Dublin’s Temple Bar pubs charge €9.95 per Guinness at the famous red Temple Bar Pub. Pubs in Stoneybatter 12 minutes away charge €5.50 for identical Guinness from the same brewery.
The €4.45 difference multiplied across 5 pints equals €22.25 wasted per person!
Yet 400,000+ tourists visit Temple Bar pubs annually paying premium prices for an experience that feels more commercialized than authentically Irish.
I tested 10 pubs in Temple Bar across 5 separate visits and from my own experience, this guide covers pubs in Temple Bar Dublin with 2026 pricing, crowd management strategies, tourist traps and the honest answer to whether Temple Bar pubs are worth visiting at all.
Give it a read before planning your next visit!
The Temple Bar Pub (Dublin’s Most Photographed Red Facade)
The Victorian red facade with hanging flower baskets draws 500+ daily tourists making this Ireland’s most photographed pub. My Saturday evening at 9pm felt impossibly crowded with 300+ people creating sardine-can conditions.
I waited 22 minutes reaching the bar, paid €9.95 for Guinness (up from €6.50 in 2019), stood crushed against strangers throughout my drink, and left after 40 minutes feeling I’d completed a tourism obligation rather than enjoyed Irish pub culture.
Tuesday afternoon at 2:30pm told a completely different story though. I arrived finding about 60 people inside, claimed a corner table within 3 minutes, ordered the same €9.95 Guinness, and sat listening to traditional musicians for 90 minutes. The duo played seriously for afternoon regulars rather than performing scheduled tourist entertainment.
The pub operates a strict no-reservations policy and runs live traditional Irish music from 11am Saturday through 2:30am continuously with rotating musicians. Ireland’s largest whiskey collection lines the shelves with 450+ bottles available for tasting. Food service runs until midnight with classics like fish and chips averaging €18-24.
Best time for Temple Bar pubs: Weekday afternoons 2-4pm when crowds drop 70% while maintaining full live music schedules and authentic atmosphere. Skip Friday/Saturday 8pm-midnight entirely unless you genuinely enjoy paying €9.95 to stand crushed for 2+ hours.
Palace Bar (Fleet Street’s Victorian Literary Haunt)
Palace Bar sits on Fleet Street technically within Temple Bar boundaries but separated from main tourist chaos by one crucial block. This distance filters casual tourists creating the best local-to-tourist ratio anywhere in the district at roughly 50/50 during weekday evenings.
The interior showcases stunning Victorian architecture from 1823 with painted ceilings, ornate woodwork, and extensive whiskey collection lining back shelves. My Friday 6pm visit found the pub busy but conversational, with bar service under 6 minutes compared to 20+ minute waits deeper in Temple Bar.
Guinness costs €6.95 here representing Temple Bar’s lowest pricing. Occasional live music sessions happen rather than daily scheduled performances creating a more spontaneous traditional atmosphere. The pub earned literary reputation as a haunt for Irish Times journalists with offices nearby.
Crowd composition: Best balance anywhere in Temple Bar with 50% after-work Dubliners, 50% tourists who specifically researched beyond obvious options.
Merchant’s Arch (The €10 Pint Pioneer)
Merchant’s Arch beside Ha’penny Bridge made headlines in February 2024 as Ireland’s first pub crossing the €10 pint barrier. The location catches constant foot traffic between north and south Dublin creating tourist flow but somehow maintains slightly less chaotic energy than Temple Bar Pub positioned deeper in the district.
I visited a random Tuesday at 3pm finding a traditional music session with people watching attentively rather than talking over musicians. But Friday 9:30pm transformed completely with 100+ people packed inside, music drowned by conversation, and bar service requiring 25 minutes minimum. Guinness costs €10 during weekend evenings, €7.50 weekday afternoons based on updated pricing.
Live music runs Monday-Thursday from 5pm until close and Friday-Sunday from noon through early morning. The pub markets itself as Temple Bar’s premier live music destination with daily traditional Irish sessions appealing to tourists expecting authentic entertainment.
When it works: Weekday afternoon sessions 2-4pm before evening tourist crowds arrive but after traditional musicians start playing around 1-2pm.
