Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland, offers a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and a thriving job market. But before you pack your bags and make the move, there are a few important things to consider. From housing and costs of living to transport and lifestyle, here’s everything you need to know about settling down in Dublin.
1. Cost of Living: Be Prepared for High Expenses
Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, particularly when it comes to rent, groceries, and dining out. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Rent: One of the biggest expenses—expect to pay around €2,000+ per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and €1,500+ in the suburbs.
- Groceries: A weekly shop for one person can cost around €60–€100, depending on where you shop.
- Public Transport: A Leap Card (for buses, trams, and trains) costs €40–€160 per month, depending on usage.
- Dining Out: A casual meal costs around €15–€20, while a pint of beer is about €6–€7.
If you’re moving for work, negotiating a good salary is essential to keep up with the city’s high costs.
2. Finding a Place to Live: Housing is Competitive
The Dublin rental market is extremely competitive, with high demand and low availability. Here are some key tips for securing accommodation:
- Start looking early – Good rentals get snapped up quickly.
- Check Daft.ie and Rent.ie – These are the most popular property search websites.
- Consider sharing – Many residents opt for house shares to cut costs.
- Look outside the city center – Areas like Ranelagh, Rathmines, Drumcondra, and Clontarf offer a good balance of affordability and convenience.
3. Employment & Work Opportunities
Dublin has a booming tech, finance, and pharmaceutical industry, making it an attractive destination for professionals. Some of the top employers in Dublin include:
- Tech Giants – Google, Facebook (Meta), LinkedIn, Amazon, and Microsoft have major European headquarters in Dublin.
- Finance & Banking – Many global banks and fintech companies operate here.
- Pharmaceutical & Healthcare – Companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have a strong presence.
If you’re an EU citizen, you won’t need a visa to work in Ireland. Non-EU citizens will need a work permit, with the Critical Skills Employment Permit being the most desirable for skilled workers.
4. Transport: Getting Around Dublin
Dublin’s public transport system is decent but not the best compared to other European capitals. Here’s what you need to know:
- Buses – The main form of transport, but often delayed during rush hour.
- Luas (Tram) – The Red and Green lines cover many key areas, but don’t connect directly.
- DART (Train) – Great for commuting from coastal suburbs like Howth or Bray.
- Cycling – Dublin is becoming more bike-friendly, and DublinBikes offers a cheap rental option.
Many Dubliners walk to work since the city center is compact and easy to navigate.
5. Weather: Expect Rain (and Bring Layers!)
Dublin’s weather is famously unpredictable, so it’s best to always carry a rain jacket. Expect:
- Mild Winters (4–8°C) – Rarely snows, but it’s often damp and windy.
- Cool Summers (15–22°C) – Occasionally sunny, but always pack a light jacket.
- Frequent Rain Showers – Dublin doesn’t get extreme weather, but it does get a lot of drizzle!
Locals say “four seasons in one day” isn’t uncommon in Dublin.
6. Social Life & Culture: A Friendly & Lively City
Dublin is famous for its warm and welcoming people, and there’s plenty to do in your free time.
- Pubs & Nightlife – From traditional Irish pubs with live music to trendy cocktail bars, Dublin has a buzzing nightlife.
- Parks & Outdoor Spaces – Phoenix Park, St. Stephen’s Green, and Howth Cliff Walk are great for getting fresh air.
- Festivals & Events – St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin Theatre Festival, and Christmas Markets bring the city to life.
The Irish are social and love to chat, so making friends is relatively easy—just head to a local pub and start a conversation!
7. Healthcare & Services
Ireland has both public and private healthcare, but the public system can have long wait times.
- Public Healthcare – If you live in Ireland long-term, you may qualify for free or low-cost healthcare.
- Private Health Insurance – Many residents opt for private insurance for quicker access to specialists.
- GP Visits – A standard doctor’s visit costs around €50–€70 without insurance.
It’s recommended to get health insurance if your employer doesn’t provide it.
8. Paperwork & Banking: Getting Set Up
When you move, you’ll need to take care of some essential paperwork:
- PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number) – Needed for work, taxes, and healthcare. Apply as soon as you arrive.
- Bank Account – Popular banks include AIB, Bank of Ireland, Revolut, and N26. Most require proof of address to open an account.
- SIM Card & Internet – Mobile providers like Vodafone, Three, and Eir offer good plans for newcomers.
9. Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
One of the best things about living in Dublin is the easy access to stunning landscapes and historic sites.
- Howth – A beautiful fishing village with cliff walks and amazing seafood.
- Wicklow Mountains – Visit Glendalough for breathtaking hikes and ancient monastic ruins.
- Malahide Castle – A scenic castle and gardens just 30 minutes from the city.
- Belfast & The Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland is just a two-hour drive away!
10. Final Thoughts: Is Dublin Right for You?
Dublin is a fantastic place to live if you love city life with a small-town feel. It offers:
Great job opportunities in tech, finance, and healthcare. Friendly locals and a vibrant pub culture. Beautiful nature & day trips just a short journey away.
However, it also comes with:
High rent & cost of living. Traffic congestion & limited public transport options. Unpredictable weather.
If you secure a good salary and find affordable housing, Dublin can be a wonderful place to live—full of culture, history, and great craic! 