Moving to Dublin Guide

MOVING TO DUBLIN

Moving to Dublin is the start of an exciting journey for your family. But we know that relocating to a new city or country requires lots of planning and research. On this page, you’ll find our guide to living in Dublin, which covers everything from visas and housing to fun activities for families.

YOUR DUBLIN RELOCATION GUIDE

Families flock to Dublin for many reasons. Charming and characterful, enchanting and energetic, Dublin is not only Ireland’s capital city, but also its historical, politic, artistic, cultural, academic, economic, and industrial heart.

Moving to Dublin with your family, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of history and modernity, unique architecture, a rich culture, and easy access to spectacular natural landscapes. Our city is also a thriving European business hub, which is home to multinational companies, a booming tech industry, and excellent career opportunities.

Your family will meet friendly locals, join a thriving expat scene, and feel a real sense of community, too. Dublin will draw you in – and make you want to stay for the long-term!

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO DUBLIN

Relocating to Dublin requires some careful planning. Below, we’ve listed some things you’ll need to consider before you move here. Our Admissions Team can offer expert advice and support, too.

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Investigate Ireland's visa requirements

Ireland offers several routes for expats seeking to move to Dublin, each designed for different circumstances and purposes. Key pathways include work permits for skilled professionals, investor visas for entrepreneurs, and special provisions for those with Irish ancestry. EU/EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement, while non-EU nationals will need to navigate specific visa requirements.

Consider private health insurance

Dublin has world-class healthcare facilities, both public and private. Expats living in Dublin can access public healthcare services and apply for a medical card or GP visit card. Non-EU expats often opt for private health insurance, however, to ensure comprehensive coverage. Private hospitals, such as Blackrock Clinic and Mater Private Hospital, are top choices for quick access and additional amenities.

Find a place to live in Dublin

Dublin is home to many excellent neighbourhoods, both close to the city centre and further afield. The cost of housing, however, is high, driven by strong demand in central and upscale urban areas. Understanding the city’s rental market, lease terms, and typical costs will help you set expectations before you move.

LIVING IN DUBLIN

Our guide to living in Dublin covers accommodation, transport, and more, ensuring you have all the information you need to settle into our wonderful city.

Accommodation

From laid-back seaside suburbs to the hustle and bustle of popular central areas like Rathmines, Ranelagh and Portobello, Dublin’s diverse neighbourhoods offer something for everyone.

Accommodation

When deciding where to live in Dublin, it’s important to consider proximity to your workplace, access to public transport, and what sort of amenities you want.

Areas like Seapoint, Killiney, Ranelagh and Clontarf are well-known and popular with expats. You might also want to consider The Liberties, Stoneybatter, Phibsborough and Drumcondra. Each neighbourhood offers a unique atmosphere, from historic charm to trendy, up-and-coming vibes.

Southside Dublin

Leafier and generally quieter than the northside of the city, the southside of Dublin has many fantastic neighbourhoods. Donnybrook, which is home to the sprawling Montrose base of national broadcaster RTE, has impressive, upscale housing options, while Foxrock is a fine place to live.

Dalkey and Killiney, in the south-eastern reaches of Greater Dublin, are wonderful if you’re looking for sea air and rugged coastal views. Ballinteer, Rathmines, and Rathgar, meanwhile, balance proximity to the city centre with a small-town, village feel.

Our location in South County Dublin

NAIS Dublin is situated in South County Dublin, also in the southside of the city. Our state-of-the-art Leopardstown Campus is nestled between the foot of the Dublin mountains and the M50 motorway, just half an hour from the city centre. We’re easily reachable from popular family-friendly residential areas, including XXXXX, XXXXX, and XXXXX.

Things to do

A friendly city that combines international status and local charm, expat life in Dublin is varied, exciting, and packed with opportunities.

Things to do

From traditional pubs and modern restaurants to museums and cultural gems, there’s plenty to see and do for expats living in Dublin.

Must-see spots include the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) and the National Museum of Ireland. Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse are well worth a visit, too.

Family-friendly activities

Pack a picnic and head to St Stephen’s Green or take your children to Dublin Zoo to meet their favourite animals. Phoenix Park is great for woodland walks and exploring historical sites, including Ashtown Castle.

