Overview
Nestled between Eustace Street and Sycamore Street, Meeting House Square is Dublin’s award‑winning outdoor performance arena. Designed as a modular piazza, the space is defined by four retractable umbrellas that can be opened for shelter or folded back to reveal the sky. A high‑ceilinged atrium, a proscenium stage, a screen and a projection booth make it a versatile venue for everything from indie film screenings to live music, street theatre and community festivals. The square is often described as Ireland’s outdoor living room and serves as the cultural hub of Temple Bar’s bustling quarter.
History & Architecture
The site began life as a disused car park behind the historic meeting‑houses that give the square its name. In the early 1990s a grassroots group called the 1991 Group campaigned against a proposed bus terminus in Temple Bar and put forward an alternative framework plan that envisioned a public piazza. The square was formally created in the mid‑1990s, with the Ark Children’s Cultural Centre opening in 1996 and the installation of gates in 1997 to curb anti‑social behaviour.
A major transformation came after the 2004 decision by Temple Bar Cultural Trust to commission a retractable canopy. Designed by Sean Harrington Architects, the project cost €2.4 million and culminated in four 21 m high “umbrella” structures – the first of their kind in Ireland – which were installed to mark the twentieth anniversary of Temple Bar’s regeneration. During construction an archaeological dig uncovered artefacts dating from the 10th and 12th centuries, confirming that the area has been a centre of activity for a millennium.
Architecturally the square measures roughly 23 m by 32 m, creating a compact, cube‑like space reminiscent of a Venetian campo. The four‑sided enclosure, high walls and movable umbrellas give the venue a distinct sense of intimacy while still accommodating up to 600 seated spectators for cinema events.
Events & Programming
Meeting House Square hosts a constantly changing programme:
- Temple Bar Food Market – every Saturday 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, offering artisan breads, cheeses, fresh produce, potato cakes and international street food.
- Outdoor cinema – nightly screenings after civil twilight, ranging from classic Irish films at the Irish Film Institute to international arthouse titles. Notable past screenings include Don Giovanni (Opera Ireland) and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Live music and performance – seasonal concerts, street‑theatre, dance companies (e.g., Candoco, Fishamble) and poetry readings such as Seamus Heaney commemorations.
- Exhibitions – rotating photographic shows in the National Photographic Archive and the Gallery of Photography, plus occasional art installations (e.g., the Rory Gallagher guitar sculpture unveiled by The Edge).
- Special festivals – the square has been a venue for city‑wide events like the Dublin Fringe Festival, St. Patrick’s Day street performances and the 1916 Easter Rising centenary photographic exhibition.
Most daytime events are free; film screenings and some special performances carry a modest ticket fee.
Practical Information
Opening hours – The square is open daily from 07:00 – 23:30. Event curfew limits performances to 23:30 Monday‑Thursday and midnight Friday‑Sunday; film screenings start after civil twilight.
Umbrella status – As of the latest council update the four retractable umbrellas are temporarily out of order. Visitors should check the Dublin City Council venue‑hire page for the current status, especially if rain is forecast.
Getting there –
- Public transport: Luas Red Line – Trinity stop (≈5 min walk). Dublin Bus routes 123, 46A and 145 stop nearby on Temple Bar.
- Walking: The square is a short stroll from Dublin City Hall, Trinity College and the GPO.
- Parking: No dedicated car parking; use nearby street bays or the underground car park at the Convention Centre (pay‑and‑display).
Accessibility – Level surface, wheelchair‑friendly pathways and nearby accessible facilities in the National Photographic Archive and IFI.
Contact – For programming enquiries email info@templebar.ie (subject to verification) or call +353 1 677 2255. Venue‑hire enquiries go to Dublin City Council at 01 222 2242 / 087 194 7474.
Nearby Attractions
Meeting House Square sits in the cultural heart of Temple Bar, making it easy to combine a visit with other highlights:
- Ark Children’s Cultural Centre – a vibrant children’s arts venue adjacent to the square.
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, a short walk away on Abbey Street.
- National Photographic Archive and Gallery of Photography – free exhibitions on Irish history and contemporary art.
- Irish Film Institute – independent cinema with an outdoor terrace overlooking the square.
- Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the GPO – historic landmarks within a 10‑minute walk.
Whether you’re hunting a Saturday bite, catching an outdoor film, or simply soaking up the buzz of Temple Bar, Meeting House Square offers a flexible, free‑entry space that reflects Dublin’s blend of heritage and modern creativity.
Practical Information (continued)
Venue hire – The space can be booked for private events, with screen, projection booth and stage included. An enquiry form and downloadable brief are available on the Dublin City Council website.
Facilities – Restrooms are located in the surrounding buildings (National Photographic Archive, IFI). No permanent on‑site toilets; high‑capacity events rely on adjacent venue facilities.
Tips for visitors – Arrive early on market days to avoid crowds, bring a camera for the striking umbrella architecture, and check the council’s event calendar for special screenings or festivals.