Temple Bar
Barra an Teampaill
A cobblestone quarter on the south bank of the River Liffey, packed with pubs, live music and street performers. It is the byword for Dublin nightlife.
Temple Bar lies on the south bank of the River Liffey, between Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral. Its cobbled lanes are lined with brightly coloured pubs, restaurants, galleries and small theatres. The most famous is The Temple Bar, with its red façade, where nearly every visitor stops for a photo. Inside, traditional Irish music is played from noon until late every day. Nearby, Oliver St. John Gogarty and The Auld Dubliner are also known for live music. By day the area has the Irish Film Institute, photography galleries and the Saturday food market at Meeting House Square. Walk through Merchant's Arch to reach the 1816 cast-iron Ha'penny Bridge, which once charged a halfpenny to cross. Drinks here are noticeably pricier than elsewhere in the city, with a pint often costing EUR 8–9 or more. For a more authentic, quieter pub with traditional music, try The Stag's Head nearby or The Cobblestone on the north side. Weekend nights are crowded and rowdy, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
Open all day (bars approx. 10:30–02:00 next day)
Nearby sights
- Ha'penny Bridge
- GPO & O'Connell Street
- Grafton Street
- Dublin Castle
- Trinity College Dublin & Book of Kells
- Chester Beatty
- Little Museum of Dublin
- St Stephen's Green