A large majority of my clients are expats from all around the world—some living in Dublin, others considering relocating here. It’s common for them to weigh Dublin as a factor in their decision-making process about whether to stay, leave, or move here. This got me thinking about all the reasons people choose to leave or stay in Dublin, and how these decisions impact their professional and personal lives.
I moved to Dublin over 12 years ago, fresh off my MBA. At the time, I was engaged to my now-husband, and we were doing the long-distance thing—he was in the U.S., and I was bouncing between France and Singapore. Like most people in long-distance relationships, we didn’t love it. So, when I received a job offer from Google in Dublin, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to reunite in a place that was new to both of us.
Neither of us had been to Dublin before, despite being relatively well-traveled, and it wasn’t necessarily on our radar. I had offers in places like London, Singapore, and the U.S., but we thought, why not Dublin? It seemed like a good middle ground between Turkey and the U.S., where our families are from. English is the primary language, which we were both comfortable with, and Dublin was quickly becoming a tech hub, home to big companies like Google and a thriving startup scene. Plus, my husband could pursue a PhD at one of the prestigious universities here, in his niche field of computational linguistics. It all sounded great. We planned to give it a few years and see where life took us.
Fast forward to today, and we're still here. We absolutely loved it when we first arrived. The people were warm and welcoming, the quality of life was high, and the international community—especially within the Google bubble and my husband’s academic circle—made us feel at home. We lived in a chic, unique apartment overlooking the River Liffey and the iconic Samuel Beckett Bridge. It was right in the heart of the city, close to the office, with beautiful views. Dublin’s green spaces and proximity to water meant weekend hikes and excursions were always on the agenda.
What started as a “few years” turned into buying a house, having kids, becoming Irish citizens, and creating a life here. It wasn’t part of some grand plan, but we fell in love with Dublin, its charm, and its people.
But Why Are People Leaving?
Here’s the thing that’s bothered me over the years: so many of the friends we made didn’t stick around. From Turkish to American, Irish to Indian, French to Lebanese—people from all over the world, and even locals we grew close to—many ended up moving on. Some went back to their home countries, others sought out new adventures elsewhere, and it became a running theme in our social circle. Every time we’d form a bond, it seemed like the clock was ticking until they left.
And what’s more, even the people who are still here often talk about leaving. There’s always this underlying feeling of transience, this idea that Dublin is a stepping stone rather than a final destination. It’s a phenomenon I’ve come to find quite frustrating. Why are so many professionals, who like me came to Dublin for its opportunities, now thinking of leaving?
Over the last six months, I’ve had informal chats with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who’ve left or are considering leaving.
These are the main reasons they cite:
Career Growth Stagnation While Dublin is a major hub for big tech companies, many professionals feel like they hit a ceiling in their career after a while. Opportunities to advance or transition into new industries become limited, pushing some to seek better prospects in other cities like London, Paris, San Francisco, or in Asia.
Perception of Dublin in Global Circles Although Dublin has established itself as a growing tech hub, it’s still not viewed with the same prestige as other major cities. Unfortunately, this has been my own experience as well. In global corporate networks, Dublin is often seen as a second-tier location, which can limit the perceived value of career opportunities here. Even within the big tech companies, there’s a tendency for colleagues in larger cities to refer to their counterparts at the EMEA headquarters as "Dublin" in a somewhat dismissive way. Phrases like “Dublin will take care of that” often imply a perception that Dublin handles the operational or admin tasks, as if it's a junior outpost for larger hubs. While this is largely a misconception, it still persists. In reality, Dublin offers as many senior roles and high-profile opportunities as other cities, and sometimes even more. Yet, the perception remains, and it can be frustrating for those working in high-level positions here who know the real impact they’re making.
Limited Activities After Work One of the big complaints is the lack of things to do after 4-5 pm. In most bigger cities, cafes, bookshops, or cultural spots stay open late, offering different ways to socialize or relax after work. In Dublin, it's mainly centered around pubs and drinking culture. If you’re not into that, your options feel limited, making the evenings repetitive.
City Growth Lagging Behind Immigration Dublin is growing in population, especially with young professionals moving in, but the city’s infrastructure hasn’t caught up. Public services, transportation, and housing aren’t developing at the same pace, creating a strain on resources. It’s a reflection of the underdeveloped capitalist system that struggles to bring in the workforce needed for modern infrastructure.
Difficulty Joining Social Circles One of the more subtle issues is the challenge of making deep social connections. Many Dubliners grew up in tight-knit communities—they went to the same schools, played GAA together, and their families have known each other for generations. While people are friendly, it can be hard for newcomers to break into these long-established social circles.
Healthcare System Ireland’s predominantly public healthcare system often faces criticism for its inefficiencies, long waiting lists, and overcrowded hospitals. For professionals accustomed to faster, more streamlined healthcare services elsewhere, this can be a significant drawback, particularly for families. One friend described a key moment that made him realize he didn’t want to stay in Ireland long-term: trying to book an appointment with an orthopedist in a private clinic for his injured leg. First, you need to visit a GP, who writes a referral letter and mails it to you. You then send this letter to the private hospital, where they call you to gather your details and assign you a random appointment date, later confirmed by post. Typically, the appointment is set 2-3 months out. If you can’t make that date, you have to call them, and the process repeats with more potential dates arriving by post, hoping one works for you. This back-and-forth mailing and phone communication adds unnecessary layers of inefficiency. In many other developed countries, especially in the private system, you can simply book an appointment online in a matter of minutes. The process here feels outdated and unnecessarily complex, frustrating those used to more modern, efficient systems.
