This hugely popular cultural, entertainment and imbibement hub attracts large swathes of the city's newcomers and natives. Lying south of the Liffey, between Westmoreland and Fishamble Streets, its narrow cobbled thoroughfares reveal boutique hotels, speciality shops, boho cafés and plenty of those all-important pubs. Meeting House and Temple Bar Squares provide further congregational opportunies for lost or weary souls. And the area's share of restaurants, galleries, shops and even an arthouse cinema reinforce Dublin's youthful vibe.

Thirsty travellers intending to whet their whistle will almost certainly find a bar or three to satisfy... we suggest the IFI bar, Gallagher's Boxty House and the Porterhouse. For nightowls who refuse to relinquish the party, Club M is a popular singles spot for the slightly less discerning Edgier and more worthwhile, we think, is the Button Factory.

Among the many restaurants, The Mongolian Barbecue is a fun all-you-can-eat, but there’s a pretty impressive variety of fodder - from the pizzas and burgers of The Badass Café to the even more American-style food at The Elephant and Castle and the Italian delights of Trastevere.

Shoppers should prise open their purses at the excellent food market that takes root every Saturday beside the National Photographic Archive and the weekend book stalls crammed with tantalising tomes. Some nice second-hand CD shops and a fair few funky vintage clothes shops add to the eclectic retail experience.

For our money, Temple Bar is as much about the fun and laid-back daytime vibe as it is the well-established nightlife scene. Explore Temple Bar's cultural side and discover more to this party hub than meets your average guidebook. Start off by navagating your way to the Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre for lots more info on the area's events, attractions, pubs, clubs, shops, cultural centres and accommodation or go to www.visit-templebar.com and find out much more about the area.

Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre, 12 East Essex St, Temple Bar, tel. 677 2255, www.templebar.ie
Winter: Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:30, Sat: 10:00 - 17:30, Sun: 12:00 - 15:00; Summer: Mon-Fri 09:00 - 17:30, Sat: 10:00 - 18:00, Sun: 12:00 - 15:00.