is nothing like hearing the theme song from the Fresh Prince of Belair while bopping through the rooms of luxe luxe luxe mansion!

Very disappointing place as had expected so much more based on some of the reviews I read and the celebrities who visited here recently. Althought entry is free before 11.30pm, entry needs to be free because the drinks are so expensive here. The club in the basement was crowded and generally the music wasn’t good. I wouldn’t go back.