When you first arrive in a new city that will be your home, chances are that you do not have a very extensive personal or professional network. You may know a handful of people, but it will not be an established network that you can call upon in a variety of different situations. While you will get to know people through work, there are also a few different ways for you to expand your network in Dublin.
Developing a social circle in Dublin
Using meetup platforms
One of the most obvious ways to meet new people in Dublin is to use a platform that is designed specifically to organise meetups. has its own section for Dublin events, and you will be able to find something that fits nicely into your current interests. Therefore, you will be able to meet like-minded people in an environment in which you have something in common.
These events might take place at bars, hotel event spaces, or even just coffee shops. Everyone is there for the same reason and, therefore, will usually be a lot more outgoing than they usually are.
Volunteering
Another great way to meet new people in Dublin is to  for something. This could be for a local charity or to help organise some event at work or in your new local community. It is a great way to get to know your neighbours or work colleagues a bit better. There is a myriad of different options in this regard for you to choose from.
Going to fitness classes and events
Dublin, in a lot of ways, is a very fitness-conscious city. A lot of professionals now cycle to work and run in marathons and Ironman triathlons in their spare time. There are countless options to meet new people. Most communities have running and cycling clubs where people get together regularly to share this interest.
There are group Pilates and yoga classes where people get to know each other well after going to the same class for a while. They will often go for a coffee after class, so it's a great way for you to get to know new people. There are countless other types of fitness classes or activities that will also tick this box.
Try something new
When you go to a new city, it can present you with an opportunity to try something new. There may be an activity that you have always wanted to do or a skill you have wanted to develop, but you never took the time to do it. As you do not have your usual haunts and activities from your previous place of residence, you can sample what exciting new things the city has to offer.
Participating in work events
Most workplaces will have regular events or nights out. This is a great way to unwind and get to know your work colleagues on a deeper level. Socialising through some sort of event external to the office is the best form of team bonding.
Developing a professional network in Dublin
Professional networking can be very helpful when it comes to career advancement, which is why it is so important. Luckily, there are many ways in which you can expand your professional network in Dublin.
Dublin Chamber
Chambers of commerce are all across the world and are a place where professionals can get together and discuss issues of the day and meet new professionals. It is one of the most established forms of professional networking in the city today.
is the largest and most influential B2B networking organisation in Dublin. There are more than 1,300 businesses as part of this organisation, as well as 300,000 workers. There are numerous networking  taking place every month, with over 130 taking place each year. Most of these events will have no charge, or they will be heavily discounted for members.
Irish International Business Network Dublin
is a non-profit group that has a presence around the globe. It aims to bring together leading lights from the business world. The goal is for enhanced levels of connection and communication among successful professionals all around the world. They present many different interesting opportunities for their members.
They also have their headquarters in London, besides having a presence in New York, Toronto, and Dublin, of course. It is an ideal way to get to know professionals both in Dublin and internationally at the same time. This could be an ideal route to go down before you move to Dublin if there is a branch of the International Business Network in your current region.
Meetup.com
is globally recognised as being a great way to meet new people. The beauty of it is that, whatever your interest, from hiking and reading to networking and skill sharing, there are thousands of people who share it on Meetup. Those going to these events want to meet new people and will be very open to engaging with you right off the bat.
Eventbrite
 is another global platform for events, so it is always worth your while keeping an eye on this platform on a regular basis. They always showcase exciting events that can be a great way to expand your learning in a given area, while also meeting people who are trying to do the same.
A lot of events will have breaks in which you can grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich with the fellow attendees and get chatting about your work. It is often in these casual settings that the best professional relationships are made, as opposed to going to an out-and-out networking event, which can often turn into a who's who.
Dublin's networking etiquette
When it comes to networking, the general principles remain the same no matter where you are in the world. However, depending on the city or country you are in, there are certain nuances that may be unique to that given region. Therefore, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the networking etiquette in your new city, so here is what you need to know about Dublin's etiquette.
Knowing the room
While some people are very outgoing and can instantly strike up a conversation with anyone in the room, there can be a level of discomfort for others when faced with such a scenario.
You may be at a networking event and try to pick out someone you vaguely know and start by talking to them. This is why going to a  'cold' is not the most effective strategy. Another big no-no is trying to speed around the entire room to try to talk with everyone there.
The idea is to have a purpose in mind when you approach certain people, have an idea of who is going to be at the event, and know what value you can bring to the table when having a conversation with them.
You should plan ahead and have goals for what you want to achieve out of the event, rather than leaving things to chance. This saves a lot of guesswork and wasted time.
Don't be take, take, take
Networking events in Dublin generally begin with more casual conversations. You exchange the usual pleasantries and then ask the person about what it is they do. Irish people, in particular, do not like to talk about themselves a lot. Instead, they prefer to ask the other person questions about themselves. By asking questions, you will be able to figure out what value you are able to bring to this person.
Common points of interest are key when building relationships at these events. Having prepared conversation starters can be a great way to break the ice initially. One thing you need to avoid is appearing overly intense. People like others who are sincere, genuine and easy-going.
Pushy networkers who keep on talking and hand you their business card without allowing you to get a word in are not really going to get anything out of the experience except others avoiding them at the next networking event.
When you wish to move on to the next person, be courteous and wish that person well. Don't exchange information for the sake of it if you do not see any value in the relationship. If you are planning to get in touch with one another, you should decide on a timeframe before moving onto the next person. And make sure that you stick to this agreement.
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