Amandine's Erasmus experience in Dundalk, Ireland

Why did you decide to go to Dundalk, Ireland?

Ireland was one of the only English-speaking countries offered by my university in France, and Dundalk is quite close to Dublin (40 mins by car / more than an hour on the bus) and Belfast.

How long was your stay? How much did you receive with your grant?

I am staying for nine months.

I receive two grants for my Erasmus year:

-the Explora grant

- the regional grant (depending on the region, not all students necessarily receive this grant)

In total about €3000

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Did you have difficulties finding accommodation in Dundalk?

Several accommodation possibilities:

2 student accommodations: Greenpark and Mournview Hall.

Greenpark is 5-10 mins from DkIT and 10 mins from the city centre. Five people per apartment. A single room in Greenpark is more expensive but you'll have more privacy. Be careful because spaces run out quickly.

Mournview Hall is 15mins from DkIT and 10mins from the city centre. Three people per apartment.

There is also the possibility of living in a house with other students or an Irish family.

What is the cost of living in Dundalk?

Food and alcohol is more expensive here than in France.

How do you find learning the language? Did you have any language courses organised by the university?

During Erasmus there are English classes four times a week depending on our level, to help us with grammar, for example.

Concerning learning the language, the teachers know we are Erasmus students, so most of the time they make an effort not to talk too quickly, or to make sure that they are understood...

What is the cheapest way to get to Dundalk from your town?

I am from Valence, so I take the plane either from Lyon with Aer Lingus, or from Grenoble with Ryanair. However return tickets are quite expensive with both these options (€300), compared to tickets flying from Paris or Beauvais. You also have to pay to check in luggage with these companies!

On arrival in Dublin, you have to take the bus to Dundalk. The price is usually €8, but you can easily find discounts and pay €3.

The ferry is also another option at around €100 and travels from Cherbourg to Dublin.

Which places would you recommend for partying in Dundalk?

Brubakers, Ridleys, Bartenders, Courtney's.

And which cultural sights would you recommend?

In Ireland there aren't really that many museums nor places to see, but you can go on a lot of hikes.

Even in Dublin, the capital, you can get around the whole city fairly quickly and there must be only 4-5 museums.

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