If you didn't know this fact already, Dublin is Ireland's largest city, and it's also the capital of the whole country. In Irish Gaelic Dublin is known as Baile Átha Cliath or Áth Cliath. The English name of the city is derived from the Irish Gaelic words Dubh Linn, which translates to mean "black pool". With regard to Dublin's geographic location in the country, it lies at about the midpoint along the east coast of the island, and right at the mouth of the River Liffey. Archaeologists and historians both agree that the city was originally founded as a Viking trade outpost, and from there it grew into what was once known as the mighty Kingdom of Dublin. At the time of the Norman invasion of the island, Dublin was Ireland's largest city, as it is still to this day. Aside from the city's ancient roots, it's currently and extremely modern metropolis, offering it's visitors and inhabitants alike all of the modern amenities afforded by a large modern city.
The earliest known reference to the city of Dublin, was penned by the renown Greek astronomer and cartographer Ptolemy. In 140 AD, he mentioned a settlement in a far away and exotic land named Eblana Civitas. Unfortunately Ptolemy's account of the city wasn't particularly descriptive, but it did at least establish the fact that the settlement of Dublin was at least historically noteworthy even so long ago. With regard to the actual date of the founding of the city, historians believe it to be about 100 BC. There were likely people living in the direct area of the city well before that date, however there is no archaeological evidence available that would suggest that there were any large settlements. Until about 850 AD, Dublin struggled along as sort of a low level settlement, until it was finally developed to the size of a town by Norsemen. Beyond 850 AD, the city began to rapidly grow in both size and technological development.
Today Dublin is a bustling and busy city, especially attractive to Ireland's younger generation who are seeking career based employment. Prior to the 90s, the city went through an economic decline, and as a result it saw many of it's inhabitants emigrate from both the city and country at large. Most of these emigrants went to the United States and the United Kingdom to seek work. However in the last fifteen to twenty years, the city and the country are more economically sound, and not only are the Irish inhabitants of the city flourishing, but it has also attracted many foreign immigrants who have found opportunity as well. Many of the city's new inhabitants come from Poland, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, China, Nigeria, Australia, and beyond. Walking the streets of Dublin today, you can experience not just thick Irish culture as you would expect, but many other cultures that compliment the city's Irish atmosphere very well.
When it comes to the weather of the city, Dublin generally enjoys a typical maritime climate, which is characterized by cool summers, mild winters with moderate rainfall, and an overall temperature that generally lacks any hot or cold extremes. For some reason Dublin is often associated with being a somewhat rainy city, but that is not actually the case, especially compared to the west of Ireland where there is substantial rainfall. In fact Dublin is less rainy than London on average, which means it's hardly the wet and dreary city that some would make it out to be, perhaps confusing it with Ireland's western regions. The wettest months are usually November through January, and then it begins to dry out by early February, and on through the remainder of the year. In the dead of summer, one can expect temperatures averaging out at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas in winter temperature average at about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
