9 absolutely brilliant things about studying in Dublin

JOE

Moving to the big smoke.

Leaving behind three square meals a day and laundry on demand is a traumatic transition for even the hardiest of school graduates.

Luckily, the capital city has so many distractions that it won’t be long at all before you’ve forgotten that no-one has washed a dish in your gaf for a month and ‘pizza’ is your main food group.

1. The City

Dublin city centre from above at sunset. Dublin, Ireland.

The city of Dublin has an amazing energy. There’s always something to do and see.

It boasts amazing gigs and cultural life so you’ll never feel far from the many exciting experiences the city has to offer.

Public transportation is decent (bar the odd strike) and it’s statistically one of the safest cities in the world.

2. The nightlife

Whether it’s post lecture pints in The Globe, student nights out in Workman’s or drunken quests for romance in Coppers, the city caters for all tastes.

Traditionally a Dublin night out isn’t complete without a trip to one of the city’s many fine fast food establishments to dissect your evening over a curry cheese chips.

3. The food

Dublin’s restaurant scene is bustling. It seems like every week there’s somewhere new and exciting opening up.

Whether you’re fiending for a chicken fillet roll from Spar or want to avail of 10% off from latest foodie hotspot, your humble student card is your gateway to a world of deliciously discounted culinary delights.

4. The music scene

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Dublin is a city of music. Many of our finest musicians did their apprenticeship busking on the streets of Temple Bar and Grafton Street and that tradition is still very much alive today. The music scene is exploding in the city with every possible musical taste catered for.

The best national and international acts pass through Whelan’s and Vicar Street. Bop along with the indie kids down at the Bello Bar. Tap your feet and occasionally yell out “Yeow!” during a trad session at the Cobblestones.

Or click your fingers in appreciation of the jazz in J.J. Smyths. For bigger stadium acts, The 02 and Croke Park have you covered. Just don’t mention Garth Brooks.

5. Culture

GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final, Croke Park, Dublin 7/8/2016 Kilkenny vs Waterford Waterford's Maurice Shanahan reacts towards Shane Prendergast of Kilkenny after scoring a point Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Nothing beats the excitement of Croke Park on match day. The legendary home of the GAA is Ireland’s best sports’ grounds and the odd stadium concert. You can see soccer and rugby in the Aviva Stadium.

Alternatively if you can’t afford to go to the stadium, there’s a wealth of pubs to choose from that’ll provide you with a good atmosphere, a cold pint and unsolicited expert analysis of the match.

7. Dublin’s parks

Sunrise at Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin makes excellent use of it’s public spaces with everything from free gigs to outdoor movie screenings to yoga.

For peak people watching you can’t do better than St. Stephen’s Green.

Say “hello” to Oscar Wilde’s statue while exploring Merrion Square or escape the hustle an bustle from the city by exploring the oasis of calm and waterfalls that is The Iveagh Gardens.

Phoenix Park (above) – the largest enclosed public park in Europe – is home to all sorts of Irish wildlife including free roaming deer and our dear President, Michael D. Higgins.

8. Cans in the sunshine

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Crowds outside The Barge Pub Dublin 2016 (via – The Barge Facebook page)

When it’s sunny in Dublin, the city’s inhabitants migrate towards the water.

Simply put, drinking cans by the canal on a hot day is one of life’s finest pleasures.

The Barge in Portabello is as good a place as any to set up shop, but there’s no hard and fast rules for drinking cans by bodies of water.

Alternatively, if you’re a land lubber, the Pav at Trinity is an equally good location to drink with your friends while working on your sunburn.

9. The People

The greatest thing about Dublin is it’s diverse and welcoming population. It was recently voted third in a list of the ten friendliest cities in the world and it’s natives are great at looking after visitors and making them feel welcome.

This article is brought to you by Dublin Business School.

Dublin Business School will be holding an open evening on 27th August to assist guests with course choices as well as informing potential students about the clubs and societies on campus.

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