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Authenticity at the Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland

12/6/2012

8 Comments

 
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     There are few pubs as internationally known as the Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. It sits gracefully on a cobblestone street corner, where its patrons range from a few locals to many overeager tourists. For many, the Temple Bar is the first insight into Irish pub culture that many experience. The problem is that it’s become a corporate-esque style company with its branded image as the must-see Irish pub experience in all of the land. They have even bought up the space next door to the pub to put in a tourist shop called the Temple Bar Trading Company.
     While many aspects of the pub’s appearance are still legitimate, like many truths in this world, the truth is evident within the details. A true country Irish pub experience like most wish to have, and like many believe their receiving at the Temple, is about the public (ex. pub = public house), socializing and good craic. Real Irish pubs don’t brand themselves on t-shirts and don’t sell themselves out on merchandised products. By all means, this is the way of the world, taking advantage of every fiscally-possible avenue, so I’m not attacking the Temple for doing so. But if you’re looking for a 100% true authentic experience, I would look elsewhere than the Temple Bar.

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     There are a few other details to note, like the fact that most true Irish pubs don’t even have music playing in the background, unless it’s a live artist performing, and even then it’s typically on a whim. Additionally, the prices at the Temple Bar are extremely inflated to that of most pubs around Ireland and even in the entirety of the UK. It had cost me near €6 for a pint (almost $8 USD) and in other parts of Ireland it was typical for me to come away from the bar with a pint for under €3.50 ($4.50). The walls of the pub were covered in photographs and historic nicknacks, which is relatively common of many true Irish pubs. However, again, if you take a look at the details, in between and carefully set right above eye view were branded merchandise pieces that were either for sale at the bar or available next door at their tourist-trap store.
     My final thoughts on the Temple is that the pub is still an interesting piece of Irish history, as it has kept mostly to its original appearance - plus, you can still get all liquored and boozed up there like any other bar. I did have a fun time (once I realized this wasn’t what I had expected) with my buddies that chilly night in early April, especially with the other surrounding shops and watering holes set nearby in the ‘Dublin cultural quarter.’ The Temple Bar can be a fine time for a night out, but if you’re in search for a unique and authentic experience of the Irish pub culture, I suggest skipping the Temple and heading to the endless villages hidden in the countryside.
(Photos by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen)

8 Comments
Erica
12/6/2012 10:58:27 pm

I found this very insightful, and now I know what to look for when I travel to Ireland this spring. Your writing is both inspiring and amazing, and I look forward to getting the most out of my travels, thanks to this website!

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/31/2014 01:37:53 am

Thank you very much. I put all of my efforts in providing my readers with thorough, up to date information to help others. :)

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Scott Auchterlonie link
12/7/2012 12:08:30 am

Could not agree more with the hole over commercialization of temple bar, spent 7 months living and working in Dublin in 2011.
most tourist get drawn to this are of Dublin Thinking this is the real Ireland were sadly this is not the case.
if you want to see real Irish culture look to the little harbor towns one particular place north of Dublin skerries about half hour up the M1 and you will find a real Irish experience.
Also every summer a must see is the all GA finals are held. Every pub on the stretch to the Crow Park is packed, Party's and BBQ's in everybody's front garden.

Sadly in my opinion a lot of the day to day Irish culture is hidden due to the fall of the Celtic tiger days were money was good and life was enjoyed the "craic" you are looking for is just not there anymore.

Reply
Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/31/2014 01:39:41 am

The summer GA finals sounds like something that is very interesting! I would love to go for another visit during this time, just to enjoy the festivities.

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Jill
12/7/2012 10:02:44 am

Great article and so true. Everyone visiting should hire a car and get lost in the country.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/31/2014 01:41:26 am

There are times when I think that getting lost is the best way to dig in whole hearted and learn about your surroundings.

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Sam link
12/7/2012 03:04:33 pm

Looks like a nice place to drop by. But I agree, for the authentic experience go where the locals go - any of the numerous country pubs.

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Brandon Elijah Scott link
1/31/2014 01:42:45 am

Thank you so much for stopping by and dropping a line. It means a lot to me that you took the time to do that. :) I hope I see you around the website sometime. It's always nice to see a familiar name in the comments.

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