Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland, situated on the east coast where the River Liffey enters Dublin Bay. The settlement takes its English name from Dubhlinn, an early Irish term meaning black pool. A second Irish name, Baile Átha Cliath, refers to an ancient crossing of hurdles across the river waters.

The settlement began in 841 as a Norse naval base near the junction of the Poddle and the Liffey. King Henry II of England claimed lordship over the territory in the 12th century and granted trade charters to merchants from Bristol. Dublin Castle arose during the 13th century as the stronghold of English administration on the island. The Kingdom of Ireland expanded the city layout during the 18th century, adding red-brick squares and stone quays along the waterfront. The city became the capital of the Irish Free State in 1922 following the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Dublin Port handles roll-on roll-off freight shipping, containerized dry cargo, and maritime passenger ferry operations across the Irish Sea to British ports. Guinness brews dark stout and draught beer using roasted barley, and C&C Group manufactures fermented cider and soft drinks under the Bulmers label. Smurfit Kappa produces corrugated cardboard packaging and containerboard sheets, and DCC plc distributes liquefied petroleum gas and commercial heating oil.

Trinity College Dublin was established by royal charter in the late 16th century and preserves the Book of Kells manuscript in the Old Library. St Patrick's Cathedral dates from the 13th century as the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Kilmainham Gaol operated as a county prison through the 19th century and preserves historical political artifacts as a public museum. Phoenix Park was created in the 17th century as a royal deer park and contains the official residence of the President of Ireland.