The Architecture of Temple Bar


Somewhere in Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been gradually putting together a bunch of photographs of buildings that are in the Temple Bar District of Dublin. Each one has caught my eye for different reasons and at different times of the day. The end result is that I have my own little collection going, which I’m posting here to share with you and which I’m sure I’ll be adding to as the months go by.

The Quays Bar

The Quays (pronounced “keys”) Bar

Ok I can tell you why this one caught my eye – it’s because of the brightly colored subway tiles on the outside. There’s brown, green, yellow, and sort of a tourquoise tiles on the front – and the arches really make this stand out on the street. It’s rather typical of some of the shops in the district – but this one, for some reason, is high up on my favorites list. I think it’s because it’s across from a larger open space, where they run the book market on the weekends.

Venetian Masks in shop window

This one – well, I love the brightly colored masks. It was perfect for selective color, and well, most people are going to miss what the shop really is. 😛

Industry - recycled goods shop
Industry – recycled and repurposed goods shop

This has to be the coolest shop near Cow’s Lane. It’s filled with recycled and repurposed goods – the last time I was in there there was an old library filing cabinet system that you could buy for your own home – and use as sock/craft drawers. Tempting.. tempting.

Elephant Castle Cafe
Elephant & Castle

I think I liked this place because of the name. It’s a cafe, and I can’t figure out what Elephants and/or castles have to do with each other. I also rather liked the way the sunlight highlighted the front windows – as it shoots right in between two other buildings. Most of this district is so built up and close together that you’re nearly always in shadow. It is sort of depressing, but typical of the era in which it was built. I think this is why this particular building made me smile – it maximized the sunshine.

The Chameleon (Indonesian - check out the awards)
The Chameleon Indinesian Restaurant

This is out of focus, unfortunately, but I liked how they displayed all their award mediallions at the bottom of the windows. I also liked how there’s two entrance doors.

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Temple Bar Organic Market (2)

Raw milk Cheese!
Raw Milk Cheese!

Back in January, in the depths of winter, there was no good looking produce in the stores. Even the winter vegetables were looking a bit sickly, and I just couldn’t justify spending money on food that had been picked green, shipped to a store, ripened in route – and then wilted – and overpriced – to serve myself for dinner. When I could take it no more, I googled for and set out on foot – and found my favorite market in Temple Bar. I was so pleased with the selection that I’ve been back a few times since, just for the produce, the locally made food, and the atmosphere.

Oranges, Cranberries, limes, mangos, kiwis and lemons
Fruits Galore

It’s hard to NOT buy up everything – it’s just so beautiful. And now that the Market has moved into 3 different locations, wandering in the Temple Bar district has allowed me to learn a bit more of this ancient bit of town and get some more photographs to make my (and your) mouth water. So, to my friends in the “Siberian” weather in Berlin, and my friends in the “Snow-packed” depths that are the Midwest/Southwest of the USA, eat your heart out.

Beautiful cakes (I thought they were soap!)
Beautiful cakes – which I thought were soap at first…

My favorite booth so far is the chocolate stand. This guy is amazing – and while he’s quite expensive, the fair trade organic chocolates he make are rich, dark, and wonderful. I’ve never had their like – and a single little bon bon is enough to kill any and every chocolate craving for days. They’re exquisite.

Organic chocolate (the best I ever had)
Little bites of heaven

If you get the chance, and you’re in Dublin on a Saturday, put on your coat and come out to the Market.

Temple Bar Market on Cow's Lane
Cow’s Lane branch of the 3 parted market.

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Temple Bar Trad Fest

Back the end of January, I went up to the Market in Temple bar. As luck would have it, while searching for the new market location (the city is putting an awning over Meeting place square) I suddenly heard the wail of a dying cat very distinct instrument called a Bagpipe. Following my ears up Essex Street, I found a sign to discover that it was the weekend of the Temple Bar traditional Music Festival. Luckily the tortured goose *cough* music from the bagpipes didn’t last long – and I had my camera (with internal video camera) with me.

This means that while I couldn’t record the entire thing – I was able to record some of the variety of performances and music to share with those of you out there. One thing I will note that was consistent – Almost every performance had someone in the audience participating – clapping, dancing, foot tapping or singing along. That made the experience that is the Temple Bar Trad fest that much more enjoyable.

I do hope you enjoy the video.

P.S. No Cats or Geese were tortured in the making of this blog post…

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