Museums in Temple Bar and environs (Dublin)

National Photographic Archive

Formerly located in the National Library's Kildare Street premises, the National Photographic Archive is now housed in an excellent purpose-built space in Temple Bar. The archive is dedicated solely to the preservation and care of the library's photographic collections, and facilities include a reading room, a darkroom and a small retail area. Currently, the Archive features an exhibition of photographs taken from the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Admission: Free.

Gallery of Photography

This non profit venue is the only gallery in Ireland devoted exclusively to photography. It holds around ten exhibitions a year and hosts work by both Irish and international photographers. The building's glass façade is one of the finest examples of contemporary architecture in the city. It also offers a variety of seminars and workshops. Spread over four floors, the gallery is also an excellent source of photographic gifts, books and cards. The shop has an excellent selection of original prints from Irish and international photographers and the stock changes regularly.

DESIGNyard

DESIGNyard is set inside a converted Victorian warehouse in Temple Bar and is one of the most progressive and original stores in town. The shop stocks custom-made furniture, jewellery, lighting and textiles, as well as providing a crucial showcase for new Irish design talent. Always worth a visit if you're seeking something original for your home, DESIGNyard is not just a craft extravaganza, it's practically a living exhibition centre.

Arthouse

This multi-purpose venue opposite the Temple Bar Music Centre is a haven for all things multimedia. Featuring a cyber-café and an often innovative exhibition space, Arthouse also offers a range of short-term computer and graphic design courses. Architecturally innovative with an exposed elevator and ramps, Arthouse is worth a visit for the building alone. Its glass facade offers pleasant views of Curved Street; so even if you're not the technical type, it's lovely, low-key venue in which to linger over a cup of coffee.

The Contemporary Music Centre

Located in a restored Georgian House in Temple Bar, this non-profit library and archive features the only major specialist collection of manuscript and recorded music by contemporary Irish composers. Included in the collection are some 3000 scores and 5000 recordings, while the centre's comprehensive database can also be accessed by visitors. A wide variety of specialist publications and CDs can be purchased at the reception area.

Graphic Studio Gallery

This gallery is part of the Graphics Studio workshop, a print studio first established in 1962 to provide printmaking facilities for artists. It is the oldest gallery in Dublin dealing exclusively in contemporary original prints, and a wide variety of work is featured, ranging from established artists to recent graduates. Fine examples of etchings, lithographs, screens and carborundum prints can all be purchased or viewed here.

Original Print Gallery

Located next door to the Temple Bar Gallery & Studios, the OPG won the Architectural Association of Ireland award for best design in 1996. The building alone is certainly worth a visit. The gallery specializes largely in print-making, and its exhibits include several Irish and international prints, including lithographs, etchings, woodcuts and silk-screens.

Kevin Kavanagh Gallery

You'll have to wander slightly off the beaten track to find this small city centre gallery. The Kavanagh was one of the first contemporary galleries to take advantage of the cheap rents in Temple Bar before its current incarnation as Dublin's official cultural quarter. The gallery is now located across the river, just behind the luxurious Morrison Hotel. Kevin Kavanagh is usually there himself and it's definitely worth having a chat with this artistic pioneer. Hosting several exhibitions a year, gallery artists have included Michael Boran, Colin Martin and Alison Pilkington.

Craft Council of Ireland Retail Gallery

If you're in a hurry looking for that last-minute gift from Ireland but want to give something you can be proud of, you could certainly do worse than the Craft Council. Located in the bustling Temple Bar, the shop and gallery offers an excellent selection in Irish craft and design. Commissions are also taken for that special one-off piece if what's on offer does not match your needs.

DesignYard Gallery

The Whichcraft Gallery is a new and beautifully designed addition to Temple Bar's list of attractions. An extension of Whichcraft - one of Dublin's premier craft shops - the gallery looks all set to become one of the most distinctive shopping areas in the city. Whichcraft Gallery features the work of new and established Irish artists and, like its sister gallery, provides the opportunity to view and purchase one-off and original art.

Project Arts Centre

First established in the late 1960s, the Project Arts Center was 'the' place to see fringe and visiting theatre performances in Dublin, and was also one of the few organizations brave enough to establish itself in the then-derelict Temple Bar area. The Project was not without its shortcomings, however; it was cramped, acoustics were poor and its infamous tin-roof seemed like it would literally fly off when the wind rose during performances. The four-storey Project boasts two spacious performance studios, numerous spaces for art exhibits, and a cafe/bar, the Project is set to become a focal point for the performing arts in Dublin. See their website for details for forthcoming events.