“Dubh linn” means “dark pool”. “Baile Atha Cliath” is the Gaelic name for the city. The official date for the foundation of the city is 988AD.
Long before the official foundation of the city, the golden age of Christianity had witnessed St Patrick baptize the pagan Irish and Irish monks spread the word throughout Europe.
Viking Dublin: Dublin began its long evolution into a city, however, under the Vikings. They found it to be a useful base from which to plunder the surrounding country at will – the round towers which are such a characteristic feature of Irish monasteries were built as defensive structures to help defend the inhabitants from bands of Vikings – but trade, nevetheless, began to develop with the surrounding country. The Scandinavian settlement was far from politically or militarily secure, however, and they were driven from Dublin more than once before the final Viking defeat. This occurred at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, when the forces of Brian Boru defeated the Scandinavians once and for all. A period of local rule then followed, a time which saw the foundation of Christchurch Cathedral before the arrival of the English.
Dublin & the English: In 1169, the Normans arrived on the southeast coast of Ireland. They had been invited over by an Irish chieftain, Diarmait Mac Murchada. The small area around Dublin under English control was known as “The Pale”
The 18th Century: The great terraces and squares of Georgian Dublin date from the city’s 18th century golden age of architecture. During this period some of Dublin’s greatest buildings were constructed.
Literary Dublin: Dublin is one of the world’s great literary cities. Three Nobel laureates – George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett – were born in the city, and James Joyce, the most famous Irishman never to have won the Nobel, was also a Dubliner.
Dublin Today: In 1973, the Republic joined the Common Market (EU). The effect of this decision can be seen in the fabric of Dublin today: enormous amounts of money have been poured into Ireland in the last few decades and have resulted in the kick-starting of the Irish economy. Today, Ireland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies and Dublin is at the centre of this economic revolution.Literary Dublin: Dublin is one of the world’s great literary cities. Three Nobel laureates – George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats and Samuel Beckett – were born in the city, and James Joyce, the most famous Irishman never to have won the Nobel, was also a Dubliner.
Plan to visit Dublin? Check out these recommended links:
www.dublin.ie www.mollymalonescoaches.com www.airporttransfersdublin.ie www.limohire.ie