Dublin Dublin

Dublin city guide: student life

Dublin is an incredible city for your university experience. From a buzzing nightlife to serene mountains, historical landmarks and seaside excursions, it really has something for everyone.

Dublin cityscape

That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide student homes, not just student rooms. So, when you start your student life you’ll not only be joining a university, but becoming a part of a vibrant new community.

Binary Hub is our flagship aparto building where you’ll find a friendly gaggle of fellow students living under the watchful eye of our lovable cats, Sebastian and Ash, just beyond the bustling heart of Dublin City.

Dorset Point is conveniently located North of the River Liffey, close to the Dublin Institute of Technology’s Grangegorman Campus and some of Dublin’s best shopping areas. Its location is ideal for students studying at Bolton Street, Sackville Place, Linden Hall or the School of Culinary Arts and Food Tech, with South Dublin also easily accessible just across the river.

Montrose is our seaside escape, minutes from downtown Dublin. Does gazing out across the Irish sea while the smell of salty air lingers gently, sound like your ideal reading week? Well, it’s something to get used to when you join our close-knit student community at aparto Montrose. Right beside University College Dublin, our coastal accommodation offers the best of both worlds with all the amenities on your doorstep and a 10-minute train ride to the city centre.

Beckett House strikes a balance between studying and socialising. As close to Dublin’s universities as it is to the city’s best bars, restaurants and shops, this is the perfect home for students looking to make the most of their studies.

Getting  around Dublin

Exploring a new city can be daunting, but we’ve made it easy for you with our complete guide to transport in Dublin. As you’d expect from a top European city, Dublin’s public transport system is second to none and its local cabbies are known worldwide for their warm welcomes!

Dublin operates one of Europe’s most successful citywide bike sharing schemes. So, if you don’t want to bring your own wheels, you can still benefit from the 120km network of cycle lanes spanning the city.

 

Fun in Dublin

cocktail sign in a bar

Dublin is a city famous for its lively nightlife but you’ll find lots to keep you busy at any time of day.

With so much to see, we’ve started you off with the unmissable sights. Once you’ve worked up an appetite you can take your pick of hearty Irish fare or international cuisine in the Temple Bar district, then dance the night away on the other side of the street as the sun goes down.

The city has several prominent shopping areas, catering for all tastes and budgets.

We’ll show you where to find the best designer shops and legendary department stores, high street favourites and unique independent retailers. Adventurous shoppers will love Dublin’s many weekend markets, where stall-holders sell an array of handmade crafts, vintage items and pre-loved treasures.

 

Pubs and Bars

Dublin has a whopping 750 plus pubs so there are plenty to choose from! Take your pick from classic pubs, to hidden cocktail bars. We’ve picked out a few highlights below:

 

  • The Long Hall – a classic Dublin pub perfect for a pint of Guinness. Fun fact: the interior dates back to 1881
  • The Bar With No Name – sparking intrigue there is no sign outside but spot the wooden snail at the entrance! Great collection of cocktails and even a small roof terrace for those warm evenings.
  • Guinness Storehouse – find out all about the history of Ireland’s iconic beer with tastings and a roof top bar.
  • The Brazen Head – Ireland’s oldest pub, famous for wholesome food and live music
  • The Beer Market – sample their unrivalled selection of local and international craft beers

Restaurants

Table with various plates of food

There’s plenty of hot spots catering for all cuisines in Dublin. Here are a few of our picks:

  • Pi Pizza – this is the dream for pizza lovers with a menu bursting of flavour. It’s a popular place so be prepared to wait for a table!
  • Bunsen – the best burger joint in town. The menu may be small but what’s on is cooked to perfection.
  • Yum Thai – tasty range of Thai dishes with takeaway options too.
  • Cornucopia – A great vegetarian restaurant full of delicious and healthy food.

 

Culture and history

The giants causeway in Dublin

Dublin is seeped in history and culture with many iconic landmarks to visit. You’ll never be stuck for something to do that’s for sure. 

  • Giant’s Causeway – a spectacular cluster of around 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea.
  • The National Gallery – located in the centre of Dublin and home to a wide collection of Irish and European Art.
  • Dublin Castle – get your history fix at this historic site.

 

Green spaces and nature

If you fancy taking some time out from city life there’s loads of spaces to chill out in.

  • Phoenix Park – one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe with plenty of space for study sessions or down time in the warmer months!
  • Iveagh Gardens - stunning gardens behind St Stephens Green.
  • Dublin coastline – the beautiful coastline of Dublin is one to visit. From Dollymount Beach to North Bull island.

 

Dublin is a city that has it all, with a fantastic environment for students. You can join any 5 of our vibrant communities at  aparto student accommodation.