Fun Facts About Dublin That Will Steal Your Heart

Dublin is a city that never stops surprising you. Between its Georgian streets, lively pubs, and centuries of history, it hides details and anecdotes that make it one of Europe’s most unique destinations. Beyond the tourist guides, there are small stories, corners, and customs that will make you see the Irish capital in a whole new way. If you’re staying at Latroupe Jacobs Inn, you’ll be steps away from many of them, ready to explore at your own pace.

1. The Bridge That Travelled from England
The Ha’penny Bridge, inaugurated in 1816, was built with cast iron parts brought from Shropshire, England. For over 100 years, you had to pay a half-penny toll to cross it, which gave it its nickname. Today, it’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, especially at sunset when its lights reflect on the River Liffey.

2. A Library Straight Out of a Movie
The Long Room at Trinity College is a place that leaves you speechless. With more than 200,000 old books, wooden floors, marble busts, and the smell of aged paper, it feels like stepping into a film set. In fact, it has inspired movie locations and is a must-see for literature and history lovers.

3. The Oldest Pub in Ireland
On the corner of Bridge Street stands The Brazen Head, which claims to have opened in 1198. Although it has changed a lot over the centuries, it still retains an authentic atmosphere where locals and visitors share pints, traditional music, and endless conversations.

4. The River You Don’t Drink From
The River Liffey flows through the city and appears in countless postcards, but its water isn’t suitable for drinking. Dublin’s tap water comes mainly from the Wicklow Mountains. The Liffey, however, hosts activities such as rowing, urban kayaking, and charity swimming events.

5. A City That Honours Women
For decades, most statues in Dublin depicted male figures. In recent years, new monuments have been erected to honour female writers, politicians, and activists such as Constance Markievicz and poet Eavan Boland, helping to balance the city’s visible history.

6. A Park Bigger than Central Park
Phoenix Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, bigger than New York’s Central Park. Within its 700+ hectares, you’ll find wild deer, Victorian gardens, Dublin Zoo, and the official residence of the President of Ireland.

7. The Colourful Doors
One of the city’s most iconic sights are its brightly painted Georgian doors. Legend says residents started painting them to find their homes more easily after a night out. Today, they’re a tourist attraction and a perfect photo backdrop.

8. The Spire: A Monument That Divides Opinion
In the middle of O’Connell Street rises The Spire, a 120-metre stainless steel needle inaugurated in 2003. Some see it as a modern icon of Dublin; others, as unnecessary decoration. Either way, you can’t miss it if you stroll through the city centre.

9. Literature on Every Corner
Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and birthplace of great writers like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. You’ll find plaques, statues, and literary trails celebrating their legacy, as well as historic bookshops to get lost in.

10. Four Seasons in a Day
Dublin’s weather is famously unpredictable. In a single day, you might experience sunshine, rain, wind, and a rainbow. The trick is to always carry a waterproof jacket and embrace the charm the city has in any condition.

Latroupe Tip: From Jacobs Inn, you can walk to many of these spots. Ask reception about free walking tours to discover not just the official history, but also the funniest anecdotes only locals know.