On the south bank of the Liffey, Temple Bar is Dublin's most visited neighbourhood after sunset. Its cobbled streets concentrate traditional pubs, independent cinemas, photography galleries and weekend markets within a perimeter easily explored on foot in half a day.

Why visit Temple Bar

Temple Bar is far more than a row of colourful pubs: the neighbourhood brings together several Dublin cultural institutions across just a few hundred metres. Here you'll find the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography, the National Photographic Archive and Filmbase, dedicated to independent cinema. Saturday markets—food and books—at Meeting House Square, and the Designer Mart on Cow Lane at the periphery, add a craft dimension to the area.

Temple Bar's other draw lies in its central location: Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are all within a ten-minute walk, making it a convenient base for exploring the south bank.

A turbulent history

The area has been settled since the Viking settlement, with Dublin's earliest traces dating back to the turn of the 9th century (sources often cite 795 for the first raids on Ireland). Remnants of these settlements are visible today at Dublin Castle. Long part of the parish of St Andrews, the area formed a medieval suburb outside the city walls. Exposed to conflict, it fell into disrepair in the early 14th century.

It wasn't until the 17th century that it took shape again, with the development of gardens and estates by English families settled in Dublin. The neighbourhood's name is thought to come from Sir William Temple, Provost of Trinity College Dublin from 1609 until his death in the first half of the 17th century. Another theory traces it back to the Temple Bar in London, an old City gate, whose name may have been adopted in Dublin.

What to see and do

Meeting House Square and cultural institutions

Meeting House Square is the neighbourhood's crossroads. The square, protected by large retractable awnings, hosts projections, concerts and markets. All around, you can visit the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography and the National Photographic Archive, which holds documentary collections on Ireland. Filmbase rounds out the offer with independent cinema screenings and workshops.

Markets and crafts

• Saturday food market at Meeting House Square: fruit and vegetables, oysters, cheeses, regional produce.
• Temple Bar Book Market: second-hand, rare and collector's books.
• Designer Mart on Cow Lane, at the periphery: crafts, jewellery, vintage clothing from the 70s and 80s.

Historic pubs

The density of pubs is one of the area's defining features. A few addresses worth noting for their historical significance or character:

• The Brazen Head, on Bridge Street, presented as one of Dublin's oldest pubs with a sign dating to 1613.
• The Temple Bar Pub, whose current sign dates from 1840; it claims an extensive collection of Irish whiskies (the establishment advertises around 450 labels).
• Oliver St John Gogarty, known for its traditional music programming.
• The Porterhouse, an independent brewery with a selection of beers from around the world.
• The Palace Bar, a Victorian pub appreciated for its original décor and back room.

When to visit

Temple Bar is worth visiting year-round, but the experience varies significantly depending on when you come:

• During the day: calmer atmosphere, ideal for cultural institutions and markets (especially Saturdays).
• Evenings and weekends: heavy crowds, street entertainment, frequent queues at the most popular pubs.
• Mid-March: the area becomes packed during St Patrick's Day; avoid if seeking calm, embrace it for the atmosphere.
• Summer (June-August): long days, outdoor festivals at Meeting House Square.

To enjoy the neighbourhood without crowds, aim for late morning or early afternoon on a weekday.

Practical information

• Location: south bank of the Liffey, between Dame Street to the south and the river to the north.
• Duration of visit: 2 to 4 hours for a cultural loop and markets; an evening for the pubs.
• Budget: drinks prices in Temple Bar pubs are significantly higher than elsewhere in Dublin. Cultural institutions often offer free or modest admission.
• Safety: a very animated neighbourhood in the evening, well-monitored, with no particular issues outside weekend crowds.

How to get there

Temple Bar is central and accessible on foot from most hotels in Dublin city centre.

• Tram (Luas, red line): get off at Jervis stop, about 5 minutes' walk. Cross the Ha'penny Bridge or Millennium Bridge to reach the south bank.
• Bus: lines 16, 53 and 123 serve the south of the neighbourhood; line 41 stops at Eden Quay, on the north bank.
• On foot: 5 minutes from Trinity College, 10 minutes from Dublin Castle.
• Taxi: all Dublin taxi drivers know Temple Bar; ask for a specific drop-off point (most internal streets are pedestrian-only).

Nearby

• Trinity College and the Book of Kells, less than 5 minutes' walk away.
• Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library, 10 minutes away.
• Christ Church Cathedral, 10 minutes via medieval lanes.
• National Museum of Ireland, 15 minutes' walk towards Kildare Street.
• Ha'penny Bridge, a cast-iron pedestrian bridge from 1816, direct access from the north bank.

Frequently asked questions

Including Temple Bar in your trip

Temple Bar fits naturally into a 2 to 3-day Dublin stay, complementing an excursion to Newgrange or the north-east coastal sites. To plan a tailor-made Irish itinerary, explore our Ireland trips.