your guide to dublin- - make it in ireland

7/28/2019 Your Guide to Dublin- - Make IT in Ireland

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Make in Ireland

Make in Ireland.com

Dublin

YOUR GUIDE TO

Make IT In Irelands insiders guide to

living in Dublin, created by us just or you.
http://forum.makeitinireland.com/http://forum.makeitinireland.com/


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HEllO!

Youve made it to Ireland! By now youreprobably adjusting to the Irish weather,

the let-hand trafc and the Irish accent?

Great! Were here to help you on your way.


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From your own Irish start-up, well lead you through our tips onnding your dream fat, how to best get around the island, and how

to bank those all-important pay cheques.

But we know your time in Ireland isnt all about the money, rent de-

posits and income tax. So weve also included the very best o Irelands

down-time activities, our avourite hang-outs and secret hideaways.

From nding the best pint o Guinness in Dublin City, joining a gymand eating out, consider this your go-to guide or the Fair City.

Welcome to Dublin. Your journey starts here

ArrivAl 4

MAP Of Dublin 6

Dublin City 10

SEttling in 14

CulturE SHOCk 28

wEb guiDE 40


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ArrivAl


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Youve arrived at Dublin Airport!

Welcome to Dublin Airport, Irelands largest and Europes tenth busi-

est airport. Depending on your airline, you will arrive at either Ter-

minal 1 (eg. Ryanair fights), or the new Terminal 2 (eg. Aer Lingus

fights). Both terminals are in act side by side and are connected with

a walkway which is a three minute transer.

Once youve met your rst Irish person (at passport control) and

grabbed your luggage rom the baggage carousel, youll enter the T1 or

T2 arrivals hall. This is a good chance to use Dublin Airports ree Wi-

Fi, hit the ATM or Bureau de Change to get some Euros or grab your

rst Irish sandwich at the Spar convenience store!

N.B. Dont orget to turn-o the roaming on your mobile phone!


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The Dublin Area


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City Centre


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Ground Transportation from the Airport

Dublin Airport is a pretty calm experience. In the arrival halls o both

terminals youll see ground transportation signs or your onward jour-

ney to Dublin city centre. You have two simple options:

Taxi

An ocial taxi rank sits outside the orecourt o both terminals. Thejourney takes about 30 minutes and typically costs 35 (taxis have a

metre system). Tipping is not necessary.

Bus or Coach

There are a number o bus and coach services serving Dublin Airport

and the city. Two o these include the Dublin Bus Airlink 747 (6) or the

Aircoach (7). Both have bus stops outside the terminals (I arriving

rom T2, you simply have to walk straight across the sky-walk over the

road and the lit/escalator down to the bus stops on the let).

The journey to Dublin city centre takes about 30 minutes and both

services also oer ree wi: perhaps nows your time to take your rst

camera phone pic o Ireland or change your social network prole to

lives in - Dublin!


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First impressions

You may only be Ireland about an hour by now

but a ew cultural dierences may have caught

your eye!

Firstly, Ireland (like the U.K., Australia and South

Arica) drives on the let-hand side so always

take extra care when crossing roads. Secondly,

youll also notice that all ocial signs in Ireland

(motorways, street names etc.) are in both Eng-

lish and Irish the countrys national language.

Stephen's Green Shopping Centre,

at the top of Grafton street.


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Dublin

City


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Orientation

Most visitors arriving in Dublin city centre tend to disembark their

bus at OConnell Street, (Dublins main avenue and site o the Spire o

Dublin), or alternatively cross the River Liey south to College Green

(home to Trinity College Dublin). Your bus driver will be happy to rec-

ommend the best bus stop or you!

Now in the middle o downtown Dublin, you may nd it most practi-

cal to take a taxi to your nal destination (point-to-point taxi trips in

Dublin tend to cost about 10). I you wish to reach your base by pub-

lic transport, we suggest you download the Hit the Road app

(hittheroad.ie), which will show you exactly where to walk, which bus

to take etc.

Here are your transport options!

Bus

Where to buy a ticket: on board the bus / newsagents (Spar, Londis,

Centra etc).

The capital is served by Dublin Bus (dublinbus.ie), which operates a

labyrinth o 200 routes across the city and suburbs. To buy your ticket,

simply tell the bus-driver your destination eg. Trinity, please and he

will charge you accordingly (rom 1.65). The bus-driver does not an-

nounce the names o the bus-stops so its a good idea to check your

route (or count the stops) beorehand!

