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.

The city is divided by the river, with traditional rivalry between the Northside and Southside still continuing today, but only in a relatively jovial manner. The Southside is where most of the cultural activities and tourist hotspots are located, making it a more popular place for visitors to stay. Accommodation in the city is plentiful, with visitors being spoilt for choice. Popular choices are: the Temple Bar district, where many of the city's favourite pubs are situated and therefore a more suitable place for party-goers; the Grafton street area, where more upmarket accommodation can be found among attractive architecture; the O'Connell street area in Northside, which is teeming with hotels and hostels; and Ballsbridge/Embassy district, for exclusive, luxury hotels.

Visitors to Dublin will be impressed by the capital's shopping and dining opportunities, as they are highly competitive with Europe's other capital cities. Dublin is home to an exceptionally large number of pubs, all sharing friendly atmospheres and good conversation. The best way to get acquainted with the locals is to share stories over a pint of Guinness.

Founded by the Vikings in the 8^th century, the River Liffey was later used as a base for the Norwegians while they raided the rest of the country. The settlement was named Dubh Linn, meaning black pool. It was not until the 11^th century that stone fortified walls were added to protect Dublin. Residents partook in the trading of slaves and there was also a developing wool weaving industry. The first church was erected as early as 1028, as the Danes had converted to Christianity. Despite frequent sacking by the Vikings, Dublin became the most significant and strategically important town in the whole of Ireland.

In 1166, the Normans invaded and when the last Viking king died five years later, the Norman invader, Strongbow, took the title. In fear of Strongbow gaining too much power, the English king came to Ireland to ensure his titles as Lord of Ireland and made Dublin a colony of Bristol. Trade between the two cities flourished, and it was during the Middle Ages that some of the city's most magnificent churches were built, including the Cathedral of Christchurch and the Church of St Patrick.

A rebellion broke out in 1537, when Lord Fitzgerald was left to rule in his father's absence. The rebels did not succeed and lost support when they murdered the archbishop. By the 16th century, the standard of living in the city rose dramatically as houses were being built with chimneys and glass windows. However, the city remained unsanitary and outbreaks of disease and plague were not uncommon. The year 1591 saw Queen Elizabeth grant a charter for Trinity College, still one of the primary educational institutions in Ireland.

At the conclusion of the English Civil War in 1646, Catholics were expelled from the city in large numbers and shortly afterwards, up to half the population perished from plague. The 18th century saw conditions improve, with newly built hospitals and the introduction of shelters to house the destitute. Transport improved with the introduction of stagecoaches running to Kilkenny, Cork and Belfast, while the Grand Canal opened in 1779. By 1834 a railway line was introduced as well as horse-drawn buses and later, horse-drawn trams. 

The turn of the century saw the Easter Rising in 1914, where nearly 500 civilians, rebels and English soldiers perished in the fight for independence. Today, Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a population of over 500,000. Many districts have been renovated, making the city a hive of shopping and dining opportunities.

Ideal times to visit Dublin include in the summer months, from July to August, when daylight hours are at their peak and temperatures are at their highest, sometimes reaching 20°C, while springtime can also be pleasant and less crowded, from March to May.

The winter months can be cold and wet with gusty winds and temperatures often reaching lows of 4°C. While snow is not common, it is important to come well prepared if you plan to visit in the colder months. Rain is common throughout the year, with summer and winter seeing the most rainfall, but Dublin is in fact one of the drier destinations in Ireland.