Summary
Temple Bar, a historic Dublin neighborhood, is famous for its nightlife and culture. Its name likely comes from the Temple family and London’s Temple Bar. Over centuries, it evolved from a Viking camp to a tourist hotspot with many pubs.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Hey there, fellow Yanks! I get tons of questions about Temple Bar and its history, so I’ve gathered all I know into this article. It’s a deep dive into Temple Bar’s history, how it became what it is today, and why it’s a global icon for celebration and Irish craic.
Temple Bar is a must-visit spot in Ireland’s capital. Picture this: cobblestone streets twinkling with fairy lights, the sound of live music spilling from pubs, and a vibe that’s pure Irish magic. Temple Bar is Dublin’s cultural quarter, packed with history, pubs, and tourist charm. Let’s dive into its story, from its quirky name to its lively present, with all the details to plan your visit. Don’t forget to check out more Adventures in Dublin for tips on exploring the city like a local!
What’s in a Name? Unpacking Temple Bar History
Ever wondered what “Temple Bar” means? It’s not about a religious temple, despite the name. Instead, it’s a nod to two origins. First, Sir William Temple, a British diplomat and Trinity College provost, built a house here in the 1600s after moving to Ireland in 1599. His family’s estate sat where Temple Bar now buzzes. Second, the name mimics London’s Temple Bar, a gateway near the Thames. Dublin copied street names like Essex and Fleet, and “bar” refers to a riverside path from the Gallic word “barr.” So, it’s a playful pun blending local history with London’s prestige. The name first popped up on a 1673 map by Bernard de Gomme, showing new buildings along the Liffey. For more on Ireland’s past, check out Culture Trip’s guide to Irish culture.
Why So Many Pubs in Temple Bar?
Temple Bar’s pub scene is legendary, and there’s history behind it.
A Pub Hub Since the 17th Century
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, Temple Bar thrived near the River Liffey, especially after a customs house opened in 1707. This drew warehouses, taverns, and early pubs. The Temple Bar Pub, for instance, has a license dating to 1835, possibly earlier.
The 1980s Bohemian Vibe
Fast forward to the 1980s—Temple Bar was rundown, but low rents attracted artists and musicians. This bohemian revival set the stage for its nightlife. Pubs like The Temple Bar Pub, The Auld Dubliner, and The Palace Bar became hubs for live music and craic (that’s Irish for fun!).
Pubs That Define Temple Bar History
Today, these spots are tourist magnets. The Temple Bar Pub boasts over 450 whiskeys and live music daily from 10:30 AM. The Porterhouse, Dublin’s first pub brewery, and The Oliver St. John Gogarty also draw crowds with traditional Irish tunes and dance. Want more pub recs? Visit our Best Pubs in Dublin guide for the coziest spots.
Why Is Temple Bar a Tourist Hotspot?
Temple Bar’s tourist fame didn’t happen overnight—it’s a mix of history, planning, and global appeal.
1990s Government Revamp
In the 1980s, plans to turn Temple Bar into a bus depot were scrapped after protests. In 1991, the Irish government, with EU funding, created Temple Bar Properties to make it a cultural quarter. They revamped cobblestone streets, added squares like Meetinghouse Square, and promoted spots like the Irish Film Institute and Project Arts Centre.
A Global Draw
Marketed as Dublin’s cultural and nightlife hub, Temple Bar’s compact size and historic charm make it a must-see. The Temple Bar Pub’s red exterior and live music epitomize the experience. Festivals, markets like the Temple Bar Book Market, and Instagram-worthy fairy lights add to its allure, drawing millions yearly. To learn more about Ireland’s cultural gems, explore the Irish Film Institute’s history.
How Has Temple Bar Changed Over Time?
Temple Bar’s story spans centuries, evolving with Dublin’s ups and downs.
Viking Roots and Medieval Decline
The area began with Vikings around 795 AD, who camped near the Liffey. Known as St. Andrews Parish in medieval times, it sat outside Dublin’s walls, making it prone to attacks. By the 14th century, it declined.
17th-Century Growth
In the 1600s, marshy land was reclaimed, pushing the Liffey northward. Wealthy English families, like the Temples, built homes, making it a posh area. By 1707, a customs house brought taverns, but also a seedy side with brothels.
18th and 19th Centuries: Ups and Downs
The 18th century saw Temple Bar as lively but rough, known for “drunken debauchery.” In 1791, a new Custom House Quay across the Liffey shifted business, turning Temple Bar into a slum. The 19th century brought a modest revival with grocers, wine merchants, and pubs like The Temple Bar Pub, licensed in 1835.
20th Century: Grit to Glam
By the early 1900s, Temple Bar was gritty—think 1916 Easter Rising nearby. The 1980s bohemian revival changed that, leading to the 1991 redevelopment. Today, it’s a tourist hub, though locals often skip it for quieter spots like Bowes, citing high prices and crowds.
What Makes Temple Bar Special Today?
Here’s why Temple Bar remains a Dublin gem.
Cultural Hotspots
It hosts the Irish Film Institute, Project Arts Centre, and Temple Bar Gallery and Studios, making it a cultural hub.
Music and Markets
Pubs like The Temple Bar Pub (est. 1840) and The Palace Bar (1823) offer daily live music. Markets like the Temple Bar Food Market and events like film screenings in Meetinghouse Square add vibrancy.
Tourist Appeal and Challenges
Its historic architecture and proximity to Trinity College make it a convenient stop. But beware—crowds, pickpocketing, and high prices are common, so stay vigilant.
Wrapping Up Temple Bar History
Temple Bar’s name ties to the Temple family and London’s Temple Bar, emerging in the 17th century. Its pubs trace back to its commercial past and 1980s revival, with the 1990s cementing its tourist status. From Viking camp to cultural hotspot, Temple Bar’s unique blend of history, culture, and craic makes it a Dublin icon—tourist trap or not.
Discover more from Dublin Yanks: American Travel Tips for Visiting Ireland
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