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A thriving international technology and business centre of Europe, the capital city of Ireland, Dublin is also a popular world class tourism and convention destination. Dublin being a culturally diverse region, it offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world. Owing to the heavy influence of emigrants since its inception, Dublin has becoming a melting pot of religions, cultures and traditions from across Europe. Thus, Irish culture is subtly reflected not only through its urban areas, but also through the various religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin
Besides Ireland's heritage sites, parklands, and historic architecture, there are also several religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin that reflect the numerous religions dwelling in the city. Owing to its long tradition of emigration that continued up until the early 1990s, Dublin now has a sizeable number of immigrants from fellow EU member countries, Poland, China, Brazil, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Lithuania, Ghana, Romania, Australia, New Zealand, Algeria and Russia. This growth in diversity has brought across a host of religions which accounts the several religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin. Despite Ireland's past religious conflicts regarding Catholicism and Protestantism, after attaining independence, the population of the Republic of Ireland is predominantly Roman Catholic, while the second largest denomination being the Church of Ireland (Anglican). Other religious denominations include the Presbyterian, Methodist, the Jewish community, Islamic community, and the minority groups who belong to orthodox, agnostic, atheist and 'no religion' groups.
The various religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin form the greatest specimens of the architectural heritage of Ireland. Besides being home to innumerable churches, there are also numerous monasteries, chapels and mosques that dot the picturesque city. A large number of religious devotees gather in these religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin, especially during religious festivals. Besides having great historical values, some of the religious monuments and places of worship in Dublin are also famous tourist attractions.
Information on some of the famous points of Heritage of Dublin is provided below:
Christ Church Cathedral - Located in the Dublin region, it dates back to the 11th century. Although it underwent a massive restoration in the 19th century, it remains the oldest building in Dublin. Besides its magnificent architectural splendor of the cathedral, its attractions include the crypt, which predates the cathedral. Also connected to the cathedral is the "Dublinia" exhibition which offers a great deal of information about Dublin during the Middle Ages.
St. Patrick's Cathedral - It is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (part of the Anglican Communion). Dating back to the 12th century, this major tourist attraction is also Ireland's largest church. It also houses the tomb of Jonathan Swift who served as dean of St. Patrick's and during which time he penned the famous Gulliver's Travels.
St. Michan's Church - Rebuilt in 1686 on the site of an earlier 11th century church, this grand church includes attractions like caskets in the church's crypt, the carvings of violins, and an organ which Handel may have played on.
Dublin Mosque - This Islamic mosque is located in the South Circular Road of Dublin. Constructed in 1983 when Islamic organizations in the U.K. and some Muslim countries raised funds to establish a mosque in Dublin. Catering to religious aspects of the minority Muslim community in Dublin, it is also currently the headquarters of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland.
St Mary's Pro-Cathedral - Located in Malborough Street, it is also known as St Mary's Church, it is a pro-cathedral and is the Episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland
Tara Buddhist Centre - It is an active and flourishing Buddhist community located in Dublin, which provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for people to learn about Buddhism and meditation. From those who seek simple relaxation to those who wish to find lasting inner peace and contentment through following the Buddhist path, this religious place is most suited.
Some of the other renowned sites where to view the rich heritage of Dublin are listed below:
- All Saints Church, Raheny
- Chapel Royal (Dublin Castle)
- Parish of Clontarf (Roman Catholic)
- Parish of Clontarf (Roman Catholic)
- St. Assam's Church
- St. Doulagh's Church
- Saint Francis Xavier Church
- St. Nahi's Church
- St. Stephens' Church (Mount Street)
- Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church
- The Thomas Prior Monument
- Wellington Monument
countriesandcapitals provides you with informative details about Ireland and its capital city, Dublin.
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