About Jun26

Tags

Related Posts

Share This

About

Dublin – capital city of Ireland, with over 1.5 million residents and over 1,000 pubs.

10 trivia facts about Dublin’s fair city

1. The name for Dublin in the Irish language is both Dubh Linn and Baile Átha Cliath. While walking around Dublin you’re more likely to see the latter on road signs. The literal meaning of Átha Cliath is “Ford of the Reed Hurdles.” Dublin or Dubh Linn is derived from the Old Irish Gaelic, which has its literal meaning “Black Pool”. The Dubh Linn was a lake used by the Vikings to moor their trade ships and was connected to the Liffey by the River Poddle.

2. The city of Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 square miles. The average temperature in January is 41°F and the July Average is 63°F. It is estimated that 50% of the city’s residents are under-25 years of age. My advice dress warmly and party hard.

DublinRiverLiffeyView3. Dublin is twinned to cities Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, Liverpool in the United Kingdom and San Jose, in California.

4. Dublin’s O’Connell Bridge that covers the famed River Liffey is reckoned to be the only bridge in the European continent that has the same width as its length. This present concrete structure was built in 1863, replacing a wooden bridge built in 1801. Amazingly, prior to that time, O’Connell Bridge was a rope structure that could only carry one person and a donkey at a time.

5. Dublin has a renowned history in the Literary and Movie World with celebrated native names such George Bernard Shaw (dramatist, critic & Nobel Prize winner), James Joyce (writer and poet and writer of Ulysses), Oscar Wilde (playwright, poet, essayist & novelist) and Dracula creator Bram Stoker to name but a few. Prominent Hollywood Actors hailing from the city include Maureen O’Hara, Brendan Gleeson, Gabriel Byrne and Colin Farrell.

6. The “Oldest Pub in Ireland” is reputed to be located in Dublin. The pub is called the Brazen Head. There has been a pub on this site since 1198.

7. Handel’s classic “Messiah” was premiered for the first time in 1742 in Dublin at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street, with 26 boys and five men from the St Patrick’s and Christchurch choir cathedrals taking part.

8. Dublin is home to many of Ireland’s most famous musicians, from the Dubliners and Thin Lizzy to Sinead O’Connor and U2. Many of U2’s back catalogue of albums were recorded in their home city. Windmill Lane Studios was the place where U2 recorded their early work and first three albums. The site at Windmill Lane Studios is covered in graffiti from fans that have paid pilgrimage from all over the world and is known as the “U2 Wall.”

9. Trinity College, the ancient Dublin university set up at the request of Queen Elizabeth I, has had some memorable graduates including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and, surprisingly, Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula.

10. None of the so-called Dublin Mountains is high enough to meet the criteria required to claim mountain status. The Sugarloaf is the tallest ‘Dublin Mountain’ yet measures a mere 423.3 meters above sea level.

(Courtesy: www.irishcentral.com)

***************

Much More

Ireland’s capital since medieval times, Dublin continues to entice visitors with its blend of Irish hospitality and lively nightlife. Pubs and beer are seemingly at the centre of life in this city, whose most popular attraction is the Guinness Storehouse and the most popular area among visitors is Temple Bar, primarily due to its central location and, of course, availability of pubs and clubs, although its medieval cobbled streets do add immensely to its appeal.

Located in the province of Leinster, Dublin currently holds a population of nearly 1.1 million inhabitants to include the urban areas of Dublin and is by far the largest city in Ireland. Built upon the River Liffey, it became one of the fastest growing capital cities in Europe in recent years, both economically and population wise.

Once a city all too familiar with its inhabitants emigrating to foreign shores, the capital (as well as the rest of the country) has since gone through a major economic boom known as the Celtic Tiger. And while the economy has been faltering somewhat since this boom period ended just before the turn of the decade, Dublin has nonetheless evolved from a city of emigration to a thriving city of immigration. The Irish capital is now home to a large number of foreign nationals – most notably from Poland, United Kingdom, China, Lithuania, Russia and Nigeria. Indeed Dublin has grown up a lot from its infantile status into a thriving, modern and multicultural city in Europe.

One of the many consequences from the day of Celtic Tiger is the relatively high costs related to living as well as visiting the fair city (and the country in general). However, with the end of the boom, Dublin is becoming a more accessible city, price-wise.

When in Dublin, do as the Dubs do. The city centre area is compact and easily accessible by foot. Enjoy your days taking in the sites on the streets and head out at night to enjoy the ‘craic’ (Gaelic for ‘fun’) – i.e. drinking, music and dancing! The friendly locals are sure to wish ‘Céad míle fáilte romhat’ (A hundred thousand welcomes to you).

Neighbourhoods
The city of Dublin is the heart of the Dublin Region, and is primarily separated by River Liffey into the Northside and the Southside. This divide has historical and socio-economical significances, where traditionally most of the neighbourhoods in the northside were those of working class whereas the southside were made up of mostly of more affluent middle and upper-middle class neighbourhoods. The divide is blurring, given the affordability of housing in the northside in comparison to the southside, particularly for new (and often young) home-owners, although for now, the status quo remains.

The inner city centre areas are often identified around the streets and squares of significance as well as specially concentrated areas, including Grafton Street, Dame Street, Pearse Street, St Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar on the southside, and O’Connell Street, Parnell Street, Italian Quarter and Irish Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

What was formerly known as County Dublin is now dissolved and administratively divided into three counties – Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin – as well as the Dublin city area. Fingalcomprises of 28 towns, and has its head office in Swords, the third largest town in Ireland. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown comprises of 30 towns, and has its head office in Dún Laoghaire. South Dublin is made up of 17 towns and has its head office in Tallaght.

