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Where to Live? Galway or Dublin?

Sunshine after the Rain

Hi everyone, I need some help to choose the city to settle down in Ireland. Galway or Dublin?

My husband is a Senior Software Engineer, wanting to move to Dublin for more job opportunities and better pay. We have been living in Athlone for a few years. I personally love Irish towns and villages, small, quiet place with friendly local people. I'm only earning the national minimum wage but I enjoy the nature, peace, and closeness of the small place. I don't like the noise and rush in Dublin, not as clean or friendly as Athlone, feeling frustrated every time when I'm in Dublin.

Under this circumstance, would Galway be a better option than Dublin for both of us? or Any other place for a senior software engineer?

We both are not Irish, but have been studying and working in Ireland over 10 years. I really need some genuine advice here, thx in advance, much appreciated!

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BrianBoru00

Murrisk wrote: »

Why so defensive? It's weird. People jealously defend Galway. Sometimes even if there is as much to do, people just prefer one place over another.

But a few things stand out of me about Dublin. Near the airport, get all the good concerts as opposed to just some, most definitely nicer architecture, greater choice of theatres and art galleries, better shopping, a wider range of good to great restaurants, near mountains that are actually higher than any in Connemara.

EDIT: Oh and Dublin even has nicer beaches. In the actual city, I don't want to hear about great beaches an hour's drive from Galway city. Pebbly Salthill beach? No thanks.

Why defensive? Because of the ridiculous comments and condescending attitude shown by some "pro Dublin" posters.

I'm not from Galway but studied and lived and worked there for a number of years before relocating to London. At that time I would have been "anti Dublin" for want of a better phrase but (and with the city living experience from London) regret now that I didn't spend some time living in the capital as it is a super city with so much do and see.
With the motorway system Its very easy to get up to Dublin for large sporting events, to see a large scale show or concert or to hit the shops.

Dublin is a primate city and has all the advantages that comes with that. Other towns and cities around the country lose out on account of that - but thats a different argument.

The OP outlined their own thoughts and asked a question to which one poster replied saying "Galway can be drab if your not into drinking" , and claimed Galway people regard Supermacs as fine dining.

It would be the same result from Dublin people if I claimed "Dublin is a cesspit of poverty and crime and the city centre is a no go area. Its way too expensive and your likely to end up homeless".

Aongus Von Bismarck

The dining scene in Galway really isn't bad for a town of its size. Having two Michelin starred restaurants is quite the achievement. I've also had fine meals in Kai and The Twelve. West restaurant at The Twelve did show flashes of Michelin quality cooking, but was let down by shoddy, if friendly, service. There's a strong emphasis on local seafood as well which is always great to see.

That said, it wouldn't have the depth of dining options of Dublin, a city which has come on leaps and bounds in that regard in the past ten years. No longer would I be embarrassed to bring my colleagues from Germany to Dublin and have to bring them out for dinner.

SATSUMA

I've lived in both for considerable periods. If you like Athlone, which I also know very well, then it's Galway hands down for you.

I'd love to return to Galway to settle but the fact it rains ( feels like) 365 days a year - I just couldn't for that reason alone.

Murrisk

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

Assuming you meant Supermacs Eyre Square. . . Yeah it is a bit like O'Connell Street is 24 hours a day .. .

You say there are far far less things to do in Galway . . Can you name ten things you can do in Dublin that you can't in Galway? Maybe start with five

Why so defensive? It's weird. People jealously defend Galway. Sometimes even if there is as much to do, people just prefer one place over another.

But a few things stand out of me about Dublin. Near the airport, get all the good concerts as opposed to just some, most definitely nicer architecture, greater choice of theatres and art galleries, better shopping, a wider range of good to great restaurants, near mountains that are actually higher than any in Connemara.

EDIT: Oh and Dublin even has nicer beaches. In the actual city, I don't want to hear about great beaches an hour's drive from Galway city. Pebbly Salthill beach? No thanks.

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

#1 Quite subjective and certainly not comparable to the Louvre, MOMA in New York

Ah, for gawd's sake. The above cities are alpha cities, Dublin is not trying to compare to them. Don't be silly. In an Irish context, Dublin has the far superior galleries. The National Gallery and the Hugh Lane have neat little collections. Plus are the most likely choices for visiting international collections.

