Where to Live? Galway or Dublin?

BrianBoru00 · 12-06-2017 06:27PM

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

TheAnalyst_ · 12-06-2017 06:46PM

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.

Capt'n Midnight · 12-06-2017 06:49PM

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

Galwayguy35 · 12-06-2017 07:00PM

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.

wordofwarning · 12-06-2017 07:03PM

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

retro:electro · 12-06-2017 07:14PM

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.

ben.schlomo · 12-06-2017 07:24PM

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.

ben.schlomo · 12-06-2017 07:25PM

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.

Bazzo · 12-06-2017 07:31PM

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.

12-06-2017 07:38PM

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!

Cordell · 12-06-2017 07:43PM

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.

12-06-2017 07:47PM

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...

Aongus Von Bismarck · 12-06-2017 07:50PM

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.

Galwayguy35 · 12-06-2017 08:00PM

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.

Murrisk · 12-06-2017 08:01PM

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.

biko · 12-06-2017 08:04PM

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

Dr.MickKiller · 12-06-2017 08:09PM

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?

Bazzo · 12-06-2017 08:11PM

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.

maudgonner · 12-06-2017 08:41PM

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!

BrianBoru00 · 12-06-2017 08:42PM

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.

Murrisk · 12-06-2017 08:43PM

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?

SATSUMA · 12-06-2017 08:51PM

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.

Aongus Von Bismarck · 12-06-2017 08:55PM

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.

BrianBoru00 · 12-06-2017 09:10PM

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".

ToddyDoody · 12-06-2017 09:13PM

Sunshine after the Rain wrote: »

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.

If Dublin really does annoy you that much before even living there, and if you've genuinely preferred Galway ( or Athlone) during any time you've spent there, it's well worth trying the job market there. You can always visit either no matter where you end up.

Make no mistake, for all of the more variety and standard of things you might experience in Dublin, life there is much more of a rat race than it would be in Galway.

Cork is also an option, but is a bit off the beaten track given that you've been living in Athlone.

Murrisk · 12-06-2017 09:18PM

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

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.

It's still a two hour drive on the motorway plus navigating city roads and parking after that. That is hugely inconvenient. Takes planning as opposed to just hoping on the bus for a short bus ride at short notice. Let's not downplay the hassle there.

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.

The Supermacs thing is a cheap shot but I'd find it hard to disagree on the other point. I don't find Galway an exciting place myself. I can still remember my disappointment at seeing the Spanish Arch for the first time. What a let down. It's not the most pretty city. And yes, Dublin is nicer overall.

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".

People say things to that effect on here about Dublin. A lot. All the time! Search through threads on the subject. People are so uber sensitive about criticism of Galway, for some reason. And some of that criticism is justified.

fargo_coyle · 12-06-2017 09:18PM

dublin all the way

considering how small it is and how major big employers there are , its outrageously expensive to buy a house in galway , its more expensive than cork city and 30% more expensive than limerick city

incredibly clannish people in the county of galway so commuting to the city is not a great option either , id live in kildare , meath or louth and commute to dublin if need be

dreadfully over rated place , the smugness of the place is suffocating

BrianBoru00 · 12-06-2017 09:22PM

Murrisk wrote: »

It's still a two hour drive on the motorway plus navigating city roads and parking after that. That is hugely inconvenient. Takes planning as opposed to just hoping on the bus for a short bus ride at short notice. Let's not downplay the hassle there.

. . Its not two hours for me - but in any case, Whats your point?

The Supermacs thing is a cheap shot but I'd find it hard to disagree on the other point. I don't find Galway an exciting place myself.

And again whats so exciting thats on in Dublin tonight ?

People say things to that effect on here about Dublin. A lot. All the time! Search through threads on the subject. People are so uber sensitive about criticism of Galway, for some reason. And some of that criticism is justified.

Search them yourself and you'll find people are "uber sensitive" about criticism of Dublin as well

fargo_coyle · 12-06-2017 09:24PM

oh and nowhere in this country will you find tradesmen who gouge like in galway , i sometimes wonder if its the chronic lack of competition or if there all drawing some sort of connemara subsidy on ponies or something but unless you are willing to pay 2006 fees for a plumber , electrician or carpenter , they will happily leave a job on the table

freshpopcorn · 12-06-2017 09:29PM

If you want Nightclubs and Shopping centers go to Dublin other wise I'd go to Galway!

Where to Live? Galway or Dublin?

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