Temple Bar Quarter | Beating, Cultural Heart of Dublin.

Temple Bar quarter is well known worldwide to be considered the distinctive beating,  cultural heart of Dublin, including a notorious bohemian borough of the lively, stunning Irish Capital in which since a long time ago local artists found a special, ideal meeting point to talk, create and perform or for someone it is simply the liveliest district of that always trendy European capital very appropriate to find fun enjoying a spectacular nightlife.

With an estimated population of approximately 3,500 inhabitants, that animated, historic neighbourhood is situated on the southern bank of the Liffey River highlighted by some eternally bustling arteries such as the vibrant Dame Street to the south, at the east by the captivating Westmoreland Street while on its  west  side lies the iconic Fishamble Street.  

Within those relevant streets that place in every corner has something to narrate, stories, events, episodes, anecdotes, protagonists with special details which transmits every tourist something to remember with extreme pleasure forever.

Developed immediately east of the emblematic Christ Church Cathedral in a privileged position, Temple Bar is also a sort of main obliged transit point leading to several attractions and emblematic sites of the major centre of Ireland such as Dublin Castle, City Hall, Trinity College, Mansion House and Grafton Street among others.(I wrote a post about Dublin in the case you want to know something more about that stunning city) 

Unlike other surrounding areas, Barra an Teampaill as is well known in Gaelic language has preserved its medieval plan with protagonists scenic narrow cobbled streets, picturesque alleys, charming squares in a very pleasant environment appearing as a special, different planet in a galaxy, so different than all the other city´s districts many of them equally attractive but less appealing and trendy.

Full of entertainment, cultural events, art, thanks to a vast and more than varied calendar in terms of live music shows,  amusement,  leisure, shopping, that quarter is also highlighted by a notable culinary action, a perfect place to enjoy a superb lunch or dinner with a very varied selection of numerous catering establishments scattered all around its boundaries.

Along its coloured streets many of them pedestrian packed by famed restaurants, legendary traditional and stylish gastropubs, cosy bars, fine cafes but also attractive small shops, Temple Bar concentrates visitors coming from all around the world who are constantly attracted by its indisputable vibrant and friendly  atmosphere.

That eclectic and captivating site identified by its constantly animated core during the day and weeknights is a place which never stops to live with intense rhythms and much more during weekends when the party begins attracting a multitude of people.

With an ample fan of choices for every taste and age, that urban corner elevated as mandatory during a stay in Dublin in addition offers in its boundaries comfortable accommodations ideal for all those who want to live day and night in that captivating environment during a short break or holidays.

That district is undoubtedly an incomparable site in which is perfectly reflected the pure, true soul of the city where the typical Dubliner spirit is more alive than ever in that setting with a very marked, unique identity.
 
For all that and more Temple Bar is in its kind a sort of magic box full of surprises created in an urban area among the oldest of the entire municipality to bewitch a myriad of tourists who have not hesitations to return there once again.
  
With all those magnificent features it is not a case that  Barra an Teampaill is also promoted as Dublin's cultural quarter thanks to its charismatic inspiring image, a very appealing destination any time, all year also for those who are reaching the Irish capital for  meetings, fairs, congresses, conventions or other kinds of business operations.

What is simply more than fascinating which makes that place so special is its strong and outlined profile able to enchant at first sight with a scene which could be narrated in a novel or a literary work by Joyce or Wilde boasting a unique environment packed by a multitude of captivating, surprising attractions.

All that is visible in its total simplicity because that place is not sophisticated at all but spreading charm and enchantment everywhere you are all around that Dublin neighbourhood including in its most hidden streets and remote alleys.

It is enough in an early evening to take a look to the light emitted by a charming lantern which partially illuminates a coloured building close to another painted in a different tonality to create unique reflections next to the presence of a romantic cobbled street, features which increase furthermore the enchanting aesthetic image of a place born to donate very special feelings.

Including during a walk in day time in a corner you can listen a guitar  playing the notes of Beautiful Day by U2 or simply the presence a wallpaper on a wall announcing a live musical show in a Pub or a Venue at evening are small details giving it a considerable fascination.

That setting surrounded by a magic aura in a marvellous reality always has something to trasmit someone as inspirations reminding a nostalgic, splendid past and all that it is simply Temple Bar eternally encircled by a magnificent atmosphere in a wonderful present.