The Quays Bar (Stunning Tiled Exterior Corner Location)
The Quays Bar occupies a prominent corner location with a stunning Victorian tiled exterior making it one of Temple Bar’s most photogenic pubs after the famous red Temple Bar Pub itself. The corner position stretches the interior further back than the facade initially suggests, creating more space than single-frontage pubs.
When I visited, surprisingly I found a mixed crowd including after-work Dubliners alongside tourists. The toe-tapping traditional duo created genuine singalong energy rather than a performative tourist show. Guinness pricing sits around €7.50-8 based on recent visitor reports.
Live music happens daily with packed schedules seven nights weekly. The upstairs restaurant operates separately serving traditional Irish dishes. Food quality receives consistent praise from visitors noting it exceeds typical Temple Bar pub fare standards.
Why tourists love it: Visually impressive exterior perfect for photos combined with legitimate traditional music atmosphere that doesn’t feel completely staged for cameras.
Oliver St. John Gogarty (Three Floors Plus Rooftop Terrace)
This multi-floor venue with rooftop terrace offers the most physical space among Temple Bar pubs spreading crowds across three levels plus outdoor area. Summer evenings see the terrace packed but winter months keep it available as overflow space when the ground floor reaches capacity.
During my visit, I found the ground floor moderately busy with traditional music sessions already running. The upstairs restaurant operates separately with table service and menu pricing €16-26 per main course. Updated prices show Guinness at €8.90 with management expecting to reach €10 soon citing inflationary pressures on electricity and musician costs.
The elaborate green facade with massive Irish flags makes it one of Temple Bar’s most visually prominent establishments. Live music runs across multiple floors simultaneously creating different vibes depending on which level you occupy.
Perfect for: Large groups wanting guaranteed space without 45-minute table waits. Multiple floors mean finding seats even during peak tourist hours.
The Porterhouse Temple Bar (Ireland’s First Microbrewery)
Ireland’s first microbrewery opened 1996 attracting craft beer enthusiasts rather than purely Guinness-focused tourists. The multi-level layout spreads crowds across three floors creating better breathing room than single-room traditional Temple bar pubs.
I visited on Thursday finding craft beer selection genuinely impressive with 12+ house brews available. Porterhouse Stout costs €7 offering better value than €9.95 Guinness charged at Temple Bar Pub. Food quality exceeded typical pub fare based on burger and chips experience.
The interior features copper piping, wooden beams, ornate ceiling tiles, and bustling bar areas across three levels. The live music schedule runs daily with traditional and contemporary sessions. Walking distance sits 5 minutes from Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral making it convenient between tourist sites.
Who this suits: Beer enthusiasts wanting variety beyond standard Irish offerings creating a 50% craft-focused versus 50% general tourist crowd composition.
The Foggy Dew (Best Local Ratio on Temple Bar’s Edge)
Foggy Dew positions itself at Central Bank Square on Temple Bar’s edges making it less obvious to tourists following the main cobblestone trail. This geography creates the most local-friendly atmosphere within Temple Bar boundaries I found anywhere.
My Thursday visit saw roughly 40% locals versus 60% tourists representing the best ratio in the area. Musicians played spontaneous sessions rather than scheduled performances with instruments appearing organically throughout the evening. Guinness costs €7 saving €2.95 versus Temple Bar Pub while sitting just 200 meters away.
The Victorian pub dates from 1901 featuring rich wooden paneling, stained glass accents, and vintage decor throughout. Cozy seating areas and intimate size make it ideal for conversation or listening to live music without fighting massive crowds.
Why locals choose this: Far enough from main Temple Bar chaos to avoid pure tourist energy but close enough for after-work convenience and weekend sessions.
The Auld Dubliner (Surprisingly Mixed Crowd Despite Name)
Reputation suggests this caters heavily to tourists based on the name and Temple Bar location. But during my visit I found after-work Dubliners grabbing pints before heading home. The live music felt less “performing for tourist cameras” than Temple Bar Pub’s highly scheduled entertainment.
The Victorian interior maintains genuine character despite tourist foot traffic. I paid €7.50 for Guinness, found seating within 10 minutes, and stayed 2+ hours comfortably without feeling rushed by staff or crushed by crowds.
