Temple Bar District, Dublin (must see)

Between the winding river and Dame Street lies Temple Bar, a once dilapidated area now firmly ingrained in Dublin's tourism scene, renowned for its nightlife and lively street atmosphere. Its narrow, partly pedestrianized lanes, adorned with quintessentially Irish 18th-century cobblestones, retain traces of original architecture, lending an authentic charm to the district.

To enter Temple Bar, one can stroll from Dame Street or pass through the picturesque Merchants Arch, opposite the iconic Ha'penny Bridge, leading into Temple Bar Square. At the heart of the district, between the Merchant's Arch and the Central Bank, you'll find a cluster of government-funded arts centers, tourist-centric shops, along with many eateries and pubs. Continuing along, you will discover Eustace Street and Meeting House Square, home to many of the district's cultural centers. The Irish Film Institute on Eustace Street screens arthouse and foreign films and houses a popular café/bar, plus a shop stocked with film theory books and posters.

Meeting House Square hosts Photo Museum Ireland, showcasing images of Dublin past and present alongside Irish and international photography exhibitions. Adjacent to it, the National Photographic Archive preserves the photographic collections of the National Library of Ireland, providing reading rooms for research and temporary exhibitions. Venturing further, you'll encounter the avant-garde displays of painting and sculpture at the Project Arts Centre on East Essex Street, along with its upstairs theater. Nearby, the Button Factory serves as both a nightclub and concert venue, while Jam Art Factory showcases excellent Irish art and design.

On Temple Bar's southern boundary, Dame Street, stands a Victorian gem: the Olympia Theatre. Dating back to 1870, its stunning stained glass canopy and ornate interior reflect the era's exuberant spirit. Nearby, City Hall, originally the Royal Exchange, boasts a Corinthian portico, while just west lies Dublin Castle, a cornerstone of the city's historic legacy.