Many are the hidden secrets, suppositions, controversial opinions which fill that quarter about its birth, chronological stages, episodes closely linked to special periods, aspects highly interesting which are all together part of the historic charm of that district absolutely stunning in its kind.

A legend tells that the neighbourhood Pub is named after the namesake although its origin is in the prevention of the access to the Jews.

Another version affirmed  that it could have received that denomination from Temple Bar in London, an area situated in a point of the British Capital where Fleet Street embraces Strand in Westminster in which historically was established a sort of barrier to regulate the trade into the city between Newgate Street and Queen Victoria Street in a metropolitan area enclosed within Barbican, Mansion House and Blackfriars.

A further supposition is that it took the name from Temple family who lived in that neighbourhood in the 17th century when Sir William Temple, provost of Trinity College until 1627 purchased in 1609 a land in that corner of Dublin.

After that he decided to build his house not far from The Bar, the name of a pedestrian promenade along the Liffey River, residence which was joined later by his son John who lived there for a pretty long period.

There are in addition considerable historic events which highlighted the cultural spirit  of that distinctive quarter closely related to its old artistic life as one which took place in the 18th century along Fishamble Street.

That historic artery was in that time the scene of the first interpretation of The Messiah, that notorious superb, renowned work by that famed  German-British Baroque composer born in London called Georg Friderich Handel who despite shared times with an iconic contemporary as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , the genius from Salzburg was in that time a sort of star to emulate influencing many artists of that concrete period.

Handel performed in that street  that emblematic masterpiece on 13th April 1742 currently replicated each year in the same location and day, an event which undoubtedly added much more appeal to that area with many tourists inserting in their itineraries an unmissable, obliged stop as a must along that iconic hallway while others frequently organise a trip to assist to that annual event.

 

That Dublin neighbourhood is furthermore related to other themes which strongly marked its chronological history as that one linked to the Republican revolutionary group known as Cumann na nÉirennaigh Aontaithe, the Society of United Irishmen, a political, liberal organisation established in the 18th century strongly inspired by the American Revolution and close for ideology to the movement which highlighted the events of the French Revolution.

That kind of patriot party was founded during a meeting in a tavern located in Eustace Street in 1791 with leader Theobald Wolfe Tone elevated as the father of the Republicanism in Ireland who led in 1798 the Irish Rebellion in those notorious clashes endured four months facing the British General George Warde and his troops.


That place was seat of several meetings, identified as a stronghold of that Institution which had as co-founder Thomas Russell well known to have as main objective the Constitution of an Independent country leaving the Monarchy of Great Britain.

During the 19th century the notoriety of Temple Bar has been decreasing suffering a slow but intense decay, all that because Dublin was in that time a city in constant expansion with the development of cheaper boroughs with many people abandoning their residences in the city centre.

In the 20th century the district suffered a further notable urban deterioration with the presence of many derelict buildings.

The lack of popularity in that period generated that much of the architectural environment of the city elevated in the late 19th century was practically destroyed in image and aspect, for that it became a site which did not enter in the highest ranking of preferences to live for many citizens.

After a couple of decades Temple Bar lived a period of very slow development when the state-owned transport called Córas Iompair Éireann founded in 1945, responsible in the most public transport of the country proposed the acquisition and demolition of the entire quarter.

The initial project was originally oriented to establish a Bus Station purchasing many of the old local buildings in disrepair, operations which during their process were eventually focused to insert in that urban grid attractive small shops, galleries and including some accommodations transforming that place in decline in a more attractive reality.

Several Protests by the An Taisce, an Institution established in 1948 consisting in the treasury and National Trust for Ireland with a notable support of many residents and merchants led an intense and tenacious struggle aimed to the abolition of those constructions.

The members of that Institution considered all that a very negative operation which would have wiped something part of the historic City's heritage, that intense action was successful and it saved the destiny of Temple Bar.

Particularly renowned and frequented by many street artists, with a new image highlighted by many charming buildings totally restored since the early 90's used as a real tourist places, the renaissance of that quarter concretely started in 1991.

That year corresponds to a plan managed by  the Irish government who would eventually create a nonprofit corporation designated as Temple Bar Properties to promote the regeneration of the entire area transforming it as the distinctive Dublin's cultural district.

That was certainly a  time in which the local image was totally re-launched in all its splendour by the Tourism Board which found in that site, a lively, attractive symbol to represent the Irish capital in covers, posters, images, brochures to show with pride in all the most relevant Tourism Fairs celebrated worldwide.

