Dublin: The Heartbeat of Ireland

• HelloHowya
  [Hoy-ya]
• GoodbyeSlán
  [Slawn]
• YesYeah
  [Yeh]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No bother
  [Pliz/No baw-ther]
• Thank youThanks a million
  [Thanks a mil-lyun]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [Sor-ry]
• How are you?How's the form?
  [Hows the form?]
• Fine. And you?Grand. And yourself?
  [Grand. And your-self?]
• Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?
  [Do ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI haven't a breeze
  [I hav-ent a breeze]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'll have a gawk at the menu, if you don't mind
  [I'll hav a gawk at the menu, if ya dont mind]
• I don't eat meatI'm off the meat
  [I'm off the meat]
• Cheers!Sláinte!
  [Slawn-chuh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle the bill, if that's okay
  [I'll set-ul the bill, if thats okay]

• Help!Jaysus!
  [Jay-sus!]
• Go away!Feck off!
  [Feck off!]
• Call the Police!Ring the Guards!
  [Ring the Guards!]
• Call a doctor!Call the Doc!
  [Call the Doc!]
• I'm lostI'm bolloxed
  [I'm bol-loxed]
• I'm illI'm not well
  [I'm not well]

• I'd like to buy...I'll take...
  [I'll take...]
• I'm just lookingI'm only browsing
  [I'm only browsing]
• How much is it?How much is that?
  [How much is that?]
• That's too expensiveThat's fierce dear
  [That's fierce dear]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do me a deal?
  [Can you do me a deal?]

• What time is it?What's the story, clock?
  [Whats the story, clock?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one on the dot
  [It's one on the dot]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [Half ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [Yest-day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [Tom-or-ra]
• 1One
  [Wun]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Wheres the...?]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [Whats the addy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point me in the right direction?
  [Can you point me in the right direction?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next one due?
  [Whens the next one due?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Dublin's origins can be traced back to its founding by the Vikings in 841 AD. Known as 'Dyflin' in Old Norse, the city served as a major trading post. The Vikings built a settlement that would eventually grow into the bustling city we know today. Remnants of this era can be explored at Dublinia, a heritage centre focusing on the Viking and Medieval history of Dublin.

In 1170, the Normans, led by Strongbow (Richard de Clare), arrived in Dublin and established control, marking the beginning of significant Anglo-Norman influence. The construction of Dublin Castle in 1204 by King John of England solidified this control. The castle served as the seat of English, and later British, administration in Ireland until 1922.

The 18th century was a period of substantial growth for Dublin, often referred to as its 'Golden Age.' The construction of grand Georgian architecture, including the iconic Trinity College and the sprawling St. Stephen's Green, exemplified this era. Dublin became a centre of political and intellectual life in Ireland, producing luminaries such as Jonathan Swift and Edmund Burke.

The Easter Rising of 1916 was a pivotal event in Dublin's history, marking a significant step towards Irish independence. Leaders of the uprising, including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly, seized key locations in the city, including the General Post Office (GPO). Although the rebellion was suppressed, it galvanized public opinion and set the stage for the subsequent War of Independence.

From 1919 to 1921, Dublin was at the heart of the Irish War of Independence. The conflict saw the Irish Republican Army (IRA) engage in guerrilla warfare against British forces. The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921 led to the establishment of the Irish Free State, with Dublin as its capital. Key sites from this period include the Four Courts and the Custom House, both of which were targeted during the conflict.

The early 20th century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Dublin, often associated with the Irish Literary Revival. Figures like W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett emerged, producing works that gained international acclaim. The Abbey Theatre, founded in 1904 by Yeats and Lady Gregory, became a focal point for this literary and cultural movement.

In recent decades, Dublin has transformed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city while retaining its rich historical and cultural heritage. The economic boom of the 1990s, known as the 'Celtic Tiger,' brought rapid development and modernization. Today, Dublin is a bustling metropolis known for its tech industry, lively arts scene, and historic landmarks like the Ha'penny Bridge and Temple Bar.

Dublin is accessible through Dublin Airport (DUB), which is approximately 10 kilometers north of the city center. The airport is well-connected to many international destinations. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to reach the city center. The Aircoach and Dublin Express buses offer convenient and frequent services to various parts of the city.

Dublin boasts a comprehensive public transport system including buses, trams (Luas), and trains (DART). The Leap Card is a reusable smart card that offers discounted fares on all public transport. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. For those preferring to explore on foot, Dublin is a walkable city with many attractions in close proximity.

The currency used in Dublin is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases or in markets.

Dublin is generally a safe city, but like any urban area, it is essential to remain vigilant. Areas such as Temple Bar can be crowded and are known for pickpocketing, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. If you find yourself in need of assistance, the local emergency number is 112 or 999.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for police, fire, or medical services. Dublin has several hospitals, including St. James's Hospital and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, which provide emergency services. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to walk around. Smart-casual attire is generally acceptable in most places. Religion: Do respect places of worship, and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do have your fare ready and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on buses and trams. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or a simple 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Irish stew and soda bread. Don’t forget to tip, usually around 10% in restaurants.

To experience Dublin like a local, visit the lesser-known pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish music sessions. Take a stroll along the Grand Canal or Phoenix Park for a more relaxed atmosphere. Engage with Dubliners; they are known for their friendliness and love to share stories. Don’t miss the local markets, such as the Temple Bar Food Market, for fresh produce and artisanal goods.