On Ireland’s eastern coastline, the capital city finds a home in between the mouth of River Liffey and Dublin Bay. Dublin covers in Georgian architecture, medieval history, and culture on every corner. If you are not a believer, just walk into the many lively pubs and bars in town or pop in the city’s countless shop. Dublin is a youthful city, but not an immature one. With elements of being cosmopolitan, the city may be one of Europe’s smaller capitals, but that does not mean Dublin is lacking in attractions.
The city’s origins remain tied to the forceful Vikings. Over 1,000 years ago, a small Viking settlement laid the foundations for today’s vibrant city. What developed into a trading colony, was put on the table in the Middle Ages. Dublin would become the center of Anglo-Norman power. By the 17th century, the city grew in population. It also underwent a redesign, rebuilt in mainly a Georgian style. Today, those styles are still present, along with Dublin’s medieval past.
In the heart of historic Dublin, travelers can stick their noses in one of the most famous books of all time, the Book of Kells. Located in the prestigious Trinity College Library, the Book of Kells rests. The library alone contains some 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books. This manuscript was written around 800 A.D. It is also considered one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the entire world. Since the 19th century, Dubliners have proudly left two volumes of the book on display for public view. This is one book you wouldn’t be able to look at with greasy fingers.
Post-literary lesson, many wander around Trinity College itself. The University is the oldest in all of Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Stretching across 40 acres, Trinity College doesn’t look like a dreary college campus. Cobbled squares, parks and gardens make up this campus, proving it pays to stay in school
While Ireland covers in little churches and even grand ones, there are two churches in Dublin that get most of the attention. Christ Church Cathedral stands in large shoes. The Cathedral is the oldest building in the city and mother church of the Dublin dioceses. Perched up on a hilltop, the alluring flying buttresses are enough to warrant a photo. A wooden church was first put up in this spot as far back as 1030. Nearby, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral dukes out Christ Church for attention, being the largest Church in all of Ireland. Founded in 1191, it remains one of the city’s first Christian sites on supposed Saint Patrick hallowed ground.
Aside from the city’s Cathedrals, Dublin is also known for its medieval remains. Historic Dublin hosts the Dublin Castle. While many of the traces of its original structure are not loudly present, the castle still boasts a rich history. It was first an early Gaelic Ring fort and then a Viking fortress. Visitors can view the state apartments, which show off the residential quarters of the Vic regal court. Near the city center, another famed castle looms around rolling pastureland. Ardgillan Castle falls between Balbriggan and Skerries. Set on one of Dublin’s Regional parks, 194 acres of land look out on the bay of Drogheda. The castle is also worth notice, built in 1738.
After a day’s worth of touring, Dublin supplies a wealth of relaxing beverages. Perhaps the most famous, Guinness calls only one city home. The Guinness Storehouse and Saint James Gate Brewery may fill with students on a study abroad trip looking to throw a few back, but who can blame them. The rooftop Gravity Bar offers views of the city with a black and tan Guinness bee on the side. The Brewery itself began here in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. It turns out an ocean of Guinness a year, some 450 million liters. For those that like the harder spirits, the Old Jameson Distillery is a popular place for genuine Irish whisky. Even those who don’t need alcohol to take the tourist edge off can visit Bewley’s in Dublin. The coffee shop has been in business since 1835 and is known for is six stained glass windowed interior.
There is something so poetic about Ireland’s capital city. It could be the literary influences still hovering over. George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce, and Oscar Wilde all lived, spent time, and drew inspiration from Dublin’s streets. It could also be that one of the greatest manuscripts of all time resides in town. Or, it could be in the name, Dublin meaning, “black pool”. However, the city is not a dismal, dark pool, but rather one swimming in youth, age, history, and of course, black and filling Guinness.