That “past “highlighted by tumultuous times, partially decadent in others but cradle of cultural events as protagonists was loved, defended and it is strongly reflected in some historic buildings which were totally preserved as emblems tied to a legendary memory to conserve with pride.

The main operations focused on a desire to re-givw  renaissance of that place did not delete the architectural frame which was in its kind protagonist of important chronological periods and they host today Pubs, Bars, Institutions, Offices and Hotels.

Definitely that enthusiasm linked to a rebirth creating something of innovative, searching new trends never overshadowed pages of considerable history.

That was in its kind a clever plan, a winning key because  the old with a fresh make up continued and continue to live in the streets of the quarter in harmony with the new and also that aspect is probably part the successful popularity of that Dublin borough.

Temple Bar is nowadays that city point in which are situated among the most emblematic establishments for recreation, a very appropriate hub for spending pleasant times. 

Some of those iconic sites which contributed to elevate its image as an emblem are Temple Bar Pub but also Oliver St. John Gogarty, Hard Rock Cafe, Porterhouse, all them with their presence strongly supported a constant increasing fame in the boundaries of that district.

Those places are nowadays part of shining frame, representing a beautiful coloured picture of a Dublin which continues to be loved and appreciated for all what it offers, elevated in their kinds as loyal paladins of the  spirit of a city corner  never boring, eternally open to all the most attractive proposals, eclectic, cosmopolitan but at the same time showing with pride to be very Irish in a large part of its lively environment.

Extremely vibrant fascinating anyone for  the superb offers in terms of venues with traditional and classical entertainment next to a notable touch of modern trends also those diverse features are loved by a multitude of locals and visitors.

Next to pubs, restaurants and clubs different cultural activities take place in that corner of the city promoted by The Temple Bar Cultural Trust. 

The district  is home of many prestigious Institutions such as the Irish Photography Centre, Dublin Institute of Photography,  National Photographic Archives, Ark Children's Cultural Centre,  Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar Music Centre, Art house Multimedia Centre, Temple Bar Gallery and Studio, Project Arts Centre and Gaiety School of Acting.

All that is definitely something of extremely impressive with the presence all those famed Entities concentrated in a unique neighbourhood representing as a sort of cultural chain which Dublin never wanted to break but to preserve because part of its beating heart.

The cultural spirit established in a concrete urban environment was consecrated as a kind of coat of arms, a flag to wave in a borough cradle of culture always ready to show its complete artistic image and profile in a lively, brilliant reality.

That presence naturally represents a considerable wide fan of opportunities for a large variety of tastes, interests proposing different activities, exhibitions, events, something you can compare as all fubdamental ingredients for the preparation of a sublime, sparkling cocktail.

The lively core of the Irish Capital is there, it never stops to offer something of very attractive, eternally alive all year as a fabulous perpetual no stop filling a busy calendar in terms of shows combined to that immortal air you can breathe outdoor all around in a setting able to delight millions of visitors.

That bustling neighbourhood is particularly highlighted by two main squares recently renewed such as Meeting House Square and Temple Bar Square, both representing in their kinds the local identity and DNA which continues to transmit a lively scene of a brilliant daily life.

The first consists in a space of modest size close to Eustace Street and Essex Street, a short distance from the famed Olympia Theatre. 

Designed in 1996 by Paul Keogh Architects linked to Group 91, its denomination derives from the former Presbyterian Meeting House which currently hosts a cultural centre for children, The Ark and the Quaker Meeting House which today is the seat of the Irish Film Institute.

That environment is well known for the presence of talented street performers, an attraction for many visitors with the chance to enjoy  some melodies by excellent musicians, eclectic singers, a very busy point often packed by locals and tourists.

On one side of that square stands the building which houses the National Photographic Archive, in addition that place is pretty famous because in summer time it is the stage for the Open Air film Festivals calling a multitude of people who can enjoy apart attractive events the several entertainment all around thanks to the presence of numerous cosy pubs, restaurants, venues, a perfect combination for a more than pleasant after.

On Saturday on that square takes place the notorious Food Market which offers many opportunities to buy fresh, fragrant delights present in several stalls calling hundreds of people for the rich variety of products, highlighted in addition by a very lively atmosphere. 

Worth a mention also that since 2004, that site is also the Speaker's Corner of Dublin similar to that iconic one so famous situated in Hyde Park, London.

In 2011 Meeting House Square was temporary closed due to a new paving, an operation led by Temple Bar Cultural Trust with the establishment of four giant umbrellas 21,0 metres high, a work led by Sean Harrington architects.

