Àth Cliath is in the province of Leinster and Dublin City is the capital of Ireland with over a million people. It is a relatively low-lying area except for the South where the Dublin mountains rise to meet the Wicklow mountains. The River Liffey reaches the Irish sea at Dublin Bay. Two canals, the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal also flow through Dublin city. Its coastline has a number of heads, bays and beaches including Howth, Portmarnock and Dollymount. Among its principal towns are Dún Laoighaire, Skerries, Swords and Balbriggan.
The city is rich in culture and activity from shopping and night life to history, heritage, the arts and sports. Dublin is the home of Guinness at St. James' Gate and the great rock band U2. It is host to many great artists and galleries of some of the worlds finest works. Many other museums and exhibitions are here too - a tour of the Guinness Brewery and Hopstore, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, The Custom House, The Mansion House, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Castle and of course the Phoenix Park - the largest enclosed park in Europe.
Theatres and shows, traditional music and club life are an integral part of Europe's richest cultural cities. Temple Bar is the hub of social activity - the bohemian area of Dublin with many coffee-houses, eateries and pubs.
Dublin is the main centre for sporting activities there are many excellent golf courses including Portmarnock. The GAA (Gaelic Games) is based in Dublin and in the summer, matches can be attended. All the National Teams play other countries in Dublin's many stadiums and arenas.