the Temple Bar is in the Temple Bar

 Who hasn’t seen pictures of the Temple Bar in Dublin? It’s THE place to have your picture taken. Actually, there are two Temple Bars in Dublin.

THE Temple bar lies within the area of Dublin known as Temple Bar. A bit confusing. It is known as the cultural center of Dublin. It’s definitely a tourist hot spot. 

The area was outside the walled city of Dublin sort of like a suburb. The city itself was controlled by the English king, so the area outside was often attacked by native Irish and became rundown in the 14th century.

In the 17th century wealthy Englishmen built houses there near the river. The street along the river became known as Temple Bar, probably named after Sir William Temple, who came to Ireland as part of the military. He built a house in the area. He and his family were prominent. Either this is the story or it was named after the Temple Bar district in London. You decide.

In the 18-20th century it deteriorated becoming an area of crime and prostitution. In the 1970-80s, a company wanted to

tear a lot of it down and build a bus terminal. While this was being planned, artists moved into low rent buildings. The bus depot idea was dropped after protest about it. Plans were made to make it a culture area.

The Temple Bar itself dates to 1840. It has had many owners over the years . It wasn’t named the Temple Bar until 1992 when the current owners bought it. 

It is now one of the most identifiable places in Dublin. The thing is, most Dubliners would never go there deeming it overpriced and a tourist trap.