Dublin, Ohio vs. Dublin, Ireland
Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler
This month, while traveling around the world in Ohio, we discovered Dublin. That’s Dublin, Ohio, not Dublin, Ireland. But we’ll tell you about both anyway.
Dublin was founded in the early ninth century when Vikings made their largest settlement outside of Scandinavia on the site of the present-day city. As you can tell, we’re talking about Ireland, not Ohio. Ever since then, Dublin has suffered many wars and conflicts. In the early 20th century, Dublin established its own identity and is today a modern, cosmopolitan city that is rich in history and proud of its past. While visiting Dublin, you will see that many monuments and museums chronicle Dublin’s rich heritage; make sure to take some time to enjoy the story of Dublin in some of its most magnificent buildings. Dublin is special, a place where tradition and cultural heritage have merged seamlessly over the centuries to create an atmosphere simply unique to Dublin.
Dublin is renowned worldwide as a city of writers and literature, home to such literary pens as Joyce, Shaw, and many others, celebrated at the Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Museum, and the Shaw Birthplace. Malahide Castle is a beautifully restored residence with distinctive elegance and charm. The extensive grounds of the Malahide Castle Demense are also home to the delightful Fry Model Railway and the Talbot Botanic Gardens. Malahide Castle is also the home to Tara’s Palace, one of the world’s most significant Doll Houses. Inspired by Sir Neville Wilkinson’s celebrated Titania’s Palace of 1907, Ron and Doreen McDonnell sought to recapture the spirit and purpose of Sir Neville when they began the creation of their own masterpiece – Tara’s Palace in 1980.
When you spend your time in Dublin, Ireland, you will be assured of a warm welcome and special memories. But if you can’t get across the Atlantic this year, visit Dublin, Ohio, and experience Irish culture at its Dublin Irish Festival in August.
Dublin, Ohio, is a beautiful, scenic city of about 36,000 residents located just 15 minutes northwest of downtown Columbus. Many recognize Dublin as home to Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Golf Tournament (held each spring) and the annual Dublin Irish Festival—one of the nation’s largest events of its kind. But it’s so much more!
Dublin has become an exciting “getaway” destination for travelers—offering a great Central Ohio location just off the I-270 Columbus outer belt, a quaint historic district, 14 hotels, “Ohio’s most prestigious golf address,” exciting events, proximity to world-class attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (just five minutes north of Dublin) and economical vacation packages.
Named as one of Money Magazine’s “Hottest Places to Live,” Dublin offers a strong community that draws families and businesses alike. Many major corporations (including Wendy’s International, Cardinal Health, and Ashland, Inc. have established their headquarters in Dublin, Ohio.
Dublin, Ohio, offers many similarities to Dublin, Ireland. In fact, local legend has it that the original village was named by John Shields–an Irish surveyor who remarked that the “beaming of the sun on the hills and dales surrounding [the] beautiful valley” reminded him of his birthplace in Dublin Ireland. Like its namesake city “across the pond,” Ohio’s emerald city offers plenty of green space (more than 1,000 acres of parkland); outstanding golf courses (Dublin CVB has long enjoyed a successful Golf/Hotel package program); and a richly historic area with several Irish pubs and businesses.
In fact, the city’s signature event embraces the Irish connection. The annual Dublin Irish Festival is expected to draw nearly 90,000 visitors from across the globe. It’s been named “….one of the biggest and best festivals in the country” by Chicago’s Irish American News and a “Top 100 Event in North America” by the American Bus Association. Set on 20 rolling acres, the event features more than 60 musical acts from the U.S. and Ireland performing music on eight stages (from Celtic rock to traditional ballads). Three cultural stages feature storytelling, folklore, music, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can discover Ireland’s traditional instruments while learning to play the fiddle or tin whistle …or… be transported back into Irish history when they visit a 10thCentury Irish village—a time when Irish hero Brian Boru chased the Danes out of the Emerald Isle. Irish dancers compete in the Columbus Feis—a competition that attracts 1,300 of the nation’s best Ceili dancers. Visitors can watch sheep herding demonstrations, explore their genealogy, shop the Emerald Isle for imported goods, attend a Gaelic mass, learn to make a proper scone, or sample an endless variety of Irish food and drink.
For more information about Dublin, Ohio, contact the Dublin Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-245-8387 or click here to visit their website.
