Dublin, or Baile Atha Cliath, was founded by Viking invaders in the eighth century. The name Dublin is derived from the Gaelic words Dubh Linn, which translates to black pool.
Bordered by the Wicklow Mountains to the south and the Irish Sea to the east, Dublin is famed for Guinness, great writers, lively nightlife and Trinity College, among other things.
Considering its modest size for a capital city, it has been home to a remarkable number of famous writers, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and more recently, Roddy Doyle.
And its favorite sons are not just limited to writers. Irish actors Gabriel Byrne, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Stephen Rea all worked in Dublin theater. And bands like U2 and Thin Lizzy also started out in Dublin.
There is plenty to see and do in Dublin. The city center is relatively compact and can be covered comfortably on foot. Highlights include Trinity College, which is home to the famous Book of Kells; Stephen's Green; Temple Bar, which really comes alive at night; and shopping on Grafton Street.
The Dublin transport system has improved dramatically in recent years and major additions are still being made to the infrastructure, so it is relatively easy to get around.
The city bus network serves all areas of the city, while two rail systems, the DART and LUAS, also serve both the north side and south side of the city. Work is currently underway on a Metro system and a LUAS link to Dublin Airport.
Whether you are looking for history, shopping or wild nights out, you will find something to suit you in Dublin.