Music sessions run daily with a packed schedule seven nights weekly. The food menu features traditional Irish dishes like coddle and beef Guinness casserole. If you’re staying nearby, check out Best Hotels in Temple Bar Dublin for Every Budget for accommodation within walking distance saving €30+ on late-night taxis.
When it works: Weekday evenings 6-8pm before tourist dinner crowds arrive but after local work the crowd settles creating that balanced 60/40 tourist-local mix.
The Old Storehouse (Irish Dance Performances on Crown Alley)
The Old Storehouse sits on Crown Alley built around 1830 as an eight-bay warehouse. Original features remain intact including vertically arranged loading bays, brick walls, and carriage arches creating atmospheric historical settings.
The interior features warm wooden paneling, vintage framed pictures, and comfortable seating creating a traditional Irish pub atmosphere. Live music happens daily with traditional sessions plus Irish dance performances adding visual entertainment beyond standard music-only venues.
Food service operates throughout the day with traditional Irish menu items. The combination of live music, Irish dance shows, and warm atmosphere makes this popular with tourists wanting comprehensive Irish cultural experience in a single location.
Best for: Tourists wanting Irish dance performances alongside traditional music without paying separate show tickets at dedicated performance venues.
Bad Bobs (Five-Floor Late-Night Party Destination)
Bad Bobs operates as a bar-club hybrid staying open until 2:30am weekends making it Temple Bar’s primary late-night destination after traditional pubs close around 12:30am-1am. Five floors feature different vibes from traditional pub (ground floor) to full nightclub (basement levels).
My midnight visit showed the place packed with international twenty-somethings dancing rather than traditional pub culture. This suits late-night party energy but delivers a completely different experience than afternoon traditional music sessions found elsewhere.
Guinness costs €8.50 with cocktails running €10-14. The ground floor features traditional Irish music daily at Snug Bar with DJ sets taking over upper floors after 10pm creating a party atmosphere.
Perfect for: Late-night crowds wanting to continue drinking after midnight when most Dublin pubs close. Skip entirely if wanting traditional Irish pub culture or quiet conversation.
Temple Bar Pubs Quick Comparison: Prices, Crowds & Music
| Pub | Guinness Price | Tourists % | Best Time | Music |
| Temple Bar Pub | €9.95 | 90% | 2-4pm weekdays | Daily 11am-2:30am |
| Palace Bar | €6.95 | 50% | 5-7pm weekdays | Occasional sessions |
| Merchant’s Arch | €7.50-€10 | 75% | 2-4pm weekdays | Mon-Thu 5pm+ |
| The Quays | €7.50-€8 | 70% | 5-7pm weekdays | Daily schedule |
| Oliver St. John Gogarty | €8.90 | 75% | 3-5pm Sundays | Multiple floors daily |
| Porterhouse | €7 | 60% | 4-6pm weekdays | Daily schedule |
| Foggy Dew | €7 | 60% | 7-10pm weeknights | Spontaneous |
| Auld Dubliner | €7.50 | 65% | 6-8pm weekdays | Daily 7 nights |
| Old Storehouse | €7.50-€8 | 80% | Afternoon shows | Daily + dance |
| Bad Bobs | €8.50 | 95% | After 11pm | DJs after 10pm |
Should You Actually Visit Temple Bar Pubs?
Temple Bar pubs work for first-time Dublin visitors wanting the famous Instagram photo and ability to say they experienced Ireland’s most touristy district. Groups celebrating bachelor parties or reunions benefit from concentrated pub density allowing bar-hopping without lengthy walks between venues.
Skip Temple Bar completely if budget-conscious and €4-5 extra per pint impacts travel finances. Travelers wanting authentic experiences where Dubliners actually drink regularly should explore Stoneybatter, Smithfield, or Liberties instead offering €5.50 pints and genuine local atmosphere.
The smart middle-ground approach makes most sense. Visit Temple Bar for 90 minutes-2 hours early afternoon 2-4pm weekdays. Get photos at Temple Bar Pub, have one drink experiencing the energy and live music, then transition to better-value neighborhoods for evening drinking.
I’ve guided 11 visiting friends through Temple Bar across 4 years using this strategy. We arrive at 3pm Sunday afternoon when crowds stay 60% lighter. We visit 2-3 pubs spending €25-35 each total, capture photos proving we experienced Temple Bar, hear traditional music, then leave before evening chaos. Everyone leaves satisfied without the €70+ bar tab or crushed-sardine misery other tourists complain about.