Childcare and Family Infrastructure Childcare is a significant concern for many families in Dublin. Accessing affordable, high-quality childcare is a challenge, making it difficult for parents to balance work and family life. The family infrastructure here hasn’t fully adapted to meet the needs of its growing population, leaving many parents feeling frustrated. Another common issue is the lack of centralized activities for children. It's less common in Ireland for after-school programs to offer a variety of activities in one place. Many parents find themselves acting as chauffeurs, driving their kids from one activity to another, especially since schools often finish around 2:20 pm. While afterschool programs do exist, they are expensive and they tend to focus mainly on play, which is great, but in other countries, afterschool services—mostly government-funded in Europe—often include a wide range of activities like swimming, piano lessons, or sports, all within the school day or parents' work hours. This lack of integrated options puts extra pressure on parents who are trying to manage work and family schedules. It’s another example of how Dublin’s family infrastructure has room to grow.
Housing Crisis The housing situation in Dublin is a major problem. Rental prices are sky-high, and buying a home is increasingly out of reach for many young professionals. The lack of affordable housing is pushing people to look elsewhere for better living conditions and financial stability.
The Weather Ah, the weather. For many people, the year round windy and rainy climate can wear thin, especially if you’re from a sunnier part of the world. While some embrace the fresh air, others feel the constant gloom impacts their mood and quality of life in the form of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Lack of Cultural Offerings Compared to Bigger Cities While Dublin has a rich cultural history, many people feel it lacks the variety and vibrancy of larger cities. Other European capitals offer a wider range of museums, galleries, live events, and nightlife, making Dublin feel small and limited in comparison.
High Tax Rates and Income vs. Corporate Tax One of the key reasons people consider leaving Dublin is the high income tax rate, which can feel disproportionate compared to pay levels. While Ireland is often seen as a haven for corporate tax with its attractive rates for companies, income tax for individuals is notably high. For many professionals, the cost of living combined with high income tax can make salaries feel less competitive, especially when compared to other cities with lower tax rates or higher disposable incomes. This financial imbalance is a frequent point of frustration for those looking to maximize both their career opportunities and quality of life.
Public Transport Issues Dublin’s public transport leaves much to be desired. It’s one of the only European capitals without a metro system, and while there is an urban train, and buses and trams are available, they aren’t reliable or sufficient for a growing, modern city. This makes commuting and getting around inefficient and frustrating for many residents.
Why Some People Stay
Not everyone is itching to leave, though. There are still some people who are committed to staying in Dublin, and their reasons are just as valid. For many, the quality of life is a huge draw. Dublin might not be the most exciting city in Europe, but it’s safe, green, and offers a slower pace that appeals to those who want to escape the hustle of bigger cities. The sense of community here is another major factor. Despite the transient nature of some expats, the locals and long-term residents are incredibly welcoming, with a warmth reminiscent of Mediterranean cultures.
Professionals in Dublin also appreciate the work-life balance that’s easier to achieve here than in other tech hubs. While career growth can hit a ceiling, the trade-off is a more relaxed lifestyle with ample time to explore the beautiful Irish countryside, travel to other European cities, and enjoy family time.
Dublin’s cultural and literary heritage also plays a big part in why some stay. The city has an artistic pulse, home to literary greats like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde, and cultural icons like U2. There’s a rich history of creativity that lingers in the city’s air. From its galleries to its theaters, Dublin offers a unique cultural experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
And let’s not forget the fresh air and natural beauty. Despite the infamous horizontal rain, the weather is always fresh and clean. You don’t have the stress or pollution of a giant city, and weekend trips to the Wicklow Mountains or the Irish coastline are always a short drive away.
Ireland as a society is also undergoing a major transformation. The diversity I see in my daughter’s Irish dance club and at her Educate Together school is something that wasn’t the norm a generation ago. From Ireland’s deep Catholic roots to now being the first country to legalize gay marriage, there’s a clear cultural shift. School performances about different kinds of families where the kids play two girl penguins parenting a boy penguin at age six? That’s the Ireland of today. It’s a beautiful evolution, and it’s exciting to witness as it unfolds.
What Dublin Should Do About This
To slow the exodus of professionals, Dublin needs to address a few key areas. First, infrastructure improvements are essential. A modern metro system would transform how people move around the city, making it more convenient for everyone and aligning Dublin with other European capitals.
Second, healthcare and childcare systems need significant investment to provide better support for families, reducing one of the biggest reasons people consider leaving.
From a career perspective, diversifying job opportunities beyond tech giants is crucial. While Dublin has established itself as a tech hub, expanding opportunities in other industries could help professionals feel they have long-term growth prospects.
Promoting Dublin’s strengths on a global stage—its lifestyle, work-life balance, and sense of community—could also help shift the perception of the city as a second-tier option.
Ultimately, for Dublin to retain its talent, it needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of its residents. It’s already a wonderful place to live, but with the right improvements, it could become a place where more people choose to stay for the long haul.
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Hi! I'm Merve. 👋 I help leaders build high trust, high performance teams, grow their business impact, and advance their careers.
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