Take the opportunity to see some live Irish music - the Temple Bar Pub plays host to some of the finest.
No trip to Dublin would be complete without a pint of Guinness, and the buzzing Temple Bar area is the perfect place to find one. Its cobbled streets, liberally hung with all manner of traditional Irish decorations, are home to a wide variety of quirky shops, stalls, and of course the numerous pubs and bars for which the area is renowned. While the district is perhaps not quite as authentic in its Irishness as its “cultural quarter” promotions might lead you to believe, there is no mistaking the spirit of the Emerald Isle which adds a unique twist to everything you pass.
A Colourful History
In the Middle Ages this area was little more than a suburb of Dublin, outside the city walls, and for three centuries it suffered badly at the hands of raiders. The 17th Century provided some rare respite for this historically troubled spot, as much of the land was converted into gardens for wealthy English families. After another hundred years, however, it had become Dublin’s centre for prostitution, and continued to experience decline and decay until the 1980s, when plans for a large new bus terminus drove down the area’s rent prices. This in turn caused an influx of young people, small businesses and galleries. The bus station scheme was eventually abandoned, and Temple Bar has thrived ever since.
Something for Everyone
Modern Temple Bar hums with an atmosphere driven by live music, good beer and delicious traditional food. The Oliver St. John Gogarty, The Porterhouse and The Auld Dubliner are some of the more famous spots, but there are plenty of lower-key hangouts if you are willing to explore a bit. Temple Bar Square hosts a book market every weekend, while the recently renovated Meetinghouse Square houses a weekly food market on Sundays.
Please note: external guides are not allowed in Trinity College so you will be parting ways with your guide at the entrance where you will join a small guided tour the visit to the Trinity College Campus, Old Library and the Book of Kells.All books from the Long Room have been removed as part of the historic Old Library Redevelopment Project, except the first four bays as you enter the space. In the meanwhile your visitor experience will include a digital journey through the Old Library’s precious collections.
Please note: Due to varying age restrictions in pubs, this tour is suitable for those 18 and over. No children are allowed on this tour. If you wish to go on a pub tour where you may also bring children, please be in touch with our team.
Please note: external guides are not allowed to guide in Trinity College so you will join a shared guided tour at Trinity College Campus, Old Library and the Book of Kells.All books from the Long Room have been removed as part of the historic Old Library Redevelopment Project, except the first four bays as you enter the space. In the meanwhile your visitor experience will include a digital journey through the Old Library’s precious collections.
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