Dublin

Dublin. 1. A county on the east coast of Ireland, in the province of Leinster, having a length of thirty-two miles, a breadth of eighteen, and an area of 354 miles, and a coast-line of seventy miles.

Dublin Bay is the chief indentation. The Liffey flows from west to east, and the Royal and Grand Canals unite it with the Shannon. The surface is generally level, but in the south there are high lands rising to a height of 2,473 feet, and there is much picturesque scenery. The land is much divided, and nearly one-third is cultivated. The northern parts are level and tame, but fertile and beautifully green. There are many seats in the southern parts. The country is not rich in minerals, nor are there many manufactures. Fishing employs a fair number of people. The county returns two members to Parliament.

2. The capital of Ireland, is on the east coast of the county of Dublin, and within a mile of Dublin Bay, which is six miles across. The city is divided almost into halves by the Liffey, which flows into the bay, and the river embankments on either side form a magnificent line of quays through the city, though their beauty is somewhat marred by the foul state of the river. There is a harbour between the North and South Walls, the latter of which runs out for three and a half miles and terminates in a lighthouse. There is also a harbour of refuge at Kingstown. The river is crossed by six stone bridges, three of iron, and one swing bridge. The old town is irregular, but the streets parallel to the Liffey and at right angles are regular. Most of the houses are brick. Two canals also pass through the city. The finest street is O'Connell Street, which is 650 yards long and 40 wide, and has in it a Nelson column and a statue of O'Connell. The O'Connell Bridge is of the same width as the street, and has a central footway. A railway connects the north and south, and there are four railway stations. The public buildings are very fine. On the east is the Castle, the official residence of the Lord Lieutenant. It dates from the 13th century, and has a fine Gothic chapel. East of the Castle is the Bank of Ireland, formerly the Parliament House, and at right angles to it is Trinity College, on the opposite side of College Green. The Four Courts are on the quay. Besides these there are the custom house, the Rotunda, the King's Inns, the post office, the corn exchange, the mansion house, and many other buildings, including many scientific institutions, hospitals, infirmaries, and barracks, and the city is well supplied with statues. The Royal barracks at the west accommodate 5,500 men. Besides St. Patrick's cathedral (1190) and Christ church (1038), there is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the fine church of St. George. Phoenix Park in the north-west, some distance up the Liffey, contains 1,759 acres, and is one of the finest parks in Europe. In it is the viceregal lodge, standing in its own grounds of 160 acres, and a Wellington column. To the north of the park is Glasnevin cemetery, in which many renowned Irishmen are buried, among the latest being Charles Stewart Parnell. The chief industries of Dublin are brewing, distilling, and the manufacture of poplin. The city returns four members to Parliament. Dublin University was originally founded in 1320 and refounded in 1591. At present Trinity is its only college. This corporation consists of aprovost, seven senior fellows and twenty-six junior fellows, and seventy foundation scholars. The fellowships are tenable for life, and the senior fellows are elected from among the juniors, who are appointed by the provost and senior fellows after examination. Degrees are granted by the senate of the University, subject to the consent of the College Board, and a right of veto exercised by the caput of the Senate - i.e. the chancellor, vice-chancellor, provost, and senior non-regent master, any one of whom may veto a degree. The college is administered by a board consisting of the provost and the senior fellows. In many features the college life resembles that of the older universities. Lever in Charles O'Malley gives us a lively picture of the life in the early part of the century. There is a good library, which is yearly incrceising under the provisions of the Copyright Act. The university returns two members to Parliament.