LocationProvince of Leinster, Ireland.
Dialling code353.
Population506,211 (city); 1,187,176 (metropolitan area).
Time zoneGMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity240 volts AC, 50Hz; UK-style, square three-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temperatures5°C (41°F).
Average July temperatures17°C (63°F).
Annual rainfall73mm (28.5 inches).
LanguageIntroductionThe Irish Republic’s
first official language is Irish Gaelic (
Gaelige) – referred to as ‘Irish’ – member of the Celtic language family.
The last ten years have seen a resurgence of interest in Irish, now promoted by
Bord na Gaelige (the Irish Language Board) and taught at several Dublin universities. Irish children are taught Irish throughout their schooling career and must sit (but not necessarily pass) Irish during their leaving certificate.
While only 35% of adults in Ireland profess a knowledge of Irish, the language spills over into Dubliners’ English. The eighteen-letter Irish alphabet has no ‘th’ sound; thus ‘three’ becomes ‘tree’. Dublin accents vary from that of a
gurrier (said to have derived from ‘guerrier’ or ‘fighter’) to the
Dortspeak (from the area served by the
DART trains) – the ‘refined’ drawl of Trinity College students.
Phrases
Yes -
SeaNo -
Ní heaHello -
Dia dhuitGoodbye -
Slán agat / Slán leatPlease -
Más é do thoil é / Le do thoilThank you -
Go raibh maith agatMy name is
… -
is ainm domHow are you? -
Conas tá tú? / Cén chaoi a bfhuil tú? / Caidé mar atá tú?I’m very well -
Tá mé go hanmhaith I feel ill -
Tá tinneas ormHow much does it cost? -
An mó atá air? / Cé mhéid air seo?
Do you speak English? -
An labhrann tú Béarla?
I don’t understand -
Ní thuigim
Where is …? -
Cá bfhuil …?
Entrance -
Bealach isteach
Exit -
Éalú
Danger -
Baol
Open -
Oscailte
Closed -
Dúnta
Toilets -
Seomra folctha
Doctor -
Dochtúir
Hotel -
Óstan
Restaurant -
Bialann
Beer -
Beoir
Wine -
Fíon
Menu -
Biachlár
Today -
Inniu
Tomorrow -
Amárach
Monday -
Dé Luain
Tuesday -
Dé Máirt
Wednesday -
Dé Céadaoin
Thursday -
Dé Déardaoin
Friday -
Dé hAoine
Saturday -
Dé Sathairn
Sunday -
Dé Domhnaigh
One -
Aon
Two -
Dó
Three -
Trí
Four -
Ceathair
Five -
Cúig
Six -
Sé
Seven -
Seacht
Eight -
Ocht
Nine -
Naoi
Ten -
Deich
Twenty -
Fiche
Thirty -
Triocha
Forty -
Daichead
Fifty -
Caoga
Sixty -
Seasca
Seventy -
Seachtó
Eighty -
Ochtó
Ninety -
Naocha
One Hundred -
Céad
One Thousand -
MíleCost of Living:1 Euro (€1) = £0.94; US$1.37; C$1.66; A$1.93 Currency conversion rates as of January 2009Special Events:Temple Bar Trad Festival of Irish Music and Culture
January
Dublin’s main celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is celebrated in the pubs, cultural centers and streets of Temple Bar with five days and nights of live music concerts, pub sessions, children’s events and workshops.
Website:
www.templebartrad.comJameson Dublin International Film Festival
February
A celebration of the best in contemporary world cinema with over 100 film premieres during 10 days.
Various venues throughout the city
Website:
www.dubliniff.comSix Nations Rugby Tournament
February-April
Ireland takes on England, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy in a series of games.
Croke Park (home games only)
Website:
www.rbs6nations.com
St Patrick’s Day Parade
March
Ireland’s largest street party consists of parades, fireworks, family carnivals, street performances and ceilidh dancing throughout the city in honor of the patron saint of Ireland.
Website:
www.stpatricksday.ie
Colors Boat Race
April
A spectacular rowing race on the River Liffey between Trinity College and University College Dublin.
River Liffey
Heineken Green Energy Music Festival
May/June
A lively program of outdoor rock concerts by well-known artists at Dublin Castle and smaller indoor gigs featuring lesser-known bands over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Various venues throughout the city
Bloomsday Festival
June
A walk around the city (starting at the James Joyce Center, 35 North Great George’s Street) in celebration of the life of James Joyce, as part of the annual Dublin Writers’ Festival.
Various venues throughout the city
Website:
www.jamesjoyce.ie,
www.dublinwritersfestival.comDublin Horse Show
August
The highlight of the Irish equestrian year, with show-jumping and dressage.
Royal Dublin Society
Website:
www.dublinhorseshow.com The Liffey Swim
September
Since 1920, spectators turn out to watch swimmers race in the River Liffey from Rory O’More Bridge to the Custom House.
River Liffey
All-Ireland Hurling Final and All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final
September
Two of Ireland’s main sporting events, celebrating the traditional sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling - the Irish national game.
Croke Park
Website:
www.crokepark.ieDublin Theater Festival
September-October
An impressive program of stage productions celebrating Irish and world theater, dance and comedy. It coincides with the Dublin Fringe Festival.
Various theaters and cultural centers
Website:
www.dublintheaterfestival.comSamhain Halloween Festival
October
One of the city’s few genuinely Celtic traditions, with parties and celebrations climaxing in fireworks and a thrilling night-time procession of witches, devils, druids and dragons.
Venues throughout the city
Leopardstown Races
December
One of the annual horse-racing highlights of Dublin’s prestigious racecourse, attracting riders from around Europe.
Leopardstown Racecourse
Website:
www.leopardstown.com
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