N.B. Dublin Bus only accepts coins (not notes) and does not give

change in cash. Change is given in a paper receipt that you can laterexchange or cash at Dublin Bus Oce at 59 Upper OConnell Street.
http://www.hittheroad.ie/http://www.dublinbus.ie/http://www.dublinbus.ie/http://www.hittheroad.ie/


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TramWhere to buy a ticket: on the platorm.

The Luas (meaning speed) is Dublins excellent tram service (luas.ie;

1.60). The two lines (Red, mostly Northside and Green, mostly South-

side) do not connect but are planned to do so by 2017. You do not need

to rank (stamp) your ticket, however nes or travelling without a

valid ticket are rom 45.

Light Rail

Where to buy your ticket: platorm or DART station.

The DART is Dublins suburban rail service which whizzes up and down

Dublins coastal suburbs rom the city centre. It is ast, ecient and can

be a great way to beat rush-hour trac (irishrail.ie; rom 2.40).

Bike

How to get your ticket (and bike!): at the bike station or subscribe online.

Dublins recent bike sharing scheme is one o the citys great trans-

port successes. The eco-riendly way o getting rom A-B allows you to

borrow a bike rom one o the citys 44 bike stations and return it to

the bike station nearest to your destination. Its how we get around in

Dublin and we love it! (2 or 3 days or 10 per year! dublinbikes.ie).

Dublin by numbers

Split by the River Liey, Dublin is divided into 24 postal zones, which

may initially seem a little conusing. Just remember however, that all

the odd numbers (1,3,5) lie on the Northside while the even num-

bers (2,4,6) are on the Southside. There is one exception: Phoenix Park,

home to President, lies north o the Liey, but is in act Dublin 8.
http://www.luas.ie/http://www.irishrail.ie/http://www.dublinbikes.ie/http://www.dublinbikes.ie/http://www.irishrail.ie/http://www.luas.ie/


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Dublin at a glance

By ar Irelands largest city, the story o Dublin

is home to 1,200,000 characters and is one o

the youngest, riendliest and most vibrant cities

in Europe. When not acting as a multicultural

tech-capital however, Dublin has an urban vil-

lage eel youll soon nd it hard to walk down

Graton Street without seeing a amiliar ace.

Enjoying the city isnt about chasing attractions;

its simply about soaking in the vibe. Whether

that means enjoying a seaood lunch in the sh-

ing village o Howth, or catching an innovative

art exhibition in trendy Temple Bar, Dublin is

simply waiting to share a pint with you. Or a

cup o tea.

A Luas tram the most satisfying wayof getting around the Dublin area.


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SEttling in


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Temporary Accommodation

I you dont have an apartment pre-organized with your employer, you

may wish to nd some short-term accommodation in the city beore

you nd your own fat. There are a number o antastic options in

Dublin.

Dublin has a growing number o trendy yet aordable designer

hostels. Our top picks include Generator Hostel (generatorhostels.com)

in Smitheld which has dormitory beds and private rooms rom 9/45

per night or Barnacles hostel (barnacles.ie) in Temple Bar rom 12/60.

I you ancy something with a little more privacy, Ariel House

(ariel-house.net) in Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 is an elegant B&B

with rooms rom 79 per room while Staydublin.com oer sel-cater-ing apartments in the city rom 79 per night.

Ater youve checked-into your new accommodation, youve unpacked

your raincoat, and youve charged your smartphone, then what?

Check out our Dublin social guide later in the guide to say how you

can best enjoy your Dublin days!
http://www.generatorhostels.com/http://www.barnacles.ie/http://www.staydublin.com/http://www.staydublin.com/http://www.barnacles.ie/http://www.generatorhostels.com/


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First Week Checklist

Leap Card

Our transport tip? Buy a Leap Card (similar to the London Oyster card)

which allows you to use all o Dublins bus, DART and Luas services

with one single card. You can buy one in most newsagents (eg. Spar,

Easons) and youll also pocket a saving o about 15% per journey. Youcan then top-up your card at various charge-points across the city.

Irish Mobile

Hopeully youll have unlocked your own mobile phone beore you

arrived in Ireland - but i not, no panic. The main phone providers are

Vodaone, O2, Meteor and Three, all o which seem to have shops lo-

cated on every street across the city centre.

