Does The Temple Bar in Dublin live up to its famous reputation?
I knew that Dublin was supposed to be lively… but the Temple Bar was something else!
Although it was Christmas time… and it is Ireland!
If you are heading to Dublin soon and want to know if Temple Bar is all that is cracked up to be, then you have found the right blog.
Following my visit to the famous Temple Bar pub in Dublin at Christmas time, I have detailed what you can expect, whether it is worthwhile visiting, and of course…
How much is a pint of Guinness at the Temple Bar?
The famous Temple Bar in Dublin.
Planning on Visiting the Temple Bar in Dublin?
Temple Bar is an area in Dublin city centre which is promoted as Dublin’s ‘cultural quarter’.
The area is a hotspot for tourism and is one of Ireland’s number one destinations. It lies on the south bank of the River Liffey and is surrounded by Liffey (north), Dame Street (south), Westmoreland Street (east) and Fishamble Street (west).
It is believed that ‘Temple Bar’ street’s name originated from ‘Sir William Temple’ from the ‘Temple family’. Following his move to Ireland in 1599, he built a house and gardens, then later became provost of Trinity College where he served for 18 years prior to his death.
There is also a strong indication that Dublin’s Temple Bar was named after the historical Temple precinct in London. So, it is up to you to decide if the old Irish tale rings true?
A cold pose outside the famed pub.
Our first glimpse of the Temple Bar.
Prior to my visit to Dublin, Ireland, the Temple Bar was one of the main pulling factors in my choice of destination, along with the Guinness Storehouse experience.
As one of the best places to stay in Dublin, Its vibrant centre of cafe’s, restaurants and bars are all appealing - particularly just before Christmas which was when I visited.
I would also be lying if I said that drinking a pint of Guinness in the famous Temple Bar wasn’t on my bucket list.
An abundance of whiskey.
Another impressive aspect from The Temple Bar is its vast collection of rare whiskeys.
Its ‘wall of whiskey’ is a whiskey drinker’s dream with hundreds of different choices.
A popular choice of Irish whiskey is the house whiskey (Temple Bar whiskey) neat. It is smooth at the start with a complex finish without the burn.
If you want to get your whiskey tasting on, they have a separate distillery store next door offering Ireland’s most extensive collections of whiskey, with over 450 bottles of whiskey and bourbon on offer.
To see the Temple Bar’s extensive whisky collection first-hand, then head to 47/48 Temple Bar in Dublin.
What are the crowds like?
An essential piece of advice if you want to beat the crowds at The Temple Bar in Dublin is to arrive early!
I cannot stress this enough, as the crowds around the main attraction of the area are constant, which is quite frustrating if you want to get seats in the bar or snap the perfect shot to add to your photo album.
When I visited during the weekend, it was also very tricky to get to the bar without having to dodge a pint of Guinness or waving arms of the singing guests enjoying the live entertainment, which is put on daily to satisfy the needs of all the flocking tourists.
This definitely isn’t the go-to bar for the locals!
Christmas time at Temple Bar.
Christmas time at The Temple Bar in Dublin is a great time to experience the full atmosphere of the place.
The festivities are certainly dragged out, as the xmas decorations go up in late October and can stretch out until mid-January.
Can you have too much Christmas though?
Temple Bar Dublin Christmas decorations.
As with most bars across Ireland in the winter, the outside of the bar is decorated beautifully with Christmas decorations and lights.
This creates a magical feeling in the air around the local area, also giving any camera an absolute treat - however, the timing is key to avoid the crowds and get the nice photo.
Inside the bar, Christmas lights, reefs and ribbons are some examples of the Temple Bar Christmas decorations which combine with the cosy decor to provide a very joyful snug Irish experience - if you are lucky enough to get a table!
The craic is mighty no matter what time of the year you visit, so you will always feel at home at the Temple Bar.
Live music at Temple Bar.
One of the Temple Bar’s claims to fame is its array of live music.
This the place to be if you want to catch some traditional Irish music. However, you’re just as likely to get Christmas songs if you visit during November and December.
There is live music all day, every day!
The atmosphere gets rocking towards the early evening onwards so if you manage to grab a table and seats, make sure you keep hold of them and make the most of your luxurious position during the evening’s entertainment.
One thing is for sure when you visit Dublin’s most famous pub, you are guaranteed an authentic traditional Irish experience, even amongst the tourists - making you feel like a local.
The Temple Bar has won the Irish Music Pub of the Year numerous times, due to its good selection of live acts. If you want to plan ahead and see someone in particular, the schedule for live music at the Temple Bar it can be found here:
The Temple Bar | Dublin Sessions
As one of Dublin’s top live music pubs, there is a priority for music, therefore you are always guaranteed to hear good music over sports commentary etc. Despite the constant supply of top live music acts in the Temple Bar you won’t be charged a cover charge at the door. So free entry no matter which day of the week!
The Temple Bar area is abundant with live music performances, which can be combined with other interesting activities for your perfect one day Dublin itinerary!
A packed Temple Bar Pub.
So, is the Temple Bar worth visiting?
One of the most iconic music bars in Ireland lived up to its reputation in terms of enjoyment (and price!). The famous Guinness from The Temple Bar also matched my pre-trip expectations, so was worthy of the €6.50 I paid.
If you want a quieter trip to Dublin’s famous red building, try and visit mid-morning or lunch time and grab a Christmas sandwich and an Irish coffee. Ireland’s famous landmark has an offering for locals and all types of tourists. Its stunning red colour and the flower baskets were certainly a visual highlight of a really cool trip.
Temple Bar is just one of many highlights in the Irish capital, and here are 12 reasons to visit Dublin.
Is the Temple Bar a tourist trap? Absolutely…
Does it offer a very unique experience and happy atmosphere? ABSOLUTELY!
The most popular pub in Ireland is used to the crowds (as are all the surrounding bars), therefore, getting served is done in a swift fashion. A great time can be had with just one quick pint or several hours getting fully involved in the atmosphere.
Having been around since 1840, this classic Dublin boozer has seen its fair share of history, which is reflected in the ambiance throughout the area.
Maybe it’s worth battling with the crowds to immerse in the historical Irish setting with a drop of the black stuff, and maybe just sing along to a traditional song or two while you are there?
In the words of the Temple Bar '“The Best pint of Guinness and Oh, the craic is mighty!
Dublin is a great starting point for a longer Ireland trip.
Once you have had your Guinness in the Temple Bar, you can head to other great spots in the country, such as Cork and Galway.
In Dublin, make sure you visit the Guinness Storehouse.
If you are heading to Dublin and love a Guinness, you should lso plan to visit the Guinness Storehouse.
I really enjoyed learning about the history of my favourite alcohol beverage, as there is more than meets the eye!
You can be involved and learn about every aspect of the brewing process, and where better to sample a Guinness?
Book your accommodation now for nearby the Temple Bar.
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