Why Dublin Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List: Hidden Gems & Iconic Sights
For at least 800 years, Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath in Irish) has been the most important urban center in Ireland. It is hosted by Dublin Bay, nestled between the Howth Peninsula and the Dalkey Promontory on the central-eastern coast of the island. The city is divided by the course of the River Liffey, which flows into the port and is crossed by nine bridges. From above, you can also see two canals surrounding the historic center and a myriad of parks. The view of the sea characterizes the sky of Dublin, deeply influenced by the Atlantic climate, where clouds and sun constantly alternate.
In general, Dublin is one of those cities you must visit at least once in your life—not for a specific attraction, but to live and breathe an atmosphere without equal in the entire United Kingdom.
The History of Dublin: A City Born from Conquests
When visiting Dublin, it’s worth learning some history. The first records about the future capital of Ireland date back to the 9th century, when the Danes conquered and fortified the small existing village. Three centuries later, the Anglo-Normans expelled the Danes. In 1172, the King of England received the homage of the Irish tribes right in Dublin, binding the city to the Crown for a long time, even during the civil war. Loyalty lasted until 1798, when a very turbulent period began, marked by uprisings and massacres to gain independence, which finally arrived on December 6, 1921, after almost three years of revolution. From then on, Dublin became the capital of the country.
Dublin: A Birthplace of Literary Greats
Dublin’s fame is amplified by being the birthplace of several famous writers: Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), Bram Stoker (1847-1912) — celebrated each year in a festival — and George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950). It was also home to an illustrious figure in English history, Field Marshal Duke of Wellington, the man who ended Napoleon’s glories with the victory at Waterloo. However, it’s James Joyce who has left the deepest mark on modern Irish and Anglo-Saxon literature in general.
Artists of Dublin: Music, Acting, and More
In addition to writers, Dublin is the birthplace of many artists. Some notable figures include John Field (pianist and composer, famous for writing the first nocturne), Gabriel Byrne (actor), The Dubliners (an Irish folk music group), Bob Geldof (singer of Boomtown Rats), Bono (U2 singer), Sinéad O’Connor (singer), Gay Byrne (long-time presenter of the Late Late Show), and Colin Farrell (actor).
The Prestigious Trinity College
The most famous institution in Dublin is undoubtedly Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Until 1793, the university was reserved for Protestant students, and only since 1873 has it granted degrees and scholarships to Catholics. Samuel Beckett, Edmund Burke, Oliver Goldsmith, and Robert Emmet all studied here, along with many of the city’s renowned writers.
The main entrance to Trinity College is the Front Gate, located opposite College Green. The long Palladian façade is guarded by statues of Burke and Goldsmith. From there, the open area gives access to Front Square, Library Square, and Parliament Square. In Parliament Square, you’ll find the Chapel, the Dining Hall (an 18th-century refectory), the Examination Hall, and the Reading Room.
Historic Streets and Buildings in Dublin
Coming out onto College Green, opposite Trinity College, you will see the Bank of Ireland, initially designed in 1729 as the Parliament building and later sold to the national bank in 1802. To the south of College Green is Grafton Street, a pedestrian area known for the Browne and Thomas department store and Bewley’s Oriental Café, a historic meeting point for Dubliners.
Heading further east brings you to Dawson Street, home to the Mansion House, residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin since 1715. Nearby is the Royal Irish Academy with a library filled with ancient documents, and Saint Anne’s Church, built in the 18th century.
The so-called Georgian City is centered around Kildare Street, where monumental buildings such as Leinster House (home of the Irish Parliament), the National Library, and the National Museum can be found.
Cultural and Architectural Highlights
Dublin is full of impressive historical and cultural landmarks. Be sure to visit Merrion Square, the National Gallery, City Hall, and Dublin Castle. Among the two primary churches in Dublin, Christ Church Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stand out for their historical significance and beautiful architecture.
Dublin’s Literary and Artistic Culture
The Liberties, home to the Guinness Brewery, is another iconic neighborhood. The brewery, founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness, has been in its current location since 1761. For beer lovers, a visit to the Guinness Hop Store in Crane Street is a must, where you can see the production process and taste various beers. Close by is the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), which offers exhibitions by Irish and international artists.
Climate and How to Get Around
The climate in Dublin is temperate, heavily influenced by humid air currents from the Atlantic Ocean. Rainfall is abundant both in summer and winter, with statistically higher precipitation from July to December. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from an average of 4-5°C in January to 15°C in July and August.
Dublin International Airport is the main gateway for travelers, served by numerous airlines. Urban public transport relies primarily on the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART), along with numerous bus lines.