Beautiful, scenic and rich in history and culture, Dublin is the capital of Ireland as well as its largest city, with a population of just over one-half million and growing rapidly. Situated along the River Liffey and on Dublin Bay in the Irish Sea, it has a pleasant climate most of the year. Dublin is home to many universities and colleges, sporting organizations, museums, theatres, and shopping centers.

History

Dublin was established as a town in the ninth century and has served as the designated capital of Ireland for over 800 years. In Georgian times, the city grew quickly and was the fifth largest city in Europe as well as second only to London in the British Empire for a time. One of the most notable industries of Dublin, the Guinness brewery, moved to Dublin in 1749, becoming the city's biggest employer since then. In the twentieth century, Dublin suffered through several destructive wars and uprisings, but has been extensively redeveloped within the last decade.

Art & Museums

The National Gallery of Ireland, located in Dublin, contains Ireland's greatest artworks as well as masterpieces from Italy, France and the Netherlands. The Natural History Museum features Ireland's wildlife and marine life, while exhibits on the history and archeology of Ireland can be found in the National Museum. Dublin is also home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art, but many visitors may find the Bram Stoker Museum to be of unique interest.

Nightlife

Dublin boasts an incredible array of bars and pubs that cater to anyone's taste in music and ambiance. The Temple Bar area south of the river is a well-known tourist attraction with its many nightclubs, pubs and specialty shops. The Grafton Street area is a popular destination for those preferring a quieter scene. On any given night, there are a number of places to find live music, comedy, cinema, live theatrical performances, concerts, and other events.

How to get there

Public transportation in Dublin includes rail and bus systems. Dublin Bus, the state-owned bus system, provides the majority of service with fares determined by fare stages being traveled. Dublin's current rail system includes a two-line light rail, the Luas, and plans for the Dublin Metro, which is to be an underground line.