Pros and Cons of Living in Dublin
Last updated on Jun 03, 2025
Summary: The pros of living in Dublin, Ireland include its vibrant culture, excellent public transportation, and its close proximity to other European countries. Dublin is also a great place to find employment, with a wide range of job opportunities available. Additionally, the city is known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere. On the other hand, the cost of living in Dublin can be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and wind.
What are the pros and cons of living in Dublin?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Dublin responded:
"The weather in the east of Ireland, middle/south, is better than most people think. It's nice to live close to the sea. Taxes deducted from your salary are relatively low compared to, e.g., Germany. Dislike: the people (of course there are always exceptions), the prices, lack of housing and lack of rights for renters, feels rather provincial once you are outside of Dublin, health care system, there's not Amazon Ireland and with Brexit now we have to pay import taxes, shipping parcels to other countries is ridiculously expensive, more traditional gender division than in other northern countries," said one expat in living in Dublin, Ireland.
"Expats and digital nomads generally like living in Dublin, for its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. They appreciate the city's walkability, efficient public transportation system, and the abundance of pubs, restaurants, and entertainment options. The thriving tech scene and job opportunities, particularly in the IT sector, also attract many expats and digital nomads. However, there are some aspects of living in Dublin that expats and digital nomads may dislike. The high cost of living, especially the expensive housing and rental market, can be a significant challenge for many. The unpredictable weather, with frequent rain and relatively cool temperatures, may also be a downside for those who prefer a warmer climate. Additionally, some expats and digital nomads may find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in obtaining visas and work permits to be cumbersome and time-consuming," wrote one expat in Dublin.
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What do expats in Dublin appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Dublin appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is full of music, art, and literature. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the city, as well as the many pubs and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's rich history and the many historical sites that can be visited. Finally, they enjoy the city's natural beauty, with its many parks and green spaces," explained one expat.
"Multicultural environment, ability to travel more, possibilities seem to be expanded here as compared to Argentina/Latin America, more connection with the spiritual side of human being," said one person in Dublin.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Be careful not to talk too much about yourself and reveal too much about yourself too early. It will takes weeks and months of getting together with an Irish friend to learn personal details about them. Only reveal one or two personal details per visit or it will overwhelm them. They will respect the friendship more if it is earned and learned over time. Forget getting anything fixed, it will take weeks and more than one visit. Always offer a service person (plumber, gardener, etc.) tea and make sure it is one of the two Irish brands, offering a biscuit doesn't hurt too. Won't improve the service but they will appreciate that you are polite. Always apologize if you create any sort of inconvenience for another person, it will be much appreciated," said a person living in Dublin.
"Expats in Dublin often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The Irish are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, but the language barrier can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with the Irish accent. Additionally, the Irish have a strong sense of community and can be quite insular, which can make it difficult for expats to make friends and feel like part of the local culture. Furthermore, the Irish are known for their love of pubs and socializing, which can be intimidating for those who are not used to such a lively atmosphere," explained one expat living in Dublin.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Dublin
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Dublin
- Public Transportation in Dublin
- Best Markets in Dublin
- Retire in Dublin Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Dublin
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dublin
- Driving in Dublin
- Cost of Living in Dublin
- Health Care in Dublin
- Discover the Best of Dublin
- Moving to Dublin
- 5 Neighborhoods to Consider in Dublin, Ireland
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ireland
- Best Places to Live in Ireland
- Real Estate in Ireland
- 5 Tips for Tech Jobs in Dublin
- What It's Like Living in Dublin
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Ireland