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Where I Live: Dublin, Ireland

October 08, 2026

Nina Simons standing in front of a rock wall off the coast of Ireland.

Curiosity and medical school led science grad Nina Simons to Dublin. She shares some of her favourite shops, walks and hidden gems in and around the storied city.

  • Name: Nina Simons
  • UVic degree: Bachelor of Science, Combined major of Biology and Psychology, 2025
  • Current hometown: Dublin, Ireland
  • Occupation: Second-year medical student at Trinity College Dublin
  • I’ve lived here: Since early September 2025.
Orange skies over the River Liffey at sunrise.
The River Liffey at sunrise. Photo Nina Simons

What brought me here: Curiosity. I had been eyeing the Irish medical programs since my high school days since training to be a physician abroad opens vast opportunities and will broaden the scope of both my medical training and future practice.

During my time at UVic I did an exchange year in Utrecht, Netherlands, where I fell in love with the pace and "togetherness" of European living. While immersed in a vibrant international community of students, I expanded my horizons, learnt new languages and confirmed the “nudge” that had been pushing me to pursue medicine abroad. 

What I like about it: How friendly and welcoming Irish people are; they make small talk and will help you out no matter where you go! And the international community: People from all over Europe, and abroad, come to Dublin and create a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere both in the universities and the workplaces.

There is always something to do. Dublin is known for its live music and cozy pub culture, yet there is lots to explore in terms of museums, breathtaking churches, pop-up Sunday farmers' markets and an eclectic collection of restaurants.

A busy street filled with cars, bikes and pedestrians outside of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
College Green outside entrance to Trinity College. Photo: Nina Simons

One thing I wish was different: More nature. One thing I do miss are the forests and mountains we have back in Canada. At UVic, I often strolled through Mystic Vale with friends in between classes.

Compared to the last place I lived: There are wayyyyy more people in Dublin compared to Victoria, and it is much busier in terms of pedestrians and public transport. If you want the peak experience, then be sure to visit Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day when the streets become a sea of green.

A statue standing up the top of the stairs of the National Gallery in Dublin, Ireland.
National Gallery of Ireland. Photo: Nina Simons

Favourite activities: Strolling through the National Gallery (interesting expositions and admission is free), running through Phoenix Park, grabbing a bite to eat with friends on Drury Street, going for a sea swim and sauna at Forty Foot, or watching a movie at the Irish Film Institute on a rainy day.

Swimmers swimming in the ocean off the coast of Ireland.
Sea swimmers along the coast near Bray. Photo: Nina Simons
Three wooden row boats floating in a harbour.
The cliffs of Moher overlooking the ocean.
The Cliffs of Moher. Photo: Nina Simons

Favourite neighbourhood: Creative Quarter: Drury Street and Georges Street Arcade. Cute shops, yummy food and overall good vibes. Another must-see neighbourhood is Temple Bar. My Irish friends would shake their heads as the Temple Bar area is infamously overpriced and the most touristy district in Dublin, yet walking through the cobbled streets and peering into warmly lit pubs is an inexplicable feeling.

Flags and lights lining the street of the Temple Bar neighbourhood in Dublin, Ireland.
Photo: Nina Simons

Favourite restaurants:

  • Caribou for casual bites and a great atmosphere. 
  • Bœuf and Frites for delicious steak. 
  • Bunsen for a casual burger. 
  • Chequer Lane for flavours that will sing on your palate. 
  • Murphy’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat; their ice cream is made in Dingle, Ireland! 
  • M&S for their freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, your life will never be the same.
  • The Fish Shop for flaky fish and chips. 

Best place to grab a coffee/tea/refreshment:

A house sitting atop a bluff as part of the Howth Coastal Walk.
The Howth Coastal Walk. Photo: Nina Simons

Favourite hidden gem: One of my favourite escapes within the city is the Iveagh Gardens. Sit on a park bench there on a sunny day and you could fool yourself into thinking you’re in one of the famous Parisian jardins.

A few other hidden gems include The Space Between (a yoga studio), The Bar with No Name and Asia Market.

First place I’d take a visitor: I always take my family and friends who visit to Trinity College. It truly has the wow effect of walking into a Harry Potter film when you pass through the front gates. Although they are currently restoring the collection, The Long Room and The Book of Kells is definitely worth a visit.

Outside of Dublin, Howth is a beautiful seaside town with yummy seafood restaurants, and a lighthouse walk that can be visited in an afternoon by taking the DART (commuter train) from Dublin.

A bell tower known as the Campanile at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
The Campanile at Trinity College Dublin. Photo Nina Simons
An illuminated globe hanging from the ceiling of the Long Room library at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
Inside the Long Room at Trinity College. Photo: Nina Simons

Best time of the year to visit: Fall, as it is one of the least rainy yet still warm seasons with fewer tourists, so the main streets and Trinity College aren’t as packed.

Best place to chill or just hang out: St. Stephen’s Green. But watch out for the seagulls if you’re having a picnic because they will steal your sandwich. 

A view of rooftops in Dublin, Ireland.
The view from the Guinness Storehouse’s Gravity Bar. Photo: Nina Simons

Best place to people watch: Grafton Street. Lined with buskers nearly every day of the year, it is always bustling and lively.

Best place to take in the views: The Guinness Storehouses’ Gravity Bar. Nothing beats its panoramic 360-degree views of the city. If you time it just right, you might even be able to see a beautiful sunset from the best seats in Dublin. And, yes, I do wish this was sponsored ;)