Here's the thing, I don't think tourists ever properly discover Temple Bar and what it has to offer. I'm not saying it's all good but there are some absolute gems to be found in the area, in fact, some of my favorite places in Dublin are in Temple Bar. Below is my top ten of places to visit.
10. FarringtonsA wonderful pub selling a huge range of craft beers. Very friendly staff and good food to boot. Definitely not your typical Temple Bar boozer.
9. ChameleonServing Asian tapas long before the craze hit Dublin! Everything about this gem is miniature! I love the little dining rooms but most of all the tasty grub!
8. TambuliPerhaps the best shop in Dublin. Where else in the city are you served by a four legged shopkeeper? The lovely Christine was the only reason I ever came here! I bought a myriad of stuff that I didn't need just to see this little jack russell in action! Ahhh, bless!
7. The ArkGiven Temple Bar's raucous reputation you might be surprised to hear there's a children's museum right in the middle of the quarter? Lovely spot which will entertain children and adults alike. Do check out the roof!
6. The MarketsOK, this one is a threefor... Temple Bar has three great markets, a food market in Meeting House Square, a book market in the main square and Cows Lane Market where you can get everything from jewellry to clothes to art work. I love them all!
5. Foggy DewAnother brilliant pub. They also have a few craft beers on tap and in bottles but everyone knows you come to the Foggy Dew for the music!
4. PintxoMy favorite Spanish restaurant in Dublin. I love the cosy and dark interiors and the outdoor patio area but the most outstanding thing about this place, other than the food of course, has to be the toilet! Check it out!
3. Gutter BookshopIndependent bookshops are a rarity but one as wonderful as the Gutter Bookshop are even rarer. The staff here love and care about books and are only too willing to share their wisdom.
2. IFIWho remembers when it used to be called the IFC? Whatever the name it's a great cinema showing movies you won't see anywhere else. Nice bar and restaurant too, love those falafels!
1. Il VicolettoMy favorite place in Temple Bar and perhaps the whole of Dublin! Wonderfully authentic Italian food and service. It's no wonder this is the place we celebrate our anniversary every year!
So you see Temple Bar is not the slithering cesspit of excrement that some would have us believe! Do you have a favorite spot in Temple Bar?