It also seems that whatever list anyone gives you is going to be batted away, so why bother asking?

BrianBoru00

wordofwarning wrote: »

1) World Class museums and galleries in Dublin

2) Study at the number 1 & 2 Universities in Ireland

3) Go to nightclubs until close to 4am in Dublin

4) Get a pint in an Early house in Dublin at 7.30am

5) Massive selection of excellent restaurants. Supermacs is not a fine dining experience to Dubliners

6) A quick City break (Dublin has an international airport). While you are still driving from Galway to Dublin for a flight, a Dubliner is already slipping a cocktail in London

7) Shopping is better in Dublin eg New Look, Forever 21, a Brown Thomas that is actually large, etc etc

8) Amazing authentic Indian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino food etc

9) Dublin has better tourist sites eg Trinity, Guinness, etc

10) More luxurious housing. If you wealthy in Dublin, you have a pick of housing that exists nowhere else in Ireland

11) If you are wealthy in Dublin, the lifestyle of Dublin is not comparable to the rest of Ireland eg World class hospitals, hotels, restaurants, spas etc

The irony of you claiming Galway has nothing unless your drinking and then listing two drinking "To dos" in your top 10..
#1 Quite subjective and certainly not comparable to the Louvre, MOMA in New York and
#2 Again quite subjective
#3 Doable in Galway
#4 Doable in Galway
#5 Again subjective and a bit pathetic to suggest Galway people regard Supermacs as fine dining. If your going to bring up Michelin stars - Galway has more michelin starred restaurants per capita than Dublin
#6 So your saying that one of the best things to do in Dublin is Leave it ???
#7 Of course its better. that doesn't mean there isn't good shopping in Galway
#8 Galway has many authentic restaurants of various cusines also. so Doable in Galway
#9 Yes Dublin does have better Tourist "sites" but on a weekly basis how many of these does the average Dublin resident visit?
#10 Have you studied Maths past Senior infants? Aside from the fact the "luxurious" housing is probably open to less than 5% of the entire population. You have absolutely no facts to back this up and on a per capita basis again Its probably the same. Again Id refer you back to the original query "to do" .
#11 repeating yourself here. World class hospitals? Your really reaching and haven't really come up with any bona fide points.

maudgonner

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

To be honest you sound like a bit of a snob looking down on people when you return to visit on a break from your big important job in Germany.

The Baron Von Bismark, a snob? :eek:

Never in all my days have I heard such balderdash!

Bazzo

I tend not to give much weight to the opinions of people who label large parts of the country as "hellholes" and make sweeping generalisations about the people who live there, but that's just me.

Dr.MickKiller

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I'm from Galway originally, but moved to Dublin as a 17 year old to study. I spent 7 years in Dublin before moving to the UK for my MBA. I now live and work in Frankfurt, Germany, at the cutting edge of the European financial industry.

There really is no comparison between Galway and Dublin. Galway is a sleepy, parochial backwater, while Dublin has many of the trappings of a modern capital city. I don't have the figures close to hand, but Dublin must be at least 25 times bigger than Galway?

Don't get me wrong; I enjoy visiting Galway, and will be home on a number of occasions this summer as we strive for the ultimate success in both hurling and football. There's a small, if charming, arts festival, a number of moderately decent restaurants, and a racing festival which seems to appeal to those who enjoy getting drunk in a field whilst wearing a Topman suit.

What's most annoying about Galway is the attitude of some of the people who live there - mostly blowins from desolate hell-holes in Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon and Clare. If you were to listen to them (which I don't), then you'd think they lived in some cultural hotspot of international significance. A melting pot of Irishness, art and music that is the envy of everyone else in Ireland. Most of the art there of an evening is some toothless drunk playing the tin whistle, and a couple of crusties with dogs on strings beating away on pots and pans.

Dublin is the cultural, economic and political focal point of Ireland.

So, Galway then?

biko

Consider Waterford, Limerick, Belfast and Cork as well as Galway.
Don't do Dublin - it's not worth it.

Murrisk

OP, it sounds like Galway would suit you better, it has more of a town feel.

Galways wouldn't be for me for that reason though. I've never understood the hype.

