Dublin Ireland

Dublin Ireland BY: Ivett Ardila Karina Pacheco Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Dublin is in the province of Leinster on Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.

Founded as a Viking settlement, the Kingdom of Dublin became Ireland's principal city following the Norman invasionStrong Foundations1190s: St. Audoen's Church

Dublin was originally built around the areas of Christchurch and Cornmarket, on the banks of the River Liffey. Located just a stones throw from what was once the medieval city-centre, youll find St. Audoens, the citys oldest church and a fine example of 12th century Anglo-Norman architecture. It was subsequently expanded; King Henry VI oversaw the addition of a chantry in 1430, while its distinctive tower was built in the 17th century.

1203: Wardrobe Tower (Dublin Castle)

Dublin Castle was until 1922 the seat of the United Kingdom government's administration in Ireland, and is now a major Irish government complex.

King John of England oversaw the building of Dublin Castle in the early thirteenth century; he wanted a strong fortress with thick walls and deep ditches, a defensive base from which Ireland would be ruled by the Crown.1662: Smock Alley Theatre

The Smock Alley Theatre is a theatre in Dublin. The original theatre opened in 1662 and operated till 1787. In 2012, after a 3.5 million investment, a new theatre opened on the original foundations and with a lot of the original superstructure

1775: Casino, Marino

Designed by esteemed architect Sir William Chambers, the Casino (no not that kind, the word means little house in Italian!) in north Dublin suburb Marino is a true work of art. A stunning example of eighteenth century neo-classical architecture, it served as a pleasure house for James Caulfield, the First Earl of nearby Charlemont.1791: The Custom House

The Custom House is a neoclassical 18th-century building in Dublin, Ireland which houses the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. It is located on the north bank of the River Liffey, on Custom House Quay between Butt Bridgeand Talbot Memorial Bridge.

Georgian Dublin: No. 29 Fitzwilliam Street Lower

This next building offers a glimpse into what life was like for the middle and upper classes in Georgian Dublin. No. 29 Fitzwilliam Street is a fine example of Georgian architecture, typical between the beginning of the reign of King George I (1714) and the death of King George IV (1830)1857: Trinity College's Museum Buildings

In 1833, the Board ofTrinity College Dublininvited architects to submit proposals for a new building, which would house the colleges various geological collections. Thomas Newenham Deane and Benjamin Woodward were finally accepted (an astounding 20 years later!), and set to work on what would eventually be a Palazzo style building, inspired by VenicesByzantine architecture, and finished in Lombardo-Romanesque detailing.1939: The War Memorial Gardens

These leafy, tranquil gardens are located just minutes from the city-centre, and pay tribute to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in WWI. The gardens were designed by Londoner Sir Edwin Lutyens, a skilled architect who found inspiration in traditional styles2009: Samuel Beckett Bridge

This contemporary design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava was inspired by flipping a coin and seeing the image of an Irish harp spinning through the air. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet and playwright Beckett, this slick and modern bridge has become an iconic part of the citys landscape. 2010: Bord Gis Energy Theatre

The last item on our list is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city. The Bord Gis Energy Theatre was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind in 2010, and its contemporary, angular style ties in perfectly with its home in the ultra modern Grand Canal area. Feast on a Festival

Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.Saint Patrick's Day

Feast on a FestivalAutumn Dublin Fashion FestivalSeptember 7 - 13

Dublin has long been a trendy place but it becomes even more fashionable in September with the Dublin Fashion Festival. Celebrating the eclectic mix of vintage, modern and bespoke design that make up the citys style, this festival brings live fashion events, retail extravaganzas and special offers together for your pleasure. Forget London, Paris and New York Dublin is where it is at and with over 250 retailers, restaurants, bars and hotels taking part, Ireland's biggest fashion event is a must for fashionistas and shoppers alike.

