Top Ten Facts about County Dublin

… remember them and tell friends after going back from Ireland. Or just surprise barmen in a pub.

The River Liffey flows through County Dublin, dividing it into north and south, and flows through the center of Dublin City. The word Liphe (or Life) originally referred to the name of the plain through which the river ran. The river is 75 miles long and empties into Dublin Bay. A popular myth is that Liffey water is used to brew Guinness and only after drinking six Guinness it’s possible to believe in it.

Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 on the orders of King John of England. Until 1922, it was the center of British rule in Ireland. Today, it is used for important State receptions and Presidential inaugurations. It also houses the Chester Beatty Library, which has some of the finest collections of Eastern art in the world. Obviously, like most works of art in whole old Great Britain, they were stolen.

Trinity College, founded in 1592, is one of the oldest centers of learning. Its library is home to the Book of Kells, a Latin text of the four gospels, with meticulous artwork around the borders, created in the ninth century. What’s interesting, every tourist in Dublin wants to see The Book of Kells, and at the same time, about half of Europeans didn’t read any books last year.

The Dublin Mountains Way was recently named one of the most scenic routes in the world. The walking trail was established in 2009 and stretches 25 miles (not so much, but what is big in Ireland?). It encompasses mountain trails, country paths and rural roads.

Killiney Beach, in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Co. Dublin, is a long stony beach which boasts stunning views of Bray Head, Dalkey Island and Sorrento Terrace. Probably the only beach in the world which is worth seeing but not to swim in the sea.

To the northeast of Dublin City lies Howth Head peninsula, a popular destination for hikers. In James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” Howth Head is where Leopold Bloom proposes to Molly. Did you not finish reading “Ulysses” ? No problem. Nobody did. Although you can still visit Howth and read a more normal book while sitting on the one of the benches with fantastic view of the sea.

County Dublin is home to Ireland’s capital city and the country’s largest city. The Irish government recognizes 988 AD as the year in which Dublin was settled. The name of the city comes from the Gaelic “dubh linn” meaning “black pool” and refers to a dark tidal pool where the Poddle stream entered the Liffey at Dublin Castle.

County Dublin is the country’s third smallest county but a third of Ireland’s population lives there. That happens to most capitals which territories are separated to be other administrative regions. It is also a good reason to visit other parts of the country which are sometimes more interesting and always less crowded.

One of the most popular Dublin phrases is “Chancing Your Arm”, meaning taking a chance. It originates from the history of the two enemy Dublin families reunion. Gerald FitzGerald took a risk, put his hand through the door of St. Patrick’s cathedral and asked The Butler’s family leader to shake his hand.  So while being in Dublin, chance your arm and visit beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Phoenix Park is known to be the largest city park in Europe. It is 7.07 km² of area.