The story of the city starts in the heart of old Dublin. Digs have unearthed the remains of 150 Viking edifices from the 10-11C. The castle was the seat of British power for seven centuries and the medieval town grew up around it. Temple Bar has made a name for itself as a cultural and alternative centre. It remains a highlight of the city, despite the large numbers of tourists and it is particularly lively in the evenings when the pubs spill out onto the pavements.