Temple Bar Square is located between Lower Fownes Street and Crown Alley at just 50, 0 metres from the emblematic Ha’ Penny Bridge well known  to be another landmark of the quarter hosting on Saturdays and Sundays a famous book market. 

In addition in that captivating space is also celebrated a Fashion & Design market which takes place on Cow's Lane every Saturday, an appealing pedestrian street considered a local hub with the presence of a good number of boutiques very inviting to enjoy a pretty varied shopping.

One of the most suggestive and charming corners of that city area you can not miss is definitely Merchant´s Arch considered the historic main entrance to the district highlighted by a scenic arcade open to a a lively cobbled street on which you can find excellent Pubs admiring in the meantime charming stone buildings erected all along its sides. 

That gate has always been one of the iconic accesses of Temple Bar since the times of the merchants who reached Dublin to trade their goods as tells its name and it  is definitely one of the places most photographed of the entire neighbourhood. 

 For many people it is in its kind a sort  of monumental, significant symbol transmitting a welcome, as a a phrase saying "come in and enjoy " entering in the magic, captivating atmosphere of the old Dublin characterised in its proximity by artisan´s shops and traditional taverns.

A further attraction is the previously mentioned Fishamble Street which corresponds to the oldest artery established within the city walls.

It was mentioned for the first time in the 15th century when it was well known with the names of Fish Street or Vicus Piscariorum in Latin language because it hosted a daily fish market.

It is in addition notorious for the performance by Handel in 1742 and on that distinctive hallway was also situated the General Post Office which had its seat there for approximately three decades.

As further historic information is that it was also the former place of the Church of St. John the Evangelist which had a pretty tumultuous history, originally erected there in 1168, rebuilt in 1681, closed in 1878 and demolished six years later.

Fishamble Street was also well known in the 18th century for the presence of the Bull´s Head one of most famed taverns of the entire city frequented in that time by renowned local figures. 

That street is also the birthplace of James Clarence Mangan, a famous poet who reached a considerable notoriety for the literary translations from German to English language of many works of the great writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

 It said that James Joyce used his name in some of his works such as Dubliners, Araby and in addition he wrote two essays of him.

 

If you are visiting the city the image of Mangan is depicted in a memorial bust placed on a square column with pedestal in the notorious St. Sthephen´s Green Public Park. ( I wrote a post about Dublin if you are interested)

Temple Bar Pub is undoubtedly the most famed among many other emblematic establishments which made the history of the capital of Ireland since its inception when it opened its doors in 1840 starting to delight pleasant evenings of locals, tourists who continue to sit there enjoying a traditional pint of cool beer, delighted by great live music sounds, a site which transmits every time the true, magic Irish spirit.

Immediately after its opening it became in a very short time a relevant spot, symbol of the city appearing as protagonist in many tourist magazines, brochures, tourist guides, posters and post cards.

It is in its kind a favourite picture of Dublin Tourism Board with its image always in pole position to represent and launch several promotion campaigns linked to incoming tourism in the most relevant Fairs, events and cultural appointments at every latitude.

That icon offers Irish live traditional music, an unforgettable atmosphere with the daily presence of hundreds of people coming to enjoy that legendary dry stout beverage created at St. James ´s Gate by Arthur Guinness introduced since 1759, brewed in approximately 60 countries and in addition the establishment also provides a Beer Garden especially used in summer season.

Due to its name, prestige, fame, it is a place generally very busy, largely frequented for its variety of beers, good  food,  excellent live shows and due to its popularity it was awarded as Irish Music Pub of the Year in 2002 and 2010.

As curiosity or peculiarity of that city spot but extremely loved by a lot of people is that it closes every night with a U2 song to pay homage to that legendary Rock group, icon of the entire country.

Next door is situated a Merchandising shop with the opportunity to buy a souvenir to take home as tangible memory of that emblematic Pub. You can purchase vintage articles or other nice items linked to that distinctive establishment with over one century and half of history.

That specific area is packed by several bars, another option is to spend a lovely time is at Hard Rock Cafe which is as other branches of the same group present in other cities, a notable point of reference for many people.

There are furthermore in the immediate vicinity a notable number of restaurants offering a wide range of ethnic, local cuisine, some cosy taverns with a bohemian atmosphere, ideal to find a peaceful corner to read a book by Joyce, Beckett, Stoker, Shaw, Swift or Butler Yeats enjoying a traditional environment highlighted by soft lights and in the background by trendy music.

