Temple Bar

Overview

Temple Bar is Dublin's cultural quarter — a maze of narrow cobbled streets between Dame Street and the River Liffey packed with pubs, galleries, theatres, restaurants, and street performers. While touristy, it remains the beating heart of Dublin's creative and nightlife scene.

Highlights

• Pub Culture: Iconic pubs like The Temple Bar, The Porterhouse, and Oliver St. John Gogarty's with live traditional music nightly.
• Cultural Venues: The Irish Film Institute, Project Arts Centre, Gallery of Photography, and the Ark children's cultural centre.
• Street Art & Busking: Colourful murals and live music on every corner, especially Crown Alley and Merchant's Arch.

History

Named after Sir William Temple who owned land here in the 17th century ("bar" refers to a riverside walkway). In the 1980s, the area was slated for demolition for a bus station, but artists and squatters occupied the cheap rents, creating the bohemian quarter it is today.

Visitor Tips

• Drink prices are higher here — locals drink one street south or north.
• Visit on a Saturday morning for the food market at Meeting House Square.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.