Dublin, Ireland

Explore Dublin as a Connect-123 international intern or volunteer and experience the historic beauty and Celtic charm of the Irish capital while gaining real world knowledge and skills.

Fast facts

Population: 1.2 million (4 million in Republic of Ireland)

Climate: Maritime (mild winters, cool summers)

Languages: English and Irish (Gaelic) are the two official languages, however very few native Dubliners speak Irish as their first language.

Religions: 87% Roman Catholic

Country Capital: Dublin

Time Zone: GMT

Currency: Euro

Fun Fact: Dublin is one of the ‘youngest’ cities in the world with an estimated 50% of its population under 35 years of age.

History and Culture

Ireland’s capital Dublin has a rich and turbulent history dating back over a thousand years. Situated on Irish Sea at the mouth of the river Liffey and surrounded by scenic mountains, Dublin first attracted the Scandinavian Vikings and later the French Normans, before being absorbed into the British Empire until last century. Today a bustling, cosmopolitan European capital with a diverse population and sophisticated cultural scene, Dublin still exudes history.

Celebrated in James Joyce’s Ulysses, its spirit can be found in the lively nightlife that bears witness to Dubliners’ love of storytelling, songs and ‘craic’ (meaning fun) and the legendary welcome they extend to visitors! There’s a reason this 'Fair City' has inspired the likes of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and WB Yeats and continues to produce artists of the caliber of U2 – and it’s not just because of the famous ‘black stuff’, Guinness. Come see for yourself!

Feel Dublin's Pulse

What's happening in Dublin

Out of Town

Powerscourt

This country estate is a true gem - Japanese and Italianate gardens, an ornamental lake, pet cemetry and setting of incredible natural beauty.
Museums

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Housed in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, access is free to this leading institution that highlights excellence in modern and contemporary art.
Museums

National Museum of Ireland

Admission is free to this treasure trove of archaeological history - iron age artefacts, Celtic jewellery and 'bog bodies' are just some of what's in store
Theaters & Venues

Gaiety Theater

A Dublin institution, this Victorian theater has entertained Dubliners for almost 150 years, with a diverse repertoire of performances.
Things to do

Temple Bar Saturday Market

This outdoor food market in Dublin's cultural quarter celebrates the best of local organic producers who showcase their products with pride.
Things to do

Old Jameson Distillery

Located in the historic area of Smithfield, a tour and whiskey tasting at the Jameson Distillery is an educational experience!
Festivals

St Patrick's Festival

Everyone's Irish on the 17th of March, and this three day festival celebrates our culture with song, dance, fireworks and parades!
Museums

National Gallery

This tranquil gallery houses collections of paintings by local artists Jack B Yeats and Paul Henry as well as international painters.
Historical Sites

Kilmainham Gaol

See where many Irish nationalist leaders were imprisoned and executed - it also makes an appearance in the movie The Italian Job!
Theaters & Venues

Grand Canal Theater

The newest addition to Dublin's theater scene, this architecturally unique venue hosts world class West End and Broadway productions.
Top Spots

Rugby Match

Experience Dublin's sporting spirit by joining rugby fans at a match in the Aviva stadium.
Things to do

Greyhound Racing

Two greyhound racing stadiums in Dublin, Shelbourne Park and Harold's Cross, play host to this exciting sport, and the gamblers that go with it!
Parks & Gardens

Irish War Memorial Gardens

This peaceful park includes rose gardens and a riverside path - and provides a vantage point for watching rowers on weekend mornings.
Top Spots

Grafton Street

Be entertained by buskers and soak up Dublin's atmosphere strolling down this pedestrian shopping street.
Pubs

Johnny Fox's

Ireland's highest pub in the Wicklow mountains provides a warm welcome along with lively traditional music and legendary seafood dishes.
Parks & Gardens

Phoenix Park

One of Europe's biggest city parks, this is where you'll find the zoo, the President's residence, the Papal Cross monument, and several hundred deer!
Historical Sites

St Patrick's Cathedral

Ever wondered where the expression 'chancing your arm' comes from? The answer lies in this, Ireland's largest church.
Festivals

Oxegen

Attracting some of the biggest names on the world music stage, Oxegen is where youthful energy meets musical genius to make festival magic!
Things to do

Bike Ride Through City

Dublin is ever more bike friendly, and these days you can even 'borrow' a bike from Dublin City Council - so get pedalling!
Festivals

Dublin Fringe Festival

Celebrating all that's wacky and innovative in theater, comedy and music, this annual festival has established a loyal local following.
Historical Sites

Dublin Castle

Take a guided tour of the State Apartments, visit the fascinating Chester Beatty Museum or relax in the Celtic Knot Garden.
Things to do

Hurling/Gaelic Football

Ireland's national sports, Gaelic football and Hurling inspire passionate local support, and fill the 82,000-seater Croke Park stadium in Dublin.
Historical Sites

Christ Church Cathedral

Explore the medieval crypt, step back into Viking times in the Dublinia museum, or simply revel in the cathedral choir's uplifting Evensong.
Parks & Gardens

Iveagh Gardens

Dublin's secret landscaped gardens provide a peaceful haven most of the time - except when it hosts the annual comedy festival!
Theaters & Venues

Abbey Theatre

Our national theater, established by WB Yeats during Ireland's cultural nationalism movement, today shows new Irish plays and revisits the classics.
Top Spots

Temple Bar

Get lost in Dublin's cultural quarter of quirky shops, galleries, traditional pubs, and lively music venues.
Festivals

Dublin Theater Festival

Dubliners are theater-goers and this long-running annual festival brings international theater to their doorstep while celebrating Irish talent as well!
Festivals

Bloomsday

There is no better place than Dublin to celebrate Bloomsday, the 16th of June, when Joyce fanatics reenact the key events of Ulysses.
Things to do

Beaches

Visit one of the many beaches dotted along Dublin's coastline for a blustery walk, kite surfing, or some precious sunshine.
Historical Sites

Custom House

Burned down during Ireland's War of Independence, today the restored Custom House serenely overlooks the River Liffey.
Theaters & Venues

Gate Theater

This northside venue celebrates literary classics and has highlighted the work of Brian Friel and Harold Pinter among others.
Pubs

Brazen Head

Reputed to be Dublin's oldest pub, situated between the quays and Christ Church cathedral, check it out for the traditional music.
Out of Town

Wicklow Mountains

Clear your head of Dublin's hustle and bustle by escaping to the nearby wild and picturesque Wicklow mountains.
Things to do

Dalkey

Take the coastal train ride to picturesque heritage town Dalkey; visit the seals at Bulloch Harbour and browse the quaint shops.
Museums

Natural History Museum

Known locally as the Dead Zoo, this cabinet style museum houses a fascinating collection of local and exotic wildlife specimens.
Museums

James Joyce Centre

Perhaps Dublin's most famous and influential literary son, Joyce ironically spent most of his life overseas in exile.
Top Spots

Trinity College

Avoid the crowds with a evening stroll around the stunning city center campus of this 400 year old university.
Out of Town

Malahide Castle

Take a guided tours of this historic castle set in extensive grounds that include botanical gardens and sometimes play host to summertime music concerts.
Parks & Gardens

St Stephen's Green

Dublin city's green, away from the hustle and bustle, provides a sanctuary for city workers. Enjoy lunchtime concerts during the summer.
Pubs

Kehoe's

Hole up in this charming pub off Grafton Street with snugs and living room style vibe to while away a rainy day.