Erasmus in Dublin, Ireland by Eleonora

What is it like to live in Dublin? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I have spent five months and half in Dublin (march-august) in 2013, also travelling a lot for all Ireland countryside and islands (Galway, Aran Islands, Belfast and Connemara are wonderful). I really enjoyed this time. I was an Erasmus Placement, so not exactly the easier way to know people and maybe this is the most difficult part, as in all the other cities of the world, I think. The city itself is beautiful, but difficult, quite dirty and the center full of what they call 'nackers', that is the poorest part of the Dubliners and the important things it's to ignore them and always skip the area they live in. Besides this, once that you figured out the way to have fun (Temple bar area, George and Dame street for example) Dublin offers a million of things to do: it's a city that never sleeps, also in the Bank holiday, sunday or during the winter with a lot of festival and gigs!

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublin?

Grand: a lot of festival, gigs, exibition and organization that always offer something to do. The important (and difficult) thing is to find them... For this i recommend things to do in Dublin for free is a newsletter of events, really usefull. Also some Facebook pages (Publin).

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

Definitely expensive, above all accomodation and quality that you pay for is overrate.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Dublin? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes it is! I recommend www.daft.ie.

Always check if there is heating in your cheap house.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Meal and all sea food are awesome. Classical food, other than lamb and salmon, it's the 1. 99 euro chicken fillet baguette that you can always find in the londis... homeless and drunk people food for excellence.

What places would you recommend visiting in Dublin?

• Trinity college
• Kilmainham Jail
• Guinness store house
• Gran canal dock area
• St. stephen's green park
• Phoenix park
• Iveagh gardens
• Old temple bar area
• George street
• Wexford street
• Grafton street
• Eden quay/li>
• Croke park
• Rathmines

Is it good to eat out in Dublin? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

O'neills pub and bar.

Is the nightlife good in Dublin? Where is good to go?

• O'neills
• The gypsy roses
• The metz
• The bernard shaw
• Whelan's
• Against the grain
• The workmans

What advice would you give future students headed to Dublin?

My advice is to book an hostel (Isaac hostel or the Generator are the best) and begin to know people and having fun with them. Then look for an accomodation and the best will come!