More and more people internationally are moving to Dublin, thanks to the amazing job opportunities, beautiful surroundings, and friendly faces.

But any move can be daunting, what to expect? Where are you going to live? How are you going to find your way around? Well wonder no more, we’re here to help. Here’s your ultimate guide to moving to Dublin.

 

The people

Contrary to popular belief Irish people aren’t all red haired and freckled face. But we are still some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. There is always a thank you for the bus driver even on the gloomiest of Monday mornings. People will generally say ‘please’, ‘thank you’ or even ‘sorry’ when they’ve done nothing wrong.

Outside of working hours it may seem that time keeping is not very important in Ireland. Irish people can be very relaxed about time. Generally when someone arranges to meet you at 8pm this will usually mean 8.15pm or later.

Two things to talk to any Irish person about – transport and traffic or else the weather. Just trust us on this! Which brings us nicely to our next point…

Our love-hate relationship with the weather

Weather is always a topical talking point, as Irish weather can be unpredictable to say the least. As the weather here is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, the temperatures never reach the extremities. Although it can get cold or warm at various points throughout the year depending on the season, temperatures are generally mild.

Dublin is a beautiful city when the sun shines. The streets become even livelier and you’ll often see people soaking up the sun in the various green areas or along the canal.

That being said, it is always handy to pack an umbrella just so you don’t get caught out.

Our culture

Ireland’s national day is St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17^th. Dublin each year hosts the main St Patrick’s Festival with events throughout the city. Dublin city holds a parade that goes through the main city streets attracting hundreds and thousands of spectators from across the world travel to see the colourful floats and displays.

Popular culture in Ireland is similar to other Western countries. However, one piece of popular culture in Ireland that makes it different to other cultures is the pub culture, with Guinness often being referred to as the national drink.

We are very proud of our emerald isle, and will boast about any of our home grown heroes from Olympic boxing medallist Katie Taylor to Barack Obama and his ancestral village in Moneygall.

Taking time out

There are plenty of options within the city centre if you need to relax and unwind with some fresh air. St Stephens’ Green Park is always an active spot where you can enjoy a walk or take some time out or even feed the ducks. If this is too busy for you, grab a coffee and a bench in Fitzwilliam Square or stroll along the canal.

Within the county Dublin boundaries there are also some amazing walks and adventure days out. If you are looking for walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Killiney and Dalkey Hill form part of Killiney Hill Park, a public park that overlooks both Dalkey and Killiney villages. The hills give spectacular views over the surrounding areas.

If you’d rather fresh sea air, take a trip to Dún Laoghaire promenade. The promenade provides plenty of space to walk or cycle and for kids to play. There are plenty of choices for food, coffee or an ice-cream too.

You can take a refreshing dip in the Forty Foot if you’re feeling brave.

Getting around

A range of public transport serves the city and surrounding areas from bus, rail and bike.

Dublin Bus offers a range of routes. Most stops offer a real time noticeboard to let you know exactly when the next bus will arrive. You can pay the driver on board, but have the exact fare ready if possible as they don’t carry change.

The Luas, Dublin’s light rail service operates across two lines. The Green Line goes south from St Stephen’s Green to Bride’s Glen/Sandyford while the Red Line travels west from the Point/Connolly to Saggart/ Citywest.

The coastal running DART serves 31 stations from Grey stones in the south to Malahide and Howth in the north. DART services operate daily.

There are hundreds of taxis in Dublin, you can’t walk down a street in the city without seeing at least one. Apps like Halo, Uber and Lynk are available to download that can help make sourcing and paying for your taxi trip much easier.

Dublinbikes, is the most successful citywide bike hire scheme in Europe. The bike stations are distributed throughout the city. A subscription to the services costs just €20 for a year, but also singe day and 3-day memberships are available for a small fee.

When it comes to traveling around Dublin the handiest thing to have in your pocket is a leap card. These are available to purchase online or in most shops through the city. Simply top up your card and use it on the bus, Luas or DART. It takes all the hassle out of fumbling around with change.

Despite the choices in transport, one of the best ways to get to know Dublin is to wander around and see the city delights for yourself.

Sports stars  

Gaelic Football and Hurling are a huge part of Irish heritage. The main stadium of these two sports is Croke Park located over the north side of the Liffey River in Drumcondra. Every September thousands of supporters flock to the stadium in hope that their county team will take home an All Ireland title. The stadium also boasts a museum and a skyline tour that allows you to take in the views from across Dublin city.

Dublin have been the team to beat for the last few years so you are in good company!

The Aviva Stadium is home to both the Irish Rugby team and Irish Soccer team. The stadium plays host to a variety of matches throughout the year.

Although we like to celebrate our own sports like Hurling and Gaelic football, there are plenty of international sports available to observe and partake in here in Dublin, from American Football to Cricket.

Fitness and Gyms

Finding a great gym can be hard, however in Dublin there are plenty of gyms to choose from. The fitness bug has really bitten Ireland, so expect some gyms to be crowded with people during peak times. Take a kettlebell class in FFS gym or stretch your body after a day of work with a yoga class in Oslo Health.

The question of accommodation

The average rent for a room can start at approximately €500 depending on the age and condition of the property.

If you are looking for an apartment just for yourself prices can start from around €1200. The city and suburbs are split into two areas north and south by the River Liffey. The area you choose to live in can have an affect on prices.

Some service providers to note are MFO (residential property) Serviced Apartments in Dublin (short term lettings)  and Premier suites. There are so many lovely neighbourhoods throughout Dublin, but it’s worth nothing that competition can be high. Service providers can be a good way to go.

Networking events

If your looking to grow your business networks here, there is always a range of events on offer.  Keep an eye on Eventbrite, the local enterprise office or you can join a group such as Dublin Chamber to keep up to date with what’s coming up.

Relocating made easy 

Relocating can be a tedious task, thankfully there are some super people to make this easier for you. One of these companies is Irish Relo. Dan Sennett is the CEO of Irish Relo, he explained how they take the hassle out of relocating, and finding suitable accommodation.  “We are able to arrange viewings to suit our clients and enjoy access that others might not have to properties as they come to market. The service can include lease negotiation and administration as well as a detailed check in and (at the end of a lease) check out service ensuring deposits are returned where applicable. With our sharers service, for those that want it, we privately match our clients to find properties and housemates that are best suited to their personalities and lifestyles. This has enabled us to house a large number of prospective renters as the market has got tighter and tighter.”

Dublin delights

Dublin also has great theatres and film festivals, the Dublin Fringe Festival has over 300 performances every September. We also have a cracking culture night one Friday in September and where you can attend a variety of brilliant events. If music is more your thing you are in luck, the biggest music acts in the world love to come and perform here, but Dublin is also a hub for emerging performers, you can some rising stars, both homegrown and international in Whelan’s on Camden Street.

Food is big here also, we have so many amazing restaurants, cafes and pop-up eateries you can’t go wrong. Our farmers markets and food stalls are a must too, you can find your closes one here. Dublin is home to some of the best artists, poets and writers so it’s only fitting that we have such amazing museums and galleries. Many are completely free to attend and the ones that aren’t are extremely affordable.

So what are you waiting for? Get moving to Dublin!

If you’d like to find out how we can help you land and expand in Dublin, get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.