Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, and is one of Europe's most exciting and dynamic cities. Although small in population relative to other capital cities in the region, the recent economic good times (the "Celtic Tiger" as it has been called) have contributed to massive growth, a population who is staying home rather than going abroad, and a new Irish renaissance is underway. In short: times are good in Ireland.

Although the area that is modern Dublin was settled by humans for thousands of years, the year of its founding in its modern incarnation is attributed to the Norman Vikings in 988 A.D. Indeed, many of the Norman's buildings, houses, and artifacts have been excavated from beneath Dublin's city center. Throughout the next centuries the city changed hands between the native Irish and Danes, until King Henry II of England drove the Danes out in 1171.

Owing to its interesting history and cultural preservation, Dublin is a great city for walking and discovering the historic places, museums, and eclectic galleries that lie around every corner. Here are a few of the can't miss sights, that every visitor should make time to see.

• Dublin Castle-Standing for seven centuries, the castle was the seat of British rule during the 1900s. Now the castle is used by the president of Ireland to host foreign dignitaries. The castle features ornate artwork and artifacts from different periods of Irish history.


• Dublin Writers Museum-Out of all the things the Irish have given the world, perhaps greatness and plentitude of their writers is the greatest contribution, and a visit to the Writers Museum will show why. Featuring original manuscripts, diaries, letters, and first edition books from Shaw, Beckett, Yeats, and more, the museum is a must for lovers of language and litereature.


• Gallery of Photography-Dublin's major photo gallery features rotating exhibits and historical records of Ireland.


• O'Connell Street-Dublin's most famous street was rebuilt in the 1920s, and features statues of some famous residents, as well as a giant, 400 foot stainless steel column dominates the area. The street is dedicated to Daniel O’Connell, known as "The Liberator" for helping emancipate the Catholics in the early 1800s.


• St. Stephen's Green-Originally used as a place to punish criminals, the park finally became a public park, and eventually was adorned with flower gardens, immaculate lawns, and a lake with walking trails. The park features statues of famous Dubliners, and cultural events are often held in the park.
  

For a city and country of such a small size, Dublin and Ireland have produced an enormous amount of important artists, especially writers. Just some of the most famous Dublin writers include: Samuel Beckett, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard, John Millington Synge, James Joyce, and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift graduated from the famous Trinity College in Dublin. A few other famous musical Dubliners include Bono, Sinead O'Connor, and Bob Geldof.

Of course, perhaps the most famous of all the Irish inventions, Guinness stout beer, comes from Dublin as well. One of, if not the most, recognizable and well-known beers in the world, Guinness has been a staple of Dublin since Arthur Guinness began brewing it in 1759. St. James's Gate Brewery is the home of this famous beverage, and adjacent is the Guinness Storehouse, a museum dedicated to the nearly 250 year history of the brew.

Dublin has finally taken its rightful place as one of the most vibrant, electric, and exciting capitals of Europe, looking to the future, but always respecting and keeping an eye on its past. Festivals, markets, art shows, concerts, and all sorts of entertainment activities await the visitor, not to mention the historical museums, grand old Victorian buildings, and cultural happenings. Of course, what really makes the city so magical and special is the charm of the Irish themselves. The warmth and hospitality of some of the friendliest people on the planet await all visitors with open arms and open minds.