Youve two options: Pay as You go where you can buy a phone and

buy top up vouchers at most stores. Prices range rom 50 or a ge-

neric smartphone, to 679 or an iPhone 5 16GB!

Alternatively, go or a bill-pay phone. With bill-pay, your phone is oten

ree but you must commit to a contract rom about 30 per month.

This can include a certain amount o domestic calls, international

minutes and internet data. Mobile Phone contracts in Ireland typically

last rom 18 months to two years.

Dont orget to bring your bank details, photo-id and proo o address

to your phone provider.

PPS Number

You will need a PPS (Personal Public Service number) to live in Ireland,or both tax and social security purposes. I your employer has not


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organized this or you, you will need to go to the Social Welare Oce

at 20 Kings Inn St, Dublin 2.

You will need; your passport or national identity card, and proo or

evidence o your Irish address, such as a household bill (ESB, tele-phone, gas, etc.) in your name.

Health Insurance

There are several health care options available, should something go

wrong health wise. Be prepared or every eventvuality by ensuring

that you have the right level o cover i it is necessary. Free cover is

available depending on your nationality.

European Union citizens living in Ireland are automatically entitled

to ree public health care. However, private insurance (approximately

500+ a year) is advised since waiting lists or those without insurance

can sometimes delay treatment. The main private health care providers

in Ireland are VHI (vhi.ie), Aviva (aviva.ie) and Laya (layahealthcare.ie).

Visitors rom EU countries are also entitled to ree urgent medical careso long as they present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The Powerscourt Centre, with its relaxed atmosphere,

is a good place to meet with friends. Off Grafton Street.
http://www.vhi.ie/http://www.aviva.ie/http://www.layahealthcare.ie/http://www.layahealthcare.ie/http://www.aviva.ie/http://www.vhi.ie/


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English Language Courses

From Beginners English to Business English, you may want to use your

rst week or two in Dublin to improve your language skills. The city

is a very popular destination or English language learning and as a

result there are many schools to choose rom.

Dublin City University Language School (english.dcu.ie; Oce VBG11,

DCU, Dublin 9) have courses rom 225 per week, while International

House (IH Dublin.com; 60 Dawson St, Dublin 2) have courses 240.

Fancy something rom home? Livemocha.com is the worlds largest

online language community and oers unlimited interactive language

classes rom 40 per month.

Dont orget, however, that even without taking a course youll nd

your English will quickly improve in Ireland were a social bunch,who like to chat. You may even acquire a Dublin accent sooner than

you think!

Renting a Flat

Finding a new fat is perhaps the greatest worry when moving to a

new country so allow us to do some stress-busting.

Firstly, almost all fats in Ireland come urnished which tends to save

us tech-types, time, money and a lot o soa-schlepping. Rental agree-

ments in Ireland may be also be a lot more relaxed than you may

be used to, but do be sure to always ask or a contract o your ten-

ancy. You are usually required to give your landlord a deposit o one

months rent beore you move in and a minimum o one months no-

tice should you decide to leave.
http://www.english.dcu.ie/http://www.staydublin.com/http://www.livemocha.com/http://www.livemocha.com/http://www.staydublin.com/http://www.english.dcu.ie/


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The best and most extensive area website to nd a fat in Ireland is

dat.ie or myhome.ie where you can do a search on Letting (renting)

your own fat or Sharing with a group o people. I youre aiming to

improve your English, we suggest you nd some ellow Irish people to

live with. They like to chat!

Which D?When fat-hunting you may wonder where to start in terms o Dub-

lins neighbourhoods. Well here are some o our tips. The main hi-

tech village o Google et al. sits along the Docklands area (D4) where

gleaming apartments and plush penthouses oer panoramic views

over the River Liey.

The D2 area (Rathmines, Rathgar) oers more canal-lie, street par-ties and trendy ca and bistro culture and is a hub or many young

proessionals, while the traditional red-bricked streets and new apart-

ment complexes o D7 (Smitheld, Stoneybatter) are a becoming a

popular in-spot or Dublins creative and artsy olk.

Make it your home

I you decide to rent an unurnished fat, or simply want to makesome changes, the new IKEA (ikea.com.ie) in Ballymun has quickly

become Irelands most popular urniture shop. To get there, take ei-

ther the Dublin Bus number 13 or number 140 rom OConnell Street.

Home delivery starts rom 35.

