What Dublin is known for

County Dublin, which houses a third of Ireland's population, is the third smallest county in the country. The city of Dublin, the namesake of the area, is the largest city in Ireland, and it also acts as the capital city of the county. Recognized as being founded in 988 AD, the city's original name was the Gaelic "Dubh Linn," which means black pool. It was later renamed Dublin, though its current name is still related to its previous title. River Liffey flows through Dublin, specifically through the center of the town. In total, the river is 75 miles long, and it empties into Dublin Bay. River Liffey flows through other sections of County Dublin as well. County Dublin also features Dublin Castle, which was founded in 1204. Today, the castle is used for State receptions and Presidential inaugurations. It also contains the Chester Beatty Library, which has a sizeable Eastern art collection. Trinity College, another feature of County Dublin, was founded in 1592 and is one of the oldest centers of learning.[4]

Wicklow Mountains National Park, yet another feature of County Dublin, has the primary purpose of covering biodiversity and landscapes. With over one million visitors each year, the park covers 20,483 hectares. As the largest National Park in Ireland, it is the only designated area that is located in the east of the country. Geographical examples in the region include the Wicklow mountains, winding mountain roads, forestry plantations, wooded valleys, and lowlands. Activities that are available to visitors to the park include hillwalking, hiking, and a scenic pedestrian walk along the Green Road, which goes to Monastic City and to the Upper Lake area of Glendalough. It is highly suggested that people respect the environment.[3] 

Within the city of Dublin is a wide variety of activities that are available to tourists. One of the more well-known things to visit in the town is the Spire of Dublin, which rises approximately 120 meters above the ground. As a stainless-steel structure, the feature is known for being lit up by an external light source during the night to act as a beacon. St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland, and it was initially founded in 1191. Dublin Castle spans over 11 acres and has exhibits that feature the country's history. Also available at the castle are guided tours of the grounds, which consist of its many rooms, museums such as the Chapel Royal, and gardens. Other attractions in Dublin include Ha'penny Bridge, Phoenix Park, the Trinity College Library, and the Dublin Zoo.[2]

Geography

County Dublin, located in eastern Ireland, is bordered by County Kildare to the west, County Meath to the west and north, County Wicklow to the south, and the Irish Sea to the east. For the most part, the central and northern parts of the area are flat, while the southern areas are mountainous. To the north, specifically along the coast from Balbriggan to Howth, are sandy shores. Liffey acts as the main river in County Dublin, and it is located in the Wicklow Mountains a few miles southwest of the city of Dublin. Liffey flows from the mountains through Dublin into Dublin Bay. County Dublin was likely formed in the late 12th century, and at the time, it held the chief portion of the country within the English Pale. However, Dublin itself underwent several changes before reaching its final configuration. Today, the city of Dublin is located near the central part of County Dublin, and it acts as the namesake of the area.[9] 

Multiple types of plants and animals reside within County Dublin and range in species, namely birds, plants, mammals, and fish. Wildlife can be found in various areas such as the mountains or fields. Specific mammals in the area are sika deer, European badgers, red foxes, grey seals, European fallow deer, long-finned pilot whales, minke whales, and several types of bats. Fish include European eels, Atlantic pollocks, brown trout, and shannies, while some birds are herring gulls, mute swans, rooks, Eurasian blue tits, little egrets, mistle thrushes, Eurasian coots, brands, and white wagtails. Plant life varies from flowers to trees to bushes. Some examples of these plants are common daisies, horses, sycamore maples, butterfly bushes, fireweed, Germander speedwells, cornflower, ramsons, maidenhair spleenworts, Norway maples, and wall-rues.[7] 

Throughout the year, the city of Dublin experiences various temperatures and amounts of rainfall. Typically, temperatures lie somewhere between 38 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely exceed 72 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. As a general rule, January receives the most precipitation, followed by October and February. April usually gets the lowest amounts of rain and snow. Humidity in the region is not high, while water temperatures vary from 46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of these factors, tourists often visit from late June to the end of August.[6]

History

Originally founded by Vikings, Dubh Linn was located on the south bank of the Liffey in 841. With its name meaning "black pool," the town was later named Dublin. In the late 11th century, stone walls were built around the city. Later, the Danes erected an artificial hill near the city where the men of Dublin would meet to discuss politics and make laws. During the Viking times, living conditions were primitive and often consisted of wooden huts with thatched roofs, none of which had chimneys or glass windows. In Dublin, there were likely craftsmen such as carpenters, jewelers, blacksmiths, and leather workers. Aside from these workers, other people would make various items such as combs from bones or deer antlers. A wool weaving industry was also formed. Dublin experienced a slave trade early on.[8] 

Dublin celebrated its first millennium in 1988, meaning that the Irish government recognized 988 as the year in which the town was settled. That settlement consequently became the city of Dublin. At the beginning of the 9th and 10th centuries, there were two main settlements that had become modern Dublin. These settlements were the Scandinavian settlement, which was centered on the River Poddle, and a tribe of the Liffey, who inhabited an area that is now known as Wood Quay. Originally, the Dubhlinn was a pool on the lowest stretch of Poddle, and it acted as a place where ships would moor. Eventually, the pool was fully infilled during the 18th century due to the city's growth. The Dubhlinn was situated where the Castle Garden is now located, which is across from the Chester Beatty Library within Dublin Castle.[1] 

During the middle ages, the King of Leinster, MacMurrough, was forced to flee from his kingdom. In 1169 he gained the help of a Norman known as Strongbow, and they invaded Ireland. When the Norman army approached Dublin, the Archbishop was sent out to negotiate. However, while the leaders communicated, some Norman soldiers broke through the defenses into the town. After breaking into the city, they began killing the townspeople, which resulted in the Viking king and his followers fleeing by sea.[8] 

When MacMurrough died in 1171, Strongbow became the new King of Leinster. During this time, the Vikings returned to Ireland to attempt to recapture Dublin with their army. Despite their efforts, the Vikings were defeated, and the king was captured and executed. Over the years, the Normans would defeat other groups who tried to take Dublin.[8] 

During the middle ages, part of Dublin's economic growth was due to a trade in slaves. Slavery reached its pinnacle in Ireland and Dublin in the 9th and 10th centuries. Most of the victims of slavery came from Wales, England, and Normandy. Many of the prisoners from slave kidnapping and raids, which resulted in the capturing of men, women, and children, brought revenue to the Gaelic Irish Sea raiders, additionally to the Vikings as well who had started practicing slavery.[1] 

In 1171, King Henry II of England was able to overthrow the Normans by mounting a large invasion. Around this time, the county of the City of Dublin was established, along with other certain liberties that were adjacent to the city proper. This continued until 1840 when the barony of Dublin City was separated from the barony of Dublin. As of 2001, both baronies have been redesignated as the City of Dublin.[1] 

In 1190, Dublin experienced a fire but was soon rebuilt. After it was rebuilt, the population began to grow, reaching a number of 8,000 by the 13th century. Other historical events that happened in Dublin were a rebellion, increased living standards, the creation of Trinity College, multiple plagues, the founding of hospitals, a further increase in population, and the founding of the Catholic University in Dublin.[8] 

Today, Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, and it also acts as the country's capital city.[4] The city of Dublin has a total population of around 565,000 people, while County Dublin houses 1,255,963 people.[5] Compared to the rest of Ireland, County Dublin is the third smallest county. Despite this, it houses a third of Ireland's population.[4]