Why are the main cities in Ireland the main cities in Ireland?

Answer 1

Most people in Ireland do not live in Dublin. More live there than in other parts, but not the majority. The population of the Republic of Ireland is around 4 million. The population of Dublin is just over 1 million. The reasons many people live in Dublin are many. It is the largest city. It is the capital city. There is more employment there than in other parts. There are better services there than in other parts. Many parts of Ireland are difficult to make a living in due to things like poor land quality and a low amount of people to keep businesses going. Because of this, many people move to the bigger towns and cities, not just Dublin.

Answer 2

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland. It is a major port. It is in a strategically important location, being in the middle of the east coast and on the side of Ireland closest to Britain. This is one of the reasons why the city was established there. In ancient times, it was an important location and crossing point in the country for people travelling from north to south. The original settlement was established at a crossing point of the river Liffey. Because of all of these things it has become the biggest city in Ireland and the capital and as a result it has a large population in it and in the wider area around Dublin.

Answer 3

They are cities, so they are major urban areas, so they are the main cities. Dublin is the capital and largest city. It is on the east coast. Cork is the main city in the south of Ireland, being the largest city in that area. Galway is the main city in the west of Ireland. Belfast is the main city in the north of Ireland. All of those cities are major ports. All also have airports. There are other important cities like Waterford, Limerick and Derry.

What is classed as a city in Ireland isn't what is classed as a city in other countries. In some countries a place with just a few thousand people is often referred to as a city. There are lots of places with thousands of people in Ireland that would not be regarded as being cities. Some have Cathedrals, which is often used as a criteria for being a city, but these large towns are not big enough to be called cities, and so are not called cities in Ireland. So the places that are cities in Ireland are the largest urban areas of Ireland. That is what makes them main cities.

Answer 4

Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, and its geographical location in the middle of the east coast means it is a good location for a port and for trade. It is Ireland's main port. So it has always been a good place for trade and travel to other countries, making it a good city for a capital city.

Answer 5

Like many towns and cities, Dublin is built on a river near where it enters the sea. The river Liffey is the main river in Dublin, but there are several other rivers in the area most notably the Tolka and the Dodder. Over 1000 years ago there were a number of settlements along the banks of the river Liffey. One of these was Dubh Linn, meaning black pool, and being the origins of the name Dublin. Another settlement was Áth Cliath, meaning the crossing at the hurdle Ford, which is the origins of the Irish name for Dublin which is Baile Átha Cliath.

These two settlements grew and when the Vikings came to Ireland they also started to build along the Liffey. Since then the city has grown and some of it is now built on land reclaimed from the sea. Dublin was officially 1000 years old in 1988. In its location it is on the coast of the Irish Sea, about half way along the east coast of Ireland. It is ideally positioned for sailing and trading across the Irish Sea to Britain and on to other European countries. It is the main port in Ireland and also has a number of ferry ports. So there are many good strategic and geographical reasons for Dublin's location.

Answer 6

It is the largest city. It is strategically placed for trade. It has the largest population area. It is the seat of the Irish government.

Answer 7

Yes, Dublin is the capital city of The Republic of Ireland.

Answer 8

yes dublin is capital of Ireland