06 Feb Temple Bar
When on a tour of Ireland Dublin is simply unmissable. Ireland Luxury Tours seven day tour allows you a few days to explore Dublin.
Many visitors to Dublin today are lured by the action in the very recently developed Temple Bar area, on the south side of the Liffey. The internationally famous Irish rock band U2 had a notable influence on the development here when their consortium purchased the art deco Clarence Hotel; the Kitchen is still one of the most exclusive nightspots in town. Along with the flourishing of bars and trendy clubs has come an increase in up-market boutiques, bistros and galleries, making this once run-down area lively, colourful and fun to explore. It’s a gathering place for Dublin youth.
In the early 90’s Temple Bar was in danger of sinking under the weight of its own success, beneath a tide of stag parties and drunken weekenders drawn here from across Europe. Balance was restored, however, with the introduction of a summer programme of free arts events, including street theatre and open air markets. This has ensured that there’s something in Temple Bar for everybody, including the children. Indeed, the Ark has developed as a massive arts centre designed exclusively for work by,for and about children – perhaps not so surprising in a country where little ones are adored and tolerated almost everywhere.
The city is famous for its rock tradition, and in the bad old days before the Celtic Tiger economy and the cyber-revolution, music was one of the last outlets for youngsters hoping to escape unemployment and poverty. The Sound Training Centre in Temple Bar gives many children the chance to work at one of the city’s big recording studios, as well as training for lighting, stage, film and television production, helping to ensure a lively future for the city’s youth.