Another popular way to shop is catalogue shopping with Argos

(argos.ie). You can visit their website, reserve a product, and pick itup at one o their many stores across Dublin (eg. Jervis Street).
http://www.daft.ie/http://www.myhome.ie/http://www.ikea.com.ie/http://www.argos.ie/http://www.argos.ie/http://www.ikea.com.ie/http://www.myhome.ie/http://www.daft.ie/


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I youre looking or something a little more unique, why not try one o

the citys fea markets? Our avourite includes Newmarket Square in

Dublin 8 (dublinea.ie), where you can pick up everything rom a retro

lamp to a vintage record player.

Should you want to buy a television in Ireland, you will also need to

purchase a television license. This can be bought at any Post Oce(anpost.ie) and costs 160 per year.

Bank

In order to enjoy those pay checks o yours, youll also need to open

your Irish bank account. The main banks in Ireland are Bank o Ireland,

Allied Irish Bank and Ulster Bank, all o which oer convenient online

banking options.

To open a bank account, youll simply need to bring photo ID (e.g.

passport or drivers license) and proo o address to your branch.

I youve no Irish proo o address (phone bill etc), you can ask your

employer or a letter stating that you have recently arrived in Ireland

and have started work but cannot yet provide evidence o your Irish

address.

Pay cheques are lodged directly into your current account but i you

also plan on saving during your stay, check out askaboutmoney.ie

which compares all the various bank savings accounts. Dont orget

that the interest your savings account will earn will be subject to a 30%

tax known as D.I.R.T.
http://www.dublinflea.ie/http://www.anpost.ie/http://www.askaboutmoney.ie/http://www.askaboutmoney.ie/http://www.askaboutmoney.ie/http://www.anpost.ie/http://www.dublinflea.ie/


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Dublin in Numbers / Price Index

Cappuccino 2.80

Irish Times newspaper 2

Pint o Guinness 5.50

Litre o Petrol 1.65

Pack o 20 Cigarettes 9:40

One bedroom shared-rental in Dublin city centre (per month) 500

Cinema Ticket 11.50

Big Mac Meal 7.40

Three-course early bird menu 21

National Museum entrances ree

Your Pay Cheque

When that rst pay cheque does nally arrive, its worth amiliarizing

yoursel with all those terms and conusing o acronyms. We all want to

know where our cash is going, nest-ce pas?

Ireland operates a P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn) system. So, youve guessed

it the more you earn, the more tax you pay.

PAYE in Ireland is 20% o incomes up to 32,800 and 41% or the balance.

PRSI: Is Pay-related Social Insurance. This essentially contributes to your

social-welare payments in Ireland should you nd yoursel out o work.

USC: Universal Social Charge is a tax on incomes greater than 10,036.I your income is over 16,016 your USC will be 7%.


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Shopping

Dublin takes shopping to an almost Japanese-level o street mania.

Stand at trac light at OConnell Bridge at within seconds, youll be

surrounded by a swarm o shoppers all laden down with their latest

deals rom Pennys or Zara. Unlike much o continental Europe, youll

even nd malls and streets here packed with bargain hunters and

window shoppers seven days a week. Its almost shopping 24/7.

Tesco, Dunnes Stores and Superquinn and M&S are the main super-

market chains in Dublin but Aldi is our astest growing chain, who

along with Lidl, have stores mushrooming across Ireland.

For a more traditional grocery run, you can nd really good ruit and

veggie value rom the traditional traders at Moore Street, while i youancy some gourmet treats, Fallon & Byrne on Exchequer Street is one

o the citys most happening piceries. Also save some room in your

basket or Dublins armers markets such as the one on Harcourt Street

which takes place every Thursday morning (irisharmersmarkets.ie).

Dublins main shopping areas surround OConnell, Henry Streets on the

Northside, Graton Street on the Southside. Temple Bars cobbled streets

are a maze o book stores, cas and vintage boutiques, while DundrumTown Centre with 160 stores is the largest shopping centre on the island

(green Luas).

Safety & Annoyances

Dublin is one o the Top 20 saest cities in world, ranked with the likes

o Vienna, Toronto and Wellington (source: mercer.com).
http://www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie/http://www.irishfarmersmarkets.ie/


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#faxemergency!

Moving to a new country, theres oten a paper-

work emergency. I you suddenly realize you

need to receive a ax rom Berlin or scan some-

thing to Shanghai, youll nd most hotels and

hostels are happy to help. Internet Cas are be-

coming rare in Dublin nowadays but Global Ca

(globalcae.com) on OConnell Street is a handyspot or photocopying (0.10), printing (0.25),

axing (1) - and they oer ree scanning!

