Ireland's capital city is a hotspot for expats, and when you are walking through the streets of Dublin, you'll hear lots of different languages being spoken. Dublin is a diverse and vibrant city that has so much to offer. No matter what day of the week, there is always something going on, rain or shine. Whether it's sipping a pint while listening to a trad session, catching a comedy show, strolling by the sea in Howth, or taking in the majestic scenery on a hike in the mountains, Dublin certainly has something for everyone.
Nightlife in Dublin
Dublin is famous for its nightlife, and pub culture is a quintessential part of life in Ireland.聽Irish people love a drink, and they like to spend their weekends socialising with friends in pubs and bars around the city. The pubs are not just a place for drinking, though; they are a place to meet friends and make even more friends.聽
Dublin is home to over 770 pubs and is a hive of activity at night, regardless of the day of the week. It also has the distinction of having the oldest pub in the world, The Brazen Head, which has been in business since 1168. With so many great bars to choose from, from traditional pubs to upmarket and trendy bars or nightclubs, there is something for all tastes in the city.
Embracing nature in Dublin
As Dublin is located right beside the Irish Sea, there are a lot of great walks and epic scenery in and around the city, such as the Poolbeg Pier, and along the coast by Dun Laoghaire, Gretystones, and Bray. You can also go for beautiful nature walks in any of the many parks in the city, such as Phoenix Park, St Stephen's Green, and Merrion Square, to take a breather from the hectic city life.
St. Stephen's Green, located in the centre of the city, is one of the city's most-loved parks, and with its stunning gardens and bandstands, it's a great spot for a leisurely tree-lined stroll or just some people watching.
Sampling live music in Dublin
Ireland is well known for its love of the arts, and music is no exception. Traditional Irish music is what you will find in a lot of old school pubs. There are plenty of live music venues in the city, including the world-famous聽聽on Camden Street. The plays host to concerts from global musicians and groups.
During the summer months, you are spoilt for choice with the music festivals on offer in and around Dublin. Many major global acts come to perform every year, and it is a great way to unwind at the weekends. You also have access to great comedy nights in the world-famous聽, which is always a fan favourite for showgoers.
Plan a fun family day out in Dublin
There are plenty of family activities in and around the city. Dublin Zoo is ideally located in Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe and second largest in the world. It is home to not just herds of wild deer but also the President of Ireland, who lives in 脕ras an Uachtar脿in.
In Dublin's Docklands, you'll find the Jeannie Johnston, a replica famine ship that tells the stories of those fleeing the famine. Next door is , which will send you back in time. Or explore Dublin like never before with a Viking Splash Tour, which is an unforgettable adventure across land and water in an amphibious vehicle.
You can go to the beach and enjoy homemade ice cream or swim in the sea at Sandymount. There is an underwater playground for kids at the National Aquatic Centre. is a fully working farm that allows you to experience nature, farming, and homegrown food in the suburbs of Dublin.
Learn about the history of Dublin
Dublin has an extremely rich literary heritage and has been home to some of the greatest writers of all time, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, Seamus Heaney, Bram Stoker, W.B. Yeats, and George Bernard Shaw. In fact, Dublin has been declared a UNESCO City of Literature, with just 6 cities in the world having the distinction.
No stay in Dublin would be complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, an exciting and fun experience where you learn about the history of Guinness and how it is brewed. After, finish your tour with a pint of the black stuff at the iconic Gravity Bar, which offers an unrivalled panoramic view of Dublin city.
There are also many historical sites and museums around the city. One of the oldest universities in Europe is . Housed in its library is the ancient Book of Kells. is the historical heart of the city. Built in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, it served for centuries as the headquarters of British administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland's independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government.
Sporting events in Dublin
Sports are a big part of Irish culture. There are two main national sports called Gaelic football and hurling, which are fascinating games that require a significant level of skill. Ireland's largest sporting arena is in Dublin, and it can host over 82,000 people. You can sample games at this venue on weekends or enjoy club games during the week.
Another popular sport in Ireland is rugby, and you will often find fans clustered in pubs, enjoying a pint over the game. Horse racing is also a huge favourite, and there are race courses in Leopardstown, Punchestown, Fairyhouse, and the Curragh, all within a short distance of the city centre.
Useful resources for finding out what's on in Dublin and to meet people
A quick Google search will show up local event listings around Dublin, but other online resources that are useful include:
- 聽鈥� which is very popular among expats in Dublin. Check out the different interest groups.
- 聽 - has over 30 thousand members, and the organisers host events to suit every taste. It's a great way to meet other expats in Dublin and get plugged into the local scene.
- Facebook Groups 鈥� there are lots of groups for expats in Dublin that are worth joining.
- is an excellent resource for finding out what's happening in the city.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
