
Temple Bar (Irish: Barra an Teampaill) is an area on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin, Ireland. The area is bounded by the Liffey to the north, Dame Street to the south, Westmoreland Street to the east and Fishamble Street to the west. It is promoted as Dublin’s ‘cultural quarter’ and, as a centre of Dublin’s city centre’s nightlife, is a tourist destination. In medieval (Anglo-Norman) times, the name of the district was St. Andrews Parish.
It was a suburb, located outside the city walls. But the area fell into disuse beginning in the 14th century because it was exposed to attacks by the native Irish. The land was redeveloped again in the 17th century, to create gardens for the houses of wealthy English families. At that time the shoreline of the River Liffey ran further inland of where it lies today, along the line formed by Essex Street, Temple Bar and Fleet Street.
Marshy land to the river side of this line was progressively walled in and reclaimed, allowing houses to be built upon what had been the shoreline; but unusually, the reclaimed land was not quayed, so that the back yards of the houses ran down to the water’s edge. (Not until 1812 were these back yards replaced by Wellington Quay.) The fronts of the houses then constituted a new street.
The first mention of Temple Bar as the name of this street is in Bernard de Gomme’s Map of Dublin from 1673, which shows the reclaimed land and new buildings. Other street names given nearby are Dammas Street (now Dame Street) and Dirty Lane (now Temple Lane South). Entrance from Merchant’s Arch It is generally thought that the street known as Temple Bar got its name from the Temple family, whose progenitor Sir William Temple built a house and gardens there in the early 1600s.
Temple had moved to Ireland in 1599 with the expeditionary force of the Earl of Essex, for whom he served as secretary. (He had previously been secretary of Sir Philip Sydney until the latter was killed in battle.) After Essex was beheaded for treason in 1601, Temple “retired into private life”, but he was then solicited to become provost of Trinity College, serving from 1609 until his death in 1627 at age 72. William Temple’s son John became the “Master of the Rolls in Ireland” and was the author of a famous pamphlet excoriating the native Irish population for an uprising in 1641.John’s son William Temple became a famous English statesman.
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Top 10 Famous Pubs In IRELAND
- Tigh Neachtain, Galway City
- THE Stag’s Head Dublin
- Mutton Lane Inn, Cork City
- Sean’s Bar, Athlone
- Temple Bar Dublin
- The Long Hall Dublin
- The Brazenhead Dublin
- Matt Molloy’s, Bridge Street, Westport, Mayo
- Michael Flannerys Traditional Irish Bar, Limerick
- Hargadon’s Bros. Sligo
What happens when Dolly Parton walks into a pub in Ireland?
Wherever you are in the country, you will be able to find a traditional Irish pub.
When the sounds of traditional Irish music fills the air, you just know that it’s time for a Guinness.
And, the Irish are born to dance!
Ready for that trip to Ireland? Start planning here!
Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!
Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.
Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!
Sharon Pepin
Friday 8th of October 2021
My paternal great-great-grandfather came from Ireland to Canada, so I have a special fondness for anything pertaining to Ireland. I visited once on a guided tour of the British Isles and Ireland and vowed I would go back again one day.
Irene
Wednesday 15th of September 2021
I was in Irlanda 5 years ago. I love all of you. I want to go agoing. Soon.