Temple Bar — Dublin's Cultural Quarter

Temple Bar is Dublin's most famous (and infamous) district — a labyrinth of cobblestone streets between the River Liffey and Dame Street, where live music spills from every door, facades glow in bright colors, and beer flows like rain from above. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, a pint costs 7.50 € here instead of 5.50 €. But the atmosphere on a Friday night, when the streets overflow with people and three different bands play from three different pubs simultaneously, is priceless.

The district offers more than just pubs: The Gallery of Photography, the Irish Film Institute (with arthouse cinema and cozy café-bar), the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, and dozens of small galleries make it Dublin's cultural heart. On Saturdays, the Temple Bar Food Market takes place — Irish cheese, fresh oysters, handmade chocolate, and craft beer from local breweries.

The famous Temple Bar Pub (48 Temple Bar) with its red facade is the most photographed building in Dublin. The live music here is good, but the true connoisseur goes to The Porterhouse (16–18 Parliament Street) — Dublin's best craft beer bar with its own brewery and three floors full of music and people. Or to The Auld Dubliner for traditional Irish folk, where the whole pub sings along.