Temple Bar is a bustling neighborhood located on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin, Ireland. Known as Dublin’s ‘cultural quarter,’ it is a popular tourist destination thanks to its lively nightlife and numerous cultural institutions. In this post, we will explore the rich history of Temple Bar and some of the businesses that have made this area a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.

Once a medieval suburb, Temple Bar has transformed over the centuries, with its shoreline reclaimed, gardens built for wealthy English families, and its streets named after its London counterpart. The area has been home to notable events and figures, such as the first performance of Handel’s Messiah. While the neighborhood experienced a decline in popularity and urban decay in the 20th century, it has since been revitalized as Dublin’s cultural quarter and recently enhanced with Central Plaza, a cutting-edge development in the heart of Temple Bar, Dublin. Once the site of the iconic Central Bank building, the reimagined Central Plaza now stands as a symbol of modernity and progress in the historic neighborhood. The development features a commercial, retail, and leisure space mix and boasts six different buildings, including a two-level rooftop venue. The development prioritizes sustainability, with LEED Gold certification for its eco-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficiency.

The latitude and longitude coordinates for Temple Bar are approximately 53.3458° N and 6.2644° W.

The main streets and lanes within the Temple Bar area include Temple Bar Street, Fleet Street, Essex Street, Eustace Street, Cope Street, Crow Street, Temple Lane, Curved Street, and Fownes Street.

Today, Temple Bar is a hub for art, music, and nightlife, boasting a variety of cultural institutions such as the Photo Museum Ireland, the Irish Film Institute, and the Project Arts Centre. But the pubs, bars, and restaurants genuinely bring the area to life after the sun goes down. Some popular establishments in Temple Bar include The Temple Bar Pub, The Porterhouse, The Oliver St. John Gogarty, The Quays Bar, The Foggy Dew, The Auld Dubliner, Bad Bobs, and the Button Factory. Remember that bar prices in Temple Bar tend to be higher than in surrounding areas. Still, the lively atmosphere and, often, free entertainment make it worth the extra cost.

Besides the bustling nightlife, Temple Bar offers various markets and events for visitors to explore. The Temple Bar Book Market takes place on weekends in Temple Bar Square, while the Cow’s Lane Market is a fashion and design market held on Saturdays. Meetinghouse Square hosts outdoor film screenings during the summer months and is home to the Temple Bar Food Market on Saturdays. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and bustling nightlife, Temple Bar is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Dublin. Whether you’re interested in art, music, or simply enjoying a night out on the town, there’s something for everyone in this lively neighborhood.

In popular culture, a dance sequence from the Bollywood film Ek Tha Tiger was filmed in Temple Bar. Various musicians have written and released songs about or referencing the area, such as Billy Treacy, Nathan Carter, and the Irish rock band Kodaline.