1. Dublin “Obedienta Civium Urbis Felicitas”

2. First things first… Take out your homework and let’s discuss
the interesting facts you found about Dublin.

3. Important Facts: Capital City
Dublin is the chief city of the province of
Leinster, but it is also the capital of the
Republic of Ireland.
For the other provinces, Cork is the chief city
of Munster, and Galway is the chief city of
Connacht.

4. Important Facts: History
Dublin officially became a city in 988 CE,
although there is evidence of its existence
from the 2nd century CE, when it was called
Eblana. It was originally settled by Vikings,
and then conquered by Danes, and finally
brought under English control in 1171.
What does CE mean?

5. Note: Time AD means Anno Domini, or year of Christ.
BC usually means Before Christ. In modern
day, we try to use CE for Common Era, and
BCE for Before Common Era, to allow for
the inclusion of everyone, not just those who
follow Christian beliefs.

6. Important Facts: Transport
Like most capital cities, Dublin is
accessible by many routes: transport is
possible by sea, up the river Liffey into
Dublin, and also by air. Ferries leave from
Dublin for Wales, and also for Liverpool.
What body of water does Dublin sit on?

7. Irish Sea

8. Important Facts: Government
The Irish government is based in Dublin,
and the leader of the government is called
An Taoiseach. The word comes directly from
the Gaelic word for ‘leader’. The Irish
government is part of the European Union,
and they are completely independent of the
United Kingdom.

9. Important Facts: Population
Dublin has a population of only 1,000,000
people, and of these, 87% are Roman
Catholics. The homogeneity of the religion is
one of the reasons that Ireland pushed for
separation from the United Kingdom.

10. Important Facts: River Liffey
The Liffey is a part of life in Dublin: not only
did it help trade and transport in the city, but
it also divides the city into North and South,
creating some friendly competition.
What do you think people
who live on the north and
south side are called?

11. Important Facts: River Liffey
They are the Northsiders and
Southsiders.

12. Rivers: They’re Everywhere!
Most major cities have a river running
through them. Why?
Can you name these ones?
London
Dublin
Edinburgh
Seoul
Paris
New York
Rome

13. Important Facts: Social Problems
Dublin has dealt with many issues
concerning the use of heroin, as well as
poverty and homelessness.
Although the problem has calmed
somewhat, it is again on the rise. It resulted
in the death of a reporter, Veronica Guerin,
in 1996, after she was shot by criminals she
was investigating.

14. Important Facts: Social Problems
As cities grow in size and importance, the
list of social problems usually increases.
These can include crime or poverty.
Does anyone know why?

15. Important Facts: Social Problems
As cities become bigger, it becomes more difficult to provide access to education, health care, social programs and access to jobs.
If these are not handled correctly, then an unfair distribution of wealth can occur, and that can lead to social problems.

16. Trivia: What DO you know?
Famous people in Dublin are given permission to do what in St. Stephen’s Green?
Dublin has less WHAT per person than any city in Europe?
What animal can you see downtown in Phoenix Park?

17. The answers They may graze their sheep free of charge.
They have less pubs.
Phoenix Park has had a herd of deer living in it since 1662.

18. Things To Do: See the Book of Kells
The Book of Kells is an illuminated copy of the Bible, created by Celtic monks in 800 CE or even slightly earlier. Each page is written by hand, and decorated with Celtic designs and pictures. There are 680 pages in all.

19. Things To Do: Visit the Kilmainham Gaol
The harshest prison in Dublin, it is no longer
used but visitors can still visit the bare, cold
cells that were home to prisoners before
they were executed.

20. Things To Do: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
The patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick is
particularly loved in Dublin, when they hire the best street
performers in Europe and celebrate for not just one, but
FOUR days.
Does anyone know when St. Patrick’s Day is?

21. Places To Go: Phoenix Park
This is the world’s largest enclosed city park,
and has the home of the Irish President as
well as the US Embassy. You can also find
the Garda Headquarters here, and some
deer!

22. Key Vocabulary
homogeneity – meaning everything is identical or the same
harshest – cruellest
illuminated – for religious documents, meaning it contains artwork and calligraphy

23. Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L244ysgD8fk&feature=relmfu