Dublin's cultural quarter.

Temple Bar is where Dublin began with the Viking settlement here but it is better known as a cultural quarter these days. It is thought to have taken its name from Sir William Temple, provost of Trinity College in 1609, who lived here.

The medieval streets are cobblestoned and compact, with a diverse selection of boutiques, shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and cultural outlets. The area is perfect for a ramble or to pass a few hours during the day and is famed for its lively nightlife too.

Temple Bar’s two squares have been renovated in recent years and two markets are held here every week (subject to change/seasons).

Temple Bar Food Market runs from 10am–5pm on Saturday at Meeting House Square and the Temple Bar Book Market is held on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am–6pm, in Temple Bar Square.

Designer Mart takes place every Saturday 10am–5pm on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar too.

Temple Bar was and still is a hot spot for artists, poets and musicians. In fact, Handel’s Messiah was premiered in Neals’ Musick Hall, Temple Bar in 1742.

It is no surprise that there are a range of theatres, exhibition spaces and other attractions for culture vultures here.

Project Arts Centre (01-8819613) is a multidisciplinary contemporary arts centre here. Often dubbed ‘Dublin’s busiest arts centre,’ it is hosts theatre, music, dance and visual arts.

Children will love The Ark (01-6707788), a cultural centre for children aged two to twelve where they can experience and explore theatre, music, literature, art, film, and dance to name just a few.

Opened in 1995, The Ark is Europe’s first custom designed arts centre for children and over the years it has won many awards.

With exciting programmes of performances, exhibitions and creative workshops, children will want to return again and again to this unique venue. 

To see Irish life in pictures, The National Photographic Archive has regular exhibitions based on the library’s photographic collections.

The collections consist of historical and contemporary photographs numbering approximately 5.2 million in total; the vast majority being Irish.

The subject matters range from landscape views to studio portraits, from political events to early tourist snaps. You never know what you might see! 

The Irish Film Institute (01-6793477), also known as the IFI, is an arthouse cinema, a national body that supports Irish film heritage and incorporates the Irish Film Archive. It screens new releases and independent and world cinema you can’t catch in the usual multiplex. 

Other interesting things to see here include the Arthouse Multimedia Centre and the Temple Bar Gallery and Studio.

Europe’s oldest built theatre, the 17th century, Smock Alley Theatre, and one of Ireland’s smallest, the New Theatre, are located in the area too.

To explore more in the city centre click here.