The history of settlement on the site of Ireland's capital city goes back long before any written records. In the ninth century, the Norse constructed a fortified town that was to become the great city and, later, King Henry II of England spent the winter of 1171-12 in Dublin. From that time until 1922 it was the center of England's power in Ireland. Growth was slow through the Middle Ages, but because of the architectural expression of the prosperous Protestant Ascendancy, the city began a transformation in the late 1600s. By 1800 the population of Dublin was approaching 200,000. Fine buildings graced the heart of the city while fashionable neighborhoods grew up beyond.

Today, Dublin has more than a million inhabitants and draws thousands of visitors each year to its lively downtown. The city is perfect for strolling on a summer's day, especially along the blocks reserved for pedestrians. It is even possible to appreciate many examples of eighteenth century architecture, although much of it was lost in a wave of new development during the 1960s. Visitors to Dublin should wander the narrow streets, admire the homes, visit Killiney, and enjoy the views of Bray Head and Dun Laoghaire harbor.

Dublin has a fine tradition for learning. Trinity College was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, and has produced many famed graduates: Jonathan Swift, Oliver Goldsmith, Edmund Burke, Henry Grattan, and Oscar Wilde, to name a few. Be sure to visit the Quadrangle and pause to contemplate all those known and unknown who have done the same, and then go into the Old Library to marvel at the beauty of the Book of Kells. It is more than one thousand years old, and is the most famous of illuminated gospel books.

No one ever lacks for things to do in Dublin. There are pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops-notably Bewleys, where the atmosphere is always crowded and cheerful. For shoppers, there is Brown Thomas; and for those who like the out-of-doors, there are both large and small parks. Plays by Irish writers at the Abbey Theatre always keeps theatre buffs entertained. There is, in fact, nothing better for the travelling researcher than a city like Dublin. It is rich in libraries and resources, as well as full of alternatives on those days when change is as good as rest.

Places of Historical Interest

• Dublin Castle
  
• Trinity College
• Christchurch Cathedral
• St. Michan's Church
• St. Audeon's Church
• National Museum
• National Gallery
• Ashtown Castle, Phoenix Park
• Shaw House
• #29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street
• Kilmainham Jail
• Kilmainham Hospital

Family History Research Sources
Below is a list of the major genealogical research sites in the Dublin area. Basic information is taken from official Web sites. It is advisable to check times in advance of a trip.

National Archives
Bishop Street
Dublin 4
Ireland
phone: (01) 4783711
fax: (01) 4783650
http://www.nationalarchives.ie/

What has survived from the Public Record Office of Ireland, formerly in the Four Courts, is in the National Archives. This includes surviving probate records, census returns, land records, government records and reports, documents relating to convicts and criminals. Tithe Applotment Books and Griffith's Primary Valuation are also here. The Archives houses the materials of the State Paper Office, formerly in Dublin Castle. The Web site includes links to many other useful archives, libraries, and societies.

National Library of Ireland
Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
phone: (01) 661881
fax: (01) 6766690
http://www.heanet.ie/natlib/

This is the largest single collection of books, maps, periodicals and illustrated materials relating to Ireland. It is a copyright library so has a copy of virtually anything ever published. The majority of Roman Catholic church registers are available here on microfilm, and there are copies of Griffiths Primary Valuation and the Tithe Applotment Books; also the John O'Donovan Name Books, for those struggling with unidentified place names. Materials are in closed stacks and it is necessary to apply for a reader's ticket.

General Register Office
Joyce House
8 - 11 Lombard Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
phone: (01)6711000
fax: (01) 6711243

Civil registration for all births, marriages and deaths began 1 January 1864. All non-Catholic marriages had been required to be registered from 1 January 1845. Records for all of Ireland, including the six counties of Northern Ireland up to 1922 are here, and records of the Republic of Ireland since that date.

Representative Church Body Library
Braemor Park
Churchtown
Dublin 14
Ireland
phone: (01) 4923979
fax: (01) 4924770
http://www.ireland.anglican.org/library.html

The library holds many Church of Ireland parish registers, and many other types of records of the Anglican Church in Ireland. This includes administrative documents for dioceses, educational and missionary records.

Registry of Deeds
Henrietta Street
Dublin 1
Ireland phone: (01) 6707500
fax: (01) 8048408

The Registry of Deeds houses the original documents of this long, unbroken collection of legal records. They begin in 1708 and include some marriage settlements and probates. Records are accessed by two series of indexes, one by place name and the other by the name of the grantee. Copies can be ordered.

Genealogical Office
2 Kildare Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
phone: (01) 6030200
fax: (01) 6621062
http://www.heanet.ie/natlib/

Main features of the collection are the Betham Collection, the Registers of Arms and records of heralds visitations. Sir William Betham compiled thirty volumes of abstracts from wills of the Prerogative Court, and another twenty-three volumes of pedigrees. The Genealogical Office houses the State Heraldic Museum.

Travel Information
A Guide to Dublin
http://www.hoi.ie/dubguide

A Guide to Dublin Web site offers potential Dublin travelers vital information for planning and enjoying their stay in Dublin, Ireland. Ranging from a map of the city to an extensive list of hotel and other accommodations, it is a must-see before any wary traveler enters the great city. For first time visitors to the city, the site even highlights popular sites to visit and shopping areas to frequent. See this Web site before embarking on your trip to the Emerald Isle.