Quite apart from the fact that the enormous concentration of bars and pubs in Temple Bar, has led to it being considered the ‘cultural centre’ of Dublin, there is also great historical importance here, and the city’s oldest thoroughfare, Fishamble St. In 1980 archaeologists excavated dwellings proving that Fishamble was originally a Viking enclave. Not quite as ancient, but impressive nevertheless, is Reads Cutlers, No 4 Parliament Street, which is Dublin’s oldest shop and has been open for over 240 years. Other buildings of historic importance can be found in Eustace St.

Of course, a visit to Dublin's Temple Bar is compulsory for pub crawlers and historians alike. You'll find plenty of welcoming Dublin pubs close to your choice of one of the great Dublin hotels.