Dublin Ireland is located on the eastern coast of the country, overlooking the rippling blue waters of the Irish Sea. Now considered one of the most popular European cities, the beloved city of Dublin is a definite favorite among globe-trotters. With a vibrant art and literary culture, warm, personable people, and streets bursting with pubs, restaurants, theaters, and activities, sometimes it seems that New York City should give up its claim as “the city that never sleeps.”

The history of Dublin Ireland shares some similarities with other Irish regions. The area was first inhabited by early Celtic people, before the Vikings arrived and took control. Over time, the two groups intermarried and established a strong trading port and the beginnings of a city. The city’s coastal location gave the people maritime advantage, as well as an abundance of seafood. Dublin experienced years of economic boom (called the Georgian boom years), before falling into times of trouble and unrest. Dublin fell back under English control, though not quietly. Many incidents and events belied the strong nationalist pride of the Dubliners, such as the 1916 Easter Rising, the burning of the Custom House in 1921, and the onset of the Irish Civil War. In examining the basic themes within the history of Dublin Ireland’s own history becomes a bit clearer, as the entire country is shaped by its times of triumphant, trouble, warfare, and peace. Improving the recent history of Dublin Ireland became a member of the European Union, which has drastically helped the city rebuild itself after so many centuries of turmoil.

The city of Dublin Ireland sprawls around the arc of Dublin Bay, with the River Liffey splitting the city into two parts. South of the River Liffy, tourists can find a number of great Dublin attractions. Boutiques, stores, malls, gift shops, artisan stores, and specialty food markets line the streets, and Dublin vacationers can while away the better part of an afternoon simply window-shopping and wandering. Academics and bookworms can explore Trinity College, which is Ireland’s premier university. Literary aficionados won’t want to miss a quick examination of Trinity College’s “Book of Kells,” an illuminated manuscript dating from around 800 AD, making it one of the oldest books in the world.

Dublin Map

Dublin Castle is another favorite destination, complete with towers, moats, and even an acclaimed Dublin museum, the Chester Beatty Library. Other Dublin attractions include the Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, and antique shopping on Francis Street.

No Dublin vacation would be complete without a few trips to an authentic, jolly Irish pub. Most tourists will opt for at least a pint of the deep, rich Irish beer of choice: Guinness. If you’re itching to taste the world-renowned beverage at its birthplace, here’s your chance. The Guinness Brewery is located north of the River Liffey and brews over 2.5 million pints of stout daily. At one time, it was the largest brewery in the world. Even so, the Guinness Brewery remains a crowd-favorite, as does the brewery’s museum, the Guinness Brewery. For the energized, party-hopping Dublin vacationer, some beloved Dublin attractions include the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, the four-day St. Patrick’s Day carnival, the Viking Splash Tours, and the Heineken Green Energy Festival.

With cathedrals, pub crawls, art galleries, antique stores, stadiums, monuments, and a are sense of vibrancy and life, the City of Dublin Ireland is a sparkling gem—and can’t be missed.