Dublin city
Home to 1.5 million citizens, Dublin is known worldwide as a vibrant, friendly city that is also steeped in history. The main RCSI campus is in one of the most in-demand locations in the city, situated beside the leafy St Stephen’s Green Park and the busy Grafton Street shopping district.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a hearty meal, many of the city’s best restaurants are within minutes from our city centre campus. Meanwhile, world-class galleries and museums and live music venues are all just a stone’s throw away too. And when you need a break from studying in the library, our central location makes it easy to explore some of Dublin’s breathtaking scenery.
History
The past never feels far away in Dublin. Everywhere you look, there are tiny details that reveal secrets about the capital’s history. Starting out as a Viking town in the 10th century, you only have to glance at some of Dublin’s diverse architecture to know that this is a city with a rich past.
The 800-year-old Dublin Castle, the Georgian splendour of the Customs House, the well-worn cobbles in Temple Bar, the bullet-sprayed columns of the General Post Office and the 21st-century icon of the Spire. This city has plenty of stories to tell.
Location
Dublin city centre is compact, making it easy to get just about anywhere you want to go on foot. The RCSI main campus is right in the heart of the action and just off one of the most famous parks in Europe, St Stephen’s Green. So whether you need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life or want to pick something up for dinner or grab a quick coffee with a friend, there are countless options right on your doorstep.
Transport
RCSI is perfectly placed to offer you the best possible access to different areas of the city and beyond. The Luas tram service, on the University’s doorstep in St Stephen’s Green, has recently been expanded and is now one of the easiest and quickest ways to cross the city. Dublin Bus runs a wealth of routes that connect every suburban area to the city centre and stops are studded conveniently throughout the city centre.
For those who want to explore Dublin’s many coastal towns and villages, the DART electric rail system is a speedy way to see the sea. And if you want to venture even further afield, there are regular bus and train services from the city centre to every county in Ireland, and an international airport, offering flights to 180+ destinations, just 30 minutes from the city centre.
Weather
Irish people have a fascination with the weather and never get sick of discussing it. From strangers on the bus to your new best friend, conversations rarely start without a meteorological comment or two.
The country is famous for its rain, but thankfully our temperate climate means we rarely face extremes. A typical winter’s day is usually around 8°C, while the average summertime temperature is around 18°C.
The weather can vary greatly even over the course of just one day, so the secret to successful Irish dressing is to wear layers and never forget a good raincoat and that umbrella.