Dublin County

Viking Sites in Dublin

The history of Dublin City is essentially tied up with the history of Ireland. In the 9th century, the Vikings laid the settlement for what was to mature into the medieval town center, with Dublin Castle at the heart of it. The castle that remains here today contains the seat of British rule in Ireland that was maintained for over 700 years; therefore, it held a key role in the administration of the country. Visitors to Dublin Castle can explore the richly decorated State Apartments, the medieval undercroft, and the beautiful Chapel Royal.

Equally interesting is the cultural history of Dublin. This city has been a residence for some of the world’s most prominent writers, such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. Dubliners take their literary heritage quite seriously, hosting an annual Bloomsday Festival in honor of James Joyce’s Ulysses and featuring the lives of Ireland’s great literary giants in the Dublin Writers Museum.

Apart from literature, Dublin is considered highly musical and artistic. The air in the streets is always full of music, with typical sessions in Irish pubs and local buskers. The Temple Bar district is a spot for most cultural activities, acting as an epicenter with its cheerful atmosphere, galleries, and street performances. Dublin has the National Concert Hall, which offers the audience classical music and modern performers from Irish musicians.

Besides, an addition to its cultural vigor is the number of festivals held within the county, which signifies film, theater, food, and drink, among others. Prime examples are the Dublin International Film Festival, the Dublin Fringe Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Festival.

Although there are very many takeaways, through its history, Dublin has made a niche for being a place of innovation, resistance, and creativity. Those echoes of the past can be felt through its historic buildings and streets while the county’s cultural vibe continues to create an identity of vibrancy today. Be it from the tour of the ancient ruins to joining a local festival or even just sitting through a traditional Irish music session, there is so much history and culture that each visitor in County Dublin will find themselves engulfed in within the region.