Dublin’s Temple Bar Pub Sparks Outrage Over ‘Rip-Off’ Guinness Prices – Tourists Left Stunned!
A Popular Tourist Spot with a Hefty Price Tag
Dublin’s Temple Bar Pub is undeniably one of the most famous and frequently visited spots in Ireland’s capital. With millions of tourists walking through its doors each year, eager to experience the thrill of sipping their first “authentic” Irish Guinness, the pub has cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination.
However, while it promises a classic Irish pub experience, it also comes with something else—steep prices that have left many visitors frustrated and out of pocket.
Would You Pay Nearly €10 for a Pint of Guinness?
A recent viral post has reignited the controversy surrounding Temple Bar Pub’s pricing. An X (formerly Twitter) user, PintsO’Guinness, shared a shocking receipt that quickly sparked outrage among beer lovers and social media users alike.
The post, dated January 23, 2024, revealed that a single pint of Guinness at the Temple Bar Pub costs a jaw-dropping €9.95 (£8.33). The unlucky customer ordered five pints, racking up a staggering bill of €49.75 (£41.91) for just the famous black stout.
But that wasn’t the worst of it—another pint, this time of Harp Lager, cost even more at €10.95 (£9.16). This revelation shocked many beer drinkers, who questioned how Harp, a cheaper alternative to Guinness, could be priced even higher.
Here’s a breakdown of the eye-watering bill:
- 5 pints of Guinness – €9.95 each (Total: €49.75)
- 1 pint of Harp Lager – €10.95
- 1 Baileys – €10.85
- 1 Smirnoff Vodka – €9.95
- Water – €4.45
Total bill: €85.95 (£71.93)
Tourists Left in Shock – “What a Rip-Off!”
The viral receipt ignited a fierce debate online, with many users expressing disbelief at the sky-high prices. Some described the pub as a “tourist trap”, warning future visitors to steer clear unless they were prepared to pay premium prices for an Instagram photo.
One user on X commented:
“My old man is spinning in his grave!”
Another added:
“That’s a bloody expensive pint of Guinness!”
Meanwhile, others were even more baffled by the price of Harp Lager, which isn’t considered a premium beer.
“I’m more concerned about the price of the Harp,” one person noted.
Another chimed in:
“Have you seen the price of Guinness? And even worse, Harp Lager? I mean, it’s Harp for crying out loud!”
Clearly, the pricing strategy at Temple Bar Pub has left many scratching their heads—and their wallets considerably lighter.
Why Is Guinness So Expensive at Temple Bar?
While some may argue that Temple Bar Pub is a historic institution and deserves to charge premium prices, others find it hard to justify spending nearly €10 per pint when the average price of Guinness in Dublin is significantly lower.
According to The Irish Times, the average cost of a pint of Guinness in Dublin is estimated to be around €5.77 (£4.83)—almost half the price of what Temple Bar Pub charges.
In fact, many traditional pubs outside the tourist-heavy areas serve a pint for as little as €4.50 to €5. So, what makes Temple Bar Pub so expensive?
1. Location, Location, Location
Temple Bar is one of Dublin’s most famous districts, packed with pubs, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. As a result, businesses in the area charge higher prices due to high demand and tourist traffic.
2. A World-Famous Reputation
Since its establishment in 1840, Temple Bar Pub has built a legendary reputation, attracting visitors from all over the world. With live Irish music, a lively atmosphere, and a Guinness experience unlike any other, tourists are willing to pay a premium.
3. High Operating Costs
Running a business in a prime tourist district isn’t cheap. Rent, wages, and supply chain costs all contribute to higher prices. But does this justify a near €10 Guinness? Many argue it doesn’t.
Social Media Reacts: “Absolute Daylight Robbery!”
As expected, the reaction on social media was explosive, with users across X, Facebook, and Reddit calling out the outrageous pricing.
🚨 Viral X (Twitter) Reactions
🔗 PintsO’Guinness Original Post
“€9.95 for a pint of Guinness in Temple Bar?! Absolute madness. My grandfather would roll in his grave. #RipOffIreland”
“You can get a Guinness for under €5 in loads of proper Dublin pubs. Tourists getting scammed for an ‘authentic’ experience smh.”
📢 Reddit Users Weigh In
Over on r/ireland, the discussion was just as heated.
“Nobody in Dublin actually drinks in Temple Bar. This is for tourists who don’t know better.”
“€10.95 for Harp?? I’d rather drink tap water!”
📌 Facebook Users Share Their Thoughts
On Facebook, reactions were mixed, with some defending the pub while others were horrified.
🔗 Facebook Post by Visit Dublin
“Temple Bar is an experience, but you don’t have to buy a pint there. Plenty of amazing pubs nearby with cheaper drinks!”
“Tourist tax at its finest. But let’s be honest, people keep paying, so they keep charging.”
Where to Find Cheaper Guinness in Dublin
If you’re looking for a great pint of Guinness without the shocking price tag, you’re in luck. Dublin has plenty of pubs offering the same quality (if not better) for a fraction of the cost.
Here Are Some Affordable Alternatives:
1. The Long Hall
📍 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
🛑 Price: Around €5.50 per pint
🔗 Website
One of Dublin’s most famous traditional pubs, The Long Hall offers great Guinness at a reasonable price in a stunning Victorian setting.
2. Mulligan’s
📍 8 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2
🛑 Price: Around €5 per pint
🔗 Website
A favorite among locals, Mulligan’s has been serving top-quality Guinness since 1782.
3. The Cobblestone
📍 77 King Street North, Dublin 7
🛑 Price: Under €6 per pint
🔗 Website
Known for live Irish music and a relaxed atmosphere, The Cobblestone is a great alternative to Temple Bar’s pricey pints.
Should You Still Visit Temple Bar Pub?
Despite the controversial pricing, Temple Bar Pub remains one of the most iconic spots in Dublin. It offers a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and the chance to soak in the city’s cultural scene.
However, if you’re traveling on a budget, you may want to enjoy the atmosphere without buying drinks or opt for cheaper alternatives nearby.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
The debate over Temple Bar Pub’s prices isn’t new, but the recent viral receipt has once again put it under the spotlight. While some tourists don’t mind paying a premium for the experience, others feel it’s an outright rip-off.
Ultimately, whether it’s worth it or not depends on your budget and expectations. If you’re looking for authentic Irish pub vibes without the shocking bill, there are plenty of other options around Dublin.
What do you think? Would you pay nearly €10 for a pint of Guinness at Temple Bar? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image Credit: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
