Erasmus Experience in Dublin, Ireland, by Barbara

Why did you choose to go to Dublin, Ireland?

I choose Dublin to have a very intercultural experience..., and Dublin is very rich in this sense.

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

I started my experience in October and it will finish at the end of January. I had almost 1200 euros for the first three months. For the last month I didn't have money, because I asked an extension.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublin?

I'm doing a placement in a pre-school, so I don't know anything about a student lifestyle in Dublin, sorry.

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

Yes. The city is growing and, according to the study, there are good employment opportunities. Dubliners are also very kind and hospitable.

What is the food like?

If you like fish, Dublin is a good place for you! Fish and chips, fish soup and salmon are delicious, but you can also find many ethnic restaurants.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Dublin?

It's not easy to find an accommodation, Dublin is a little bit expensive. So I suggest you to live out the centre and use a bike to reach it.

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

The buses are expensive. About the food, there are different shops where you can buy it... from the cheaper to the less cheaper: liddle, tesco, downstore, supervalue, M&S.

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

The pronuntiation is not easy. Dubliners usually change the sounds of vowels.

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

From my city, Florence, the most economical way to travel to Dublin is by plane (Ryanair) from Bologna o Pisa.

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

In Dublin there are a lot of pubs where you can listen irish music. The most turist place is Temple bar, but I suggest you to go there during the week.

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

If you miss italian pizza, you can go to Caffè Amore.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All the national museums are free! And if you like classic music, you can go to Concert Hall... If you go there one hour before the show, you can buy a ticket with only 5 euros (if there are free places).

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

There is a centre library in Ilac shopping centre, where you can go to study! And when you have free time, I suggest you to go out of Dublin to see the real Ireland.

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