Dublin, Ireland

• The name for Dublin in the Irish language is both Dubh Linn and Baile Átha Cliath. While walking around Dublin you’re more likely to see the latter on road signs. The literal meaning of Átha Cliath is "Ford of the Reed Hurdles."
• The city of Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 square miles. The average temperature in January is 41°F (5 °C) and the July average is 63°F (17°C). It is estimated that 50 per cent of the city’s residents are under 25 years of age.
• Dublin’s O'Connell Bridge that covers the famed River Liffey is the only traffic bridge in Europe, which has the same width as its length.
• You can have a pint in a pub opened since 1198 AD, it is called the Brazen Head and is reputed to be the "Oldest Pub in Ireland", located in Dublin.
• Dublin is the home to many acclaimed literary pioneers. The list is long and includes Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet, playwright, essayist, and novelist, Bram Stoker, and James Joyce. Nobel Laureates W.B Yeats, Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney also lived in Dublin. There’s no doubt that Dublin city has contributed a great deal of historic literature and as such, there are many libraries, publishing institutions, and literary institutions.
• It is the home of the largest park in Europe.
• Dublin is home to many of Ireland’s most famous musicians and prominent Hollywood actors, from the Dubliners and Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor and U2 to Maureen O’Hara, Brendan Gleeson, Gabriel Byrne and Colin Farrell.
• Dublin is renowned for its rich literary history and has produced many famous writers, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats.

Father Matthew Bridge (aka 'Dublin Bridge')

The site of the bridge is understood to be close to the ancient "Ford of the Hurdles", which was the original crossing point on the Liffey and gives its name (in Irish) to the city of Dublin.

At the turn of the first millennium (c. 1014), the first recorded Dublin Liffey bridge was built at this point. Possibly known as the Bridge of Dubhghall, this basic wooden structure was maintained and rebuilt over several centuries (from early Medieval to Viking to Norman times).

Named after Father Theobald Mathew, an influential 19th-century Irish social reformer known for his efforts in promoting temperance and sobriety, the bridge stands as a tribute to his contributions to Irish society. Constructed in 1818, the bridge's design showcases classic Georgian architectural elements, blending gracefully into the city's landscape.

Its distinctive three-arched design, complemented by intricate stonework and ornate lamp posts, offers a picturesque scene that captures the essence of Dublin's history. The Father Mathew Bridge has witnessed the evolution of the city over the years, from horse-drawn carriages to modern automobiles. Moreover, its location within close proximity to other landmarks such as Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral makes it a central point for both locals and tourists to explore Dublin's heritage.

The Jeanie Johnston

Replica of a three masted barque that was originally built in Quebec, Canada, in 1847 by the Scottish-born shipbuilder John Munn. The replica Jeanie Johnston performs a number of functions: an ocean-going sail training vessel at sea and in port converts into a living history museum on 19th century emigration and, in the evenings, is used as a corporate event venue.

Famine Ship: County. Kerry to Quebec on 24 April 1848, with 193 emigrants on board, as the effects of the Famine ravaged Ireland. Between 1848 and 1855, the Jeanie Johnston made 16 voyages to North America, sailing to Quebec, Baltimore, and New York. On average, the length of the transatlantic journey was 47 days. The most passengers she ever carried was 254, from Tralee to Quebec on 17 April 1852. To put this number in perspective, the replica ship is only licensed to carry 40 people including crew.

The Dublin Convention Center

The Convention Centre is located in the Dublin Docklands area of the city. The Convention centre overlooks the River Liffey at Spencer Dock. It was designed by the Irish-born American architect Kevin Roche. Construction started in 1998 and the building opened in 2010.

Since its opening in 2010, the center has played host to a diverse range of conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings. Its state-of-the-art f acilities cater to both large-scale corporate events and cultural performances, drawing participants from around the world. The center's strategic location offers stunning views of the river and the city, enhancing the overall event experience.

  

Image is the property of the Convention Center Website via their Website Gallery. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

Dublin Castle

From 1204 until 1922 it was the seat of English, and later British rule in Ireland. During that time, it served principally as a residence for the British monarch’s Irish representative, the Viceroy of Ireland, and as a ceremonial and administrative centre. The Castle was originally developed as a medieval fortress under the orders of King John of England. It had four corner towers linked by high curtain walls and was built around a large central enclosure. Constructed on elevated ground once occupied by an earlier Viking settlement, the old Castle stood approximately on the site of the present Upper Castle Yard. It remained largely intact until April 1684, when a major fire caused severe damage to much of the building. Despite the extent of the fire, parts of the medieval and Viking structures survived and can still be explored by visitors today.

