The village of Dubh Linn was founded originally in the first century BC. Sometime near 841 BC, the Norse established an actual town. The meaning of the name in Irish is from ‘Dubh’ which is black, and ‘Linn’, which is pool. It was the French-speaking Normans who corrupted the sound and meaning of the words, changing the spelling and pronunciation to ‘Dublin’, or in some instances, the city is referred to as ‘Develyn’.

If you were to ask a resident of the city where you were, he or she would tell you that you were in 'Baile Átha Cliath' which means 'The Settlement of the Ford of the Reed Hurdles”. Ireland natives are likely to inform you that the Dubh Linn was a lake that the Scandinavians used when they invaded Ireland. The lake is gone now, and the Scandinavians have become mostly Irish.

After Henry VII conquered County Kildare in 1504, Dublin became the seat of the Parliament. Dublin has also been the capitol city for the entire island Ireland, beginning as far back as the 12th century, during the rule of Anglo-Norman kings. Today, the city of Dublin is the capitol of the Republic of Ireland.

During the Industrial Revolution, Dublin seemed to become Ireland’s forgotten daughter. While cities such as Belfast were growing by leaps and bounds, Dublin remained much as she had always been. Unfortunately, this caused the city to crumble from neglect. From the early years of 1900’s until probably the late 1960’s, Dublin suffered severely from the physical damages resulting from the civil wars within Ireland, as much as from the ravages of time.

During the 1990’s, the city of Dublin has undergone major renovations which have restored and rejuvenated the neglected streets and architecture to its former beauty. In addition, Government and private financing has influenced and encouraged the construction of modern housing and businesses in the city as well.

Even during the terrible struggles that Dublin has endured, she has always been a birthplace of creativity and beauty. Artists, poets, musicians, and actors, have all found inspiration and genius somewhere within the heart of Dublin. The city of Dublin offers numerous theaters and museums where residents and visitors can enjoy the accomplishments of such notable historical figures as George Bernard Shaw, and James Joyce. Famous artists such as Sir Alfred Chester Beatty also left their mark behind in Dublin, plus actors of such caliber as Noel Purcell. Talent and creative gifts are still a trait of modern Dublin natives. World-renowned rock bands such as U2, Thin Lizzy, and The Boomtown Rats are all proud to call Dublin their hometown.

It isn’t all arts and entertainment in Dublin however; the city takes tremendous pride in its educational facilities as well. Dublin is home to quite a few globally recognized universities and institutes. For example, the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, and Trinity College, which was built and founded in the 16th century.

If you were to visit Dublin today, you would be stunned at the historical beauty and amazed by the modern technology. Dublin is many things to many people, but never disappointing to anyone.

About the Author

Want to move to Dublin? Learn about the Dublin property market at http://www.justinkinsella.com/

 

Thinking of a Jamaica Honeymoon, or a romantic getaway package, then try the unspoiled, untouched south coast of Jamaica, more specifically check out Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa

A Jamaica honeymoon would set the pulse racing, certainly the thought of finding a romantic getaway package somewhere on Jamaica is very appealing indeed. Why not escape the crowds this year with your lover, and head for the far less crowded south coast, and more specifically to Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa.

Sandals has over the years developed a certain reputation, but Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa is really just a very exclusive resort designed for couples, and at the same time is arguably the top all inclusive hotel in Jamaica, as well as being possibly the top beach resort in Jamaica too. Ignore the saucy and undeserved reputation and check out the outstanding features on offer.

There are 360 guest rooms and 80 luxurious suites on a fifty acre site, which in turn is part of a 500 acre nature reserve, and the resort is very beachfront to two lovely private white sand beaches, running for over two miles, backed by sea the most stunning varieties of blue and green.

The rooms and suites which are all beautifully furnished with either French, Dutch, or Italian themes according to which village they are in. All have private patios, balconies, with stunning ocean views.

This gorgeous all inclusive resort offers 7 restaurants, 3 bars, 4 pools, 3 spa tubs and a health club. In addition a good number of land and water sport and activities are included in the price, and the Spa has the full range of treatments, but unfortunately that costs extra.

Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa has the deserved reputation of being the best Sandals Resort anywhere in the Caribbean, and this shows in a number of small ways, which collectively make a difference.

There are more than enough rafts and seats for everyone at every pool. The resort is beautifully well maintained, the grass, flowers, and bushes make a lovely surrounding.

The service may be a little slow, but it is the Caribbean, and the staff do all the little things well, like replacing fridge items, or repairing things that occasionally go wrong.

Food is often a bit dull at an all inclusive, so what does Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa claiming to be the best all inclusive beach resort hotel in Jamaica have on offer.

Firstly Eleanor’s a Caribbean restaurant serving conch, filet mignon, jerk salad, with great atmosphere, great service and very good food.

Jasmine’s is an Asian restaurant, Guiseppes an Italian restaurant, great atmosphere, and food good enough to satisfy an Italian.

Bayside serves breakfasts and lunch and is mostly buffet style and busy which tells you something.

Bluefield’s is right beside the sea, and a good place for jerk chicken, and Arizona’s which has a Mexican touch to the food. Don’t miss the Café de Paris, and their Irish Coffee. It is important to book early for the restaurant of your choice.

There are areas that are more suited to couples who want peace and quiet on their Jamaica honeymoon, and the pool by the Dutch village, and the beach by the Dutch and Italian village fit the bill exactly.

Let’s face it Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa is a large resort, yet intimate, and whatever type of honeymoon you seek, it probably has the right answers for you.

About the Author

Ben Thompson is the main writer for Jamaica Vacation Spots as well as authoring several articles about Worldwide Vacation Spots and he recommends Caribbean Vacation Spots but given a choice he would choose Jamaica