About Dublin
Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its medieval buildings include 13th-century Dublin Castle and imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. Temple Bar is a riverside nightlife and cultural quarter, home to the Irish Film Institute. Bustling, largely pedestrianised Grafton Street is the city’s principal shopping area, also famed for its buskers. The city has an urban area population of 1,173,069. The population of the Greater Dublin Area, however, as of Census 2011 was 1,801,040 persons. Founded as a Viking settlement, the Kingdom of Dublin became Ireland's principal city following the Norman invasion. Dublin has a world-famous literary history, many theatres and art galleries and museums. Dublin is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. The city has numerous shopping districts, particularly around Grafton Street and Henry Street.