DESTINATION - Dublin

Over the last ten years, Dublin has become one of the top city break destinations in Europe, as one of Europe's oldest capitals For atmosphere, nightlife and craic, Dublin has very few rivals. The Irish capital appeals to a wide cross-section of visitors because it is at the very heart of Irish culture. Every night of the week is buzzing in Dublin! Attracting over 4.5 million visitors per year, Dublin offers endless choices to any visitor.

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Dublin's magnificent physical setting with the sweep of Dublin Bay and the shadowy silhouettes of the Wicklow Mountains to the south providing an exhilarating backdrop. Central Dublin is quite easy to find your way around. One obvious axis is formed by the river, the Liffey, which runs from west to east and acts not only as a physical, but also, at times, as a social dividing line.

The Northside, with some inner city areas which have been affected by unemployment and drugs, stands in contrast to some more affluent neighborhoods of the southside.

Stretching south of here is the pedestrianized Grafton Street, the city's commercial and social hub, leading to the stylish Georgian streets that surround St. Stephen's Green.

For many visitors the city's heart lies around the best of what is left of Georgian Dublin - the grand sights of Fitzwilliam and Merrion squares, the graceful terraced houses with their decorative, fan-lighted doors and immaculate central gardens. The elegant southside is also the setting for most of the city's museums and art galleries and also Dublin's majestic seat of learning, Trinity College with its famous library where you can see the ornate Book of Kells.

History of Dublin

Ireland's capital city, Dublin is steeped in history and youthful energy. Medieval and Georgian architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly bustling port where the cosmopolitan charm and historic atmosphere converge in delightful diversity. In 1988 Dublin celebrated its millennium year.

Dublin is also called 'Baile Atha Cliath' in Gaelic meaning town of the hurdle ford and also 'Dubh Linn' - The Dark Pool. Why? Well the River Poddle used to flow through the grounds of Dublin Castle until it was channeled underground. Where it joined the River Liffey, a dark pool formed - hence the City's name.

It is as a Viking settlement that Dublin's history really begins. After the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1170, defensive walls were erected around the Castle. These have been partially reconstructed and can be seen at St. Audoen's Church. The area around Dublin Castle is prehistoric and it is from here that the rest of the City has developed. Archaeological expeditions have shown that the City was born around 840AD, as evidence of the Viking settlement has been uncovered.

Medieval Dublin was subject to the fortunes of the English royals but it sustained its importance because of its use as a port. Ireland's largest church, Christ Church Cathedral along with Dublin Castle are reminders of the presence of the Anglo-Normans as these buildings date from that period.

Because most of the early city was built from wood, what you see today dates essentially from the Georgian era, so named from the kings who reigned in Britain and Ireland at that time. The eighteenth century saw the rapid growth in the size and population of Dublin. The city prospered, the medieval walls were swept away and new broad streets and fine squares were built on what had been open land on both sides of the River Liffey. The river was embanked and graceful bridges were built.

But as the capital of the Kingdom of Ireland, Dublin became famous, in the eighteenth century, for its elegance. The City developed beyond the medieval walls and developments of Dutch style houses and St. Stephen's Green were created after Sir Arthur Guinness donated the land to the city in the 1870.

However, there were great contrasts between the rich and the poor, as in other European cities of the time. Buildings dating from these times still remain such as Trinity College Library and Marsh's Library. Today Dublin is a fusion of Georgian Classical buildings and examples of a more International Modern style with large public parks and botanical gardens all adding to its unique urban charm.

Dublin - The Essentials

Population
Dublin has a population of just over 1.1 million

Weather
Dublin has a mild, temperate climate. Showers can occur at any time of the year, but usually pass quickly. Average temperatures in summer range from 16-20°C / 60-68°F and in winter, from 4-7°C / 39-44°F

City Transport
Dublin Bus operates the city's bus routes running from 7am to 11.30pm. There is also a limited late night 'Nightlink' bus service at weekends.

DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) - The DART railway stretches the full length of Dublin Bay, from Howth on the north side to Bray on the south

Taxis
Three of the main taxi ranks in the city center are located on O'Connell Street, Dame Street and St. Stephen's Green. Numerous private taxi companies also operate throughout Dublin City and county

Banks
Most banks are open Monday -Friday 10am to 4pm with late opening on Thursday until 5pm

Business Hours
Most businesses are open Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm. Stores are open Monday -Saturday 9am to 6pm with late opening on Thursday and Friday until 9pm. Many city center stores open on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm

Pubs
Official opening hours for pubs are 10.30am to 11.30pm, Monday to Wednesday.
Closing is at 12.30am Thursday to Saturday, 12.30 to 11.30pm on Sunday.
Many pubs in the city center are granted late licenses.