Situated on the east coast, Dublin is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and also the capital. Originally a Viking settlement, the city developed on the banks of the River Liffey and has flourished as Ireland's most prominent city since medieval times.

The city has been known as Ireland's cultural capital for centuries, with a particularly high number of internationally-renowned artists having originated in the city. These include James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett. Its large number of museums and galleries has also added to the city's popularity as a tourist destination, while its multicultural makeup makes it a fascinating hotpot of ethnicity.