Dublin Weekend Break

Temple Bar

The Temple Bar area is without doubt the most “happening” part of Dublin and it has become a popular tourist haunt, particularly with the city’s younger visitors.

Temple Bar is roughly defined by a collection of streets and alleys that are sandwiched between Christ Church Cathedral and the Bank of Ireland building. Many of these streets are cobbled and the district has a long and sometimes checkered history, once being the red light district, but also being the part of town where crafts and arts were practiced and made.

The Temple Bar area fell on bad times during the period leading up to the second world war and most of its inhabitants and shop holders left - or were driven out by poverty. But things changed in the nineteen seventies and the area started to evolve as an artistic district. Financial incentives were offered, the area became revitalized and a part of Dublin that was missing re-emerged.

Today this district is a home to all things, but particularly those with an artistic edge and you will find artists, galleries, film companies, record stores and “boutiques” in the present day Temple Bar area.

What you will also find in Temple Bar is some of Dublin’s best night spots, best pubs and a good number of restaurants and this in part is why it has become so popular.

Tourist tip

Take a walk around Temple Bar whatever your age or interests, it will cost you nothing and is full of energy and interesting places. A great place to have a drink.