dublin

Dublin is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland. It is located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, in the province of Leinster. The city proper has about 550,000 residents, while the wider Dublin metropolitan area is home to roughly 1.4 million people.

Dublin originated as a Viking settlement, with the name deriving from Dubh Linn, meaning black pool. It grew as a medieval market town under Gaelic and later English rule, developing into a center of administration, commerce, and culture that became the capital of the Irish state after independence in the 20th century.

The city is a major economic center in Ireland, with strengths in financial services, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and education. It hosts institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, and University College Dublin, founded in 1854, along with numerous research and professional organizations.

Dublin preserves a range of historic and cultural sites. Notable landmarks include Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the General Post Office, and the Guinness Storehouse. The city’s districts include the Georgian core around Merrion Square, the lively Temple Bar area, and expansive Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest city parks. It has produced notable writers, artists, and musicians and maintains a vibrant theatre and arts scene.

Transport in Dublin is supported by Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, extensive bus services, the LUAS light rail tram system, and the DART suburban rail network. The River Liffey is crossed by several bridges, including the Ha'penny Bridge and other central crossings.

Dublin experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers, and precipitation spread throughout the year. The city is governed by Dublin City Council as the core of a larger county and metropolitan area within Ireland.