If you are planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland, you have undoubtedly been told, “Oooh, you need to go to Temple Bar!” This can be confusing because you probably think it’s just a pub. Well, it is a pub, and it is also a historic district within Dublin. The Temple Bar Quarter has cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and narrow, winding streets that were popular during medieval times. It is also a tourist hot spot with a lively music scene.
Pub culture is a key community feature in Ireland. Throughout history, pubs have been the local gathering place for the community. It’s a place where music is played, and stories are told. Pubs were used for political gatherings and as a place for meetings. They were also where writers and poets would gather to write. The Temple Bar Quarter is filled with pubs, and these four stand out for their unique character and history. From the iconic red facade of The Temple Bar pub itself to historic local favorites, let's explore what makes each of these pubs worth a visit and when to experience them at their best. Which pubs need to be included on your Dublin pub crawl?
THE TEMPLE BAR
Atmosphere: Bustling tourist hotspot with traditional Irish music
Best Time: Early afternoon (before crowds, still has music)
Famous For: Iconic red building, photo spot, first Guinness experience
I visited The Temple Bar during early lunch. It was nearly empty, but it was the perfect time to say, “I visited The Temple Bar!” Although Temple Bar is more expensive than most, live music starts at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. It was the perfect place to stop in, try my first Guinness, and grab a bite while listening to live music.
The iconic red building welcomes visitors from all around the world. The early start to their live music, centrally located, and a “must-see” tourist spot, so be sure that you have The Temple Bar on your list to visit, even if for a quick pop-in for a drink.
THE NORSEMAN
Atmosphere: Historic charm as Dublin's oldest pub
Best Time: Evening for authentic local vibe
Famous For: Traditional Irish pub experience without tourist markup
The Norseman will be less touristy and more traditional and will have lower prices than The Temple Bar. If you want more of a traditional pub experience, you’ll want to visit The Norseman. You’ll find locals with a mix of tourists enjoying a pint in the evening. The Norseman is one of Dublin’s oldest pubs and has a very friendly staff. It is a great place to stop for some Guinness stew after a day of visiting all of Dublin's historic sites.
THE PORTERHOUSE
Atmosphere: Modern craft beer scene
Best Time: Dinner hours for full menu and beer selection
Famous For: House-brewed beers and contemporary setting
If you want something more modern, you should stop into The Porterhouse. Craft beer lovers, this is your pub! Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, ranging from light, crisp lagers to rich, creamy stouts, along with several unique house-brewed options in between. The Porterhouse takes pride in its brewing tradition, offering local Irish craft beers and its signature brews. With a full menu, The Porterhouse makes a great choice for a relaxing evening in the Temple Bar Quarter.
THE PALACE BAR
Atmosphere: Classic Victorian-era pub styling
Best Time: Late afternoon when the lighting is perfect
Famous For: Literary history and traditional bar features
If you love the Victorian era, you will be set back when you enter The Palace Bar. Unlike the other pubs mentioned above, stepping into The Palace Bar feels like going back in time. Visited by many famous writers, it used to host literary meetings in the 1930s and the 1940s. Mauve Binchy, one of my favorite authors, is known to have spent time in The Palace Bar, amongst many other well-known writers like Vincent Browne and John Banville. While I missed it on my last visit, it is first on my list for my next Dublin visit!
The Temple Bar Quarter is much more than one single pub with a red building. You can easily fit all four pubs into your Dublin visit, even on the same day! Experience Dublin’s pub culture to understand how the Irish value their community. Whether it is an evening after a long day of work or a Saturday in between errands, the Irish like to gather, tell stories, and have a pint or two. You will want to experience it yourself when you visit.
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