Dublin is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations to relocate to. As Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin offers job opportunities, cultural attractions, history, nightlife, and more. If you’re considering a move to Dublin, there are some key things you’ll want to know first to help make your transition smooth. This piece covers 10 essential queries on weather, transportation, healthcare, schools, housing, banking, driving, language, and more to set you up for success in your move to Dublin.

How Much Does it Rain in Dublin?

Dublin gets rain. And we mean a lot of rain. On average, the city sees rain 130 days out of the year. Pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, and keep a small umbrella on you when sightseeing. The winter tends to be the rainiest, while the summer sees some wet days too amongst sunny ones. Come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing and you’ll better enjoy what Dublin has to offer. You never know when it will rain, so you should be prepared! The rain is one of the important things to know but don’t let it dampen your experience.

What Are The Public Transportation Systems in Dublin?

Dublin offers bus, tram, suburban rail, and more to help you navigate the city without a car. The city’s transportation system is vital to your movements. City buses managed by Dublin Bus offer comprehensive routes that cover most key areas around Dublin. Their double decker buses clearly display route numbers and final destinations on digital signs up front. Simply flag one down at a bus stop by sticking out your hand. Just make sure you’re facing the oncoming traffic so drivers can see you. For savings and convenience, pay fares with a Leap travel card which lets you seamlessly tap on and off.

How is the Healthcare in Dublin?

As a new Dublin resident, gaining access to quality healthcare should provide peace of mind. Registering at a local medical practice or GP surgery near where you live sets you up with a general practitioner able to assist with any health issues. If you or family members have any existing conditions or prescriptions, inform the doctor. Ireland’s public healthcare system provides free or low-cost medical services to residents. So get registered right away via Ireland’s Health Service Executive appointment booking online or through the office directly.

How Do You Find Housing in Dublin?

Finding housing in Dublin poses a challenge with limited supply and lots of competition from newcomers and students. Utilize property search platforms like Daft.ie and MyHome.ie to browse rentals and sales listings across Dublin neighbourhoods and suburbs. Zoom into map views of listings to analyze proximity to planned office and school commutes. Filter by maximum price, number of bedrooms, garden space, or other must-have amenities. Sign up for listing alerts to pounce on new properties matching your specifications. Consider expanded suburbs with housing stock and transit links.

How Do You Find Schools For Your Children in Dublin?

As an expat parent, one of the important things to know about is getting a suitable school for your children when relocating to Dublin. Ireland’s education system offers free primary and secondary schooling with a mix of public, private, and religious institution options. Examine inspection reports on the Department of Education website documenting curriculums, facilities, performance metrics, fees, and more to gauge quality. Location within neighbourhoods you’re considering living in, school atmosphere, subjects and activities offered fees, and enrollment space availability require weighing to decide on placements for your children.

How Do You Set Up Your Finances When Moving To Dublin?

Get your banking and taxes in order when moving countries to easily receive income and access cash. Open an Irish bank account by providing photo identification and proofs of address, which your landlord can assist with providing once you have secured housing. One of the things to know include bank offerings and fees vary, so compare options to select what fits your needs best. Obtaining a PPS number (similar to the US’s social security digits) is vital for employment, paying taxes, receiving benefits when eligible, obtaining a driver’s licence, and more. So apply online via Ireland’s Public Services Card portal right after securing housing.

What Side of the Road Do People Drive in Dublin?

Ireland requires driving on the left side of the road which can prove challenging for newcomers used to right-hand traffic. Adjust driving instincts starting the very first time behind the wheel to account for staying left, passing on the right, changing orientation at roundabouts, and recalibrating lane discipline and positioning. If importing vehicles, verify they can be adapted to Ireland’s traffic system before shipping. Practice defensive driving techniques as some locals still unconsciously drift towards old habits. Additionally,  Dublin is very bike-friendly.

What Are the Helpful Transport Apps You Can Use in Dublin?

Avoid transit confusion by downloading handy navigation apps tailored to Dublin’s bus, tram, and bike systems before arrival. The Leap Top Up app makes crediting your Leap payment cards easy by accepting ApplePay, GooglePay, credit cards, and more. Dublin Bus allows inputting start and end destinations for reliable route planning, live tracking bus locations, and service alerts. NextBike pins down city bike dock locations while also detailing availability counts and bike repair status. For spontaneous taxi needs not covered by transit routes and schedules, Uber continues expanding reliable service across Dublin.

What Language is Spoken in Dublin?

English is predominantly spoken in Dublin. However, having a grasp of local Irish language terms endears newcomers to locals. The common things to know are Irish greetings like “Dia duit” (pronounced dee-a gwitch) which means “hello” in Irish. Pub culture terms like “craic” (fun times and banter) frequently punctuate conversations. Learning just a few phrases shows good faith in integrating.

How Do You Get Acquainted With the Dublin Community? 

From museums to parks and beyond, Dublin offers heaps of publicly funded services perfect for getting acquainted with the community and city. Obtain your first library card for access to books, films, newspapers, and more. Sign up for an annual DublinBikes pass permitting free 30 minute bike journeys from stations scattered across the city centre. And check Bulletins for free events happening around Dublin all year long. 

Sort Out Moving To Dublin! 

Preparing for a Dublin move requires tackling the sum-total of things to know like visas, housing, banking, transportation, healthcare, and more. But checking off the ten questions above on things to know will help streamline your transition and set you up to better enjoy day-to-day life in Dublin. Spend time planning ahead for smooth sailing through the moving process.