| Dublin, the largest city and capital of Ireland, is a | | | | most celebrated work, is set in Dublin. |
| fast-growing city at the mouth of the River | | | | Today, Dublin is home to several theaters, which |
| Liffey. Dublin is a cultural and economic center for | | | | specialize in a variety of productions including |
| all of Ireland and has a long and rich history that | | | | plays, opera, dance and film. The world-famous |
| dates back to A.D. 140. | | | | Abbey Theater provided a venue for the works |
| The geopolitical names for the region have | | | | of George Bernard Shaw among others. Many |
| changed over the centuries, but Dublin has acted | | | | current and well-known actors hail from Dublin |
| as the capital of Ireland from the twelfth century | | | | including Gabriel Byrne, Colin Farrell and Brendan |
| on. During the period from 1171 to 1541, the area | | | | Gleeson. |
| was known as the Lordship of Ireland. Until 1800, | | | | The Irish arts community thrives in Dublin. Many |
| it was the Kingdom of Ireland. From 1801 until | | | | fine museums and collections are located within its |
| 1922, it was part of the United Kingdom of Great | | | | borders. Rare books, public art, modern art, |
| Britain and Ireland. The Irish Republic of 1919 to | | | | drawings, prints and decorative arts are well |
| 1922 was then partitioned into the Irish Free | | | | represented in the galleries and museums of |
| State, which it remained until 1949. Dublin is now | | | | Dublin. |
| the capital of the Republic of Ireland. | | | | Dublin's young population base (possible 50% |
| The Easter Rising of 1916 destroyed parts of the | | | | under age 25) lends itself to a vibrant nightlife and |
| city center and the Anglo-Irish War and Irish Civil | | | | club scene. Live music is available in many popular |
| War destroyed much more. For most of the | | | | bars, and the city is proud of the internationally |
| early 20th century, Dublin remained untouched by | | | | famous bands to come out of their city. |
| time. It was often called the 19th Century City of | | | | Superstars such as U2, The Boomtown Rats and |
| Europe. The film industry took notice of Dublin's | | | | Sinead O'Connor are all native Dubliners. |
| unique architectural situation and realized it was an | | | | There are three universities in Dublin, including the |
| excellent venue for historical films. The Oscar(r) | | | | University of Dublin, which is the oldest university |
| winning film My Left Foot was filmed in Dublin. | | | | in Ireland. |
| Filmmaking became a prominent industry in Dublin | | | | Croke Park, the fourth largest stadium in Europe |
| and the city began to see increased prosperity. | | | | is located in Dublin and it hosts football and hurling |
| Many of its historic buildings were restored and | | | | games as well as concerts and performances. |
| new, modern buildings began to spring up. | | | | Rugby is played at Lansdowne Road Stadium. |
| Dublin is perhaps best known for its literary | | | | As the city struggles to manage growth and |
| history. George Bernard Shaw, William Butler | | | | historic preservation, Dublin continues to expand. |
| Yates and Samuel Beckett are all native Dubliners. | | | | Major retail shopping malls have been completed |
| Other famous Dublin writers include Oscar Wilde, | | | | within its borders and several redevelopment |
| Jonathan Swift and Bram Stoker. The most | | | | projects are planned. |
| famous, of course, is James Joyce. Ulysses, his | | | | |