10 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Dublin

1. Dublin has two completely different names in the IrishCalifornia, USA.
Language! Dubh Linn and Baile Átha Cliath. The6. Dublin's O'Connell Bridge that covers the famed
literal meaning of Átha Cliath is "Ford of theRiver Liffey is reckoned to be the only bridge in the
Reed Hurdles" - and the name Dublin is derived fromEuropean continent that has the same width as its
the Old Irish Gaelic Dubh Linn, which has its literallength!
meaning "Black Pool". Historically the native Irish7. Dublin has a renowned history in the Literary and
favored Áth Cliath, Dubh Linn by the settledMovie World with celebrated native names such
Vikings and Anglo-Normans. The Dubh Linn was a lakeGeorge Bernard Shaw (dramatist, critic & Nobel
used by the Vikings to moor their tradeships and wasPrize winner), James Joyce (writer and poet and
connected to the Liffey by the River Poddle. Thewriter of Ulysses), Oscar Wilde (playwright, poet,
Norse settlements in Dublin were around theessayist & novelist) and Dracula creator Bram
Christchurch and Wood Quay Areas of Dublin.Stoker to name but a few all hailing from Dublin.
2. The First Citizen of Dublin is the Lord Mayor, who isProminent Hollywood Actors hailing from the city
surpassed only in authority by the President, since theinclude Maureen O'Hara, Brendan Gleeson, Gabriel
first Lord Mayor Sir Daniel Bellingham was appointed inByrne and Colin Farrell.
1665. However, the title of First Citizen of the city has8. The "Oldest Pub in Ireland" is reputed to be located
been in place since 1229. The Lord Mayor is elected atin Dublin; this pub is called the Brazen Head. There has
Dublin City Council on a yearly basis. The current Dublinbeen a pub on this site since 1198!
Lord Mayor is Fianna Fáil Councillor Eibhlin9. Handel's classic "Messiah" was premiered for the
Byrne.first time in 1742 in Dublin at the New Music Hall in
3. The city of Dublin covers a land area of 115 squareFishamble Street, with 26 boys and 5 men from the St
kilometers. The city population is just under 1 million. ThePatrick's and Christchurch choir cathedrals taking part
average temperature in January is 5°C and thein the production.
July Average is 17°C. The city has a vibrant10. Dublin is home to many of Ireland's most famous
nightlife and it is estimated that 50% of the city'smusicians, from the Dubliners and Thin Lizzy to Sinead
residents are under 25 years of age.O'Connor and U2. Many of U2's back catalogue of
4. Arguably Ireland's National treasure and masterpiecealbums were recorded in their home city. Windmill Lane
is the famouse Book of Kells, a sacred manuscriptStudios was the place where U2 recorded their early
created by Celtic Monks featuring the Four Gospels ofwork and first three albums; subsequently much of
the New Testament and decorated with stunningtheir latest work was created and recorded at
artwork (created about 800 AD). It's on viewing displayHanover Quay Studios also in the city. The site at
and located at the Long Room Library in TrinityWindmill Lane Studios is covered in graffiti from fans
College, Dublin.who have paid pilgrimage from all over the world and
5. Dublin is twinned to cities Barcelona in Catalonia,is known as the "U2 Wall".
Spain, Liverpool in the United Kingdom and San Jose, in