5 Dublin facts you didn’t know: Witch-burning, Vikings & more

It’s fascinating how we learn new things about this city almost every other day and the point of this Dublin facts list is to add on to just that. There are hidden details all around the city and some of them are in good Irish humour, adding on to the character of the city.

If you are someone who loves walking around in the Dublin City centre, you are sure to come across random symbols or structures which seem simple and direct at the first glance but in most cases they have a hidden meaning, story, or significance. Let’s dive right into history and have a look at five random facts about Dublin which are sure to leave you baffled.

unique Dublin facts you might not know

Morgue turned Tesco

The Tesco at Jervis Street shopping centre comes with quite the history and this one was surprising to many Dubliners as well. The building was previously a hospital and the basement was the morgue attached to it. This was a good enough reason for people to believe that the whole store is haunted as well. There have been stories about sightings and in some cases, things randomly fall off the shelf at the store. That sounds fun to witness.

The plaque for non-Guinness drinkers

This one is a classic example of good old Irish humour. Given how big Guinness is in this country, it’s only fair to extend support to the few people in the country who are not fans of it. A plaque installed at Grattan Bridge in the city is meant for exactly that. The little note engraved on it reads, ‘This bench is dedicated to all those proud and true Irishmen and women, who have lived with a terrible secret, they don’t like Guinness’.

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The largest red-light area

Who would have thought Dublin would have been the home to the largest red-light district during the British Empire. Montgomery Street, which was then called Foley Street, was famous back in the day and guess what, Temple Bar district was also allegedly a well known red-light area. Rumours also suggest that the Prince of Wales lost his virginity in the very city.

Witch Burnings at St Stephen’s Green

St Stephen’s Green, which is now a hotspot for casual picnics on a sunny day, was once a piece of land where several executions were held. We have all heard the infamous ‘witch’ stories from Europe and it looks like Dublin was also a part of these legends. Back in the days, it was common to burn or hang alleged witches and widowed or single women were usually on the receiving end of it. Thank god for burnt superstitions.

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The Lidl glass floor

Have you ever been to the Lidl at Aungier Street? You might have seen the glass floor in the middle of the store and obviously, it is not a random rock structure. The remains that you see through the glass dates back to the 11th century and is actually a part of an Irish-Viking house. It’s fascinating to see how they managed to preserve a crucial part of history while simultaneously running a successful commercial space.