Dublin Castle was constructed at the edge of the city around 1204 by order of English King John (that's the King John of Robin Hood fame!).  The Norman invasion of Ireland, which began in 1169, established a foothold in the country.  Dublin Castle, a wooden Viking fortification, was upgraded to a bone fide castle to serve as the English seat of government in Ireland.  Construction was completed in 1230.

The Castle served as the seat of government for British rule in Ireland until 1922.  It was the residence of the viceroy, the representative of the sovereign, and home of the monarch when he or she visited the country.  The main rooms, which are open to the public, include St. Patrick's Ballroom where the Irish President is inaugurated; the Throne Room, which holds a throne from the reign of William II and the Vice Regal Apartments (sometimes called the Royal or State Apartments).  For many years, these apartments were used to house dignitaries visiting Ireland.  Who was the last such dignitary to stay in these apartments?

The Irish are a mixture of western and Nordic components.  Characteristics are a lively temperament, good nature, cheerfulness, a talent for music and dancing, education, and social entertainment.  The Irishman supports a community based on equality for all but has an extraordinary personal need for independence, which easily leads to indiscipline and belligerence and makes large political organizations difficult.  Unreliability and instability are also imputed to him.  A profound piety characterizes these people, who have defended their Catholic beliefs with fanaticism, and the authority of the priest—sprung from the ordinary people—is enormous.

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