Page 36 - StudyTravel Magazine December 2016 Issue

language tertiary

city FOcuS dublin

dublin

delights

As the soon-to-be only capital left in the European Union with English
as its national language, Dublin now has an added string to its bow
when it comes to attracting students for education. Clarissa Waldron
discovers more about the capital of the Emerald Isle.

n terms of international education, edu) and they all must be explored for a to choose from with
a sector propelled predominantly classic experience of Irish culture. However, St Valentine, the terrifi c views of the
by a young demographic, it’s worth lesser-known jewels that students should saint for lovers all Irish sea, such as Dun
i remembering that Dublin is one of the visit include the Iveagh Gardens (city centre over the world, is Laoghaire, Sandycove
youngest and friendliest cities in the world gardens dating from the Victorian era), buried in Dublin’s and Dalkey in South
and so incoming students can expect to Glasnevin Cemetery, (containing historic Whitefriar Street Dublin, which are all
enjoy a warm welcome. As Will Dowling monuments and the graves of many of Church just a Dart journey
at Malvern House www.malvernhouse.ie Ireland's most prominent national fi gures) away from the city
illustrates, “Please make sure to be ready and Phoenix Park (one of the largest walled centre. And it mightn't
to talk to anyone, from the taxi driver who city parks in Europe). strike you as a beach city, but there are
takes you from the airport, to the guy on the Shoppers should head to Grafton Street, several strips of paradise, both sandy and
street corner who helps you to fi nd where the main, pedestrianised thoroughfare of stony, within a short trip of Dublin’s central
you’re going, to the barman who serves you the city, to pick up high street staples and hub including the beaches of Killiney,
your fi rst Irish Guinness.” luxury brands, but Henry Street, Dawson Skerries, Howth and Malahide.
Dublin has long been popular with Street and Lower Ormond Quay also have Ireland is steeped in history and Dublin
Spanish, Italian and Brazilian students but a fl air for fashion and house a good range of shows much of the country’s battle in
David Ganly at Future Learning www. gift options. gaining independence from Great Britain.
fl ireland.com says the Asian market, With roughly 850 pubs to choose from “Th ere are bullet holes from the 1916 Rising
particularly China, has been growing for in the city centre, Dublin certainly lives on the Daniel O’Connell statue beside
them recently, and Declan Miller at Dublin up to its friendly and lively reputation. O’Connell Bridge,” describes Declan, as
Cultural Institute (DCI) www.dublinci.com Noteworthy bars include Davy Byrnes, well as on the outside walls of the nearby
has seen interest surge amongst Mexican, Foggy Dew and Whelan’s, which has General Post Offi ce. Watch out too for the
Korean and Japanese students. Declan gained a reputation as a miniature music plaques on the pavement which follow the
institution and HQ for all things Indie.
journey of James Joyce’s novel Ulysess.
PHOtO: OWen J FitzPatricK / SHutterStOcK.cOM where “friendly people will speak to you in 18-piece big band who meet as friends most “Student accommodation is in short supply
explains that the appeal lies in Dublin being
a modern, safe and welcoming European
Will recommends Monday night jazz at Bad
Bobs for a rare cultural highlight. “Th is is an Accommodation
city brimming with culture and history,
clear English”.
in Dublin right now,” warns Damien,
Monday nights to perform and rehearse in
adding, “We nurture many relations with
Temple Bar. It is not a common sight to see
Th e city of course off ers up the famed
accommodation companies in order to
such musicians on a Monday night in many
stalwarts to entertain students: the
house our students.” Meanwhile for students
Leprechaun museum, Temple Bar and
cities in the world.”
the Guinness Storehouse (“Th e most
arranging their stay in a local host family,
Havens of scenic beauty and coastal
David advises for added peace of mind to
visited tourist attraction in Ireland and
calmness aren’t too far away when students
“Ensure your host family is Garda vetted.”
for good reason,” notes Damien O’Farrell
wish to escape the hustle and bustle of

at American College Dublin www.iamu.
city living. Dublin has plenty of options
clarissa@studytravel.network
deceMber 2016 | Studytravel Magazine | 33