Erasmus Experience in Dublin, Ireland by Anouk

Why did you choose to go to Dublín, Irlanda?

I've been to Ireland twice before. The first time was in a host family in Portmanock, at the sea side. I discovered a little of Dublin at that time and I have to say I was really charmed by the city itself, the culture, pubs... I also spent a week there with a friend a few years ago and had more time to visit. I really wanted to be sent to Dublin as it wasn't something totally new. Also, I was interested by the story of Ireland, the period of Troubles especially, and really liked its music.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My scholarship was one semester, and believe me, time flies! Class was from September to mid-December, and I only have exams at the beginning of January.

Erasmus + is giving me 200€/month. However, today is the 2nd of December, I've been here for exactly 3 months and I didn't receive a single euro yet. I will receive 80% of the whole scholarship in the following days and the rest when I will come back. Note that it is not the same in every country! But that's how it worked for people from my home university, in Nothern France. As an example, my German housemate is getting around 300€ each month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublín?

Student life is both amazing and quite hard for foreigners (in my opinion! ). The city is really expensive, comparing to France. My university was not in the city center but at the last stop of the Luas (tramway) red line, in Tallaght. Living is Dublin was not that smart cause I would have lost a lot of money in transports, and would have lost my time as well, as I had 4 days of class a week.

However, if you like pubs, traditional music, singing out loud, fish & chips and free museums, this city is great for you.

Also, you have to know (depending on what you are studying) that you will have essays to write, almost each week. Participation in class is often important. The lecturers are always ready to help you and to postpone the date on which the essay is due if you have some issue though, which is a good thing.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Dublín to other students?

Definitely. You have plenty of things to do over here. Museums, concerts, walks along the docklands, trips around Dublin or around Ireland... Almost all pubs have free live concerts, each day of the week!

One thing; depending on where you are from and if you are not a EU citizen, you have to check if your visa allows you to go to Nothern Ireland. You might know that the Republic of Ireland is not part of the UK, but Nothern Ireland (NI), is.

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What is the food like?

Tbh, I didn't taste much. I had the fish & chips from Beshoff (O'Connell street, near the Spire) and it was good. I also went to the street market, in the center, where you can buy a fish from many countries, don't hesitate! It's a good place to gather with friend and have a chat around a burrito or whatever you fancy.

The Irish stew and the Guinness pie are quite popular here. I heard it was tasty, I'm still waiting for my landlady to teach me how to cook them.

Ireland is much alike England. There are no definite hours for meals as we could have in France. Lunch might be called "dinner" sometimes, and dinner might be called "tea" (around 5/6 PM). Irish students like pop corn (always salty. Always) and crisps (brand Tayto, the equivalent of Walkers in England).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Dublín?

Finding an accommodation is tricky. It costs a lot so the good option is to share a house or a flat. If you're staying in the city center, be ready to pay around 500/600€ monthly. And the owners often ask the deposit by cash.

How much does it cost to live in Dublín?

As I said above, it can be expensive. I chose to live in a host family (just the landlady lives here) with a German friend. We both pay 400€ monthly bills included. We pay weekly, by cash. However, if you want to live in a host family, you have to choose between meals provided or not (self catering). Of course, you'll pay less if you want to do your own grocery shopping and cook for yourself.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I had been studying english for 12 years and have lecturers from all over the world at my home university, so I'm used to the different kinds of accents. Dublin accent is not the worst! It gets trickier if you go to Belfast or Limerick for example. But after one week or two your ear is already used to it!

There are most of the time a course called "English as a Foreign Language" (EFL). You have to do a test and depending on the results, you can do the course or not. Note that it depends on what you are studying. As all my classes are taught in English in France and I had the level B2 before I left, I couldn't take this class.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Dublín from your city?

Definitely the plane. Ryanair will be soon your favourite company.

I'm flying from Brussels and it costed me around 70€ with my big suitcase of 20kg.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Dublín?

There are many places... Temple bar of course! But you might get bored as its quite small and always crowded.

For the pubs; St John's Oliver Gogarty (where James Joyce used to go), Bad Bobs or even the church (a former church turned into a pub/restaurant/night club). If you leave the center, go to Rahtmines, Dublin 6! The Blackbird is really nice if you like rock'n'roll and pubs that have their own atmosphere.

I didn't go much to clubs cause I'm so far away but I went many times to Dicey's, Dublin 2, near Stephen's Green. Several floors, a cute terrasse and people from all over the world! On some days, during "happy hours" you can get a drink for 2, 5€.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Dublín?

I didn't do many.

Elephant and Castle in the Temple bar area is good and the prices are affordable. Diwali, Indian food on Aungier Street if I remember well, is absolutely amazing but better to book. I did several Japanese and Chinese as well but I don't remember the names.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Trinity college and the books of Kells.

The Wax museum is you want a bit of fun. The Guinness Storehouse if you want to know more about this beer, and be offered a free pint at the end. The Leprechaun Museum. The National Gallery of Ireland (free! And nice boutique). The National Museum of History and Decorative Arts.

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Beautiful places/landscapes : The Wicklow mountains. The Dublin mountains. Glendalough. Dun Loaghaíre (to be pronounced Dun Learee). Howth. Dublin quays & Dublin harbour.

In Ireland : Newgrange, Kilkenny, the city of Cork, The city of Galway and the West coast, The Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Island, NI, Conemara, The Giant's Causeway, Belfast and its cost... Explore; -)!

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Dublín in the future?

Enjoy.

Thank the bus driver! And have the exact amount of money if you want to buy your ticket directly in the bus. There are different zones so the price changes depending on where you have to go.

Don't hesitate to go to libraries. I heard the one at Trinity is nice. And with your student card you can borrow books from any college library in Dublin.

"grand" means "great", "alright" or "not that bad" (it might have other meanings as well. )

If someone ask you for the "jacks", it means the toilets.

Here, a press = a cupboard.

To get things sorted out = to arrange things.

Cheers is used for everything : thank you, you're welcome, the actual cheers ^^

Have a good time in Ireland !