When we think of Dublin we probably don't group it with the great capitals of Europe. It is not that large, either in geographic area or population (about half-million in the city proper in 2011), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in personality. There are plenty of sights to see in Dublin, but the true character of the city is its charismatic people. It is really a fun place to be, and they are very proud of their pubs; you will find most to be brighter and more modern than their British counterparts.
Of course Dublin like any other place in Europe is steeped in history. And unlike most Americans, people there seem to have an innate understanding of their history, and how it relates to their present culture. If you go to one of their pubs that has Irish folk music, such a great deal of the lyrics have to do with their struggles for independence from Britain. They gained their independence almost 100 years ago, but the stories are still passed down.
There is more to their history than under British rule. Originally a Viking settlement, it rose to become Ireland's principal city following the Norman conquest of England in 1088. From the mid-1600s to 1800 Dublin reached a zenith, briefly becoming the fifth largest city in Europe during this time. In 1800, following the Act of Union when the seat of government was transferred to London, it went into a period of stagnation, although remaining an economic center for the majority of the island. But it did not take a major role in the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, which was what drove the development of most cities during this time.
Today Dublin has many opportunities to enjoy Irish Culture.
1. Book of Kells. This is the cultural masterpiece, widely regarded as Ireland's foremost national treasure that was created by Celtic monks around 800 AD. It is an illustrated Latin Gospel book containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Located at Trinity College Library, it is a must-see.
2. Guinness Brewery. Yes, Guinness is an important part of Irish culture, with more than four million people visiting every year. One of the most interesting stories about Guinness I've heard is that their most popular beer was actually a mistake. In the early days during one of the brews they accidentally burnt the hops, and instead of getting brown beer it came out black. Instead of just throwing it away they gave it away to the locals. It became a huge hit, and after brewing and marketing it, they eventually made the commitment to have the dark drink their only beer, which it is to this day.
3. Kilmainham Gaol. Now a museum, this former prison played an important role in the fight for Irish independence.
4. Jameson. Established in 1789 by a lawyer from Scotland, John Jameson, the complex in Dublin is where vatting of the whiskey takes place. Trip Advisor ranks it as one of the top attractions in Dublin, and is open seven days a week.
5. Irish ancestry. Do you have Irish ancestry you want to trace? Two places that you can look are a short walk from each other in Dublin: the National Library of Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland. Both are free, and their catalogs are immense.
Dublin can be navigated quite easily on foot, or the tour buses are easy to navigate the city. It does rain quite a lot in Dublin, but it is really an enjoyable city to visit.
Dublin, Ireland is really an interesting city with history old and new. Check out our website http://bestvacationeurope.com/ for information on other great cities in Europe, and for ways to navigate your way around Europe by train. Glen Wheaton is a writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe.
Article Source: Glen_Wheaton
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