Trinity College
One Dublin’s most famous tourist attraction, Trinity College (also known as the University of Dublin) sits proudly on extensive grounds right in the centre of the city on College Green. Now more than 400 years old, it is Ireland’s oldest university and today ranked as one of the world’s top 50 universities. Aside from its magnificent grounds, the college is most famous for being home to the Book of Kells, an amazingly ornate illuminated manuscript in Latin that monks inked by hand as many as 1,200 years ago. Entry to the college grounds is free, but there is a €9 entry fee (€8 for students/senior citizens) for the Book of Kells. There are also student-led guided tours for €10 which includes the admission to the Book of Kells. Additionally, visitors to Trinity College can also visit the Douglas Hyde Gallery and the Science Gallery for free. Visitors may also download Science Safaris: The Trinity Trail podcast series to enhance their visit to the campus.

Science Gallery
The Science Gallery is an one-of-a-kind venue where science meets arts and the public from an interactive manner, and explores various topics of current interests. Please check the events listing prior to visit, as there is transitional period in between exhibits. Science Gallery does not house a permanent exhibit. Entry is free although some experiments may incur a small charge to cover the running costs. There is also a café (albeit somewhat clinical in appearance) in the gallery that serves delicious Italian food.

National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland has three branches in the capital: the Archaeology branch on Kildare Street, which looks at prehistoric and medieval Ireland; the Decorative Arts & History branch at Collins Barracks; and the Natural History branch on Merrion Street (currently closed for restorations – part of the exhibits can be seen as temporary exhibition at Collins Barracks). All are free of charge.

The National Gallery of Ireland
Facing onto Merrion Square (but with a second entrance at Clare Street), the The National Gallery of Ireland is home to the Irish national art collection. Most notable for its comprehensive collection of Irish art, the gallery also has some great works from Italian baroque and Dutch masters. Free entry to the permanent collection.

Irish Museum of Modern Art
Located on an impressive site – in a 17th century building west of Dublin city centre that was formerly a hospital – the Irish Museum of Modern Art(IMMA) is Ireland’s home of modern and contemporary art. Free entry, except to some special exhibitions.

Dublin Castle
Originally a castle boasting four circular towers and tall walls, Dublin Castle dates all the way back to the 13th century. Just one of these towers remains today, however, and most of the castle’s surviving buildings are from the 18th century. It is nonetheless a grand location boasting several different museums as well as regular diplomatic functions.

Christ Church Cathedral
The oldest cathedral in the city, the Christ Church Cathedral is a gothic-style church of almost a thousand years old. Although it has undergone many restorations, it remains an excellent example of medieval and Victorian architecture. It is adjacent to Dublinia and entry to both places can be bought together at a discounted price.

St Patrick’s Cathedral
Built in honour of the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Ireland. Located just beyond the old Dublin city wall (whereas Christ Church was within the city wall) adjacent to the famous well where St Patrick was said to have baptized converts on his visit to Dublin, the cathedral boasts one of the largest organ in the country with over 4,000 pipes.

Guinness Storehouse
One of the most visited attractions in the city, the Guinness Storehouse is located inside St James Gate brewery, which has been the home of the famous black stuff since the 1700s. Here one can learn all about how the stout is made, its many famous advertising campaigns and even how to pour the perfect pint. The tour ends with a complimentary drink in the Gravity Bar, which offers a great 360-degree view of the city. Online purchase of the tickets is discounted by 10% and as the tour of the storehouse is self-guided, visitors should download the podcast available on the web to accompany their visit.

Old Jameson Distillery
The Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin’s modern Smithfield district offers visitors the chance to learn everything about the history of this famous whiskey and its founder, John Jameson.

By Foot
Of course, probably the best way to travel around the city centre of Dublin is to hit the streets on foot. The most popular tourist areas in the city are reasonably close together and well within walking distance. Strolling through the various areas you will soon witness how old Dublin meets the new modern developments and neither backdrop will seem out of place. During the day the streets will be bustling with shoppers and workers running out to grab lunch. Even at night the streets are relatively safe. However, as is with all cities, it is best to keep to well lit and busy areas.

Nightlife
Long famous as a good-time city, Dublin has become a mecca for young tourists from Britain and elsewhere in Europe that descend on the Irish capital specifically to party. Therefore you’re sure to find fellow tourists everywhere on the nightlife circuit, although some groups of visitors, particularly stag (bachelor) and hen (bachelorette) parties, have earned themselves something of a bad reputation. Pubs and nightclubs aside, Dublin has an active cultural scene, with plenty of concerts, theatre and other events to choose from. The best sources for information on what’s on in the city at any given time include In Dublin, The Irish Times newspaper and Entertainment.ie.

Eat
There are plenty of good quality places to eat in Dublin, with a wide price range to suit all budgets and a variety of cuisine type on offer. Admittedly, Dublin is an expensive city and therefore many travellers may find eating out in Dublin overpriced. However, many restaurants are offering set value menus in order to make dining out a more affordable affair once again. For a list of places to eat, see Eating Out in Dublin.

Drink
Being the Irish capital, the first thing most travellers think of upon their arrival in Dublin is where can they get a decent pint! And for sure the city is not one to disappoint. The River Liffey creates a divide through the city between the Northside and the Southside – both of which offer a multitude of variously themed pubs and clubs. Some of the bigger places are quite obvious to the passerby, however a little venturing down winding streets and narrow lanes can provide satisfying rewards in the form of small, but homely pubs and bars. It’s also not unusual to find larger clubs hidden away in obscure locations. A reasonably comprehensive list of pubs in the capital can be found at the Dublin Pubscene website.

(Courtesy: www.travellerspoint.com)