That quarter as major centre for nightlife offers a large choice to spend an enjoyable evening in many other places, one pretty famed is the Brewery Pub Porterhouse opened in 1996 by the company with the same name founded in 1989 by Oliver Hughes and Liam LaHart.

 

Oliver St. John Gogarty is a further you can visit, so famous for its renowned menus including fresh, delicious salmon prepared in different styles but also with the chance to taste excellent steaks and why not the classical Irish Fish & Chips. 

Its name is to pay homage to a notorious poet, author, politician who was for his literary works an inspiration for many artists among them James Joyce and Buck Mulligan.

 

The Norseman, former Farrington´s Pub is another famous site well known for its big variety of beers and its delectable Guinness Casserole Beef consisting in a beef stew flavoured with a Guinness sauce while other establishments which worth a mention are  Quays Bar, The Foggy Dew and Turk's Head among others.

Next to many stout beers of varied brands, some taverns as tradition also offer Irish folk closely linked to the oldest Gaelic traditions highlighted by Irish-Celtic music with lunch or dinner.

In some of those places there are often some locals inviting you to dance teaching the visitor with pride some steps of the old dances inherited by the old ancestors such as as the rooted Céilí or Sean-nós dances, symbols of the cultural heritage extremely alive in many Irish people, so do not be surprise about that and...dance without hesitations, because in Ireland to accept an invitation is part of a Sacred Code written with capital letters.

About Disco Clubs among the most important which reached a notable reputation since some years ago there are Buskers famous to close its doors very late always packed by tourists and Dubliners just like the trendy Alchemy Club & Venue and Club M among others.

Temple Bar is definitely one of the great attractions which continues to be a sort of engine or a spark born to keep alive the popularity of the Irish Capital considered as one of the liveliest districts in Europe and for that is so loved.

For many it is absolutely a must, for others is often something to try comparing it to other places in the world but despite that Temple Bar is unique, inimitable in its kind and it is pretty difficult to find a twin. 

What is very attractive is that after many years it never lost its captivating, eclectic profile, it always attracts everybody for the wide variety of places it offers, very appropriate for people of different age but it is also ideal for those who simply want to have a relaxing walk or to find there an exclusive shop buying some interesting articles such as books, CDs, Records or music DVDs .

That quarter is also highly very appreciated by all the visitors who desire to read a newspaper or a book in peace, relaxation during the day sitting in one of its numerous cosy pubs listening great music or also considered perfect for tourists who during a stay want to enjoy a wide selection of restaurants to satisfy their palates having a traditional Irish lunch and an Oriental or Mediterranean dinner in a day.

 For someone else it is including a very romantic place enjoying a pleasant walk along the Liffey River at midnight admiring a shining festival of lights in a magnificent Dublin starry night listening notes by a guitar with the voice of a street artist singing Have I Told You Lately, Someone Like You or Crazy Love, iconic songs by Van Morrison, also that happens there as part of the scene of that fascinating place called Temple Bar.

The chances to do something of different are many because once there the more than versatile environment transmit in a while great sensations, nothing is boring, there are so many options to be enjoyed all around,  all them so close and also that aspect is more than inviting.

In the case you are planning a trip to Ireland visiting its capital I added some links about Temple Bar including I suggest you some recommended Hotels if you desire a good accommodation in that area.

The beating, cultural heart of Dublin is undoubtedly a highlight,  mandatory during a trip with destination that magnificent city, a piece of its distinguished history eternally able to capture the attention of every traveller born who will be enchanted to breathe that incomparable, aura delighting, welcoming all people with its friendly spirit, something of absolutely magic in all its corners.

Definitely that quarter is a splendid opportunity to enjoy a multitude of things during your stay in that centre, a simple a walk strolling its streets will launch you a signal of invitation to discover it metre by metre and what is certain is that you will never forget that urban marvel spreading a fascinating Irish appeal  365 days a year.

Francesco Mari

 

Recommended Accommodations in Temple Bar

Arlington Temple Bar Hotel

Paramount Hotel

Temple Bar Inn 

Temple Bar Hotel 

Useful links

 www.thetemplebarpub.com
 grev.eu/wp1/

www.arlingtonhoteltemplebar.com

www.paramounthotel.ie

www.templebarinn.com

www.templebarhotel.com
www.dublintourist.com 
www.visitdublin.com