DUBLIN

Dublin is the capital of Ireland. Dublin City Council is a unicameral assembly of 52 members elected every five years from Local Election Areas. It is presided over by the Lord Mayor, who is elected for a yearly term and resides in Mansion House. As the capital city, Dublin seats the national parliament of Ireland, the Oireachtas. It is composed of the President of Ireland, Seanad ireann as the upper house, and Dil ireann as the lower house. Dublin has many landmarks and monuments dating back hundreds of years. One of the oldest is Dublin Castle.One of Dublin's newest monuments is the Spire of Dublin, or officially titled "Monument of Light".Many people visit Trinity College, Dublin to see the Book of Kells in the library there. Other popular landmarks and monuments include the Mansion House, the Anna Livia monument, the Molly Malone statue, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick's Cathedral, Saint Francis Xavier Church on Upper Gardiner Street near Mountjoy Square and The Custom House. Dublin is the primary centre of education in Ireland, with three universities and many other higher education institutions. Dublin has a vibrant nightlife and is reputedly one of Europe's most youthful cities, with an estimate of 50% of citizens being younger than 25. The best known area for nightlife is Temple Bar, south of the River Liffey. Dublin is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. The city has numerous shopping districts.