11 Cool Facts You Didn't Know About Dublin, Ireland

Ireland’s beautiful, lively capital is friendly for a large city. It’s a place of decadence, revelry, and it packs quite the alcohol-soaked punch if you plan to spend it drinking in the world-renowned city pubs. However, there’s more to Dublin than a keg of Guinness. In fact, the city boasts a rich music, art, culture, and literary history that is still alive today.

Here are eleven cool facts that you probably didn’t know about Dublin, Ireland…

1. Dublin Natives

Or “Dubliners”, speak “Dublinese”, a mix of Dublin slang and curse words like this phrase: “I’m on the lash,” which translates to “I’m out drinking!”

dublin locals — Dubliners are known for their humor, storytelling, and sociability. They’re often welcoming to visitors and proud of their heritage.
M R / Shutterstock.com

2. What’s in a Name?

Dublin or “Dubh Linn” is an Old Irish Gaelic phrase that translates to “Black Pool”.

dublin sign — Dublin is renowned for its literary history, vibrant pub culture, and as the home of Guinness.

3. Famous Dubliners

Celebrated city natives include play write and Nobel Prize laureate, George Bernard Shaw, and writer and poet, James Joyce.

4. A Viking Settlement

Dublin was founded by Vikings, who settled in what they called the “Norse Kingdom of Dublin” in the 9th century.

dublin settlement — Viking settlements were often located in strategic areas such as coastal regions, riverbanks, or near natural harbors for easy access to trade routes and the sea.

5. City Size

The city of Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 square miles.

dublin map — Dublin covers a land area of 44.5 square miles.

6. Trinity College Grads

Dublin’s famous Trinity College boasts many celebrated graduates—including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, and Bram Stoker (who wrote Dracula).

7. Youthful Population

Dublin has the youngest population in all of Europe. Approximately 50-percent of the population is less than 25-years of age.

young irish — Dublin has the youngest population across Europe.
Radoslaw Maciejewski / Shutterstock.com

8. Pubs, Pubs, and More Pubs

The City of Dublin contains 666 licensed pubs—and the legal drinking age is 18!

irish pub — The City of Dublin contains 666 licensed pubs
littleny / Shutterstock.com

9. The City’s Oldest Drinking Hole

Dublin’s oldest known pub is the Brazen Head, established in 1198 AD as a coach house.

pub Brazen Head — Dublin, Ireland, is famous for its vibrant pub culture, with many historical drinking establishments to explore. The city's oldest drinking hole is The Brazen Head, a legendary pub located near the River Liffey.

10. Ireland’s National Treasure

Ireland’s National Treasure is “The Book of Kells”, a sacred manuscript, which consists of the Four Gospels of the New Testament. The beautiful, gold book was made by Celtic Monks around 800 AD, and today lies in the Trinity College Library.

11. Always a Full Pint

There are 10-million pints of Guinness produced daily in Dublin.