Dublin (Ireland)

 

 

Originally a Norse settlement, throughout the major part of its history Dublin has belonged to the `foreign invader'. The 18th century was the period of growth and prosperity, and Dublin became a great centre of commerce, especially with the improvement of the city's docks. The chief industries of Dublin are distilling and brewing, developed from the Irish agricultural products and consumed by the large British market. The Guinness brewery is the most famous example. Other industries are connected with agriculture — e.g., the chemical fertiliser factories, and biscuit and shoe factories; while other activities — printing, railway maintenance and the making of agricultural machinery — serve the needs of the country.

 

 

Dublin is the seat of the Irish Government, the Dail, and the administrative and cultural centre. It contains the university of Trinity and University College, and the well-known Abbey Theatre, the training ground of many famous actors. The Irish name for Dublin is Baile Atha Cliath.