Litton Lana Hostel, 2-4 Litton Lane

Photo by mulloy on Flickr.
http://www.globalcafe.com/http://www.globalcafe.com/


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Although it is a clich, just like any other large city, precautions

should be taken.

Step one: Dublin has a beautiul medieval old city which also means

it has many dark alleys and lanes. Avoid taking short-cuts in Dublin at

night and stay to well-lit areas.

Step two: Pick-pockets and muggings are rare in Dublin but take cau-

tion around busy areas like Temple Bar, where people are walking

slower or are congregated by buskers and street perormers.

Step three: When using public transport at night stick to the busier

carriages o the DART and Luas services and the lower deck o Dublin

buses.

Step our: Drunk and disorderly behaviour is perhaps Dublins most

common annoyance. Take care around the city ater bars and clubs

close and thousands o people emerge on the streets.

Step fve: Begging is an unortunate reality o daily lie in Dublin. A

simple sorry will usually satisy most beggars, but i youre eeling

charitable we suggest a donation to a local homeless shelter.

Note: Electricity 230 volts, 50Hz. Square and round three-pin

plugs are standard you can buy a converter in most electrical

stores in town.

Business Hours

We Irish like to shop and youll nd opening hours in Ireland quite abit more fexible than many countries in Continental Europe.


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Typical opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 0900 to 1800, with

later openings on Friday and Saturday until 2100. The hours on Sun-

days in Dublin are a little more limited but youll still nd most stores

open rom 1000-1800. For all-night shopping, youll nd some Tescos,

Centras and Spars in the city centre are also open 24hrs.

Banks are typically open rom 10am until 4pm though this can vary

per branch.

Pubs in Ireland are open until 2330 rom Sunday to Thursday and un-

til 0030 on Fridays and Saturdays. Nightclubs in the city typically close

at 0230. Pubs are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Public Holidays

There are a total o 9 public holidays in Ireland each year. On a public

holiday (or bank holiday), schools and many businesses close doors.

Other services, or example, public transport still operate but oten

with restricted schedules.

The list o public holidays each year is as ollows:

New Year's Day (January 1st)St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)

Easter Monday

First Monday in May, June, August

Last Monday in October

Christmas Day (December 25th)

St. Stephen's Day (December 26th)


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Medical

It happens! Youre away rom home and suddenly suer a cold or a

bug. Dont worry, your Dublin GP (doctor) will soon look ater you.

When looking or a GP remember that in Ireland, clinics are also

called surgeries. Suolk Street Medical Surgery is one o the citys

most centrally located clinics where you can expect to pay 55 or

a consultation.

For dental care, Smiles (smiles.ie) have a number o centrally located

clinics around the city (eg. OConnell Street). In Dublin you can expect

to pay 40 or a check-up.

Pharmacies

In Ireland pharmacies (also known as chemists) oer prescription and

general medical advice services. Boots is one o the countrys most

popular chains. I you need painkillers such as Paracetamol or Asprin,

you can also buy these in any supermarket or convenience store, how-

ever you can only buy one packet per person.

Need Passport Photos? Many pharmacies in Dublin oer ID photos

services which typically cost 7.

Emergency Services

Like all European Union countries, the emergency number or Ireland

is 112 in addition to 999. Fire, Ambulance, Garda , Sea or Mountain

Rescue. There is also an emergency SMS service to 112 or the dea or

speech impaired community.
http://www.smiles.ie/http://www.smiles.ie/


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N.B. The police service in Ireland is known as An Garda Sochna (the

guardians o peace). A police ocer is reerred to as a Garda or a

guard (Garda/guards in the plural).

Embassies

Dublin is home to 53 international embassies in Dublin most o

which can be ound in impressive mansions around the Ballsbridge

area o Dublin 4. I your country does not have an embassy based in

Dublin, youll probably nd one London, a one hour fight rom Dublin.

http://www.dublin.ino/embassies/

Media

Ireland enjoys one o the highest levels o media reedom in the world(source: reporterswithoutborders.com), along with countries such as

Finland and the Netherlands.

The country has our national television stations: RT 1, RT2, TV3

& TG4 (Gaeilge), with international networks such as BBC, CNN and

France 24 available on most satellite systems. RT Radio 1 (90FM),

Dublin 98FM, Today FM (100FM) and Newstalk (106FM) are Dublins

most popular radio stations, which combine a mix o music and Ire-lands obsession or politics and current aairs.

The Irish Independent and the Irish Times are the top newspapers

whileJournal.ie is one o Irelands most popular online sources o

news. International newspapers such as The NY Times, Die Welt and

Le Monde can be bought at newsagents such as Easons but with the

age o the internet, the demand or these has almost died.
http://www.journal.ie/http://www.journal.ie/


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CulturE

SHOCk

(absORbER)


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Your day at work

Youll probably nd the work atmosphere in Ireland quite easy-going,

particularly or those o you coming rom Germanic nations. Titles (Mr

& Mrs) are never used, and dress codes tend to be quite inormal (but

not necessarily casual). We recommend you ask your employer what

the dress code or jeans policy o your company is beore you start.

A good handshake is an absolute must or a positive rst impression

in Ireland. Firm and riendly is our tip: practice with yoursel beore-

hand i necessary.

Typical working days in Ireland are broken into one or two tea breaks

and a main-lunch break. For lunch, Dubliners tend to grab something

at a nearby bistro or enjoy some pasta letovers rom the previousnights dinner. Youll nd with many Irish people mixing their work

and private lives more oten than not. Colleagues will oten socialize

or drinks once a week, enjoy sports activities together and organize

sta nights out together during the year. Be prepared to open up (as

much as you want!) with your workmates.

Unlike other European countries, where its oten a custom to bring in

cake on the day o your birthday, this is not the case in Ireland, thoughyou wont nd people complaining i you do


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Dublin Etiquette: Our 5 Tips

One: In Ireland, Hows it going?! generally means hello and not

how are you?. So dont be surprised i we dont stick around to hear

your answer.

Two: Dubliners are world champion jay-walkers (crossing streets dur-

ing a red trac light). While weve had years o practise, we advise youto always take care when crossing roads in our capital.

Three: The Irish like to small-talk, a lot. In the elevator, the sta kitch-

en or even in the changing rooms at the gym, be prepared to discuss

the weather or the Champions League at any given moment during

your day.

Four: Hold doors, say thank you to bus drivers, and always put up thenext please sign or the customer behind you at the supermarket

check-out. Its good Irish Kharma!

Five: I visiting an Irish home or dinner, always bring a little token o

gratitude (like a bottle or wine or a bunch o fowers rom Tesco). We

always say Oh! You really shouldnt have! but in truth, we rarely

mean it!

How to meet us?

Youll nd Dublin a surprisingly multi-cultural city; in act about 17%

o our capitals population is non-Irish. So where can you nd us Irish?

Our best tip is to fat-share with a group o Irish people where youll

improve your English (and your Irish accent!) and hopeully broaden

your Irish social horizons.


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Otherwise, we Irish are very sociable and are happy to chat and makeriends just about anywhere. From the arts scene in Temple Bar to

tech events in the city; gyms, fea markets, dance or yoga classes, hik-

ing clubs, pubs and night clubs across the city we advise you to get

chatting and dont be araid to make the rst move. Want to things a

little urther? Why not try some online Irish dating on sites like plen-

tyofsh.com and match.com? th mr ort! (good luck!).

Rounds

Whos round is it?. Thats the phrase youll hear across every pub in

Dublin on a Friday night. Rounds operate with one member o a group

o riends or colleagues going to the bar to buy a whole order o drinks

or his group. This rotates throughout the evening (regardless o the

cost o individual drinks: i you like double brandys, good or you!). To

be bought a round and not to oer to buy a round is considered pooretiquette so i you dont want to be in a round, opt out!

Note: its not an exact science but usually people who drink minerals

are exempt rom rounds.

Tipping

Tipping in Dublin is not an obligatory custom though you will nd

most Dubliners providing their waiter with tip o 10%+ i theyve been

happy with their restaurant service. Although it is rare, sometimes a

service charge is already to your added to your restaurant bill, par-

ticularly with larger groups.

Tipping bartenders or taxi-drivers is not generally expected though i

youre eeling generous (like most Irish are) you can always round-upa gure to the nearest Euro i you wish.
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Dublin

DOwntiME

Lots of activities to do in Dn Laoghaire,

a seaside town south of Dublin.


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Surf & Turf

Ok, help us out here.

In what other capital city can you catch waves in the morning and go

hiking in the aternoon? (Nein Fritz, Los Angeles is not a capital city).

Well welcome to your new liestyle in Dublin!

Water

Dublin has a ew good beach spots; the main place you can hang ten

is Dollymount, Dublins busiest beach, which come summertime is

alive with windsurers, kitesurers and boogie boarders (the erries

also help with those waves).

For something away rom the crowds, try Killiney beach on the South-side, where you can catch some sun next to Bonos house. Brittas Bay

just a little urther south in County Wicklow is known as one o the

best sur-spots on the East Coast.

Fancy some lessons? The Surdock in Dublin oer beginner kitesurng

and windsurng classes rom 65; surdock.ie.

HikingIn terms o hiking, Dublin is bodyguarded by its own mountain range

which adds a picturesque backdrop to the city (as well as keeping

some o that rain away). The Dublin Mountain Way is a 52km trail

rom Shankill in the east to Tallaght in the west. The higher you climb

o course the better the views and you should be able to see Wales

or Enya on a ne day. I you ancy a little more adrenalin why not try

mountain-biking along its trails?


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While up the mountains, you have to make a stopover at Johnny Foxs

Irelands highest pub. It is a bit touristy but they do pull a good pint.

Closer to the city (well, actually in the city) is Phoenix Park Europes

largest Urban park. Its usually where youll nd Dublins t brigade

training or their next 10k, marathon or ironman. Its also home to

Dublin Zoo, the Irish President and has a really beautiul herd o 500

allow deer.

For a great way to experience outdoors Dublin we suggest you try a

hillwalking group. Its a great way to take in some scenery and meet

some riendly Irish olk (and hey, they wont know you just want to

practise your English!). Try bogtrotters.ie or walkers.meetup.com or

more.

Gyms

The explosion o gyms around the city in the last ten years means

gym membership prices have been dipping nicely ahead o your ar-

rival. You should be able to nd memberships or rom one to twelve

months, but shop around and ask or a ree trial or day pass beore

you sign up.

Some popular options in town include the pricey but swanky OneEscape in Smitheld (D7), (oneescape.ie; 820) and RAW in Portabello

(rawcondition.ie; 399). Dont orget many hotels also contain gyms

or membership our pick or the Docklands area is the Maldron Ho-

tel on Cardi Lane (maldronhotels.com; 450).

Youll also nd a lot o happening in terms o wellness and tness

classes in Dublin. From boxing and MMA classes to Bikram yoga and

pilates, most gyms have classes ree to members - so be sure to ask.
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I you ancy taking your tness up a notch check out the courses at

bootcamp.ie.

Thing youre ready now? Good. Now drop and give us twenty!

Rugby

With local side Leinster having been the European Heineken Cups

maestros or the past two year, its air to say rugby has developed a

anatical ollowing in the city. Leinster play their home games at the

Aviva Stadium and we reckon you should check out some o the ac-

tion during your stay. I you ancy something more active, without the

bruises, tag-Rugby is non- contact version o the game and a super

way to work your social network. Teams are usually mixed and the

Irish aprs-tag scene is known as one o the hottest dating grounds intown. Try! (tagrugby.ie).

GAA

Okay, we may not have topped the medal table at the London Olym-

pics but this partly as Irelands most popular sports are all uniquely

Celtic. Gaelic Football (a little like Aussie Rules) Hurling (a little like

hockey) and camogie (emale hurling) are played throughout everyvillage in the nation.

Dublin is mostly a ootballing county and watching a game is quite

the cultural spectacle. Croke Park is one o the largest stadiums in the

world and hosts regular games. Buddy up with a local to learn

the rules!


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Soccer

Nothing quite grips the nation however than an International soccer

match, even when were losing (danke, Deutschland; merci, Thierry;

muchas gracias, Espaa). Dublin has a number o soccer teams such

as Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians though they havent been knock-

ing on the door o the Champions League (yet!). To have your own

kick-around, youll nd many companies run ve-a-side nights, but,

i you and a ew riends or colleagues can put a dream-team together,

you can register with the leisureleagues.ie tournament.

Culture & Arts

Dublin is the true cultural hub o Ireland (Galway or Cork might think

otherwise) and has been drawing Irelands cultural spirits or decades.The National Gallery o Ireland should be your stop i you want to

combo up the works o Irish painter Jack B. Yeats with art rom the

likes o Picasso and Monet, while the IMMA is a haven or modern-

ist acionados. For a kicked back Sunday activity, check out Francis

Bacons exhibits at the Hugh Lane gallery, which also hosts classical

music concerts on Sundays.

To set your nger on the pulse on Dublins hipsterville art-scene checkout exhibitions at the Monster Truck or the Exchange in Temple Bar.

Cinema

In a city which sees a air share o drizzle, Dubliners are unsurprising-

ly romantic old lovers o lm. The city even hosts a number o annual

movie bashes including the Jameson International Film Festival, theKinopolis Polish Film Festival and the GAZE LGBT Film Festival.


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Meeting House Square, Temple Bar.

Great spot for cultural events.


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For a night at the ficks, the citys main theatres include Cineworld at

the Parnell Centre (Dublin 1) and the Savoy on OConnell Street. The

citys main indie movie hubs are the Irish Film Institute (IFI) located in

Temple Bar and the wonderul Lighthouse cinema in Smitheld.

LGBT Dublin

Tell us. How could the home o Oscar Wilde not be a gay capital? Dub-

lin is one o Europes most vibrant gay cities where conservative atti-

tudes, like Elton Johns wardrobe, have been let in the 1980s.

Civil partnerships are legal in Ireland and Dublins councils have re-

cently backed a bill supporting gay marriage in Ireland. Although Dub-

lin 8 (around Portobello) is the unocial gay village, the scene in the

city is not very ghettoised - youll nd a strip o gay-riendly businessrunning rom Capel St. on the Northside though to Temple Bar and

Georges Street on the Southside.

Dublins main LGBT hang-out is the Front Lounge on Parliament Street

where youll nd the girls firting in the ront room, the boys in the

back. The Dragon & The George meanwhile are the citys two main

late-night spots where you can expect the usual mix o bingo, go-go

dancing and Eurovision parties.

For a list o all the happening events in the LGBT Dublin, check out the

Gay Community News (gcn.ie).

Food & Drink

Dublin dining? What can we say. With an explosion o pop-up res-

taurants mixed with old Dublin institutions like Bewleys on Graton


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Street, Dublins dining scene is both irresistibly retro and tantalizingly

en-trende. Our current avourites include the very unky Foam on

Strand Street who serve incredibly imaginative salads (with a dcor to

match) and Mother Hubbard on Capel Street or their quirky gourmet

sandwiches and riendly community vibe.

Le Bon Crubeen on Talbot Street serve a delish early bird menu, vege-

tarians can bask in chickpea heaven at Cornucopia on Wicklow Street,sushi lovers can head to Yamamori on Great Georges Street and ancy

something ethnic? Try the Little Jerusalem Lebanese restaurant in

Rathmines.

Finally, no night out in Dublin is complete without a late night chaser

to the chipper (sh & chip shop). Our sh and chips aves include

Beschos on OConnell Street, Burdocks in Christchurch and Irelandsvery own Supermacs located across the city (try the cheesy chips!).

Best coee in town? We go or Twisted Pepper on Middle Abbey Street

but remember, this is a nation o tea-drinkers!

To savour the ultimate Irish cuppa head to Wall & Keogh on Richmond

Street and lovers o desserts must make tracks or The Cake Ca. The

hidden hangout on Pleasants Place (described as Jade Jagger in a tea-

room) serves a range o heavenly gateaux and even oer you hot-wa-ter bottles i you eel chilly sitting on their courtyard. Cheers to that!

Fancy that great Dublin pint? Amid Dublins thousands o bars we

suggest you head to some o our old classics: The Lord Edward on

Christchurch Place, the Long Hall on Georges Street or Mulligans on

Poolbeg Street which dates rom 1782 is where youll nd us supping.

Come swing by and well buy you a pint!


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Handy sites for

living in the Fair City

wEb

guiDE


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makeitinireland.comWere with you all the way. Have a question about living in Ireland?

Ask it on our orum. Also stay tuned or great tips and competitions.

visitdublin.comDublin's ocial tourism site - telling you about all our top attractions.

dublintown.iePinterest sytle photo-guide to dining and culture in the city.

totallydublin.ieAlternative social guide to some o Dublin's best-kept secrets.

dublin.lecool.comDublin's weekly mag on the coolest happenings in the capital.

hittheroad.ieHandy site helping you to get rom A-B, anywhere in Dublin

and beyond.

entertainment.ieGig guides, cinema listings, and theatre reviews: Ireland's social go-to.

expatexchange.comSocial network orum or international community in Ireland.
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