Dublin is a city that offers a unique and vibrant culture, a rich history, and a lively nightlife. When visiting this beautiful city, it’s important to know where to go and where to avoid. One of the areas that you may want to steer clear of is Temple Bar, a tourist district located in the heart of Dublin. Here are a few reasons why you should avoid Temple Bar when travelling to Dublin.
Overpriced Drinks
One of the biggest issues with Temple Bar is the high cost of drinks. The bars in this area cater mainly to tourists, and as a result, prices tend to be much higher than in other parts of the city. You can easily end up paying twice as much for a pint of beer or a glass of wine in Temple Bar compared to other pubs around Dublin. Instead, venture out to other areas like Rathmines, Ranelagh or Stoneybatter, where you’ll find cheaper, more authentic pub experiences.
Crowded Streets
Temple Bar is a popular destination for tourists, and as a result, the streets are often crowded and noisy. If you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a quiet night out, this may not be the best place to visit. The narrow streets are often filled with people, making it difficult to move around or enjoy your surroundings. It’s best to explore other areas of Dublin where you can enjoy the city’s charm without feeling overwhelmed.
Lack of Authenticity
Many visitors to Temple Bar expect to find an authentic Irish experience, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. The district has become commercialised over the years, and many of the businesses cater to tourists, rather than offering an authentic experience. You’re more likely to find chain restaurants and souvenir shops than traditional Irish pubs or shops. For a more authentic experience, head to other areas of Dublin, like Camden Street or Portobello, where you’ll find a more local vibe.
In conclusion, while Temple Bar may seem like a must-visit destination in Dublin, it’s best to avoid this tourist district if you want to experience the real Dublin culture. From overpriced drinks to crowded streets and a lack of authenticity, there are better areas of Dublin to explore. So venture out and discover the hidden gems that make Dublin such a unique and exciting destination.
Better Pubs in the Centre of Dublin
Dublin is known for its lively pub scene, but with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go. While Temple Bar may be the most well-known pub district in Dublin, there are many other areas in the city centre that offer a more authentic and enjoyable pub experience. Here are a few pubs in the centre of Dublin that are worth checking out:
- The Long Hall: This pub is a Dublin institution and has been serving customers since 1766. The interior is ornate and beautiful, with high ceilings and marble-topped counters. The Long Hall is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great place to enjoy a pint of Guinness and soak up the historic atmosphere.
- Grogan’s Castle Lounge: Located just off of Grafton Street, Grogan’s is a small and cosy pub that’s popular with artists and writers. The walls are covered in art and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Grogan’s is a great spot to enjoy a pint and a sandwich, and it’s also one of the few pubs in Dublin that doesn’t have a TV.
- The Stag’s Head: This pub has been around since the 1780s and is one of the most famous in Dublin. The interior is beautifully preserved, with wooden floors and stained glass windows. The Stag’s Head is a great place to enjoy a pint of Irish ale and some traditional pub grub.
- Mulligan’s: This pub has been a favourite of Dubliners since it first opened in 1782. The interior is dark and cosy, with old-fashioned decor and a friendly atmosphere. Mulligan’s is a great spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness and some live music.
- Kehoe’s: This pub is located just off of Grafton Street and is a favourite among locals. The interior is dark and cosy, with a traditional pub feel. Kehoe’s is a great spot to enjoy a pint and some conversation with the locals.
- The Palace Bar: The Palace Bar is another historic pub in Dublin, located on Fleet Street. It has been around since 1823 and has a great reputation among locals for its friendly atmosphere and quality drinks. The interior is traditional and cosy, with wooden panels and a warm fire in the winter months.
- The Cobblestone: If you’re looking for live traditional Irish music, The Cobblestone is the place to be. This pub is located in the Smithfield area of Dublin and is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The interior is rustic and homely, with a focus on the music and community. You’ll often find impromptu sessions happening in the corner, and it’s a great spot to experience the real spirit of Irish music.
- The Bernard Shaw: The Bernard Shaw is a unique pub that’s located in the Portobello area of Dublin. It’s known for its quirky decor and outdoor beer garden, which features a double-decker bus and a pizza restaurant. The Bernard Shaw is a popular spot among young people in Dublin, and it’s a great place to enjoy a pint and some delicious food.
- The Brazen Head: The Brazen Head is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin, dating back to 1198. It’s located in the historic area of Dublin known as the Liberties and is a popular spot among tourists. The interior is traditional and cosy, with a focus on the history and heritage of the pub. The Brazen Head is a great place to enjoy some traditional Irish food and a pint of Guinness.
- O’Donoghue’s: O’Donoghue’s is a pub that’s steeped in history and has been around since the 1700s. It’s located on Merrion Row and is a favourite among musicians and artists. The pub is known for its live music sessions, and you’ll often find some of Dublin’s best musicians playing in the corner. The interior is traditional and cosy, with a focus on the music and community.
- The Black Sheep: The Black Sheep is a modern and stylish pub that’s located in the Smithfield area of Dublin. It has a great selection of craft beers and is known for its excellent food. The interior is bright and airy, with a focus on contemporary design.
- The Old Storehouse: The Old Storehouse is a popular pub that’s located in the heart of Temple Bar. It’s known for its live music sessions and traditional Irish atmosphere. The pub is decorated with Irish memorabilia and has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- The Porterhouse: The Porterhouse is a unique pub that’s located on Nassau Street. It’s known for its great selection of craft beers and its live music sessions. The interior is dark and cosy, with a focus on the beer and music.
- The Hairy Lemon: The Hairy Lemon is a traditional Irish pub that’s located on Stephen Street Lower. It’s known for its great atmosphere and friendly staff. The pub is decorated with vintage Irish memorabilia and has a cosy and welcoming feel.
- The Norseman: The Norseman is a popular pub that’s located on Temple Bar Square. It’s known for its excellent food and craft beers. The interior is stylish and modern, with a focus on contemporary design.
- The Duke: The Duke is a historic pub that’s located on Duke Street. It has been around since the 1820s and is a favourite among locals. The interior is traditional and cosy, with a focus on the history and heritage of the pub. The Duke is a great spot to enjoy a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish pub grub.
- O’Neill’s: O’Neill’s is a popular pub that’s located on Suffolk Street. It’s known for its live music sessions and traditional Irish atmosphere. The pub is decorated with vintage Irish memorabilia and has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
- The Bankers: The Bankers is a traditional Irish pub that’s located on Trinity Street. It’s known for its great atmosphere and friendly staff. The pub is decorated with vintage Irish memorabilia and has a cosy and welcoming feel.
- Kavanagh’s The Gravediggers: Kavanagh’s The Gravediggers, also known as The Gravediggers, is a traditional Irish pub that’s located in Glasnevin. It’s known for its excellent pints of Guinness and friendly staff. The pub is located beside the entrance to the famous Glasnevin Cemetery and has been around since the 1830s.
- The Coburg: The Coburg is a trendy gastropub that’s located in the north of Dublin city centre, close to Croke Park. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, with a lively atmosphere and excellent food and drink. The interior is modern and stylish, with a focus on contemporary design and local art. The Coburg is a great place to enjoy a cocktail or craft beer and some delicious food.
- Mulligan’s Grocer: Mulligan’s Grocer is a charming and traditional Irish pub located in Stoneybatter, one of Dublin’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods. It’s known for its excellent pints of Guinness, friendly staff and cosy atmosphere. The interior is decorated with vintage Irish memorabilia and has a warm and welcoming feel. Mulligan’s Grocer is a great place to experience the real Dublin and mingle with locals in a relaxed and authentic setting.