Overview
The Temple Bar Book Market is a bustling weekend market set in the historic heart of Dublin’s cultural quarter. Every Saturday and Sunday, the cobbled expanse of Temple Bar Square (also known locally as Bernardo Square) transforms into a literary playground, where stalls spill over with second‑hand books, rare editions, vintage prints and quirky ephemera. The market’s open‑air vibe is amplified by the surrounding street art, colourful flags and the constant hum of nearby cafés and pubs, making it a lively stop for both serious collectors and casual browsers.
History
Temple Bar itself has a layered past, dating back to medieval times when it was part of St. Andrews Parish. Over the centuries the area evolved from a suburb outside the city walls to a 17th‑century garden district, later falling into decline before being reborn in the 1990s as Dublin’s celebrated cultural quarter. The market is a modern addition to this renaissance; it occupies Temple Bar Square, one of the two renovated public squares that anchor the district. While the exact launch date of the book market isn’t recorded in the source material, its presence is now an integral part of the weekend rhythm that defines Temple Bar’s daytime character.
What to See & Do
- Stacks of Stories – Stalls line the square with piles of paperbacks, hardbacks, children’s picture books and out‑of‑print titles. You’ll find everything from classic Irish literature to contemporary best‑sellers, often at bargain prices.
- Rare Finds – Collectors can hunt for first editions, signed copies and obscure titles that rarely appear in mainstream shops. The market’s reputation for hidden literary gems makes it a favourite among Dublin’s book‑loving community.
- Vinyl & CDs – A handful of stalls also stock second‑hand vinyl records and CDs, catering to music‑collectors who enjoy digging for hidden tracks.
- Vintage Prints & Ephemera – Beyond books, many vendors showcase vintage posters, old maps, postcards and decorative prints, adding a visual feast to the literary one.
- Street‑Art Backdrop – The square’s walls are a canvas for ever‑changing murals, graffiti and colourful flags, providing a photogenic setting that blends art and literature.
- Café Culture – After a round of browsing, slip into one of the nearby cafés or traditional pubs for a coffee, a pint of craft ale or a quick bite. The proximity of venues like The Temple Bar pub and The Porterhouse means you can easily extend your visit into an afternoon of people‑watching.
Vendors & Finds
Regular traders add personality to the market. Look out for:
- Alice Walsh Books – a well‑known stall for Irish titles and literary biographies.
- Evelyn and Peter Murray – specialise in children’s picture books and illustrated editions.
- Joe Murray – offers a mix of vintage paperbacks and niche non‑fiction.
- Taney Books – focuses on Irish history, poetry and rare first editions.
These vendors, together with many independent sellers, create a diverse mix that ranges from beloved classics to obscure curiosities.
Location & Access
The market sits on the south‑bank side of the River Liffey, between Dame Street and Westmoreland Street. GPS coordinates: 53.34558368875477, -6.2634253257608234 – confirmed accurate by multiple sources. It is within easy walking distance of Dublin’s main transport hubs:
- Luas – Red Line to Abbey Street or Jervis (≈2‑minute walk).
- Bus – Routes 15, 27, 46A, 145, plus 16, 53, 123 and 41 stop on or near Dame Street.
- Train – Dublin Connolly Station is a five‑minute walk.
The square is level ground and generally wheelchair‑friendly, though peak‑time stalls can narrow the aisles. Arriving early helps avoid the crowds.
Nearby Markets
Temple Bar hosts three weekend markets side by side:
- Temple Bar Food Market – Fresh produce, baked goods and artisan foods on Saturdays (10:00‑16:00) in Meeting House Square.
- Temple Bar Designer Mart – Hand‑made jewellery, fashion and design pieces on Cow’s Lane (Saturday 10:00‑17:00).
- Temple Bar Book Market – The focus of this guide, operating Saturday and Sunday (11:00‑18:00).
All three are weather‑dependent; severe conditions may force a temporary closure of individual stalls.
Visiting Tips
- Bring cash – While many traders accept cards, a few still operate cash‑only.
- Arrive early – The market fills quickly, especially on sunny days.
- Bag space – Books can be heavier than they look; a sturdy tote makes transport easier.
- English‑language focus – Stalls primarily sell English‑language titles, so non‑English speakers may find limited options.
- Talk to the sellers – Vendors are happy to discuss the provenance of a book or recommend hidden gems.
- Weather – The market runs year‑round but is open only when conditions allow safe setup; rain can lead to fewer stalls.
How to Trade
Aspiring stall‑holders can apply by emailing the market organiser at admin@templebarcompany.com. Spaces are licensed individually; availability varies, and some stalls may be vacant on a given weekend.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 11:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 – 18:00 |
The market is free to enter; you only pay for the items you decide to take home.
Getting There
- By Luas: Red Line to Abbey Street or Jervis (≈2‑minute walk).
- By Bus: Routes 15, 27, 46A, 145, 16, 53, 123, 41 stop on Dame Street.
- By Foot: The market sits on the south bank of the River Liffey, between Dame Street and Westmoreland Street, making it a convenient stop on any walking tour of the city centre.
Accessibility Temple Bar Square is level ground and generally wheelchair‑friendly, though the market’s temporary stalls can create narrow aisles during peak times. Visitors who need assistance are advised to arrive early for a smoother flow.
Website No dedicated official website could be located; the market is promoted through social media and the broader Temple Bar Markets site.
Nearby Attractions While you’re in the square, you can also explore other Temple Bar highlights: the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography, and the historic Abbey Theatre. The area’s cobbled lanes, historic pubs and cultural institutions make it easy to fill an entire day with Dublin’s best‑known sights.
Tips for Book Hunters
- Scan the stalls early for first editions; vendors often keep the most valuable items at the front.
- Ask about the book’s condition – many sellers will let you flip through pages before buying.
- Keep an eye out for bundled deals – buying a set of related titles can sometimes fetch a discount.
- If you’re looking for Irish authors, dedicate a few minutes to the stalls that specialise in Irish literature; they usually have a richer selection of local titles.