Dublin’s Temple Bar: Are Pints Worth a Pot of Gold This St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s day revelers in Dublin are experiencing sticker shock at the price of a pint, particularly in the famed Temple Bar area. While the area is known for its lively atmosphere and customary pubs, some popular spots are charging prices that have patrons questioning their value. Is a pint in Temple Bar worth its weight in gold, or are there better options for celebrating ireland’s national holiday?

Temple Bar Prices Raise eyebrows

Temple bar, celebrated for its vibrant 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. live music sessions, flower-adorned facade, extensive whiskey collection, and, increasingly, its “extortionate” pricing, is at the center of the debate. On St. Patrick’s Day 2025, a pint of Guinness at one of its past pubs costs a hefty €10.45 (approximately £8.79). Surprisingly, Guinness isn’t the priciest choice; Heineken, Carlsberg, Smithwick’s Pale Ale, and Bulmer’s Cider command an even higher price of €11.45 (about £9.63).

• Guinness: €10.45 (£8.79)
• heineken, Carlsberg, Smithwick’s, Bulmer’s: €11.45 (£9.63)

These prices stand in stark contrast to the national average. According to the Irish Pub Guide, the average cost of a pint of Guinness or any stout in Ireland during May 2024 was €5.77 (£4.84). The notable price difference in Temple Bar has sparked considerable reaction.

Public Outcry and Comparisons

The steep prices have triggered strong reactions online, with one person deeming the Temple Bar pricing “obscene” and another describing it as “robbery without violence.” One commenter quipped, “Thay might as well serve you while wearing a striped jumper a eye mask,” while a Dublin local stated, “That’s why I stay away from the city center.”

The following are some of the comments that demonstrate the variety of sentiment toward Temple Bar prices:

• “People need their heads looked at to pay that money.”
• “These prices are unreal. Crazy. How the f*** are they charging this and still getting people through the doors? Mind blown.”

Adding to the debate,a beer enthusiast from Northern Ireland boasted about paying only £4.80 for a Guinness in Derry the previous week, roughly half the price charged in Temple Bar.Despite the high costs, the area remains a magnet for tourists. As one person noted, recalling an interaction with American tourists, “We told them they were nuts, yet they knew the costs and didn’t care. They wanted to go there, go figure. They also said it was cheaper than New York.”

Oliver St John Gogartys Faces Scrutiny

Another popular Temple Bar establishment, Oliver St John Gogartys, has also faced criticism for its pricing. A customer’s receipt for four pints of Guinness, totaling €39.80 (£32.98), went viral. This equates to €9.95 (£8.34) per pint. The shared post questioned, “Can someone please justify this to us? A full breakdown of why it has to cost €9.95 a pint?”

Navigating Dublin’s Pub Scene: Alternatives to Temple Bar

while Temple Bar offers a unique experience, it’s essential to consider alternatives for those seeking a more budget-friendly pint. Many locals and seasoned travelers suggest exploring pubs outside the city center, where prices are typically lower. As several online commentators noted:

• “So many good places outside of Temple Bar, it’s a surprise to me it’s kept going in its current form as long as it has.”
• “It’s Temple Bar. It’s been this way for many years.”
• “Cos you went to Temple Bar…You justified it for them by paying.”

Some claim that Temple bar is “cheap” compared to other parts of Dublin, but other users reported finding significantly cheaper pints just around the corner.

• “That’s cheap for Dublin! Crazy that you can get it in places like Spain for half that when its literally made down the road.”
• “Paid €9 last October in there. Was a lovely pub but soon went round the corner where it was €5.90.”
• “It’s even more expensive there after 11pm. The prices go up.”

Conclusion: To Temple Bar or Not To Temple Bar?

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is an unforgettable experience, but the high prices in Temple Bar warrant consideration. While some tourists are willing to pay a premium for the atmosphere, others may find better value and a more authentic experience in pubs outside the main tourist hub.Do your research, consider your budget, and explore all that Dublin has to offer. Whether you choose Temple Bar or venture elsewhere,raise a glass to a memorable St. Patrick’s Day! consider exploring local pubs outside the Temple Bar area for a more budget-friendly and authentic Dublin experience.