Temple Bar, the neighborhood of the best pubs in Dublin

Welcome to an exciting tour of Temple Bar, the iconic neighborhood in Dublin known for hosting some of the best pubs in the city. In this article, we will explore the rich history and vibrant atmosphere that characterizes this picturesque corner of the Irish capital.

We will also discover which Temple Bar pubs you can’t miss on your visit to Dublin, and we’ll expand your general knowledge if you still don’t know what a pub is and how an Irish pub differs from an English one.

 

The Temple Bar of Dublín

First of all, what is a pub?

Pubs are typically British establishments that serve alcoholic beverages and function as social and cultural meeting places. The term “pub,” if you were wondering, is short for “public house.”

Its origin dates back to medieval times when some establishments were licensed to be “houses for common use.” All kinds of customers would come to enjoy food, drink, and socialization, something that has characterized pubs ever since.

Over time, these places became central points of social life in communities and eventually became known as “public houses.” They are so essential today that no one could imagine Ireland and Anglo-Saxon culture in general without them.

The Temple Bar of Dublin

Temple Bar is a famous and iconic neighborhood located on the south bank of the River Liffey in the center of the Irish capital. It is not unusual to see its narrow cobbled streets filled with locals and tourists alike, drawn in by its rich cultural offering, lively nightlife, and good atmosphere.

What makes this neighborhood so special is its unique mix of music, art, literature, and gastronomy. It hosts numerous traditional restaurants and many of the best bars and pubs in Dublin, as well as art galleries, designer clothing stores, and souvenir stalls.

 

The Quays and Old Mill, two pubs on one of the liveliest streets in Temple Bar

What to see in Temple Bar

Here you will find some of the best and most interesting markets in Dublin, such as the Temple Bar Book Market, which offers second-hand books and vinyl records (Sat-Sun); the Food Market, filled with fresh produce and prepared food (Sat), and the Cow’s Lane Market, featuring fashion and design.

There is also the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, a space dedicated to the exhibition and promotion of contemporary artists, as well as Meeting House Square, a plaza used for outdoor events. To be honest, we are barely scratching the surface with so many things to see in the neighborhood.

 

Trinity College Dublín

 

In addition, Temple Bar is close to other historic sites in Dublin, such as Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in the country. Both are included in this essential free tour of Dublin, a perfect activity if it’s your first time here.

Which are the best pubs in the area?

The Temple Bar neighborhood is a perfect place to go with friends and enjoy a fun pub crawl in Dublin, which is just a tour of bars or, better said, going from one to another. Below, we show you the 5 pubs you absolutely must visit here:

The Temple Bar

 

Yes, there is a pub by the same name in the neighborhood, and it is considered the best of all. It has been serving its loyal customers and tourists from around the world since 1840 and houses the only fully licensed outdoor tavern in the area, making it the best spot on a sunny day in Dublin.

It also boasts one of the largest whiskey collections in Ireland, with over 450 bottles of whiskey and bourbon on offer. Whether you’re looking for a cold pint of Guinness (priced at around €9), a classic Irish dish, or some live tunes, this is the place.

We believe that one of the best ways to get to know this bar and the peculiar stories of the neighborhood, along with its most hidden secrets, is with the help of an expert guide in Spanish. Few can say no to this idea, and if you’re not the exception, the Irish pubs tour is for you.

Location: 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 N725.

Bad Bob’s

Recently renovated and spread over five floors, there’s truly something for everyone at Bad Bob’s.

This pub is perfect for enjoying a good pint or a cocktail if you want something sweeter and more casual, while you enjoy live music during the week or a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. To give you a heads-up, things get louder and more lively here after 6:30 PM.

Bad Bob’s is also one of the restaurants to eat in Temple Bar, with freshly prepared food, certified Irish meat, and the freshest fish you can find.

Location: 35-37 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 Y891.

The Old Storehouse

Full of live music seven nights a week, traditional Irish food, Irish dancers, solid pints of “Black Stuff” (slang for Guinness), and three different bars to suit all tastes, The Old Storehouse never fails to meet expectations.

As the name suggests, it was once an actual storehouse, and the building itself is over 100 years old. Its Victorian architecture gives this place a charming and traditional atmosphere, and some of the best traditional musicians from Ireland play here regularly, making it a must-visit.

Location: 3 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 CX67.

Oliver St. John Gogarty's Pub

 

Located in the heart of Temple Bar, Oliver St. John Gogarty’s is a famous hostel and pub known for its good live music and highly regarded service and cuisine in the neighborhood. It is named in honor of the famous Irish poet, playwright, and surgeon (Oliver St John Gogarty).

It offers sessions of traditional Irish music, as well as hits from the 60s to the present day starting at 2:30 PM. It is so popular that we recommend making a reservation since it’s difficult to find a spot, especially on weekends.

The Vintage Cocktail Club

If you’re looking for something more modern, you have to go to the Vintage Cocktail Club.

Hidden in plain sight behind a mysterious black door marked only by its acronym, this gem of Dublin is a favorite among locals and celebrities who frequent the neighborhood. Inside, its art deco interiors and lush bar areas stand out visually.

According to some, they serve the most exquisite cocktails in Dublin. Are you up for checking it out?

Location: 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229.

The Brazen Head

 

This pub isn’t exactly in the Temple Bar neighborhood, but it’s very close and worth a visit because it is the oldest pub in Dublin. Believe it or not, it was founded in 1198!

Interestingly, despite being carefully renovated, it still retains many of its original features. Here, you can enjoy an authentic bar experience, with Irish music, a wide variety of drinks, and delicious dishes in a historic setting.

If you enjoy enigmas, take note: this fascinating free tour of legends and mysteries in Dublin makes a stop here and takes you to explore the darker side of the city and its most sinister secrets.

Location: 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher’s Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64.

What makes an Irish pub different from an English pub?

 

This is a very interesting question. Both are iconic places to enjoy the culture and sociability that characterize these establishments, without a doubt, but Irish and English pubs each have their own charm and distinctive character.

Firstly, Irish pubs tend to be more welcoming, with decor based on rustic furniture and a warm, family atmosphere. They often have live music or entertainment, and are a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.

English pubs, on the other hand, are noted for their historical and architectural significance. Some have been operating for hundreds of years. They tend to be more varied in style and design, with some retaining a traditional look and others modernized.

There are also other aspects that differentiate them, such as:

Music style: In Irish pubs, traditional “Irish folk” predominates, while English pubs tend to have a wider and more varied musical selection, including genres like pop, jazz, rock, dance, and electronic.

Beer: Irish pubs are known for their strong beers, such as Guinness, which has a rich and creamy texture. English pubs, on the other hand, are famous for their Real Ale, which is brewed traditionally.

Food: Dishes like fish and chips are common in both. However, Irish pubs also offer heartier dishes like stews and casseroles, while English pubs focus, among other things, on roasted meats.

You can learn about these types of details, as well as many others about the neighborhood, on the Temple Bar Tour: a journey through the history of Irish pubs. Temple Bar awaits you!