Galwayguy35

Aongus Von Bismarck wrote: »

I'm from Galway originally, but moved to Dublin as a 17 year old to study. I spent 7 years in Dublin before moving to the UK for my MBA. I now live and work in Frankfurt, Germany, at the cutting edge of the European financial industry.

There really is no comparison between Galway and Dublin. Galway is a sleepy, parochial backwater, while Dublin has many of the trappings of a modern capital city. I don't have the figures close to hand, but Dublin must be at least 25 times bigger than Galway?

Don't get me wrong; I enjoy visiting Galway, and will be home on a number of occasions this summer as we strive for the ultimate success in both hurling and football. There's a small, if charming, arts festival, a number of moderately decent restaurants, and a racing festival which seems to appeal to those who enjoy getting drunk in a field whilst wearing a Topman suit.

What's most annoying about Galway is the attitude of some of the people who live there - mostly blowins from desolate hell-holes in Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon and Clare. If you were to listen to them (which I don't), then you'd think they lived in some cultural hotspot of international significance. A melting pot of Irishness, art and music that is the envy of everyone else in Ireland. Most of the art there of an evening is some toothless drunk playing the tin whistle, and a couple of crusties with dogs on strings beating away on pots and pans.

Dublin is the cultural, economic and political focal point of Ireland.

I'm not afraid to list some of the downsides of living in Galway and did so a few posts earlier but a parochial backwater it certainly isn't.

To be honest you sound like a bit of a snob looking down on people when you return to visit on a break from your big important job in Germany.

Aongus Von Bismarck

I'm from Galway originally, but moved to Dublin as a 17 year old to study. I spent 7 years in Dublin before moving to the UK for my MBA. I now live and work in Frankfurt, Germany, at the cutting edge of the European financial industry.

There really is no comparison between Galway and Dublin. Galway is a sleepy, parochial backwater, while Dublin has many of the trappings of a modern capital city. I don't have the figures close to hand, but Dublin must be at least 25 times bigger than Galway?

Don't get me wrong; I enjoy visiting Galway, and will be home on a number of occasions this summer as we strive for the ultimate success in both hurling and football. There's a small, if charming, arts festival, a number of moderately decent restaurants, and a racing festival which seems to appeal to those who enjoy getting drunk in a field whilst wearing a Topman suit.

What's most annoying about Galway is the attitude of some of the people who live there - mostly blowins from desolate hell-holes in Mayo, Donegal, Roscommon and Clare. If you were to listen to them (which I don't), then you'd think they lived in some cultural hotspot of international significance. A melting pot of Irishness, art and music that is the envy of everyone else in Ireland. Most of the art there of an evening is some toothless drunk playing the tin whistle, and a couple of crusties with dogs on strings beating away on pots and pans.

Dublin is the cultural, economic and political focal point of Ireland.

[Deleted User]

wordofwarning wrote: »

1) World Class museums and galleries in Dublin

I lived in London for a while and took advantage of the great free museums and galleries.

I couldn't really afford to do anything else on your list...

Cordell

Blazer wrote: »

Limerick is actually a great place for IT and I work in the field myself. Pay wise it's not much less than Dublin as someone mentioned above they have to be competitive to get people due to skills shortages. Traffic wise Limerick beats both Galway and Dublin hands down as it's nowhere near as bad and Limerick is a lot safer than Dublin although the national media would have you think otherwise.
Accommodation would also be cheaper in Limerick.

Cork is another alternative and I spent 2 years down there and loved it. So much to do down there as well.

Indeed it is, but people have a bad opinion about it hence my comment. Id does have its shortcomings, like only since recently we have (barely) enough parks with playgrounds, oversubscribed schools, from what I gather expensive rent in Dooradoyle/Raheen area.
On the IT jobs, it could do better. Just a handful of good firms between Limerick and Shannon.

[Deleted User]

Discodog wrote: »

Simply not true. I work outdoors & Galway doesn't have anywhere near as much rain as people make out. I remember seeing a rainfall map. There is a narrow band from the sea to around a mile inland. It stretches from Rossaveel to Oranmore & has far less rainfall that the rest of the area.

Are you saying galway has less rain then surrounding galway areas?
Galway as a whole, has a whole Lotta rain!

