Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. It is renowned for its vibrant pub culture, majestic castles, lively music culture, stunning parks, and beautiful museums portraying its rich history.
Facts About Dublin
Originally, Dublin was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. They settled there and named it the ‘Norse Kingdom of Dublin’.
In Irish language, Dublin translates to ‘Dubh Linn’ meaning ‘Black Pool’, coming from the Old Irish Gaelic phrase. It also translates to ‘Baile Átha Cliath’ which means ‘Ford of the Reed Hurdles’ in English.
The O’Connell Bridge is the only traffic bridge that is wider by 5 meters than its length. It is constructed over the River Liffey.
The O’Connell Street is 49 m wide and is the widest street in Europe! You may think of Champs-Élysées, but it is an avenue, not a street.
Dublin has been home to many literary scholars like Anne Enright, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce, W.B.Yeats, and many more. The whole city was designated as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010.
The first lion that roared at the beginning of MGM movies was born in the Dublin Zoo. His name was Slats and appeared from 1917 – 1924. Leo, also born in Dublin Zoo, is the seventh lion and by far MGM’s longest used lion.
Dublin has 4 sister cities – Beijing since 2010, Barcelona since 1998, Liverpool since 1997, San José since 1986.
The people here love their stout and partying. There are more than 750 pubs in Dublin! But, it still has fewer pubs per head; than other capitals in Europe.
Arthur Guinness signed a lease of 9,000 years with the famous brewery, for a small sum of £45 per year! It was signed in 1759 and the rent still has stayed the same!
Dublin alone produces over 10 million pints of Guinness every day!
The city is home to the oldest pub in whole Ireland. The pub ‘Brazen Head’ opened in 1168 and is still open!