You may have read all of our blogs about Dublin and the fascinating things to see and do here, but there are facts about Dublin that you wouldn’t often find in blogs. We’ve put together a few of the more obscure and little-known facts about Dublin, some of which even locals aren’t aware of! We’ve also included a few facts about our most prestigious postcode, and home of our serviced apartments in Dublin, Ballsbridge.
1. Vikings
Dublin was founded by Vikings in the 9th Century who originally called the city, the ‘Norse Kingdom of Dublin’. The name Dublin comes from the Old Gaelic language ‘Dubh Linn’ which literally means ‘Black Pool’. The Dubh Linn was used by the Vikings to moor their trade ships and was connected to the main river running through the city, The Liffey. You’ll see evidence of the Vikings influence across Dublin but especially around Christchurch in Dublin 8, where there is a Viking museum called Dublinia which displays an impressive replica of a Viking ship. You can also take a very exciting Viking themed bus tour which shows you the city by land and sea.
2. Famous Residents & Alumni
You may have heard of some of the most famous people who call Dublin home (U2 – we’re looking at you!) but there are many you may not realise. Aidan Gillen, of Game of Thrones fame, hails from Drumcondra, world-famous actors Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson call Dublin home, and Danny O Donoghue and the rest of the notorious band The Script, have their roots in inner-city Dublin. Dublin’s most famous college also has some celebrated graduates, including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the renowned Bram Stoker who wrote Dracula while living here.
3. Pubs
It won’t come as a surprise that Irish people like a drink, in fact, the most popular stout in the world and (in our opinion) the best Irish whiskey originates from the city centre of Dublin. Over 10 million pints of Guinness and an astounding 31 million bottles of Jameson are manufactured in Dublin and sold across the world each year. There are upwards of 751 licenced pubs across Dublin, many of whom are based in the city. The oldest pub in Dublin is the Brazen Head which was opened in 1198 AD as a coach house and is now a popular tourist destination with live music almost every night.
4. Music
You may be familiar with one of Dublin’s biggest music exports (U2, you again!) but Dublin’s music scene is still alive and well, with or without U2. You may be familiar with legends such as The Dubliners, Thin Lizzy and the formidable Sinead O’Connor, all of whom have roots in Ireland’s Capital. Windmill Lane Studios is still a popular place for recording new Irish talent and claims many of these famous voices along the years. We’re not only known for our rock and roll roots, Handel’s classic “Messiah” was premiered for the first time on 13 April 1742 in Dublin at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street. It didn’t make it to London until almost a year later!
5. Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge, as well as being home to our luxurious aparthotel in Dublin – PREMIER SUITES – is one of the cities most prestigious and expensive addresses. Ballsbridge was originally developed in Victorian times when Earl of Pembroke leased out his vast estates in the area and large red brick houses were built for upper-class families only, with lower-class families designated housing in the inner city. The area has traditionally been the home of the majority of foreign embassies and diplomatic representations in Dublin, with 29 out of 53 international embassies based on our leafy streets. We have a renowned history of rugby and the second-largest stadium in the city, the Aviva Stadium is within walking distance. We also have the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and the gorgeous 32-acre Herbert Park on our doorstep.
If you’d like to book your stay in our serviced apartments in Dublin’s most prestigious address, Ballsbridge, contact our friendly reservations team today via web, email or phone.
