Dublin history

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The history of Dublin can be traced back to pre-historic times when the region as a whole saw the evolvement of a civilization that was well aware of the movement of celestial bodies, especially the Sun (the burial chambers in the Boyne Valley are proofs of those times). The area also saw Celtic settlements, the Celts started arriving in the region around 500 B.C.. A proper township, however, was established by the Norman Vikings, who laid the foundation of an urban center in the present-day Dublin city-site in 841 A.D.

History of Dublin – Norman Invasion and Its Consequences

The Norman invasion of Ireland (1171) proved beneficial for Dublin. Under the English crown, Dublin became a judicial and military center. With the shifting of the Parliament from Drogheda to Dublin (following the conquest of Kildare County by Henry VII), the town also played an important role in administration.

In spite of its increasing significance, Dublin remained a comparatively small town till about the end of the 17th century. The arrival of the 18th century, however, saw things taking a curious turn in Dublin history – Dublin started expanding and went through speedy development in almost every field. Dublin’s all-round progress brought it the recognition as the ‘second-city’ of the British Empire (next in status only to London).

History of Dublin – 19th Century to the Present Times

Just as everything was moving smoothly and in its favor, Dublin experienced another change of fortune. The Act of Union (of 1800) was tabled and this abolished the Irish parliament. Dublin, once again, slipped into an era of regression and its progress was hampered. Dublin’s plight continued for over a century until the Irish rebellions/wars of 1916, 1919 and 1921 respectively freed Ireland.

Dublin itself saw some severe actions during these tumultuous years and a large part lay in ruins; however, Dubliners had enough reason to be happy – with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, Dublin became its capital. Restoration work was started very soon and the city retained its lost grandeur.

The Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland in 1949 and Dublin was declared its capital. (other cities in Ireland are – Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford).

Dublin made slow but steady progress and it took quite a long time for the city to shed its old, Georgian look. Around the 1990s, much of the city was re-developed and the present Dublin is an up to date city in every respect. No wonder that Dublin emerges as the top choice when it comes to leading life in a European capital city.