Ned Kelly’s Sportsclub

In particular, Ned Kelly's Dublin is known for its unorthodox combination of traditional pub games and casino gaming, with a whole host of fun activities on offer. Try your hand at snooker, pool and table football before turning to the roulette tables and gaming machines, all while enjoying a fresh pint of Guinness.

In this article, we take a closer look at the entertainment options and location benefits of this iconic part of the Dublin nightlife, along with its historical connections to the legendary bushranger. Let’s get started!

The Historical Significance of the Name

Introducing the Infamous Ned Kelly

You can’t talk about the venue without first taking a look at how it relates to Australian history, so let’s get started there. Ned Kelly’s is named after the Australian bushranger of the same name, a man whose short life spanned 1854 to 1880 and who himself had connections to the Emerald Isle. Kelly’s Irish heritage comes from the fact that his father, John “Red” Kelly, was an outlaw and convict from County Tipperary.

The Kelly Gang, which consisted of Ned and his brother Dan, along with other famous figures like Joe Byrne and Steve Hart, was known for its colonial resistance and rebellious spirit. They were proud to live outside the mainstream and even made their own armour, which they wore during their iconic last stand at Glenrowan in 1880. 

There, Kelly was captured and then sentenced to death. During his execution, he bade farewell to the world with the iconic final words, “Such is life.” Today, he’s celebrated by the Irish and Australians alike, acting as a poster boy for both countries’ heritage and their shared refusal to bow down to authority.

Dublin’s Connections with Australia

But why are the two countries so interlinked in the first place? Well, that’s a good question.

The simple truth is that Kelly’s Irish-Australian heritage has done much to bring the two countries together. His father’s Tipperary origins underscore Ireland’s troubled relationship with the British, because it was they who transported John Kelly to Van Diemen’s Land (modern-day Tasmania). It’s a fate that many Irishmen shared under British rule and the reason for the country’s diaspora connections around the world.

Fast forward from the 1800s to today: Ned Kelly's Dublin acts as a key celebration of the two countries’ shared heritage and cultural identity. There’s just something both very Irish and very Australian about celebrating an outlaw who stood against the establishment, especially when you throw in the fact that both countries also have a storied history with the British.

Getting to the City Centre Location

Ned Kelly's Dublin can be found in the heart of the city centre, which makes it easy to get to from each direction and puts it a mere stone’s throw away from most of Dublin’s major tourist attractions. This city centre location is a key ingredient in the sports club’s success, but it’s not the only one.

Let’s not forget that on top of the tourist accessibility, the entertainment quarter in which the sports club can be found is also close to local shopping districts, meaning you can shop all day and celebrate all night. This is also one of the reasons why there are such excellent transport links.

When you put all of this together, it’s easy to see why the club welcomes such a diverse clientele, from locals to tourists and everyone in between. With a convenient location, decent parking and a heck of a lot of entertainment options on offer, you’d be crazy to pass it up during your next visit to the city. 

The Entertainment On Offer

Cue Sports and Pub Games

Ned Kelly's is famous for its cue sports, and with good reason. Sure, they have snooker tables and pool facilities, but it’s not like the quiet, musty snooker halls in the small towns that are only ever visited by old men. We’re talking about a thriving entertainment hub with a lively, authentic atmosphere, as well as high-quality equipment and other pub games including table football.

If you’re particularly good with a cue in your hand, you’ll be pleased to know that the sports club also has a reputation for its tournament hosting capabilities, as well as the fact that it hosts a number of competitive leagues. That makes it just as popular with semi-pro players as it is with people who just want to pot a few balls while they’re having a drink.

Cue sports have always been a part of Irish pub culture, and their inclusion here is all about reflecting that culture and providing people with the social benefits of both casual and competitive gaming.

Games Machines and Roulette Tables

If cue games aren’t your cup of tea, you might be interested to know that Ned Kelly's Dublin is also known for its casino gaming, with a huge variety on offer for gamblers and gamers alike. In particular, you’ll want to check out their roulette tables and gaming machines, because the sports club is known for having some of the best electronic entertainment in the city.

With a ton of variety on offer and key features like betting limits and easy accessibility, the place is able to provide a professional environment that’s just as easy to relax in as it is to party in. It’s professionally managed and there are security staff on hand, but it still has more of a pub vibe than that of a traditional casino. That means you can enjoy the best of both worlds, and you’ll still feel welcome even if you’re not a “typical” gambler. 

The Vibe You’ll Enjoy

That’s about it for the facilities at Ned Kelly’s, but we can’t end this post without one last shoutout for the friendly atmosphere that you’ll enjoy if you stop by for a drink or two. It’s what the Irish are known for, and this sports club in particular does a great job of blending Irish hospitality with entertainment and excitement. That’s just one of the many factors that keeps people coming back time and time again.

All in all, if you’re looking for a fun venue with a community feeling and which is just as welcoming to newcomers as it is to regulars, you could do a lot worse than Ned Kelly's Dublin. It plays a vital role in the city’s social scene and shows no signs of going anywhere in the years to come. It’s definitely one you’ll want to check out during your visit to the Emerald Isle.