Temple Bar Archives - EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

IS TEMPLE BAR AS GOOD AS MANY CLAIM IT TO BE?

St. Patrick’s Day is next Sunday but it is now more than a day as the festival is from the 15th to the 18th and Monday the 18th is a holiday in Ireland.

Temple Bar is definitely a unique and exciting place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but whether it’s the best location for your weekend depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Why Temple Bar Is worth considering:

The Heart of the Action: Temple Bar is the iconic centre of Dublin’s nightlife and the epicentre of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. You’ll find traditional pubs bursting with energy, live music, and crowds of people celebrating.

Iconic Pubs: Temple Bar is home to some of Dublin’s most famous pubs, like The Temple Bar itself. There’s something special about having a pint in a spot steeped in history.
The Atmosphere: The sheer buzz and excitement in Temple Bar during St. Patrick’s Day are unmatched. It’s great if you want to dive into the most boisterous celebrations the city has to offer.

Why you might want other options:

Crowds: Temple Bar will be exceptionally crowded during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. It can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate.
Prices: Expect prices to be inflated during this popular time. Pubs and accommodation will be charging a premium.
Authenticity: While still full of Irish charm, the Temple Bar area has become quite touristy. If you want a more local, less crowded experience, you might find it elsewhere in Dublin.

Worthwhile Alternatives:

Capel Street: Features some excellent Pubs and Restaurants be should be less expensive than Temple Bar but I am aware that some restaurants will not accept walk-in customers on the 17th.

Smithfield/Stoneybatter Area: These slightly less touristic neighbourhoods still boast fantastic pubs and a great atmosphere without the overwhelming crowds you might find in Temple Bar.

Portobello/Camden Street: This hip area has a mix of modern bars and classic pubs and a fun, vibrant crowd.

Howth: If you want a complete change of pace from the city buzz, consider a day trip to Howth, a charming coastal fishing village just outside Dublin. Explore the harbour filled with bobbing boats, savour some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste in a waterfront restaurant, or take a cliff walk along the Howth Head peninsula for stunning views of Dublin Bay. Howth is a great way to experience the beauty of the Irish coast and its fresh seafood bounty, all within easy reach of the city.

Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference! Do you want to be in the absolute thick of things, or do you want a great experience with perhaps a slightly more manageable crowd?

IT IS NOT THE OLDEST PUB IN TEMPLE BAR

SOUTH OF THE RIVER LIFFEY

THE NORSEMAN IS AN OLDER PUB

UNUSUAL SIGN IN TEMPLE BAR

Visitors are inclined to cluster here maybe because they do not understand that Temple Bar is an area rather than a specific building. Of course the pub in my photographs capitalises on the confusion and who can blame them. Personally I have never visited any pub other than The Palace Bar [about 40 years ago] so I am not in a position to recommend, or otherwise, any pubs in the area. If you are interested in eating out Capel Street across the river might be a better choice especially if you have junior family members with you. Note: During the day Temple Bar is ideal for children but it is a very different place at night and on holiday weekends.

I came across a claim that the Temple Bar Pub was one of the oldest in Dublin but when I challenged this claim I received the following information:

“I apologise, while the Temple Bar pub is a popular and iconic establishment in Dublin, it is not one of the oldest pubs in the city. In fact, there are several pubs with claims to that title, depending on how you define “oldest.”

Here’s a breakdown of some contenders:

Officially oldest: The Brazen Head holds the official title of Dublin’s oldest pub, with evidence of an inn operating on the site since 1198. The building you see today dates back to 1754.

Oldest licensed premises: The Norseman claims to have the oldest pub license in Temple Bar, dating back to 1696.

The Palace Bar, established in 1823, holds the title of being one of the oldest pubs specifically in the Temple Bar area itself.

Temple Bar

VISITING DUBLIN FOR ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND

THE TEMPLE BAR PUB