Dublin City is the capital, administrative and business centre of Ireland. Today, Dublin is a thriving and prosperous city, a popular tourist destination and a premier business location within the European Community.

Covering an area of 44.4 square miles, the historical city of Dublin celebrated its own millennium in 1988. The area around the City, however, has been inhabited since 8,000 BC. Built on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin takes its name from the Irish 'Dubh Linn', meaning 'the dark pool'. The capital is also called 'Baile Atha Cliath', referring to 'the town of the hurdles', believed to be an ancient fortification dating back to the 6th century. The city of Dublin has played host to the early Celts, Christian monastic settlements, the Vikings, the Normans and Cromwellians, to name a few. Modern day Dublin mostly dates from the 17th century, with a presence of fine Georgian architecture throughout the city.

The first Mayor of Dublin was elected in 1229. The City is now administered by the Dublin Corporation, a municipal authority, with an elected Lord Mayor. The Corporation is responsible for the planning and development of Dublin City; roads and the environment, cultural activities, public libraries and community services.

Twinning

Dublin City is twinned with San Jose in California and Liverpool in the UK. The relationship with San Hose has spawned economic and cultural activities. Dublin and Liverpool are linked by a common history and a mutual appreciation of sports and the arts. The Dublin Corporation website at www.dublincorp.ie has a wealth of useful information for those both visiting and living in Dublin City.

To the west of the city centre is Phoenix Park, the largest municipal park in the world. Ringed by a 7 mile wall, Phoenix Park takes its name form the Irish 'Fionn Uisce' meaning 'clear water'. The Park originated in 1662, when the Duke of Ormonde turned the land into a deer park. In 1745, it was landscaped and opened to the public by Lord Chesterfield. Today, Phoenix Park is home to Dublin Zoo, Ashtown Castle and Visitors Centre and Aras an Uachtarain, the official residence of the President of Ireland. City dwellers and visitors alike can enjoy the welcome wide open spaces and beauty of Phoenix Park.

The population of the City is some 500,000, extending to over 1,000,000 in the Metropolitan area. Surprisingly, 70% of the population in Dublin is under 45, making the Capital of Ireland the youngest in age profile of major European cities. The City Centre is being developed for inner city style living, highlighted by the Dublin Docklands Development. Beyond the city lies the popular and charming coastal suburbs of Dublin, which are served by the DART train from Howth in the north, to Bray in the south. Some of Ireland's most exclusive properties are located in the suburbs of Killiney, Dalkey and the inner area of Ballsbridge.

All overseas Embassies and Consular Offices to Ireland are based in central Dublin. The Department of Justice in St Stephen's Green issues visas for non EU nationals.

Dublin has its own International Airport some ten miles north of the city. With daily flights and connections to Europe and the US, Dublin City is an easy destination to visit. Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann operate a network of services across the centre of the City and out to the suburbs of Dublin. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is a fast local train service connecting the northern and southern coastal suburbs of Dublin. Connections to the rest of Ireland by train are either from Heuston Station (serving the west and south) or Connolly Station (serving the north of Ireland). Irish Ferries and Stena line operate ferry services to the UK from Dublin Port.

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