If you only had 24 hours in Dublin where would you go?

Ideally go on a Thursday, when lots of places stay open late. Start at Trinity College, then stroll around Merrion Square before visiting the Irish Art rooms in the National Gallery, the National Library’s beautiful reading room, and the treasures of the National Museum. Pause for lunch – or better, tea and a scone – then browse the shelves of Hodges Figgis or Books Upstairs. Wander up Dame Street to Christ Church or St Patrick’s Cathedral before ending the afternoon with a pint in the Long Hall, the Stag’s Head or Neary’s, a new book in hand before wandering to dinner nearby.

What's the best local secret you've come across?

The DART – this local train on Dublin’s first train line will whisk you out of the city centre and out to beaches, coastal paths & walks along piers. Sea, sand and city life – what more could you want?

What's your most memorable historical period connected to the city?

So many to choose from but probably the early years of the 20th century when the literary and artistic life of Dublin flourished, the labour movement gained momentum and the green shoots that ultimately led to both Irish independence and women’s suffrage began to thrive.

What's the most surprising fact you learned while researching or writing the book?

That the heart of Dublin's patron saint, Laurence O'Toole, was stolen from Christ Church Cathedral. Even more remarkable, the thieves eventually led the police to it as they had had been plagued by ill health and persistent bad luck ever since the theft.

The Shortest History of Dublin by Gillian O’Brien takes readers through the remarkable story of Ireland’s capital, exploring the people, ideas, conflicts and culture that have shaped the city across the centuries.