Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland and sits on the eastern coast, on the Irish sea, which separates Ireland from Great Britain.
Dublin's official date of establishment was in 988 A.D. although evidence of it's existence dates back to the second century in which it was named Eblana. Norman Vikings were the first settlers of the city, and many artefacts, old walls and buildings have been uncovered on the first site, Wood Quay, in the present City Centre. Until the middle of the 17th century, Dublin remained a small, walled medieval town. But in 1649 After the English Civil Wars the town was taken over by Oliver Cromwell, it had only 9,000 residents at this time and was in a state of shambles. By the end of the 17th century, however, a remarkable growth began with Protestant refugees from the European continent pouring into Dublin.
Dublin has a maritime temperate climate. The wettest month, December, averages 76mm of rainfall. Summers in Dublin are cool and pleasant, temperatures in July peaking at around 20°C (68°F), the most sunshine being experienced in May and June. Winters, apart from being wet, are mild with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point. Snow is unlikely, the main precipitation being rain, but a few flurries can occur.
Dublin airport is situated about ten miles from the city-centre, on the north side of the city. Irish Rail or Iarnród Éireann (part of the CIE group of companies) provide train services in Dublin and the rest of Ireland. Train services are available between Dublin and most of the other main cities of Ireland via the Intercity service. There is also the DART and LUAS which are electrified local services and tram service respectively. Dublin Bus is the primary transport system in the city of Dublin, it offers regular services throughout the city. Each bus route has a number, and goes to a specific location, which should be written on the front of the bus. Nearly all service, at present, terminate in the city centre. Taxi's are also very easy to get in the city, though can be much more expensive.
Dublin, has a lengthy and prestigious tradition of education that dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, Dublin was recognized as one of the key education providers to the western world. Dublin is an energetic and youthful city, its universities offer many fields-of-study that a student coming from across the globe can choose from. Dublin and its educational Institutions have been able to attract distinguished and renowned scientists from around the world to work in Dublin. Many internationally renowned academicians visit regularly to attend seminars and workshops in the higher educational institutes of Dublin. Though most of the academic staff has Irish background still, a large number of foreign experts are also working there.
Most of the streets in the centre of Dublin were laid out in the Georgian era of the 18th and early 19th centuries but in most cases the original buildings have been replaced at some stage. However in the southeast section of the city centre, around Baggot Street, Merrion Square and Fitzwiliam Square, most of the original townhouses remain.
The Guinness Storehouse is the most visited attraction in Dublin. The history of Guinness beer is over 250 years old. Every level of the building explains different parts of its history. At the top, there is a bar and a 360 degree view of the entire city. You can see more of Dublin here than anywhere else in the city. You can see the whole city and look out over the Irish waters. After going through the museum, everyone gets a free Guinness beer or a soft drink. Before the bartenders give the beer to the customer, they make a shamrock in its foam. Guinness beer will probably have a very strong taste for someone who does not usually drink it.
Dublin Castle is located in the heart of historic Dublin. It was originally built in 1204 on the orders of King John to serve as a fortress for the administration of the city, and stands today on the ridge at the junction of the River Liffey. There are guided tours of the State Apartments, the Undercroft and the Chapel Royal. The State Apartments are the venue for presidential inaugurations in Ireland. The Undercroft is where you can see Viking remains and the Old City walls. Today the castle plays a major part as a venue for visiting Heads of State, EU presidencies, state banquets and important conferences.
Founded in 1030 by Sitruic, king of the Dublin Norse, Christ Church cathedral is the oldest and most recognised landmark in Dublin. The cathedral and crypt exhibition Treasures of Christ Church reflect 1000 years of history, architecture and worship.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art is one of the most exciting developments in the Irish arts world. The museum presents, through its permanent collection and temporary programmes, international and Irish art of the 20th century with associated educational and community programmes. Performance, theatre and music are included in its work, with particular emphasis on the overlap between the visual and performing arts.
The city offers visitors wonderful shopping, vibrant theatre and entertainment options and, of course, the traditional pubs that are famous the world over. Dublin has a variety of festivals including cultural, art, religious festivals along with book fairs, fun fairs, food festivals, fashion festivals and film festivals and many many more. And all that not every year, neither every month rather it is every week.
