<human>:  When did the emerald city become the capital of Ireland?
<bot>: Dublin has been the capital of Ireland since the early 1200s. It was chosen as the capital because it was centrally located in the country and had good communications. The city grew quickly in the Middle Ages, becoming the largest city in Ireland by the 14th century. The city has been the center of Irish political and cultural life since the Middle Ages, and it is home to the seat of the Irish government, the Dáil Éireann, the Seanad Éireann, and the Supreme Court of Ireland.