Dublin has dozens of tattoo shops, from walk-in parlours on busy streets to private studios that only work by appointment. Choosing one comes down to a few practical things: who will tattoo you, how they work, how clean the space is, and what it will cost.
This guide covers what to check before you book with any tattoo shop in Dublin, and how we do things at Rogue Raven Ink, our studio on Baggot Street Upper in Dublin 4.
What to Look For in a Dublin Tattoo Shop
A portfolio in the style you want
Most tattoo artists specialise. An artist known for bold traditional work may not be the right person for tiny script, and the reverse is also true. Look for healed photos as well as fresh ones, and check that the artist has done several pieces close to your idea. You can browse our work by style on the tattoo styles page.
Hygiene you can see
A licensed studio uses single-use needles and tubes, opens them in front of you, and wraps and disinfects the workstation between clients. If a shop can’t answer simple questions about this, go somewhere else.
A clear booking and deposit process
Most tattoo parlours in Dublin take a deposit to hold your slot. Before you pay, you should know how much it is, whether it comes off the final price, and how much notice you need to give to move your appointment.
A consultation before the needle
Even a small tattoo benefits from a short chat about placement, size and how the design will age. A good artist will tell you if an idea is too small or too detailed to heal well, and suggest changes.
Reviews from real clients
Google reviews give a fair picture of how a shop treats people. The most useful ones mention a specific artist or describe how the tattoo healed.
Tattoo Prices in Dublin
Most tattoo shops in Dublin price by size, detail and time rather than from a fixed menu. Small pieces usually have a minimum charge that covers setup and sterile equipment. Larger custom work is quoted after a consultation, and big projects are often split across several sessions.
At Rogue Raven Ink, our flash designs start from €70. Custom pieces are quoted once we know the size, placement and level of detail. We take a €10 or €25 deposit depending on the size of the tattoo. It is non-refundable and comes off the final price. We accept cash and bank transfer.
Walk-In or Appointment?
Some Dublin tattoo shops only work by appointment, while others are walk-in only. We do both. Walk-ins suit flash and smaller pieces, and depend on which artists are free that day. Custom designs, larger work and requests for a specific artist are best booked.
Our guide to walk-in tattoos in Dublin explains what to expect if you drop in.
About Rogue Raven Ink, Dublin 4
We are a small tattoo studio at 24A Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4, open Monday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. The studio is bright, with big windows and natural light, and it is a queer-friendly, body-positive space.
Every custom piece starts with a consultation and a sketch drawn for you. We don’t reuse custom designs.
Our resident tattoo artists
- Aoife: fine lines with soft shading and clean, surreal accents.
- Dari: delicate fine line, bright colour and minimal designs, with pepper shading.
- Emiliya: blackwork, with graphic and experimental compositions.
Not sure who suits your idea? Send references with your booking request and we’ll suggest an artist. We also host visiting artists through our guest artist spot.
Styles we tattoo
- Fine line tattoos: minimal symbols, florals and script.
- Blackwork tattoos: bold black ink, geometric and graphic designs.
- Anime tattoos: characters, Japanese motifs and abstract pieces.
- Floral tattoos: botanical designs, from small flowers to larger compositions.
- Flash tattoos: ready-drawn designs, good for walk-ins.
- Cover-ups, sketchy illustration and macabre work.
Hygiene and aftercare
We are a licensed Dublin studio. We use single-use needles and tubes and hospital-grade disinfection. Every client leaves with aftercare instructions, and our tattoo healing guide explains what to expect week by week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tattoo cost in Dublin? It depends on size, detail and time. Our flash designs start from €70, and custom work is quoted after a consultation.
Do I need to book? No, we take walk-ins every day we’re open. Booking is recommended for custom designs, larger pieces or a specific artist.
How long does a small tattoo take? Small flash pieces are usually finished in one to two hours.
What if I need to cancel? Let us know at least 24 hours before your appointment so we can move your booking.
Can I give a tattoo as a gift? Yes. We sell tattoo gift vouchers, and our tattoo gift ideas guide has suggestions.
Book Your Session
Tell us your idea, placement and rough size through our booking form. We’ll reply with availability, a quote and a link to pay your deposit. Or call in to 24A Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4, any day between 11am and 7pm.
