Dublin: friendly and full of character​

Quick facts:

• Name: Dublin;
• Founded: 13^th century;
• Population: 1.3 million;
• Area: 114.99 km2 (44.40 sq mi);
• Known as: Capital of Republic of Ireland, Baile Átha Cliath (“Town of the Ford of the Hurdle”).

Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, was founded by Vikings in 10^th century. Its rich history is what is defining it as a city with a character and everlasting charm. Seated on Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is dissected by River Liffey, flowing into Irish Sea.

Notable historic landmarks include Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Christ Church Cathedral, all founded between 11^th and 13^th century. Many museums preserve history and culture of Dublin and Ireland, with National Museum being most prominent one.

Being developed and densely populated urban area, Dublin found a balance with several large green areas, such as St Stephen’s Green and Phoenix Park, offering great leisure activities or simple enjoyment in nature.

Dublin is known as a birthplace of famous authors such as Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett. Bram Stoker, the author of famous Dracula was also from Dublin and there is an annual festival in October dedicated to him and his works.

Temple Bar is a center of nightlife and cultural events, lined with restaurants, bars and pubs with live music. Guinness Storehouse and Old Jameson Distillery are also two notable landmarks, providing guided tours about famous Irish beer and whiskey brands.

Main attractions.

Guinness Storehouse. Brewery guided tours with tastings, telling the story of Ireland’s famous beer. Featuring also a rooftop bar. Temple Bar. A busy riverside neighborhood in central Dublin, on the south bank of River Liffey, lined with pubs with live folk music, restaurants and shops. Dublin Castle. Located in Dublin’s city center, this, early 13th century edifice hosts government offices, museums, library and a Gothic chapel.

Phoenix Park. Massive park area just outside of Dublin. Hosts Dublin Zoo and it is known as ‘Dublin’s playground’. St Stephen’s Green. Park with original Victorian layout located in city centre in Dublin. Featuring lake, waterfall, sculptures and a playground. Kilmainham Gaol. Formerly a prison, now a museum telling a story about political prisoners being incarcerated, tortured and executed.

St Patrick’s Cathedral. A 12th century cathedral in the centre of Dublin. National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, offering musical recitals and guided tours. Christ Church Cathedral. Also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, this 11^th century place of worship is hosting apart from many historical and religious artifacts, a peculiar display of a mummified cat and a rat found in 19^th century inside of church organ.  Jameson Distillery. Guided tours of the famous Irish whiskey distillery with tasting and dining. Located in Dublin city centre.

The Spire. Modern (from 2003) towering stainless-steel monument, cone-shaped and with reflective steel surface. Ha’penny Bridge. Named originally Penny Ha’penny Bridge, and officially the Liffey Bridge, iconic Dublin bridge from 19th century. Malahide Castle. Well preserved, 12th century castle with towers. Hosting antique furnishings and portraits, with large garden and restaurant, located north from Dublin.

Merrion Square. A Georgian garden square on the south part of Dublin city centre. Featuring art museum, park and monuments. Dublin Zoo. Part of the Phoenix Park in Dublin, this is one of the most popular attractions in Dublin. Free entry offered for Dublin Pass holders.

Top things to do.Visiting all above landmarks and location is a must, but you are also encouraged to explore more. There are several interesting day trips from Dublin, such as Connemara, Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, which can give you larger perspective in exploring Ireland in general. If you are Game of Thrones fan, visiting filming locations from Dublin is also one of the popular activities. Visiting Guinness brewery and Jameson distillery is a great activity to taste local beer and whiskey.

Festivals and events.

TradFest Temple Bar (January), St Patrick’s Festival (March), Dublin Dance Festival (May), Bloomsday Festival (June), Dublin LGBTQ Pride (June), Festival of Curiosity (July), PhotoIreland Festival (July), Longitude Festival (July), Dublin Horse Show (August), Dublin Fringe Festival (September), Bram Stoker Festival (October), Oktoberfest (September-October), NYF Dublin (December to January).

More information about Dublin’s festivals and events.

Best time to fly to Dublin.

The peak season for flights to Dublin is July, August and December. The low season for purchasing tickets is January, February and November.

Dublin is served by Dublin Airport (DUB). Direct flights to Dublin are offered by 18 airlines.

Interesting facts about Dublin:

• Dublin was founded by Vikings, who settled in what they called the “Norse Kingdom of Dublin”.
• Dublin’s oldest known pub is the Brazen Head, established in 12th century.
• Dublin has the youngest population in Europe: approximately 50 percent of its population is less than 25-years old.

More interesting facts about Dublin