Working in Dublin Ireland
If you are on a working holiday or backpacking around Europe then no doubt Dublin is featured on a list of places to visit. The Irish capital is also the most populated city in the country and is located on the mid east coast.
Up until the global financial crisis in 2008, Dublin experienced a rapid phase of modernisation and grew into a true global centre for business. The city experiences a maritime climate that consists of mild winters and cool summers with temperatures rarely reaching higher than 20 °C.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Dublin Airport
Located about 10km from the city centre, Dublin Airport is regarded as a busy transport hub for business and leisure travellers. With more than 40 airlines on course for more than 150 destinations, Dublin Airport’s flights are often over short distances to places like London or Edinburgh.
Bus and coach services are available from Dublin Airport to the city centre, along with several destinations to the north and south of the city. Taxi services can be found at the front of the airport.
Railway Station
Dublin has two main rail stations – Connolly Station and Heuston Station. Both are integral to the transport system in the Irish capital and throughout the country. Dublin’s transport system provides services to stations throughout the city for commuters, while the DART (Dublin coastal train) is great for tourists looking to explore beyond the city.
Transportation
Dublin is well serviced by public transport. Visitors or expats in Dublin are will find an extensive system that includes buses, trains, trams and even ferries along the River Liffey. Dublin’s light rail system, known as Luas, is very modern and one of the best ways to explore the city’s landmarks, such as the National Museum and Guinness Storehouse. Buses and trains in Dublin provider a broader network and run frequently through the day and into the evening.
Another transport option is Dublin’s free bike system, known as Dublinbikes. Stations can be located throughout the city and on a fine day provide a convenient, and healthy, form of exploration.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Dublin is average to high by western standards for expats, with prices often significantly higher in central or touristy areas of the city. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (www.numbeo.com), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $20.00 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $82.40 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $6.60 |
| Coke (330mL) | $2.15 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $1.40 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.90 |
| Eggs | $3.00 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $3.60 |
| Monthly pass | $150.40 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $2.40 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $1300 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $2300 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $30 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $300 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $3200 |
Accommodation
Dublin offers the full spectrum of hotels and hostels. As one of the great cities of the world for backpackers, Dublin offers a huge range of hostels in the city’s central area. Complementing the budget accommodation in Dublin is a wide choice of mid and high-range hotels. A few popular options include:
Budget
Abbey Court Hostel
The Times Hostel
Ashling House B&B
Mid-range
Carlton Hotel
Dublin Citi Hotel
Riverhouse Hotel
High-end
The Morgan
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Hampton Hotel
Shopping
Visitors to Dublin often return with at least something… green. It is hard to miss souvenir shops throughout the city that sell Irish merchandise for tourists to remember their visit to the country. The most popular street in the city for shopping is Grafton Street, which is limited to pedestrians only and includes many high end stores. For shopping centres, the best range of outlets can be found in Brown Thomas, the Powerscourt Centre or the Loft Market. While it may primarily serve beer and food, The Temple Bar is another must visit when in Dublin.
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police 112 or 999
EMS and ambulance 112 or 999
Fire and Rescue 112 or 999
Australian Embassy
7th Floor
Fitzwilton House
Wilton Terrace
Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1664 5300
Fax: +4353 1 678 5185
Email: austremb.dublin@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.ireland.embassy.gov.au
Insurance and Healthcare
The Republic of Ireland has a typical two tier health system with public and private sectors. All residents of Ireland are entitled to receive health care through the public health care system. To be classified as a resident and be eligible for public health care, the following must be provided:
- Proof of purchase or rental of property and evidence this is the principal residence
- Evidence of funds, bank accounts etc
- A residence permit, visa or work permit
- Applicant must sign a sworn statement
On top of the compulsory health insurance requirements, expats in the Republic of Ireland can also take out private care, with an extensive range of services available for those willing to pay extra. Costs for private health treatment in the Republic of Ireland are comparable to those in Australia.
Despite a high standard of health facilities in Ireland, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.