Thing to do
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
A working whiskey distillery on Newmarket in the Liberties, the first new distillery in Dublin in 125 years, with tasting tours from about 50 minutes.
Temple Bar
Dublin's cobbled cultural quarter between Dame Street and the Liffey, with pubs, the Irish Film Institute, galleries and weekend markets.
At a glance
- Type
- Cultural quarter and nightlife district
- Area
- Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Good to know
- Weekend markets
- Free to explore
- Outdoor screenings in summer
Why we recommend it
Temple Bar is the small district of narrow, cobbled streets between Dame Street and the south bank of the Liffey, and it is the part of Dublin most visitors find first. The name is generally thought to come from the Temple family, as Sir William Temple built a house and gardens here in the early 1600s, though it may also echo the Temple Bar in London. Many of the streets date from the eighteenth century and were recobbled when the area was renovated.
In 1991 the government set up a not-for-profit company, Temple Bar Properties, to regenerate it as Dublin's cultural quarter, and the result is a mix of arts venues, restaurants and pubs. The cultural side is easy to miss among the crowds but worth seeking out. Look out for the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography, which is part of the Irish Photography Centre, and Project Arts Centre. Meeting House Square, enclosed by buildings, hosts outdoor film screenings in summer.
Markets give the weekends a different character. The Temple Bar Food Market runs on Saturdays in Meeting House Square, the Temple Bar Book Market sets up on Saturdays and Sundays in Temple Bar Square, and Cow's Lane hosts a Saturday design and fashion market. A Saturday morning visit, before the pubs fill, is the most relaxed way to see the area.
At night the district is best known for its pubs, including The Temple Bar pub and The Porterhouse. It is lively and crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so if you prefer a quieter pint, walk a few minutes to the pubs around George's Street or the Liberties, where the atmosphere is more local.
Temple Bar is in the middle of everything. Trinity College is a few minutes east along Dame Street, Christ Church Cathedral is just to the west, and the Ha'penny Bridge links the district to the north side of the river. The area is pedestrian-friendly, but the cobbles can be uneven for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so wear comfortable shoes.
If you want to see the area at its liveliest without the late-night crowds, come in the early evening, when the pubs are filling up and the streets are full of people heading out to dinner.
Temple Bar FAQs
What is Temple Bar?
It is a cultural quarter of cobbled streets between Dame Street and the Liffey, known for its pubs, arts venues and markets.
When are the Temple Bar markets on?
The Food Market runs on Saturdays in Meeting House Square, the Book Market on Saturdays and Sundays in Temple Bar Square, and Cow's Lane Market on Saturdays.
Which pubs are in Temple Bar?
The best known include The Temple Bar pub and The Porterhouse.
Is Temple Bar only for nightlife?
No. It is also home to the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography and Project Arts Centre.
When is the best time to visit?
Saturday morning, when the markets are on and before the pubs get busy, is the most relaxed time.
Where does the name come from?
It is generally thought to come from the Temple family, whose house and gardens stood here in the early 1600s.
Is Temple Bar accessible?
The area is pedestrianised in many places, but the cobbled streets can be uneven for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
What is nearby?
Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral and the Ha'penny Bridge are all within a few minutes' walk.