Location: Dublin, Ireland
Having worked and traveled around Europe and the Americas, it seemed like a glaring omission to not write a post on the city I have worked in more than any other – Dublin. Dublin is a great city for digital nomads with super-fast WiFi, endless cafes and coworking options, and a young energetic population in a small city bursting with culture and activity.
I’m biased, but Dublin is great. The biggest drawback is that the cost of living is in line with Western Europe (if not worse), but if that isn’t a deal-breaker for you then read on to see all that Dublin has to offer for digital nomads.
- Currency: Euro
- Socket: UK type
- Cost of Living: High
- Transport:
- Public Transport: Dublin Bus, Luas (tram)
- Bikeshare: Dublin Bikes
- Taxis: Lots, but expensive. Main taxi app is Free Now
- Events of Note:
- St Patrick’s Day – 17th March
- Bank Holiday Weekends – Easter, May, June, August, Halloween, Christmas
- Electric Picnic
- Taste of Dublin
Where to Stay in Dublin for Digital Nomads
There are many leafy suburbs in Dublin, many of which are in close proximity to the center of the city. On the southside (which is usually more expensive than the northside) Rathmines and Harold’s Cross are just across the canal and are well worth a look for accommodation. Christchurch and the Liberties are also worth a look a little west of the city center.
If that proves too expensive, accommodation in northside neighborhoods such as Phibsborough, Smithfield, and Drumcondra are usually more reasonably priced. Each have come on a long way in recent years and are now packed with bars, coffee shops and independent pizza joints – which have really caught on.
Wherever you decide to stay, good public transport links are important. The Luas is by far the most efficient mode of public transport in Dublin, though Dublin Bus has a lot more coverage and offers pretty accurate real-time tracking of the next bus for each stop.
The rental market is crazy in Dublin, and has been for many years. It’s nearly impossible to get anything that can be described as a good deal, but looking a little further outside the core of the city or at different options like hostels or B&Bs are good ways to broaden your options.
Where to Work Remotely in Dublin
Coworking
I haven’t found too many coworking spaces that are super flexible, but if you’re willing to spend €200 – €300 per month there are a number of options.
The most cost-effective option is the free-to-use Workbench at some Bank of Ireland locations. There are tonnes of paid options too, an instead of listing them all here, check out this list for a full run-down.
Cafes
If cafes, hotels and bars are more your speed for an ideal workplace there are some great options in Dublin. Accents Cafe and the The Library Bar in the south city center are great places to set up with a laptop for a few hours and enjoy a coffee.
In Smithfield, Third Space or Social Fabric Cafe are great spots.
Sightseeing in Dublin
There are tonnes of things to see and do in Dublin and all around Ireland. If you’re looking for something to do check these out:
- Temple Bar
- Guinness Storehouse
- Jameson Distillery
- Whiskey Museum
- Viking Splash
- Kilmainham Gaol
- Wicklow Mountains
- Dublin Castle
- Phoenix Park
- Croke Park
- Howth
- Game of Thrones Tour
- Giants Causeway
- Cliffs of Moher
- Galway
Eating and Drinking
Restaurants
- Roly’s
- Featherblade
- Fade Street Social
- Brother Hubbard
Bars
- In Smithfield, Frank Ryan’s and The Cobblestone
- The Mercantile, Foggy Dew, Stag’s Head, Market Bar
- Kehoe’s
- The Back Page
- Baggot St
What Else to Know?
Dublin is a pretty safe place, but as with any capital city it’s best to keep your wits about you. Parts of the north inner city and suburbs west of the city are best avoided. The Luas Red Line can be a little rough too, especially late at night.
And of course, it’s Ireland so you can’t bank on good weather even in the summer.
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I’ll keep this guide updated with the latest bars and restaurant openings as well as any other news that impacts any would-be digital nomads coming to Dublin.
Stay tuned.
