Temple Bar, Dublin (must see)

When it comes to Dublin, the term “Temple Bar” means more than just a pub, but is a cultural corner and the liveliest area in the city – ideal to spend a day or evening.

The district sits on the south bank of the River Liffey and is a delight of medieval cobble-stoned streets, full of pubs, clubs restaurants and cafes. There are also souvenir shops, tattoo parlors, second-hand stores and the Reptile Haven, a pet shop with a difference where you will find almost any type of lizard or snake you can possibly think of.

The area is also home to the Irish Photography Centre, the Ark Children’s Cultural Centre and the Irish Film Institute. There is plenty of street entertainment with singers, magicians and clowns, and on weekends there are three great markets: the Temple Bar Food Market every Saturday is full of locally-grown fruit and vegetables and delicious pastries and cakes; the Temple Bar Book Market on Saturday and Sunday sells second-hand and new books, CDs and old records; in the Designer Market at Cow’s Lane you can buy locally-made arts and crafts.

The district is the center of Dublin’s nightlife, packed with nightclubs and pubs, including Bob’s Backstage Bar where you can listen to country music, the Ha’penny Bridge Inn with a folk-song programme, and Oliver St John Gogarty Pub and Restaurant which has live groups singing traditional Irish songs.

Why You Should Visit:
Packed but a really quaint, lively place – quintessentially Irish!
Live music all day long, many great spots to snap a photo, loads of eateries, and the bartenders pour a perfect pint every time.

Tip:
This is Dublin's tourist hotspot, so expect to pay tourist prices!
The less busy/more affordable (but still enjoyable) pubs are just a bit farther afield, and many of them too.

Opening Hours:
Mon-Wed: 10:30am-2am; Thu-Sat: 10:30am-2:30am; Sun: 12pm-1am