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All you need to know about our host city
Dublin is both the largest city and capital of Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. Founded as a Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's primary city for most of the island's history since medieval times. Today, it is an economic, administrative and cultural centre for the island of Ireland and has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city.
The city has a world-famous literary history, having produced many prominent literary figures, including Nobel laureates William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. Other influential writers and playwrights from Dublin include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker. It is arguably most famous, however, as the location of the greatest works of James Joyce. Dubliners is a collection of short stories by Joyce about incidents and characters typical of residents of the city in the early part of the 20th century. His most celebrated work, Ulysses, is also set in Dublin and full of topical detail. Additional widely celebrated writers from the city include J.M. Synge, Seán O'Casey, Brendan Behan, Maeve Binchy, and Roddy Doyle. Ireland's biggest libraries and literary museums are found in Dublin, including the National Print Museum of Ireland and National Library of Ireland.
There is a vibrant nightlife in Dublin and it is reputedly one of the most youthful cities in Europe - with estimates of 50% of inhabitants being younger than 25. Furthermore in 2007, it was voted the friendliest city in Europe. Like the rest of Ireland, there are pubs right across the city centre. The area around St. Stephen's Green - especially Harcourt Street, Camden Street, Wexford Street and Leeson Street - is a centre for some of the most popular nightclubs and pubs in Dublin. The internationally best-known area for nightlife is the Temple Bar area just south of the River Liffey.
Museums and Cultural Treasures
Dublin is home to world-class museums and galleries that reflect its rich past and vibrant present:
National Museum of Ireland – Explore Ireland’s fascinating history through archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history.
Chester Beatty Library – A remarkable collection of manuscripts, rare books, and artworks from around the world.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum – Discover the stories of the millions who left Ireland and shaped communities across the globe, particularly in the US.
National Gallery of Ireland – A stunning collection of European and Irish art.
Most of these institutions are located within walking distance of Dublin’s city center, making it easy to explore several in a single day.
Historical Landmarks and Walking Tours
Dublin’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Historical landmarks bring the city’s past vividly to life:
Dublin Castle, the seat of British rule for over 700 years, now a government complex and cultural hub.
Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison that tells the story of Ireland’s struggle for independence.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral, two of the city’s most iconic religious sites.
Georgian Dublin, where beautifully preserved 18th-century townhouses line elegant streets such as Merrion Square.
Walking tours focused on history, literature, and politics offer a deeper understanding of Dublin’s role in European and global history.
Experience the Dublin Spirit
Beyond its historic landmarks, Dublin is renowned for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality. After a day of exploration, unwind in one of the city’s many traditional pubs, enjoy live music, or savor modern Irish cuisine at award-winning restaurants.
The city’s blend of history, scholarship, and culture makes it an inspiring destination for academics, researchers, and lifelong learners. Whether you are drawn by its intellectual heritage or its vibrant present,
Dublin promises a journey that will enrich both the mind and the spirit.
Top Tips
Stunning Walks in the Dublin Mountains
10 Pubs with Traditional Music
