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History & Evolution
Small though it is, the city of Dublin has had a long and eventful history. The first settlement named Celtic around Dublin Bay dates back about 2000 years, though the first recorded civilization was that of the Norsemen, who arrived in 9th century. They were the first people to actually start building Dublin into a city.

They hold onto this territory until 1170, when the English came over. Till 17th century, the city remained a small, nondescript medieval town, with little in the way of trade or industry, or even culture. However, towards the end of 1600s, the influx of migrant weavers from France made the Dublin a prominent center of textile industry. During 1700s, Dublin developed economically and culturally, but 1801 onwards, a series of discriminatory acts passed by British Parliament against the Catholics of the city led to the decline of the city and soon it became the worst slums in Europe with poverty, crime and disease ranging. .

By early 20th century, the anti-British revolutionaries started emerging with which a brutal civil war broke out. Eventually by 1921, the country had proclaimed independence, but outbursts of violence continued well till 1930s.

Nevertheless, by 1960s-70s, Dublin had seen resurgence in culture, industry, trade, commerce and this continued into 21st century. Today Dublin is one of Europe’s most attractive capitals, a prosperous city and a cosmopolitan one too.

Site-Seeing
Dublin might not be one of the most visually stunning cities of Europe, but it surely is known as the best capital city to live in. Therefore, people from all parts of the world reach here to experience this fabulous place.

This land of literary celebrities like Swift, Sheridan, Shaw, Wilde, Yeats, Joyce and Beckett has more than enough attractions to attract tourists.

Trinity College:
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and is the learning place of many great thinkers and writer of the world like Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde. Decorated with cobbled squares, manicured gardens & grand buildings, the College retains an aura of peace, despite its central location.

The main attraction of the complex is the celebrated Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating from around 8th century, which is considered to be one of the oldest books in the world. Other illuminated manuscripts taken from ancient monasteries are also on display in the magnificent Old Library.

Location: College Street

Guinness Brewery:
Usually leading the list of tourist attractions in Dublin, the Guinness Brewery is a must-see for anybody who loves beer. Located on a 60-acre expanse next to the Christ Church Cathedral, the Brewery was established in 1759 by Arthur Guinness at St James’s Gate producing the famous black stout, which is virtually the lifeline of Ireland.

Though closed to the public, there’s an audio-visual presentation followed, most importantly, by two glasses of Guinness for visitors. Opposite the brewery is the Beer Museum, known as the Guinness Hop Store that has a good collection of contemporary art.

Location: St James’s Gate

Temple Bar Area:
Once a decaying part of the city, Temple Bar Area today is the hub of Dublin’s nightlife. This thriving commercial center is a cobbled district full of shops, traditional pubs, theatres, cinemas and trendy clubs laid out on pedestrian streets.

Further an overwhelming choice of restaurants and beautifully restored buildings add to the feel of the place and make it worth a visit. The main street running through the area also is called Temple Bar.
The port today has become one of the most popular sites for visitors to the city drawing millions of them each year. Something is always happening at this thriving arts and entertainment venue which offers a huge open-air skating rink, Imax cinema and a Science and Technology Center. While the clock tower offers excellent views across the city and contains an exhibition that traces Montreal's history. Also around the port are the city's original 17th century fortifications.

Location: Temple Bar Area

Dublin Castle:
Originally built in 1204 by order of King John, who wanted a fortress constructed for the administration of the city, Dublin Castle today us usually used by the Irish president to entertain visiting foreign dignitaries, but otherwise open to public.

What you now see is the castle built in 18th century, lavishly furnished and rebuilt many times, so that all that remains of the original structure is the Norman Tower.

Location: Dame Street

National Museum of Ireland:
Located on St Kildare Street, the National Museum is the place to see the treasures of ancient Ireland. It is country’s premier collection of antiquities with artifacts dating as far back as 6000 BC and are an excellent showcase of Ireland’s history.

The highlights of the museum showcases include Prehistoric Ireland, Viking Ireland and The Road to Independence (1900-1921). Included in this selection is jewellery dating back to 8th century BC and medieval antiquities such as the Tara Brooch and the Ardagh Chalice.

The 12th century Cross of Cong, an ornate reliquary of wood, bronze and silver, said to contain a fragment of the True Cross is also housed here..

Location: Kildare Street