On 16 January 1922, the last ever Viceroy of Ireland handed Dublin Castle over to Michael Collins and the government of the newly-independent Irish state. The end of the British presence had come about in the wake of the Easter Rising of 1916 and the Irish War of Independence. These momentous events paved the way for the creation of the Republic of Ireland and were closely associated with the history of Dublin Castle. Since that historic moment, a tradition of state ceremony has been maintained at the Castle. Successive Irish governments have continued to use it for important national events, such as state dinners and commemorations. Since 1938, each one of Ireland’s presidents has been inaugurated in St Patrick’s Hall, the grandest of the State Apartments.

  

Image is the property of J.-H. Janßen via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

Gallagher's Boxty House

At Gallagher's, the star of the show is Boxty, an authentic Irish potato pancake that has been handed down through generations. Locals and visitors alike flock to savor the delectable range of Boxty dishes, from the classic potato pancake filled with succulent meats or hearty vegetables to creative sweet varieties.

Beginning in 1988, Pádraic Óg Gallagher perfected the Leitrim Pan Boxty, A light Boxty Pancake served with a variety of fillings. Through the years, Pádraic Óg and his Chefs developed a range of Boxty which are served in a variety of ways at the Boxty House to showcase the best of Irish Produce.

The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant transports guests to a bygone era, with wooden furnishings, exposed brick walls, and live Irish music adding to the authentic experience. The friendly staff exude Irish hospitality, making every guest feel at home.

The Temple Bar (aka "Flannery's Bar & Cafe")

Flannery’s of Camden Street, quaint looking from the outside, pure craic on the inside, Flannery’s has gained institutional status and is somewhat of a right of passage for anyone visiting Dublin city and regulars alike.

Flannery's of Camden Street is renowned for its extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, providing connoisseurs and newcomers alike with an opportunity to savor the essence of Ireland's beloved spirit. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to recommend a perfect whiskey pairing or share intriguing stories about the pub's storied past.

The Guinness Storehouse

Experience the history, heart, and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer. Explore the story of Guinness before taking in the views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar while enjoying your free drink.

This is a fun seven floor tour, you get the opportunity to learn all about the history of Guinness, shop the Guiness store, learn how to properly pour a Guiness (hint; it is a six step ritual), etc. Tickets can be purchased online at the link below.

NOTE: Image is the property of Tukka via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

General Post Office (aka 'GPO')

Inaugurated almost two hundred years ago, the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin has a lengthy history that includes a strong connection with Ireland’s struggle for independence. It was famously used as a headquarters by the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, as evidenced by the bullet holes still visible in its grand façade. Today, it is still Dublin’s main post office.

On April 24, 1916, members of the headquarters battalion of the Irish Volunteers and Citizen Army marched to the GPO and claimed it as the foremost of four positions throughout the city. It was here that the Irish flag was hoisted and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read aloud by Commander-in-Chief Patrick Pearse. The rebels also took over the Wireless School of Telegraphy down the street and completed Ireland’s first radio broadcast, alerting the world to the rebellion. The leaders of the uprising stayed stationed at the GPO until a fire caused by several days of shelling forced them to tunnel through neighbouring buildings, to 16 Moore Street, where they later surrendered.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the 1916 Easter Rising. Click here to go to the GPO Museum Website.

The Liffey River

Looking upstream from the Grattan Bridge, towards the Four Courts (the domed building), with Essex Quay and Wood Quay on the right bank (left of picture) and Upper Ormond Quay on the left bank (right of picture).

The River Liffey is an iconic feature of the city of Dublin, Ireland. Flowing for approximately 125 kilometers, the river rises in the Wicklow Mountains and runs through the center of Dublin before flowing into the Irish Sea. The river has played an important role in the history of Dublin, as it was used for transportation of goods, trade, and as a source of power for the city's industries.

The Liffey is also known for its many bridges, including the famous Ha'penny Bridge, which was built in 1816 and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dublin. Other notable bridges include the Samuel Beckett Bridge, the Sean O'Casey Bridge, and the Millennium Bridge.

NOTE: Image is the property of Leandro Neumann Ciuffo via Wikimedia Commons and the CC BY 2.0 license.

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• Dublin History on the 'Britannica' site
• Dublin's Top Attractions on the "Ireland" site
• Top 25 Things to see & do in Dublin on the 'Crazy Tourist' site
• Things to see & do in Dublin on the 'Travel US News' site
• Things to see & do in Dublin on the 'Culture Trip' site

• Google Search Results list for "Dublin Restaurants"
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• Things to do in Dublin on the "Get Your Guide" Site
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• Dublin City Tours & Passes on the "Viator" site

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