A Guide to Bars in the Temple Bar Area of Dublin

A trip to Dublin isn't complete without a visit to the famous Temple Bar area. As the center of Dublin nightlife and entertainment, it's cobblestone streets are always packed. When the sun sets, you can find a mix of tourists and locals of all ages stumbling in and out of the many bars and pubs that reside on this square.

Here are some of my favorite Dublin pubs in the Temple Bar area:

The Porterhouse- Parliament Street- A micro-brewery that brews 10 beers on it's premise. And they are good. The Porterhouse officially won best stout in the world in 1998. It features live music and the 2nd and 3rd floors offer a wide range of traditional Irish food.

Quays Bar-11 Temple Bar- Great atmosphere. Friendly bartenders. Friendly everyone! As an additional perk, the best looking men in Dublin seem to be regulars at this bar.

Temple Bar- 47/48 Temple Bar- This place screams fun! Bright red walls are filled with drinking paraphernalia. Good quick service. It's always crowded (sometimes too crowded), but it's a must-see during a Dublin trip.

Turk's Head- Parliament Street- This place is huge. It's much larger than it looks from the outside. There's a dance floor downstairs where the DJ spins pop and chart dance. It's a trendy place full of young professionals. The drinks are a bit expensive, but it's worth the experience.

Mezzanine- Eustace Street- There is no cover to enjoy the live bands that are featured here. The bands are funky- usually blues/jazz. Mezz has a laid-back atmosphere and it usually hosts a younger crowd (early to late twenties).

Auld Dubliner-Temple Bar- Traditional Irish pub featuring live Irish music. It's relaxing and spacious, and a great place to sing and clap along to your favorite Irish pub songs.

Bars stop serving alcohol at 2am, but many places let patrons stay later (Mezzanine is usually open until 3). After the bars close, people tend to hang outside in the square- its not uncommon to see a group of people sitting in the streets singing along to a drunken guitar player.

Many people peg Dublin's Temple Bar area as a Dublin 'tourist trap', but there are many locals who frequent the place that are more than willing to offer suggestions on the happening spots, the best drinks, the best music etc. Let loose, have fun, drink some Guinness, and in no time you'll feel like a local as well.