All the bars in the Temple Bar area in Dublin are great. The people are fun and the atmosphere cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. However, the best is the aptly named Temple Bar; it has a little something extra. During the day there is live music upstairs; a little loud for conversation, but still great anyways. Of course it is traditional Celtic, so you are constantly reminded that you are in the heart of Ireland. The food is better than your average bar food: great sandwiches and fresh oysters top the menu, plus they have a nice beer garden to enjoy your lunch. Later in the evening when you are really ready to have fun, the bar sports 450 different kinds of whiskey. The Guinness always comes with a shamrock on the top, and if you ask, they can even flavor it with pomegranate, my personal favorite. Later in the night, the place really gets going; it reminds me of a movie set with the dark wood, and walls covered in memorabilia blend into the giant crowd. Everyone is cheerful, and there are a great mix of locals and tourists alike. My first experience going upstairs at the Temple Bar was pretty memorable. There was a live band, and all the older, bearded locals were having pints and stomping around dancing. My friend, a very petite girl, was literally swept off her feet by one such man, who went on to throw her over his shoulder, and spin around on the dance floor. I was handed a tambourine, and went to town. Overall, the Temple Bar is rich in history, and a great place to make new Irish memories.
