Dublin, Ireland’s capital and largest city, is a global haven for historic and contemporary culture and commerce. The city’s name originates from the early Irish word “Dubhlind,” meaning “black pool,” a reference to the tidal pools behind Dublin Castle. Despite becoming an official city in 988 AD, Vikings, Romans, and Greeks have called Dublin home as well as other settlements dating back all the way to pre-historic times.

While Dublin has ancient beginnings, the culture of the city is a mixture of history and modern flare. Theaters and museums sit side-by-side with nightclubs and street performers. Many famous Irish writers and playwrights hailed from Dublin, like William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker. The Dublin theatre scene also gave fresh starts to famous actors such as Michael Gambon, Colin Ferrell, and David Kelly. Read on in “The Musicians of Dublin” below to learn more about famed Irish musicians from the great cityof Dublin!