Dublin

With a population of 480,000 (or 950,000 including its suburbs), Dublin (Gaelic: Baile Átha Cliath) is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland.

Founded by the Vikings in the 10th century, Dublin became the centre of English power in Ireland after the 12th century Norman conquest of half of Ireland (Munster and Leinster). Over time, however, many of the Anglo-Norman conquorers were absorbed into the Irish culture, adopting the Irish language and customs, leaving a small area around Dublin called the Pale under direct English control. People outside this area were still considered savage, giving rise to the expression "Beyond the Pale".

By the beginning of the 18th century the English had re-established control and imposed the harsh Penal Laws on the Catholic majority of Ireland's population. In Dublin however the Protestant ascendency was thriving, and the city expanded rapidly from the 17th century onward.

In 1782-1800 the city housed an independent (though still exclusively Protestant) Irish Parliament, and it was during this period that much of the great Georgian buildings of Dublin were built. In 1801 under the Act of Union, Ireland lost this parliament and with it much of its political influence, though the city's growth continued.

In 1916 the British crushed the Republican Easter Rising in the city, but by 1921 independence had been won and Dublin once again became a capital city and the seat of Ireland's parliament, Dáil Éireann.

In recent years it has enjoyed renewed growth and international popularity.

Areas of Dublin City:

North side
South side