Dublin City History
Discover over 1,000 years of Dublin's fascinating history, from Viking settlement to modern European capital. Our local drivers share these stories on every private day trip from Dublin city centre.
Viking Dublin (841-1170)
Dublin was founded by Vikings who established a settlement called 'Dubh Linn' (Black Pool) at the confluence of the River Liffey and River Poddle in what is now Dublin city centre.
Key Events:
- 841 AD - Vikings establish Dublin
- 988 AD - Battle of Dublin
- 1014 AD - Battle of Clontarf
- 1170 AD - Anglo-Norman invasion
Historic Landmarks:
- Christ Church Cathedral - Dublin city centre
- Dublin Castle site - Dublin city centre
- Wood Quay archaeological site - Dublin city centre
Medieval Dublin (1170-1534)
Anglo-Norman rule transformed Dublin into a walled medieval city and the center of English power in Ireland, centered around Dublin city centre.
Key Events:
- 1204 - Dublin Castle built in Dublin city centre
- 1220 - St. Patrick's Cathedral founded
- 1348 - Black Death reaches Dublin
- 1487 - Lambert Simnel crowned in Dublin
Historic Landmarks:
- Dublin Castle - Dublin city centre
- St. Patrick's Cathedral - Dublin city centre
- Medieval city walls - Dublin city centre
- Christchurch Cathedral - Dublin city centre
Georgian Dublin (1714-1830)
Dublin's golden age saw the creation of elegant Georgian squares, wide streets, and neoclassical architecture that defines Dublin city centre today.
Key Events:
- 1745 - Leinster House built
- 1759 - Guinness Brewery founded in Dublin city centre
- 1782 - Irish Parliament gains independence
- 1800 - Act of Union dissolves Irish Parliament
Historic Landmarks:
- St Stephen's Green - Dublin city centre
- Merrion Square - Dublin city centre
- Trinity College - Dublin city centre
- Custom House - Dublin city centre
- Four Courts - Dublin city centre
Modern Dublin (1922-Present)
From the Irish Free State to EU membership, Dublin evolved into a modern European capital while preserving its historic Dublin city centre character.
Key Events:
- 1922 - Irish Free State established
- 1949 - Republic of Ireland declared
- 1973 - Ireland joins EEC
- 1990s - Celtic Tiger economic boom
Historic Landmarks:
- GPO on O'Connell Street - Dublin city centre
- Dáil Éireann - Dublin city centre
- Modern Dublin Docklands
- Temple Bar cultural quarter - Dublin city centre
Famous Dubliners
James Joyce (1882-1941)
Revolutionary novelist, author of 'Ulysses' set entirely in Dublin. Born at 41 Brighton Square, Rathgar. Explore Joyce locations on our Celebrity Dublin day trip from Dublin city centre.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
Playwright and poet, famous for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. Born at 21 Westland Row, studied at Trinity College in Dublin city centre.
Bram Stoker (1847-1912)
Author of 'Dracula', theatre manager. Born in Clontarf, studied at Trinity College in Dublin city centre.
Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)
Author of 'Gulliver's Travels', Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Lived and worked in Dublin city centre for most of his life.
Dublin's Historic Streets
- O'Connell Street: One of Europe's widest streets in Dublin city centre, home to the GPO and the Spire
- Grafton Street: Dublin's premier shopping street in Dublin city centre, connecting Trinity College to St Stephen's Green
- Temple Bar: Dublin's cultural quarter in Dublin city centre with cobblestone streets and traditional Irish pubs
Explore Dublin History on Our Private Day Trips
Our local Dublin drivers share these historical stories and more on private day trips from Dublin city centre. Visit the actual locations where Dublin's history unfolded, from Viking settlements to modern landmarks.
Contact Information
Email: info@dublindaytrips.com
Service: Historical Dublin day trips from Dublin city centre