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Interesting Facts
- What's in a name? In the case of Dublin, a lot. The town is descended from the Celts who arrived in present-day Ireland around 700 BC (although the exact date is debatable). They founded a settlement at the convergence of the Liffey and Poodle rivers that the Vikings later called, Dubh Linn (i.e. black pool), from which the city derived its name.
- As many people are perhaps unaware, it was actually the Vikings—not the Celts—who established the first major settlement in Dublin. Although the Celts arrived earlier, the Vikings built the first harbor and developed the area in AD 841. They intended to use it as a stronghold to conquer the rest of Ireland but their designs were thwarted by the Celts. They were eventually driven out for good at the Battle of Clontarf (1014).
- How ‘bout a little frothy grog? In 1759 Arthur Guinness founded his famous brewery and began making Guinness beer – which James Joyce once called, "the wine of Ireland." Within ten years he was exporting his hearty dark stout across Europe. Today, Guinness Stout is served in restaurants, bars and pubs around the world.
- One of Ireland's most popular landmarks is the majestic St. Patrick's Cathedral. According to legend the church is built on the site where St. Patrick once baptized converts (circa AD 450). The original "church" was made of wood and not rebuilt in stone until 1192. An interesting footnote: the famous writer and satirist Jonathan Swift — who was born in Dublin — was once the Dean of St. Patrick's (1713).
- Dubliners have always had a gift for the gab. Perhaps that's why the city has produced so many great writers. In fact, Dublin has produced three Nobel Prize winners for literature — George Bernard Shaw (1925), William Butler Yeats (1938), and Samuel Beckett (1969). Other renowned Dublin writers include James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift.
- "It sure doesn't look like a Medieval Castle." So say tourists who visit Dublin Castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century. Commissioned by order of King John, the original castle was all but destroyed by fire in 1684. It was later rebuilt in the 19th century with a completely new look. The only surviving medieval remnant of the old castle is the 13th century Record Tower.
- The former monastery, Glendalough, was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. Although monasteries are generally associated with a life of quiet reflection and peaceful prayer, Glendalough had a rather tumultuous history. It was under constant siege by the Vikings and was finally destroyed by the English in 1398. Today, many of its buildings are still standing. The famous Round Tower and graveyard is a must-see for visitors.
- Dublin boasts several fine museums, most notably the National Gallery. The collection is quite vast, showcasing more than 500 works from nearly every major school of European art. Of particular interest is the Yeats Room, which features the paintings of John B. Yeats, the famous poet's brother.
- Ever heard anyone order an Irish whiskey on St. Patrick's Day? No doubt, they were ordering a Jameson. The Old Jameson Distillery on Bow Street, though no longer in operation, is still a popular attraction. What's the difference between Irish whiskey and Scottish whiskey (Scotch)? The former is distilled three times, the latter only twice; hence Jameson's smooth taste.
- Dublin's Book of Kells, which is carefully preserved at Trinity College, is truly a national treasure. Dating from the early 8th century, the ornately illuminated manuscript is a version of the four Gospels transcribed by monks from Iona. Although the Book of Kells exhibit is open year-round, only one page per day is allowed for public viewing.
