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Ranked one of the top ten European cities for business purposes by Fortune magazine and included in Newsweek's ten most desirable tourist destinations, Dublin is this year's site for the FDA & CFA Global Finance Conference, December 5-7, 2000.
The name Dublin (Dubhlinn in Gaelic) means "the black pool". The city is divided by a river which seems not to move, the water settles and thickens, much like a pint of Guinness, giving the air a distinct mustiness. On weekday mornings the traffic backs up the length of the River Liffey and the sidewalks are flooded with young professionals conversing on cell phones. Dublin has the fastest growing economy and population in Europe and is projected to hold that standing through 2003. Along with the cash surge has come an influx of trendy restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and shops. Yet, Dublin remains humble and inviting, its greatest wealth being the warmth, charm and wit of the Irish.
Songs of freedom
There's a saying about the Irish that their songs are sad, but their wars are merry. The Irish culture has undergone a turbulent history, survived centuries of oppression and come out with an enriched culture and a jovial spirit.
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, began as a Viking trading post in 837. The Norsemen greatly contributed to the Gaelic language and culture, eventually intermarrying with the Irish. By the 12th century, Dublin had a population of 5,000 crammed into the city's walls, living in houses with thatched roofs and dirt floors. Fire, famine and plagues were rampant.
In 1534, Henry VIII ordered the surrender of all Irish lands to the English crown. The Irish rebelled, and the English escalated their military action. And the English also brutally attacked Catholicism. In 1559, monasteries across the country were closed and the Crown ordered the removal of all "superstitious" relics and images. The following year England declared Ireland an Anglican country. The Protestants took over Catholic churches, forcing the majority of Ireland's population to practice their faith underground.
As a military port town, Dublin's economy flourished, yet the people were living under religious oppression. Although the penal code did not outlaw their religion, Catholics were not allowed to vote, own land, hold office, join the military or practice law.