Another popular attraction is The Ark, a purpose-built children’s theatre and exhibition space in Temple Bar. It hosts theatre, music, and dance productions and workshops.

For a fascinating (and educational) day out while living in Dublin, take your children to Imaginosity, a famous children’s museum in the heart of the city centre.

The Chocolate Warehouse, meanwhile, is a dream come true for chocolate-loving children. You can take a tour of the factory and, of course, sample plenty of chocolate along the way.

Outdoor adventures

Expat life in Dublin offers a wide selection of outdoor activities for all ages and interests.

Sporty types can try their hand at ancient Irish sports at Experience Gaelic Games and kayak down the River Liffey. Other activities include coastal walks along the Howth or Bray cliff paths, hiking in the Dublin Mountains, and attending a Gaelic football match.

Getting around Dublin

Dublin’s ever-expanding public transport system makes navigating our compact capital city easy. The city’s taxis, cycle hire schemes, and pedestrian-friendly central areas add to the convenience.

Getting around Dublin

Public transport

Living in Dublin, you’ll benefit from an extensive public transport network that includes buses, trains, trams, and taxis. Dublin Bus operates over 100 routes, while the DART train provides an efficient coastal rail service. Luas trams run frequently, connecting suburbs to the city centre.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in the city, especially outside large hotels and along the main city streets. They look like private cars with a yellow light on top, indicating they’re in service.

Ireland has restrictive laws for ride-sharing apps, so all taxi drivers (including those working for ride services like Uber) must be licensed. Other reputable companies include Dublin Taxi, Lynk and Free Now.

Driving in Dublin

Driving in Dublin can be a challenge, particularly if you’re new to the city. Parking in the centre is expensive and limited, so it’s often easier to catch public transport, cycle, or walk, depending on where you live.

The M50 toll-based motorway, however, forms an effective ring around the city, while the M1 runs North-South between Dublin and Belfast.

Living in Dublin, you can drive on a valid foreign driving licence for up to 12 months. After that, you must apply for an Irish driving licence. Ireland has agreements with several countries for licence conversion without testing.

Cycling

Cycling is growing in popularity in Ireland. With dedicated cycle lanes, it’s also safer than ever to ride a bicycle in central Dublin. And if you’re a confident cyclist, you’ll have no trouble riding into town from the suburbs. Just remember that it’s illegal to cycle without a helmet!

Dublin Bikes is a popular rideshare service, which offers distinctive blue bicycles for hire across the city.

Walking

Dublin’s compact size makes it ideal for walking. Many locals regularly travel to work and do errands on foot. Navigating the city this way reveals many hidden treasures you wouldn’t notice when travelling by car or on public transport.

A WORLD-CLASS IB EDUCATION

Our welcoming school community will ensure your child quickly settles into student life in Dublin. NAIS Dublin’s transferrable, all through International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum enables families to seamlessly transition to our school – and move between any of more than 80 Nord Anglia Education schools across the world.

When moving to Dublin, your child will follow the IB continuum of programmes, from the Early Years Programme and Primary Years Programme to the Middle Years Programme and prestigious IB Diploma.

Our goal is to prepare each student for a bright future, one that opens doors to top universities and rewarding global careers. Our emphasis on personal values, skills, and attitudes will ensure your child has everything they need for lifelong success.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the weather like in Dublin?

Living in Dublin, you’ll quickly discover why Ireland is famous (or infamous!) for its weather. Summers are, however, cool and pleasant, with temperatures in July peaking at around 68°F (20°C).

May and June see the most sunshine, which you should take advantage of by exploring the Emerald Isle and its spectacular scenery. Despite being quite wet, winters are relatively mild, with the mercury rarely dropping to freezing point.

What is the local currency?

Ireland is an EU member and part of the EEA, meaning that residents use the Euro.

What is the cost of living in Dublin?

The cost of living in Dublin can be expensive, particularly when it comes to housing. Rent in the city centre is high, but prices decrease as you move further out. However, many expats find the quality of life and the vibrant city culture worth the expense.

Is Dublin an expat-friendly city?

Yes, Dublin is a very friendly city for expats. Dublin is home to a large population of international residents, meaning you’ll have lots of opportunities to mingle with people from across the world. Joining clubs and societies is a sure-fire way to meet like-minded people.