The Temple Bar district

You’ve probably already guessed it from the bright red façade of the famous pub on the corner—you are now in the heart of the very popular and vibrant Temple Bar district. No, the area wasn’t named after the pub, but rather after Sir William Temple, a 17th-century provost of Trinity College. Another theory suggests that it echoes its London namesake, which was the main entrance to the medieval capital. At the time, city gates were called “bars”, and the main gate of London was in the Temple district. Therefore, this may have influenced the evolution of this name. Whatever the origin, Temple Bar had a rough reputation in the 17th century and became Dublin’s red-light district in the 1800s, due to its many taverns, theatres, and the high number of women living in extreme poverty. The area eventually lost its popularity and was forgotten. In the 1970s, a transport company proposed buying the land, with the idea of demolishing it and building a bus station and shopping center instead. However, following big protests from locals, the city council decided to transform Temple Bar into a cultural district. The area’s low rents attracted artisans and creatives, leading to the establishment of cultural spaces such as the Irish Photography Centre, the Irish Film Archive, drama schools, theatres, and art studios. Unusually quiet during the day, the narrow streets of Temple Bar suddenly come alive at night, buzzing with the energy of Dublin’s nightlife. The area is home to countless Irish pubs, far too many to count! The eye-catching facades, the sound of live music pouring into the streets, and the unmistakable scent of beer might just tempt you to step inside for a drink. And why not? As soon as Happy Hour begins, Temple Bar becomes packed, which is no surprise. But a crowded pub often means a warm and lively atmosphere, so don’t be shy!