Moving to Dublin Archives - Babel Academy of English

Planning a language trip to Dublin? Great choice! Studying English in Ireland’s lively capital is not only a great way to improve your language skills, but it’s also an unforgettable cultural experience.

Whether you’re coming to Babel Academy of English for a few weeks or several months, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are 7 things you should know to make the most of your stay.

Our school was featured in the article titled: 31 English Conversation Activities for Adults (All Levels!)“, published on Twinkl’s educational platform. Visit the publisher’s site to explore free educational resources.

1. Get familiar with the Irish accent

The Irish accent can take some getting used to, even if you already speak English. Don’t worry! At Babel Academy, our teachers are experienced in working with international students and speak clearly and professionally.

Tip: Before you arrive, try listening to Irish podcasts or watching TV shows like Derry Girls or The Young Offenders. It’s a fun way to get used to the rhythm and expressions of Irish English.

2. What to pack for Ireland?

Irish weather is famously unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day! Here are the essentials you should bring:

A waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
A type G power adapter (same as the UK)
An umbrella (be aware, it can be very windy so it won’t always be possible to use it)

Dress casually but neatly when you go to class. You’re not in a business meeting, but it’s still a professional environment.

3. Where to stay?

Many language students choose to stay with host families, which is a great way to practice English in daily life. Other options include renting a student residence or sharing a flat with other students. Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Tip: Babel Academy can help you find local accommodation options with trusted and verified hosts.

4. How to get around Dublin?

Dublin is a walkable city, but for longer trips, you can use:

The DART (a coastal train line)
The LUAS (light rail/tram system)
Dublin Bus (Exact change or a Leap Card is recommended)

Check out our guide on How to get a Student Leap Card.

Safety tip: Ireland has left-hand traffic. Look right first when crossing the street!

5. Speak as much English as possible

Don’t be shy, try to speak English whenever you can: in shops, cafés, or on trips. Irish people are famously friendly and will appreciate your effort.

Tip: Babel Academy offers a variety of after-class group activities and social events. It’s a fantastic way to meet people and practice English in real-life situations.

6. The cost of living

Ireland uses the euro (€). Prices in Dublin are similar to other European capitals, though things like rent and eating out can be a bit more expensive.

Tip: Look for deals in the supermarket (for example, sandwich + snack + drink) or try affordable cafés near university areas for lunch.

7. Where to start exploring?

There is so much to do and see in Dublin, it can be hard to choose where to start. Here are a few places that should be at the top of your list:

Temple Bar – Dublin’s cultural and nightlife hub;

Trinity College – home of the famous Long Room Library;

Grafton Street – a great shopping street with live street music;

St. Stephen’s Green – a peaceful park to relax after class;

A language trip to Dublin is the perfect mix of learning and living. These tips will help you feel confident and ready to dive headfirst into a new experience. From the friendly people to the vibrant culture, Dublin is a fantastic place to improve your English and make lasting memories.

And the best part? Babel Academy of English is here to support you inside the classroom and beyond.

Thinking about moving to Dublin or already here to study English? Beyond the famous landmarks and overpriced pubs, there are plenty of unexpected things about Dublin that you’ll quickly notice. The city is full of charming little surprises. Here are a few quirky things I discovered during my first weeks in Ireland’s capital!

1. Wet summers

Everyone warned me it would rain all the time. Like pouring down from the skies as if there was no tomorrow. Your shoes are wet, your glasses full of water droplets. But most days, there’s only a light drizzle that you don’t even notice after some time. Those super rainy days you see in rom-com movies and travel videos are rarer than you’d think. Of course, this didn’t stop me from packing not one, but two rain jackets. I’m not sure what the thought process was here, I’d be safe of double the amount of rain?

2. Sports

Right now, as I’m writing this, I don’t even know what sports are popular in Ireland (Sorry locals!). What I do know is that my second ever day in Dublin, I was going to run some errands. Little did I know the streets were going to be swarmed by fans and supporters in red or blue! It was definitely an interesting experience seeing the city so passionate and alive. Looking it up just now it was the 2025 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Finale! If you’re a visitor like me, you might ask: what’s Hurling? Apparently, it’s a Gaelic team game in which you hurl a small ball with a wooden stick into a net. If you’re visiting, it would be a great opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture by going to a sports event.

3. Seagulls

Maybe this is just from living close to the docks… but I’ve been very aware of the seagulls. And you’ll find them all over the city, just wandering around, digging through trash and every so often you’ll see them fighting over food. Unless you’re from the coast of France or Denmark for example, you won’t be used to these animals. Coming from rural Germany, far from any big bodies of water, I was startled with the sheer number of seagulls one city could host. And how loud they could get at night….

4. Sundown, or the lack thereof

Summers in Dublin do not lack daylight hours, believe me. A city this far north is bound to have early sunrises and late sunsets. So, when you’re going out for a drink at 10pm it might still be light outside, don’t let that throw you off! Moreover, I’m from a village where it gets truly dark at night. The streetlamps turn off and the whole town is asleep. Don’t expect this in Dublin, it’s a capital city – not just on paper!

5. The Irish Language

You won’t hear much Irish (Gaeilge) in casual conversation, but it’s everywhere in the city: on street signs, bus announcements, and government buildings. It feels like a reminder that even as Dublin rushes onto globalization like the rest of the world, it proudly sticks to this important part of its identity. And every once in a while, someone will say “slán” instead of goodbye and it’ll catch you off guard in the best way.

6. Weather-(in)appropriate clothing: the least Unexpected Thing About Dublin

No matter the weather: rain, wind, hail, there’ll always be a guy in shorts. You’ll be in a hoodie in July contemplating why you chose Dublin as your destination as he’s running around like it’s his personal Greek holiday. Where is he going? Is he cold? We’ll never know. He’s a legend.

Final Thoughts on the Unexpected Things About Dublin

Every city has its quirks, but these unexpected things about Dublin are what make it such a memorable place to live, study, and explore. Keep an open mind, enjoy the surprises, and make the most of your time here!

Thinking of learning English in Dublin? Check the courses Babel Academy has to offer: https://babelacademy.ie/course-categories/adults-courses/

For more local recommendations, visit Visit Dublin, the official Dublin tourism guide.

You can also explore Ireland.com for cultural tips and events across Ireland.

Tag: Moving to Dublin

7 Tips for Language Students Coming to Dublin

Our school was featured in the article titled: 31 English Conversation Activities for Adults (All Levels!)“, published on Twinkl’s educational platform. Visit the publisher’s site to explore free educational resources.