The good, the bad and the ugly.
Hello to my ten million loyal readers,
As an exchange blogger, I feel like I’m almost contractually obligated to write a Dublin pros and cons list at some point. Now that I’ve been in Dublin for basically a semester (somehow), I feel like I’m more or less qualified to make broad, sweeping claims about what living here is like for everyone. So that’s exactly what I’ll be doing. I’m glad you’re onboard.
The good 🎷🐛
If I had to describe Dublin in one word, I’d say ‘cool’ serves pretty well. I know it’s not literary genius, but most of the reasons I like Dublin just make it a ‘cool’ place. For example, Dublin has a big bar and party scene, which makes it super easy to have a fun night out. While Stockholm can look like there’s a statutory curfew past 6pm, Dublin makes it look like everybody is unemployed. It doesn’t matter if it’s Friday, Wednesday or even Monday, you will always find people in the bars and streets at any hour of the night. It also feels like there’s always something happening in the city, and so plans pop up all over the place without having to try too hard.
Other things I find cool about the city include how walkable it is, its big (and unpretentious) thrifting scene and how much music and street art there is all over. Altogether, Dublin is super lively and charming, which makes you want to be outside even when the weather is working overtime to send you into your hermit era (but more on that later).
Dublin definitely also has the best parks of any city I’ve ever lived in. They’re a great spot for a picnic or making friends with the locals.
Dublin is also a big hub for low cost flights and affordable trains, which makes it dangerously easy to match Taylor Swift’s carbon footprint in a couple weekends.
The bad 🏃♂️➡️🕳️
Now for part where I waffle on about the weather. In short, Dublin weather is a lesson in patience and cynicism. Most of the time, Dublin is windy, rainy and gray.
Then, after maybe three trying months of straight clouds and rain, you’ll wake up to only sunshine and clear skies. It looks like Dublin has decided it’s spring, so you go outside in a tshirt to give your pack of vitamin D tablets a break (you see where this is going). Four hours and six weather mood swings later, you’re shivering, soaked down to your socks, and somehow sunburnt. I’m exaggerating but if you’re looking for a break from Stockholm weather, maybe Dublin isn’t for you.
Apart from that, the other biggest con about Dublin is how ridiculously expensive it is to live here. You definitely shouldent decide on Dublin until you’ve had a long look at the state of the accommodation prices. I’m currently paying 1.4k € a month for a small student room with a shared kitchen. I’ve loved living in Dublin, but there’s a lot of places where you can pay around 600€ for accom and live off the other 800€. Luckily, Erasmus+ will make a huge difference if you decide to come here, although financially it’s still going to be a little steep.
To close:
If you think you’ll love Dublin, don’t let the cons scare you. Just come with a good jacket and be extra smart about looking for housing. Dublin is a great city! I love it here and so will you.
Kawabunga,
Joseba
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