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Dublin Attractions and Things to See

Dublin, Ireland is the capital and biggest city in the country, near the midpoint of the nation's coastline on the east coast, by the mouth of the River Liffey, and the heart of the Dublin Region, originally founded as a Viking settlement, that would slowly evolve into the kingdom of Dublin, and after the Norman invasion, would become the island's most important city. During the 17th century, it would grow and expand quickly, and for a short time became the second biggest city in the British Empire, and the fifth biggest in Europe. The city would begin to stagnate after the Act of Union was signed in 1801, but still remain as the economic hub of the island. It is an alpha global city, with a marvelous heritage that includes the arts, contemporary and historical culture, administration, industry and economy. It has a fabulous history, well worth learning more about, before going over there, with many magnificent historical centers, castles, structures and artifacts.

It has a wealth of landmarks and monuments that date back hundreds of years, and Dublin Castle is one of the oldest, first becoming a major defense work after King John of England ordered it in 1204, just after the Norman invasion in 1169, that included the command to construct a castle with strong walls and extensive ditches for the defense of the city, the protection of the king's treasure and the administration of justice. One of the city's newest monuments is the Spire of Dublin, which is officially called a "Monument of Light", that is a 398 foot conical spire created with stainless steel, that showcases the city's place in the 21st century. It was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects, and provides a beacon in the night sky across the city, lit up at the base and the top is lit with the beacon. The Ha'penny Bridge is an ancient iron footbridge that runs over the River Liffey that is one of the most photographed sights in the city and one of its most iconic landmarks.

Dublin has more green space per square kilometer than any capital in Europe, with some 97% of its citizens living within 100 feet of a city park. There are 7.3 aces of green space for every thousand people, and 255 playing fields, with the city government planting some 5000 trees each year, and manages more than 3700 acres of parks. These include St. Stephen's Green, the Phoenix Park and Herbert Park, with the Phoenix is north of the river, and covering over 1750 acres, that is considered one of the biggest walled parks in Europe, with a lot of green grassy areas and tree-lined avenues, and during the 17th century would become a home for wild Fallow deer. The former residence of the President of Ireland, sits in the park, constructed in 1754, and home to the Dublin zoo, Ashtown Castle and the official residence of the US Ambassador. Many concerts are held there, performed by singers and musicians.

It has a world famous literary heritage, producing many prestigious people that include Nobel laureates, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett and William Butler Yeats, with other well known writers and playwrights like Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker, as well as being famous for the location of the best works of James Joyce, including Ulysses, the Dubliners and other works. The nation's biggest literary museums and libraries are located in the city, that includes, the National Library of Ireland and the National Print Museum of Ireland, thus helping Dublin become a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010. It also is home to many excellent theaters, with many famous and well known actors and actresses coming from there, as well as performing there, and a focal center for Irish art and its magnificent artistic scene. The Book of Kells is a world famous manuscript created by Celtic monks in 800 AD, and considered to be an excellent example of insular art, which is showcased at Trinity College, and the Chester Beatty Library contains the famous and fabulous collection of rare books, miniature paintings, decorative arts, prints and manuscripts that were accumulated by the American mining millionaire, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. This fantastic collection dates from the period around 2700 BC and onwards, and have come from the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North Africa. Other famous big galleries include the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Douglas Hyde Gallery, the Royal Hibemian Academy, the National Gallery, the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery and the City Arts Center.
It has a wonderful entertainment scene, cuisine offerings, and more.