Event Detail
The name Temple Bar refers to a special group of Dublin properties, situated in a strip alongside the River Liffey (hence the name bar, which refers to a riverside path). Sir William Temple, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat from the early 1600s, was once the owner of the land that still bears his name.
In the 1800′s, Temple Bar was known as a thriving centre for a variety of small and family-owned businesses. The area declined steadily over the years, until the 1960′s arrived along with plans for a new bus station.
This prospect brought new hope for economic development to the area. Artists and small business owners opened galleries, shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants in anticipation of the coming flood of traveler traffic. Plans for the bus station fell through, however, but Temple Bar had by that time become a fashionable part of the city of Dublin, and its development continues today.
The most popular entrance to Temple Bar is located at Merchant’s Arch, across from Ha’penny Bridge. The passage leads through an interesting group of unique boutiques and other establishments, opening on Temple Bar Square, a popular gathering place, especially for the lunch crowds.
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios are situated within a group of nearby newly renovated and remodeled factory buildings. Here, a growing community of artists keep their studio space and exhibit a wide variety of works.
Crown Alley is a browser’s delight, filled with colorful shops and cafes.
Along the curve of the street you can find a group of buildings housing The Temple Bar Music Centre and DESIGN yard. This area provides a venue where the current Irish culture is creatively displayed via the arts of performance, jewelry making and furniture design, to name a few. The top creative artists and designers of Ireland often exhibit their work here.
Cow’s Lane is a newly designed pedestrian area featuring very stylish apartment houses and shops, and residents enjoy the convenience of the area’s own food market. It offers a wide array of entertainment choices along with many restaurants and pubs, including the Kitchen, owned by Bono and the Edge of U2, the Project Arts Center, specializing in avant garde performance art, and the Olympia Theatre, a regular venue for rock concerts.
For more information, see http://www.visit-templebar.com/.