What to do in Dublin? The Temple Bar - The heart of Dublin’s nightlife scene

Everyone to whom I have spoken of Dublin demonstrated great interest in its festive aura. The clubs, restaurants, and pubs are an enormous part of what habitats people's imaginaries, so today, to start our series of content about Ireland, let's talk about an area on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin, the well-known heart of Dublin's day and nightlife, the temple bar.

A Brief history of The Temple Bar

According to Ireland.com the Temple Bar area was initially established by the Vikings around 795 AD and the remains of their original defences are located in nearby Dublin Castle. It’s believed that the Temple family is responsible for the name. Sir William Temple was the provost of Trinity College and had his house and gardens in the area now called Temple Bar in Dublin. He built a grand residence and gardens here in the early 1600s… the name stuck, and Temple Bar was born. In 1707 a customs house, where all the government paperwork for import and export were processed, settled at Temple Bar in Dublin. With the customs house came warehouses, taverns, and brothels. The area boomed with activity. By 1791, however, when the customs house moved to bigger facilities on the north side of the Liffey River, Temple Bar in Dublin fell into an immediate decline.

The table turns again

By the 1980s, the bus company was all set to develop a large bus depot in Temple Bar in Dublin. While the bus station was planned, buildings were let out at low rents, making them a prime location for shop owners, small stores, artist studios, and other art-based businesses. Temple Bar in Dublin was truly born.

Today, you’ll find Temple Bar in Dublin thriving. During the day, there are street fairs and shops to browse through. At night, enjoy yourself at one of the touristy pubs. You’ll appreciate the trendy bars and art studios. The cobble streets and original architecture remain as well.

A heartfelt welcome to the authentic home of Irish cultural heritage! 

Meeting House Square is Temple Bar’s culture HQ, and boasts a beautiful canopy roof that makes it a great all-weather venue. It is also a stage for occasional screenings and a weekly food market. It is lined by The National Photographic Archive, The Gallery of Photography (both free entry), and the Irish Film Institute. 

Bring on the night

‍Temple Bar is the centre of Dublin’s cultural universe. Buskers, street artists, open-air markets and exhibitions create something of a carnival atmosphere. When the sun goes down, the volume goes up. Temple Bar has the highest density of pubs of in Dublin city, so you’ll have no problems finding something that suits your tastes, whether it’s a buzzing bar or a quiet traditional spot.

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The Temple Bar - the heart of Dublin’s nightlife scene, with pubs, bars, live music venues, and clubs.