Talking Liberties: A Stroll around Dublin's Original and Most Celebrated Suburb

In 1171 the Abbey of St Thomas was established just West of the City Walls, along the 'Slí Mhór' - the ancient route out of Dublin towards Galway. The Augustinian monks of the Abbey were allowed certain powers and privileges to control trade and administer justice in the area, with the locality consequently becoming known as a 'Liberty'. Other semi-autonomous precincts were added nearby in later years, and their relative independence from common law lasted right up until 1840.

The 'Liberties', as the area is still known, is Dublin's first and most celebrated suburb. Once home to the world's largest beer brewery and what is still the world's largest windmill, it hosted Ireland's original immigrant community - French-speaking Huguenots who arrived in the 1680s, giving the city its once thriving silk industry. And right up to the present day the Liberties has produced a wealth of personalities for the entertainment business at home and abroad (Imelda May, Mark Sheehan of the Script and Brendan Grace, to name but a few).

Join me for the 'Talking Liberties' tour as we explore the people, the politics and the events that have helped shape this unique and still vibrant part of Dublin City, which today remains a thriving centre not only for its traditional street markets but for more contemporary businesses in the form of the Dublin Digital Hub.

I will be outside Jurys Inn Christchurch myself 30 minutes in advance of the tour to welcome those joining - wearing a tan jacket and holding an A4 sheet with 'Liberties Tour' in bold print either side. See you there!