Originally founded as a Viking trading post in the ninth century, Dublin was a center of commerce and culture second only to London during the height of the British Empire. Throughout the country, thousands of prehistoric sites enrich the landscape. From tombs, stone circles and castles to the natural beauty of Irelands green hills and the cliffs hundreds of feet above the sea, the past is visible everywhere you look.

Everything you didn’t know about Dublin

• Dublin or “Dubh Linn” means “Black Pool” in Old Irish Gaelic.

• The city is home to the youngest population in Europe. About half its residents are under 25 years old.

• One of the first photographs taken in Ireland was at Kilmainham Gaol, the famous Dublin prison.

• Take your pick of pub — the city has 772 of them at last count!

• The oldest pub in Dublin is the Brazen Head. It first opened in 1198 AD as a coach house.

• Sir Winston Churchill lived in Dublin’s Phoenix Park when he was a child in the 1870s.

• The Irish Crown Jewels disappeared from Dublin Castle in 1907 and have not yet been recovered.

• Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on St. James’ Gate, where Guinness beer is brewed. You can see it on display at the storehouse!

Best of Dublin

Wherever you turn in this amazing city, you’ll find ancient buildings, a storied history and welcoming Dubliners. These classic spots should not be missed!

• Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, it’s one of the seven ancient universities in England and Ireland and is Ireland’s oldest surviving university.

• Guinness Storehouse. Start at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass and work your way through seven floors documenting the history of Guinness. It culminates with the perfect pint in the world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar.

• Jameson Distillery. Established in 1780, this is where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. It is now a visitor center providing guided tours and tastings.

• Dublin Castle. Now an Irish government building, this castle was originally built as a fortress in the early 13th century.

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This landmark is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and is the country’s tallest church.

• National Gallery of Ireland. Wander through this timeless museum housing a collection of Irish and European art.

• Temple Bar. This famous street is packed full of pubs, restaurants and shops.

• Grafton Street Shopping. Find the perfect gift at this popular gathering place with pedestrian-friendly walkways.

• Christ Church Cathedral. This landmark was founded in 1030.

Eat your way through Dublin

Here are just a few must-try dishes while you’re in Ireland:

1. Bangers and Mash. Sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

2. Black and White Pudding. An Irish breakfast staple, these “puddings” are actually a type of sausage.

3. Fish and Chips. Classic pub food. Eat like a Dubliner and dunk your “chips” (or fries, as Americans call them) in a mixture of ketchup and mayo.

4. Irish Stew. Traditionally made with potatoes, onions, carrots, diced mutton and bacon, more inventive restaurants sometimes use Guinness as an added ingredient.

5. Indian Food. Dublin has an amazing Indian food scene. Some top restaurants include Diwali, Pickle, Kerala Kitchen and Ananda.

6. Soda Bread. This was a go-to during the Irish famine because it’s made from the most basic of ingredients. Simple but tasty!

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding. A moist sponge cake covered in toffee sauce and served with vanilla custard or ice cream. Need we say more?