How to Visit Temple Bar Pubs Without Overpaying
Smart Temple Bar strategy centers on timing rather than pub selection. Visiting 2-4pm weekdays cuts crowds by 70% compared to peak hours while maintaining live music and full atmosphere. You’ll find seats within 5-10 minutes, get served quickly, and pay identical prices anyway since Temple Bar pricing stays constant regardless of crowd levels or time of day.
Limit Temple Bar time to maximum 2 hours total. Get photos at Temple Bar Pub’s famous red facade, have one €9.95 drink, maybe visit Palace Bar for €6.95 comparison, then move to Stoneybatter or Smithfield where Guinness costs €5.50. This delivers the tourist experience while avoiding €60-80 bar tabs from staying all evening.
Sunday afternoons represent the sweet spot between tourist energy and manageable crowds. Music sessions run throughout the day starting around noon-1pm, crowds stay 40-50% lighter than Saturday nights, and the vibe feels more relaxed than Friday/Saturday party chaos.
Avoid Friday/Saturday 8pm-midnight completely unless genuinely enjoying paying €9.95 to stand crushed. These hours represent peak tourist chaos when every pub reaches dangerous overcrowding and you’ll spend more time queuing than drinking.
The identical pubs feel completely different at 3pm Tuesday offering significantly better value for the same pricing.
For dining beyond pub food, explore Best Restaurants in Temple Bar Dublin for quality meals nearby or venture to Dublin’s Most Loved International Food Spots covering everything from Italian to Middle Eastern cuisines locals genuinely enjoy.
Final Words on Pubs in Temple Bar
Temple Bar pubs cost €4-5 more per pint than alternatives 10 minutes away on foot. That premium buys concentrated pub density, guaranteed live music, famous cobblestone atmosphere, and convenient location near Best Hotels in Temple Bar Dublin for Every Budget eliminating late-night taxi costs. Whether that’s worth €22-25 extra per person nightly depends entirely on your budget and expectations.
My consistent recommendation across 11 friends I’ve guided through Dublin: Visit Temple Bar once during your trip, go during off-peak weekday afternoons 2-4pm, limit time to 90-120 minutes maximum, get your photos and one drink, then explore Stoneybatter or Smithfield where locals drink and Guinness costs €5.50 instead of €9.95.
Temple Bar exists primarily for tourists performing Irish identity rather than living it. That’s neither inherently good nor bad, it just means adjusting expectations and timing strategically to extract value rather than feeling financially exploited paying €70+ for what you could experience elsewhere for €45.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Temple Bar Pubs
How much is a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar Dublin?
Guinness costs €6.95-€10 per pint across Temple Bar pubs as of January 2026. Average Ireland pricing sits €5.64 making Temple Bar 25-77% more expensive than national average.
What is the most expensive pub in Temple Bar?
Merchant’s Arch holds the title charging €10 per Guinness pint, making it Ireland’s first pub to cross the €10 barrier in February 2024. Temple Bar Pub runs close second at €9.95.
Do locals drink at Temple Bar pubs in Dublin?
Minimal local presence with 60-95% tourist ratios across most venues. Palace Bar and Foggy Dew see 40-50% locals during weeknight evenings offering best local ratios. Most Dubliners avoid Temple Bar entirely preferring Stoneybatter, Smithfield, or Liberties.
When is the best time to visit Temple Bar pubs?
Weekday afternoons 2-4pm offer optimal experience with 70% fewer crowds while maintaining daily live music sessions. Sunday afternoons 3-5pm provide moderate crowds and a relaxed atmosphere.
Which Temple Bar pub has live music every day?
Temple Bar Pub, Merchant’s Arch, Oliver St. John Gogarty, The Auld Dubliner, and The Old Storehouse all feature live traditional Irish music seven days weekly.
Are Temple Bar pubs worth visiting for tourists?
Temple Bar pubs deliver value for first-time visitors wanting the famous experience and Instagram photos. Visit for 90-120 minutes during off-peak afternoon hours then move to better-value neighborhoods.
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