Temple Bar and O’Connell Bridge sit at the centre of many Dublin visitor routes. The area is close to Trinity College, the River Liffey, College Green, Grafton Street, Westmoreland Street and some of the city’s best-known cultural stops. That makes it a useful base for tourists who want to see a lot without spending the day moving across the city.

One of the easiest indoor attractions in this area is The National Wax Museum Plus, located on Westmoreland Street beside Temple Bar and close to O’Connell Bridge. It works well as a first stop, a rainy-day backup, a family activity or a flexible attraction between larger sightseeing plans.

1. Visit The National Wax Museum Plus on Westmoreland Street

The Wax Museum brings together Irish history, famous faces, fantasy, music, science, horror, folklore and interactive exhibits in one city-centre location. Visitors can explore the attractions before or after nearby landmarks such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, O’Connell Street and the River Liffey.

It is especially useful for groups with different interests. Families can move between colourful and interactive rooms, tourists can add Irish history and culture to the day, and friend groups can include photo opportunities and themed areas without leaving the city centre.

2. Walk across O’Connell Bridge and explore both sides of the city

O’Connell Bridge connects the north and south sides of Dublin city centre. From here, visitors can walk towards O’Connell Street, the Spire and the General Post Office, or head south towards Trinity College, College Green and Temple Bar. The short distances make it easy to build a flexible sightseeing route.

3. Use Temple Bar as a location point, not the whole plan

Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most famous areas, but visitors get a better experience when they use it as part of a wider route. Nearby streets lead to cultural attractions, theatres, restaurants, river walks, galleries and museums. This avoids the common mistake of spending too much time in one crowded area.

4. Add an indoor attraction between outdoor stops

Dublin weather can change quickly. If a walking route around Temple Bar, College Green or the quays is interrupted by rain, an indoor attraction nearby keeps the day moving. This is where a central attraction like the Wax Museum can be valuable because it does not require a long transfer or a complicated journey.

Check Plan Your Visit for practical details before arrival.

5. Make it a family-friendly city-centre route

Families often need shorter walking sections, accessible food stops and indoor breaks. The Temple Bar and O’Connell Bridge area works well because there are many nearby options. A family route could include an indoor attraction, lunch, a short river walk, and one historic or cultural stop depending on the weather and energy levels.

At the Wax Museum, families can connect this route with the Mirror Maze, Epic Worlds of Fantasy, the Enchanted Forest, Science & Discovery and Wax Hands.

Suggested half-day route

• Start near O’Connell Bridge for photos and orientation.
• Walk to Westmoreland Street for The National Wax Museum Plus.
• Continue towards Trinity College, College Green or Temple Bar depending on the weather.
• Finish with food, shopping or a river walk if conditions are dry.

Final thought

The best things to do near Temple Bar and O’Connell Bridge are not limited to pubs and photos. Use the area as a compact visitor hub, combine outdoor landmarks with indoor attractions, and keep your route flexible. To add a central indoor stop, explore The National Wax Museum Plus and book ahead before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions