Lifestyle in Dublin

A friendly city with international status and local charm, Dublin's array of attractions and activities has something for everyone. The lifestyle in Dublin is characterised by high energy and clean living, offering you an excellent quality of life. If you're after a pint, you'll certainly have no shortage of lively pubs or fellow local revellers to frequent them with.

There are also plenty of opportunities for shopping in Dublin, along with a slew of historical attractions, trendy eateries, good entertainment venues, sports facilities, spas, and annual events

Shopping in Dublin

There are ample opportunities for shopping in Dublin. Grafton Street and Henry Street are considered Dublin's main shopping areas and are conveniently a short 15-minute walk apart. High-end boutiques and designer shops abound in Grafton Street, while Henry Street offers more affordable options.

Head to Stephen's Green Shopping Centre for striking Victorian-inspired architecture and a range of shops, or Jervis Shopping Centre (on Henry Street) for clothing, cosmetics, jewellery, and electronic goods. Those after a more comprehensive range of retail outlets can head to western Dublin and the Blanchardstown Centre – the largest mall in Ireland.

Markets in Dublin

You will find open-air markets taking place almost every day of the week. You won't miss food from home for too long, as artisan stalls cater to every national food group possible. Despite the glam shopping streets, Dubliners still find time to browse clothing markets, too. 

Howth Market is open every weekend and bank holidays, offering fresh organic produce, homemade baked goods, handmade jewellery, and antiques. Moore Street Market is a weekday vegetable and fruit market, perfect for grabbing fresh, healthy produce. Dún Laoghaire People's Park Market on Sundays is another favourite, with more than 50 vendors and a great atmosphere. The Blackrock Market is another essential shopping spot, stocking local souvenirs, crafts, delicious food, antiques, and vintage clothing.

Entertainment and nightlife in Dublin

If there's one thing the Irish are known for, it’s enjoying a good drink. This reputation is rooted in Dublin's lively nightlife scene. With a plethora of pubs, you will have no problem finding a local haunt for a post-work pint. 

For a night out, head to the Temple Bar District, where clubs, lounges, and live music fill the streets. While not as vast as London or New York, Dublin's nightlife boasts a compact and walkable area with a cosy, welcoming vibe.

Sports and outdoor activities in Dublin

Dublin offers a wide selection of outdoor activities sure to appeal to you if you prefer fresh air and green fields. The sprawling grounds of Phoenix Park are perfect for a stroll, and you may spot wild deer roaming. The park also features historical monuments like the Wellington Testimonial and the Papal Cross. Visit the Victorian People's Gardens within the park for a more relaxed day.

Sporting types can round up some friends to play ancient Irish sports at Experience Gaelic Games. If you're after something at a slower pace, you can cruise down the River Liffey or hire a kayak of your own. There are also plenty of options for maintaining your fitness, including hiking, cycling along the Grand Canal Greenway, and surfing in Dublin Bay.

Some top activities worth trying include biking around Phoenix Park, taking a coastal walk along the Howth or Bray cliff paths, hiking in the Dublin Mountains, and attending a Gaelic games match. These activities showcase Dublin's natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture.

Meeting people and making friends in Dublin

Arriving in a new city and not knowing a soul there is daunting, to say the least. It can be difficult to figure out where to start meeting people. Joining local clubs and societies is a sure-fire way to meet like-minded people. Here are a few recommendations.

Mountaineering Ireland

If you're looking to explore the Irish outdoors, check out Mountaineering Ireland, which holds regular events around the country for all levels of hikers. This is a great way to get fit, take in some fresh air, and meet people from all hikes of life.

Dublin Dogos

If you're looking to combine sports and socialising, Dublin Dogos RFC rugby club is a perfect choice. Established as a hub for expats and locals alike, the club prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures united by the love of rugby. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Dublin Dogos offers a welcoming environment where integration and camaraderie are as integral to the team as the sport itself. The club’s signature '3rd halves' provide a unique opportunity to enjoy post-match meals and forge lasting friendships, embodying their motto: One Club, All Countries.

United Arts Club

Culture vultures will be in seventh heaven at United Arts Club (UAC). The club focuses on nine arts – literature, music, dance, theatre, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and architecture. With WB Yeats himself being among the club's founding members, the UAC has a suitably illustrious history.

International Women's Club of Dublin

With more than 300 members of over 60 nationalities, the International Women's Club is a great place to meet fellow expats from around the world. The club's self-professed aim is to welcome and assist new arrivals and their families, as well as to further members' understanding of Ireland. Club activities include language conversation groups, book clubs, cooking demonstrations, coffee mornings, Zumba, and more.