Bazzo

I presume the person who said there's nothing to do in Galway was taking the piss.

OP: There will be more and probably better job opportunities in Dublin but if that small town feel is important to you then Galway is a good fit for that lifestyle. Have lived in both and liked them both for different reasons but if I was picking one to settle in without looking at extra factors like jobs etc I'd go back to Galway.

ben.schlomo

wordofwarning wrote: »

1) World Class museums and galleries in Dublin

2) Study at the number 1 & 2 Universities in Ireland

3) Go to nightclubs until close to 4am in Dublin

4) Get a pint in an Early house in Dublin at 7.30am

5) Massive selection of excellent restaurants. Supermacs is not a fine dining experience to Dubliners

6) A quick City break (Dublin has an international airport). While you are still driving from Galway to Dublin for a flight, a Dubliner is already slipping a cocktail in London

7) Shopping is better in Dublin eg New Look, Forever 21, a Brown Thomas that is actually large, etc etc

8) Amazing authentic Indian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino food etc

9) Dublin has better tourist sites eg Trinity, Guinness, etc

10) More luxurious housing. If you wealthy in Dublin, you have a pick of housing that exists nowhere else in Ireland

11) If you are wealthy in Dublin, the lifestyle of Dublin is not comparable to the rest of Ireland eg World class hospitals, hotels, restaurants, spas etc

I must have missed the memo about New Look being the mark of a great city to live in.

ben.schlomo

TheAnalyst_ wrote: »

Its not a nice place to cycle either.
http://connachttribune.ie/galway-worst-traffic-congestion-ireland-021/

I cycle in and out to work every day, nowt wrong with the commute at all.

retro:electro

wordofwarning wrote: »

1) World Class museums and galleries in Dublin

2) Study at the number 1 & 2 Universities in Ireland

3) Go to nightclubs until close to 4am in Dublin

4) Get a pint in an Early house in Dublin at 7.30am

5) Massive selection of excellent restaurants. Supermacs is not a fine dining experience to Dubliners

6) A quick City break (Dublin has an international airport). While you are still driving from Galway to Dublin for a flight, a Dubliner is already slipping a cocktail in London

7) Shopping is better in Dublin eg New Look, Forever 21, a Brown Thomas that is actually large, etc etc

8) Amazing authentic Indian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino food etc

9) Dublin has better tourist sites eg Trinity, Guinness, etc

10) More luxurious housing. If you wealthy in Dublin, you have a pick of housing that exists nowhere else in Ireland

11) If you are wealthy in Dublin, the lifestyle of Dublin is not comparable to the rest of Ireland eg World class hospitals, hotels, restaurants, spas etc

1) Galway has those too.
2) Nuig is also excellent
3) not sure the op cares about nightclubs
4) not sure anyone would be arsed about that
5) There are some incredible dining places in Galway
6) you can fly from knock to London
7) we have New Look &a a good BT's, smaller yes- but also less annoying people around. Perfect for someone like the op.
8) so does Galway
9) Plenty to see here too. Sitting at the Spanish Arch having a cold one on a sunny day. Day trips to the islands, etc
10) ?
11) if you are wealthy then life is better wherever you live, not just Dublin ffs. Also add in the fact that you are at significantly lower risk of being a victim of a crime in Galway.
12) it's clear you've never set foot in Galway- or at least not in a very, very long time.

wordofwarning

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

Can you name ten things you can do in Dublin that you can't in Galway? Maybe start with five

1) World Class museums and galleries in Dublin

2) Study at the number 1 & 2 Universities in Ireland

3) Go to nightclubs until close to 4am in Dublin

4) Get a pint in an Early house in Dublin at 7.30am

5) Massive selection of excellent restaurants. Supermacs is not a fine dining experience to Dubliners

6) A quick City break (Dublin has an international airport). While you are still driving from Galway to Dublin for a flight, a Dubliner is already slipping a cocktail in London

7) Shopping is better in Dublin eg New Look, Forever 21, a Brown Thomas that is actually large, etc etc

8) Amazing authentic Indian, Chinese, Korean, Filipino food etc

9) Dublin has better tourist sites eg Trinity, Guinness, etc

10) More luxurious housing. If you wealthy in Dublin, you have a pick of housing that exists nowhere else in Ireland

11) If you are wealthy in Dublin, the lifestyle of Dublin is not comparable to the rest of Ireland eg World class hospitals, hotels, restaurants, spas etc

Galwayguy35

Dublin, more job opportunities there and the house prices in Galway are nearly as expensive now anyway.

