There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding In The Middle Of The Capital In Central Ohio
By Sarah McCosham|Published July 27, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Ohio’s German heritage is a celebrated part of Buckeye State culture. Between the Old World feel of Ohio Amish Country, the state’s numerous biergardens, and Cincinnati hosting the largest Oktoberfest in the country, Ohio has a robust German history and heritage that’s an important part of the state’s culture and identity. But Deutschland isn’t the only European country that’s celebrated in the Buckeye State; Cleveland has active Italian and Polish populations, and, just outside Columbus, there’s a tiny European village that’s a wee little slice of Éire in Ohio.
Tucked away just outside of the bustling Buckeye State capital, Dublin is a wholly wonderful and unexpected European village in Ohio.
This town is more than merely named after Ireland; it's a place where Old World charm and an "all are welcome" sensibility make every visitor and resident feel as though they've struck gold.
Dublin Irish Festival, 5200 Emerald Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
With the town proper, you'll find cobblestone streets and dozens of local shops that make it easy to lose track of time. If you have kids, I highly recommend hitting up the Dublin Toy Emporium!
Just like many European cities, Dublin has a robust public art program. Wander the parks and city streets and you'll find gorgeous stone statues and large art installations that add an air of wonder and whimsy to this delightful town.
Ohio's most famous public art piece -- the Field of Corn -- is also found in Dublin!
Craving something delicious and Irish inspired after a day wandering around this walkable town? Head to Katzinger’s for their eponymous and iconic Reuben. This sandwich comes piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and house-made Russian dressing, and it's a major crowd pleaser!
Katzinger's Dublin, 7160 Muirfield Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
This local pub is revered for, among other things, its rustic Braised Beef Shepherd's Pie. Slow-cooked in Guinness and red wine with vegetables and baked beneath mashed potatoes and bread crumbs, this is Irish comfort food at its finest.
Of course, just like the Emerald Isle, Dublin is a wonderfully green place. The village is home to over 60 parks, each more beautiful than the last. This is Glacier Ridge Metro Park, and it's a wonderful place for a stroll.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland-Croy Rd, Plain City, OH 43064, USA
This beguiling Buckeye State town is also a waterfall wonderland that features some of Mother Nature's best works of art. Hayden Run Falls is perhaps the fairest of them all; this walk-up waterfall is a town treasure that's prettier than a picture.
Hayden Falls Park, 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
In addition to its small-town charm and verdant natural features, Dublin has the kind of metropolitan mystique that mirror what you'd find in a larger European metropolis. The Dublin Link is the longest span, single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world, and its spot in the town's cityscape echoes the Samuel Beckett Bridge of Dublin, Ireland!
Dublin Link, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
The Dublin Link, 6694 Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
