Dublin is one of those cities that lands on almost everyone's must-see travel lists. In fact, the BBC conducted a Europe-wide survey in which Ireland was voted the most content country in Europe, and Dublin itself was recognized as the best European capital in which to live. Further, more than four million people visit Dublin a year, making it the third most-visited capital city on the continent. Rich with history, culture and world-class education, Dublin makes an ideal study abroad destination.

Those interested in European history will find a fascinating story to unravel in Dublin. The earliest reference to the city dates back to A.D. 140, when Greek astronomer Ptolemy mentioned a settlement called Eblana Civitas. It was in the 1st Century B.C. that the term Dubh Linn was used, and while the words mean "black pool" in Irish, the area saw settlements by the Normans, the Scandinavians and the Vikings, so the definitive origin of the name is unknown.

What is certain, however, is that Dublin became a capital city in the early 12th Century, and the sprawling Dublin Castle served as the seat of British rule in Ireland from the 18th Century until 1922. Although the current castle is "new" by some European standards, a structure has stood on that spot since King John became the first ruler of Ireland, and has housed Ireland's leaders through the three phases of the country's history: the Lordship of Ireland, the Kingdom of Ireland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Now that Dublin is a part of the Republic of Ireland, the government is presided over by a Lord Mayor of Dublin, who spends yearly terms in the Mansion House.

Dublin Castle isn't the only famous structure in this city situated on the River Liffey. Architectural students will marvel at the skyscraping splendor of St. Patrick's Tower and the Spire of Dublin. Architects and historians alike will enjoy buildings such as the ancient and columned Dublin City Hall or the classic Custom House, which shimmers like London's parliament building at night. With typical European glamour in some structures and modern flair in others, there is truly something for all architectural tastes.

Dublin is also a hub for Ireland's education system, housing three main universities and numerous other higher education institutions. While the oldest and most famous university is the Trinity College (University of Dublin), which was founded in the 16th Century, other world-renowned institutions include the National University of Ireland, Dublin (University College Dublin) and Dublin City University. Additionally, Ireland's largest non-university third-level institution is the Dublin Institute of Technology, which specializes in modern technology but also offers courses in the arts and humanities.

Prospective doctors will find a terrific learning experience in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and future thespians should consider the Gaiety School of Acting or the Samuel Beckett Centre at Trinity College. Additionally, anyone interested in art should look into taking courses at the National College of Art and Design or the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology. The Irish Council for International Students is an excellent source of information and advice on studying in Ireland.

Few cities in the world have been home to as many notable authors, or the setting for their most widely read works as Dublin. In addition to James Joyce, the city has nurtured the talents of literary legends such as Samuel Beckett, Sean O'Casey, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and Dracula author Bram Stoker. The city's rich and unique history, the life of the pub, the importance of conversation and the emphasis on storytelling are generally credited for the city's literary output.

Dublin is also recognized as a young city, and the relative youth of its population has led to it becoming one of the most active and avant-garde cities in all of Europe. From its creative live music scene to its top-notch restaurants, Dublin is a city that draws students from all over the world, making the time that any student spends there a uniquely globalized one. Isn't it time you considered this city on the Liffey?

Resources

Irish Council for International Students: http://www.icosirl.ie
Univeristy of Dublin: http://www.tcd.ie/
University College Dublin: http://www.ucd.ie/
Dublin City University: http://www.dcu.ie/
Dublin City Council: http://www.dublincity.ie/
Dublin.ie: http://www.dublin.ie/
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP