Dublin, OH

With a population of approximately 40,000, Dublin is one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. Until the construction of Interstate 270 in 1970, the town had a total population of only 700 residents. The construction of this major freeway made this small, homey community much easier to access from Columbus and other surrounding suburbs, creating an influx of residents and businesses. Dublin is located in the northwest portion of metropolitan Columbus, providing easy access to big-city amenities, while still maintaining a small-town feel.

Like its namesake city across the pond, Dublin has a deep-rooted Irish community. With annual events and Irish-inspired establishments, anyone can feel the strong sense of pride that Dublin has in its Irish heritage.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Dublin's daytime population rises to over 60,000, with many corporate workers commuting to the city for work.

Major corporations Ashland Inc., and Wendy's International have their headquarters in Dublin, and are two of the top employers in the city. Nearly all of the jobs in Dublin are white-collar, with other major employers including Nationwide Insurance Enterprise, Cardinal Health, Dublin City Schools, Verizon Wireless, IBM Corp. and the City of Dublin.

The city is also home to Dublin Methodist Hospital, part of the OhioHealth system, which opened in 2008.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• Downtown Historic Dublin: With brick-lined sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and 19th-century architecture, downtown Dublin has a warm feeling. Unique shops and signature restaurants make downtown Dublin a distinctive destination. Many of the community's area events take place in downtown.
• City Center: Located within the borders of I-270, the center of Dublin runs right along the Scioto River. This coveted waterfront property is home to a quiet community of families with children and single, young professionals.
• Muirfield Village: This is the most affluent area of Dublin-and much of the Columbus metropolitan area, in fact. Set on the Muirfield Village Golf Course, these homes are some of the most expensive in the city. Many families with children live in this quiet, suburban neighborhood.
• Riverside Drive/Dublin Granville Road: Mostly high-rise apartments are found in this slightly urban part of Dublin. Many of the apartments have views of the Scioto River, and the area is easy to navigate on foot.

EVENTS

A large portion of the events in Dublin center on the Irish history the community has embraced.

• Dublin Irish Festival: Featuring Irish music, dancing, reenactments and shopping, this three-day summer event is a big deal in Dublin each year. The festival offers many educational opportunities and hands-on activities for visitors and area residents to explore the roots of Irish culture.
• St. Patrick's Day Parade: Beginning with a pancake breakfast, the parade is an event that lasts all day. More than 100 floats, bands and balloons participate in the parade through the streets of downtown Dublin.

FOR VISITORS

Dublin is also a large golfing community, thanks largely to golf legend and Columbus native Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus, who was instrumental in the course design of Dublin's Muirfield Village Golf Club, has been credited with making Dublin "Ohio's Most Famous Golf Address."

Memorial Golf Tournament: Hosting some of the best golfers in the country, the Memorial Tournament is held over the Memorial Day holiday at Muirfield Village. Spectators from across the country infiltrate the streets of Dublin. Tickets for everything from practice rounds to celebratory, exclusive get-togethers are available for purchase.

Other private golf courses located in Dublin:

• Riviera Country Club
• Tartan Fields Golf Club

Public courses are also available:

• Ables on Avery
• The Golf Club of Dublin
• Twin Oaks Golf Club

GETTING AROUND

Because there is no public transportation system, Dublin is primarily navigated by car. Due to the high volume of vehicles on the road, parts of the city get quite congested during peak times of travel. There is easy access to Interstate 270 and State Route 161 from the city.

FAMILY FUN

• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: The Columbus Zoo is famous animal enthusiast Jack Hanna's home zoo. It is home to more than 700 wildlife species. The zoo is also home to Manatee Coast, one of only three manatee facilities outside Florida.
• Zoombezi Bay Water Park: Zoombezi Bay opened for business next door to the Columbus Zoo in 2008. With water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and numerous dry rides, Zoombezi Bay is a popular family attraction.
• Olentangy Indian Caverns: These historic caverns and passageways were once used by the Wyandot Indians. Tours depart from the Indian Museum and head more than 100 feet underground. A climbing wall and miniature golf are also on the grounds.
• Jacquemin Farms: This family-owned farm offers pick-your-own crops and family activities. Fall is the most popular time at Jacquemin, thanks to the farm's pumpkin patch.
• Mall at Tuttle Crossing: One of central Ohio's premier shopping malls, Tuttle Crossing has more than 125 stores and several anchor stores and is one of three major shopping destinations in the Columbus metropolitan area.