Traffic in Galway is terrible and there is no sign of that changing any time soon, it's alright to say you will cycle to work but when it's cold and pissing rain at 7am that idea suddenly doesn't seem as appealing.

Public transport in Dublin is a lot better as well.

Galway people seem to look at this place through rose tinted glasses sometimes.

Capt'n Midnight

Galway has more Sunshine after the Rain because there's more rain.

TheAnalyst_

It gets twice the mm of rain as Dublin.
http://www.met.ie/climate-ireland/rainfall.asp
Having lived in both for years this makes sense. It's also the relentless overcast days and wind which can get you down after a while.

BrianBoru00

Stonedpilot wrote: »

Lived in both. Dublin for me. More to do and Galway can be drab if your not into drinking.
Galway is great for tourists, not so great to live. Full a drunks/stag dos at night in a small town, bit rough Galway Spermacs Eyre Square there is like WWE after 12 and its As expensive as Dublin with
Far far less things to do.

Great scenery in Lenanne though.

Assuming you meant Supermacs Eyre Square. . . Yeah it is a bit like O'Connell Street is 24 hours a day .. .

You say there are far far less things to do in Galway . . Can you name ten things you can do in Dublin that you can't in Galway? Maybe start with five

Discodog

bubblypop wrote: »

Do not underestimate the amount it rains in galway!
It rains all the time.
Put me off moving there around 15years ago, I just couldn't stand the thought of the depressing rain.......
Maybe find a little town/village commuting distance to Dublin? Some nice little places in north county Dublin.
My favorite Dublin village is chapelizod, lovely spot, right on the liffey & beside the Phoenix park.

Simply not true. I work outdoors & Galway doesn't have anywhere near as much rain as people make out. I remember seeing a rainfall map. There is a narrow band from the sea to around a mile inland. It stretches from Rossaveel to Oranmore & has far less rainfall that the rest of the area.

ScumLord

Blazer wrote: »

Cork is another alternative and I spent 2 years down there and loved it. So much to do down there as well.

The traffic in the whole county of Cork is horrendous, the cities layout is anti car. Other than that it's a lovely city.

bubblypop wrote: »

Put me off moving there around 15years ago, I just couldn't stand the thought of the depressing rain.......

Our rain is effervescent, it's down right rejuvenating.

[Deleted User]

Do not underestimate the amount it rains in galway!
It rains all the time.
Put me off moving there around 15years ago, I just couldn't stand the thought of the depressing rain.......
Maybe find a little town/village commuting distance to Dublin? Some nice little places in north county Dublin.
My favorite Dublin village is chapelizod, lovely spot, right on the liffey & beside the Phoenix park.

Blazer

Cordell wrote: »

Why not somewhere in between. Like, Limerick?

/typed this with a straight face I swear I did

Limerick is actually a great place for IT and I work in the field myself. Pay wise it's not much less than Dublin as someone mentioned above they have to be competitive to get people due to skills shortages. Traffic wise Limerick beats both Galway and Dublin hands down as it's nowhere near as bad and Limerick is a lot safer than Dublin although the national media would have you think otherwise.
Accommodation would also be cheaper in Limerick.

Cork is another alternative and I spent 2 years down there and loved it. So much to do down there as well.

retro:electro

Op you should try looking at houses in Oranmore. It's about a 20min drive from Galway city centre but it's a beautiful village. It might suit what you're looking for residence wise and your husband could commute to work everyday.
If he got Engineering work in Ballybrit business park the commute from Oranmore is very straight forward-12 mins, and mostly traffic free.

Samuel T. Cogley

OP I'm not going to offer an opinion on which location but look up the populations. (IMHO) I find the term 'City' in Ireland used in an exclusively Irish context. Yes I'm sure the ISO standard city naming what not is there etc. etc. but just personally I'm surprised at how few people there are in some Irish cities.