Tiger Dublin FringeSeptember 7 - 20

Now in its 21st year, the Tiger Dublin Fringe festival is one of the highlights of the Irish arts scene. Bringing together fresh theatre events, live music, art, comedy and dance from Irish and international artists, there is no better opportunity to sample the true essence of Dublin arts. With over 400 events in 30 venues over two weeks, the Tiger Dublin Fringe will satisfy your hunger for an unforgettable cultural experienceCulture NightSeptember 18

If you cant make a whole weekend of art appreciation, make sure you dont miss Culture Night. More than 230 different venues swing open their doors late into the evening for a free glimpse at a myriad of art and culture. Churches, historic houses, museums and art galleries welcome people to explore, learn and immerse themselves in the best Dublin has to offer on one magical Friday.

Culture Night boasts an unmistakable atmosphere, with talks, tours, drama, dance and music, providing adventure and entertainment for all the family.

Dublin Theatre Festival 2015September 24 - October 11

In a city of scribes, it's no shock that Dublin has the longest running theatre festival in Europe. Since 1957, a jam-packed programme of shows, readings, talks and works-in-development have been taking over the city. In 2015 there are 200 performances and events in 22 venues around the city and suburbs, allowing theatre lovers and culture vultures to lap up some of the finest plays in the world. There are premieres galore including the Irish premiere of The Night Alive, an award-winning play written and directed by Conor McPherson (The Weir) at Dublins landmark Gaiety Theatre.Bram Stoker FestivalOctober 23 - 26

Go gothic for the weekend by embracing Dublins dark side at the Bram Stoker Festival. For four days the city will honour Draculas creator and one of the citys most famous sons with a festival of stories, film events, vampire themed parties and a city-wide vampire hunt. Family fun and late night antics will thrill and spook all ages in the lead up to Halloween.

Dublin After Dark

Exploration

Dublins historic architecture positively twinkles by starlight, and the River Liffey lulls quietly beneath the nights action. Dublins iconic bridges are particularly interesting as seen from the water: withCity Kayaking, paddle your way underneath them on a night tour.Fancy a more atmospheric experience? The folks atHidden Dublin Walksrun a series of spooky walking tours in and around the city for example TheNorthside Ghost Walk. A three-hour excursion to a part of the Dublin Mountains associated with the occult.

Not feeling quite brave enough?! No problem! Explore the city in style by booking dinner on the lovely floating restaurantLa Peniche where youll travel by barge down Dublins Grand Canal, while enjoying some very fine dining!

Conversation

Dubliners are famous for their gift of the gab, so it should come as no surprise that the city hosts some impressive poetry and spoken-word events.In the central cultural quarter of Dame District, poets and punters compete against each other at Write & Recite; a slam poetry night in Brogans Bar every Tuesday. Down the road in the Stags Head, Brown Bread Mixtape, there's a monthly pop-up night of poetry, music and comedy.In a similar (but more cosy!) vein, the Milk & Cookies collective regularly transform a different Dublin space into a giant living-room.Of course, you can converse with some of Dublins many characters in the traditional pubs dotted around the city; check out O'Donoghues Pub on Baggot Street (a favourite haunt of legendary act The Dubliners), Mulligans on Poolbeg Street (a charming and cosy bar established way back in 1782, and renowned for its great pints of Guinness) and Fallons in the Coombe one of Shane MacGowans favourite Dublin spots!

Family fun

Families will love the award-winning Ghost Bus that unearths the darker side of Dublin: think spooky graveyards, ghouls and crypts but with a fun, theatrical twist. For a simple outing, many Dubliners take a stroll on Grafton Street, the citys bustling shopping street, and devour Irish homemade cake at Dublins oldest caf, Bewleys an Irish institution and great for watching the world go by. At St Stephens Green, kids will love the horse drawn carts that tour Georgian Dublin, a beautiful area where the Happenings pop-up cinema event regularly takes place. Picnic blankets and popcorn at the ready!

GRACIAS