Dublin Travel Guide - History

Dublin was largely unprotected until the 11th century when stone fortified walls were added. The city began to thrive as inhabitants partook in the trading of slaves and helped to develop the wool weaving industry. The first church was erected in 1028, and despite frequent pillaging by the Vikings, Dublin became the most significant town in the whole of Ireland.

In 1166, the Normans invaded and it was just five years later when the last Viking king died and the Norman invader, Strongbow, was able to take the title. England was fearful that the Norman ruler would gain too much power and therefore made Dublin a colony of Bristol.

By the 16th century, the standard of living in the city began to rise dramatically, with houses being built with chimneys and glass windows. Despite the efforts, sanitary conditions in the city still remained very questionable and outbreaks of disease and plague were common.

At the end of the English Civil War in 1646, large numbers of Catholics were expelled from the city. The population was further decimated when half the residents perished from the plague. It was not until the 18th century when conditions really improved.

The beginning of the 20th century saw these improvements continue. The 1914 Easter Rising was a set back, when nearly 500 civilians, rebels and English soldiers were killed in the fight for independence. Today, Dublin is a thriving city with a population of over 500,000. Many districts have seen significant renovations which have seen the development of popular shopping dining and shopping areas.