Dublin or Baile Atha Cliath (in Irish) was originally founded by the Vikings in the ninth century and quickly became the centre of the political, economic and cultural life of the country. After the Norman invasion in the 12th century, its size and importance grew more dramatically. It was the centre of British rule in Ireland for over 400 years and was at the heart of the Easter Uprising in 1916 when Irish nationalists fought for independence from the United Kingdom. It underwent intensive renewal and expansion during the Celtic Tiger economic boom years of the nineties.

Though a capital city, Dublin still has the feel of a small town where most areas of the city centre can easily be reached on foot. It bears the marks of centuries of British influence in its elegant Georgian squares, spacious parks and impressive public buildings. It has a long and rich history of culture and many famous Irish playwrights, writers, musicians and singers gained their inspiration from Dublin.

Today it is home not just to the local Irish but also to thousands of recent migrants from neighboring European countries, such as Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and the Baltic States. Dublin has become cosmopolitan but maintains its Irish core.