Dublin as a city really goes back to the Viking invasions of the mid ninth-century. For the following one hundred years, Ireland and particularly the settlement on the east coast which became known as Dublin was under repeated attack. While it cannot have been easy for the native Irish at the time, in fact The Ostmen, as they called themselves left their mark on the country in many positive ways. Ireland's first towns sprung up, as well as the first examples of coinage, and more advanced naval and shipping capacities. In fact, Dublin became one of the wealthiest ports in western Europe.

Skipping forward to modern Dublin, we find some parallels. Twenty years ago, Dublin, and Ireland as a whole was in the grip of an economic depression. Emigration amongst the young people was almost a necessity and the outlook was bleak. Dublin today could not be more different. The economy is thriving, and the city is a hub of multi-cultural activity. While English is the common language used in Dublin, and Gaelic - or Irish - the nominal national language, it has been mooted by the chattering classes that Mandarin Chinese should be taught in schools instead of Gaelic such has been the influx of immigrants in recent years.

Dublin is the capital of The Republic of Ireland, and a city of 1.1 million people which equates to over a quarter of the population of the country. The city is the centre of business, government and commerce, and is dissected by the River Liffey dividing the north-side of the city from the south-side.

The weather in Dublin is temperate with Summer averages being between 60-67F and in Winter from 39-44F. Rain showers are always a threat, even in the height of Summer, but in general between June and September, visitors may expect reasonable conditions.

The currency in Ireland is the Euro which replaced the Punt in January 2002. Banking hours in Dublin are 1000hrs - 1600hrs Monday to Friday including opening through lunch-hour. Most branches also stay open late on Thursdays until 1700hrs.

In March 2004, a smoking ban in public places came into operation. This makes Dublin the first smoke-free capital city in Europe, and while there were fears that Dublin's famous pub-culture would suffer as a result of the ban, it has in fact been welcomed by almost all. Pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes are now smoke-free and this makes for a far nicer, and healthier atmosphere for visitors and locals alike

Dublin is a city renowned for its cultural history and the roll-call of famous writers, poets and musicians is impressive from Wilde to Joyce to Yeats to the more modern names Roddy Doyle and Seamus Heaney. Of course U2 hail from the city and still have homes here, as well as Sinead O Connor and actors Pearce Brosnan and Colin Farrell. For a relatively small city, Dublin has a lot to offer the visitor from the cultural tours to the parks to the pubs and clubs, and all of course offered with the famous Irish friendliness and hospitality.

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