What would be better: Brussels or Dublin?

Hi AltaMarea,

welcome to Expat.com!

Maybe you could give us a little introduction about yourself and i would also suggest you to ask specific questions. This may help you to get more response.

Thank you,
All the best,
Christine

HI Christine
Thanks for quick reply. Well, I am Polish. I am new on the forum. Living in Brussels since more than 2 years. I am curious how is the everyday life in Dublin in comparison to Brussels. I don't have specific questions... ok, maybe one: the weather. How is the weather there in comparison to the Belgian one? Better, the same or worst? Simply tell me what would be better in your opinion, Dublin or Brussels? Thank you in advance!
Morning greetings!
AltaMarea

Hi Alta ;-)


How is it going ?

Well, it's completely different cities.

The only common point between the both cities is the fact that they propose some good places for drinking and that's it ^^

I find the people much more cooler in Dublin than Brussels.

Dublin is a way more multi-cultural city than Brussels.

I've been in many countries and Ireland was the last European country I've never been before. One year that I'm living in Dublin now and at this time, I have no reason so far to come back to France or to go anywhere else.

My opinion:

Dublin > Brussels.

Take care ! :*


Kind Regards,

Portgas D. Ace
(R.)

Hello,

By multicultural, do you mean people of diverse ethnic background live in Dublin compared to Brussels? 

I would like to know more about small towns/villages/neighborhoods within 10 minutes of Dublin ? 

The weather?  Is it really dreary and grey most of the time?  Say, for example, how often does the sun come out in the months of May through October?

Does anyone know how the healthcare system works ?  I would be an Irish American woman (age 50) healthy, but need eye exam, dental exam, glasses, hearing test, chiropractor care, aquatic classes, nutrition consult, Knees and heels are needing some care.  How in the world are these general medical care issues addressed and what is the way a person pays for this?

Thank you in advance.  Peace to you,



Hanna

Hello Hanna, why don't you to start a new thread on the Dublin forum with your questions on health care system? It will allow better interaction and other members could help as well.

Thank you,
Aurélie

Hi Hanna!

Thank you for reply. Not the multiculti background... What you are saying about the Irish weather is scaring me mostly.. brrrr. Belgium is not that bad I think but I have never been to Irland so I cannot compare, that's the fact.
About the medical service there: I did a huge research for my purpose as I am pregnant and I didn't get good information. I don't know what about things like knee treatments. When I was looking for sufficient information about the health care in Irland I was checking on the POlish and GErmans internet forums. I hope you will find also good source of information related to your case. Someone told me that the Irish one is similar to the US American system (minimum basic health insurance for people in difficult financial situation and upgraded one but you have to pay additionally). I am satisfied with the Belgian one, I think is better than the Irish. I don't get sick that often but I think it is important to be covered just in case...

Best regards to you!

I would say belgium, first of all you are closer to the continent, transport is much much better than in ireland, and as for the health care, not the best at all. I have not lived in belgium, just brief visit but the city has more to offer depends on what you like, I live outside dublin city about 30kms away closer to the country and I love it but thats because I don't like cities very much. Its a beautiful place wicklow town and it serves most of my needs, fresh air, green, quiet, sea, ok restaurants, walks everyday, great for running and hill walking, don't need to get into dublin unless for the airport. Minimal traffic congestion. Only hospital services are 40 minutes away and if you have money thats fine but you could wait months for specialist care. For that reason I would say stay in belgium.Oh and as for the weather, winters are very very long and summer is dismal, you are lucky if you get 3 days of sunshine in succession but plenty of rain. We don't complain anymore cos we just get on with living and thats the best way to say it. I don't think the weather in belgium is as bad as ireland, thats just my opinion. Or should I say, I don't think people visit ireland for its weather, irish folks are friendly all year round neva mind the weather.

Thank you Sanbo for your opinion! It's very helpful.

Aye!  Thank you, I will go to smaller place than Dublin or at least check it out.

Peace and Blessings to you,

Hanna Kelly

AltaMarea: Go for Bruxelles

Hello!

I'm from Brussels myself, and I've been living in Dublin for the last 4 years...and so far so good!
Even though there are a couple of things that I do really miss (the quality of the healthcare system and the variety of food choice)I am glad I moved over.
Dublin is smaller than Brussels, so you don't need a car to go from one point to another in the city. For a woman, Dublin is much safer than Brussels, which makes a huge difference in your everyday life. It is a very bubbly city: like Brussels, there are lots of places  to go out, but in a more concentrate perimeter => more lively. 

The weather: it rains as much as it does in Brussels, it is more windy and you'll never have cold winters and hot summers, that's true. But don't worry, you'll see the blue sky and the sun :-)

Thank you Julie for your clear description of Dublin...and this is where I will go if I ever make it over the pond.  I am also considering Costa Rica.  I do not know how to compare health systems, but I am at an age of almost 50 and my daughter is disabled and we are both single females, so we must make our health system a priority. The 2nd priority is a welcoming little village of people near city convenience

Any further comments appreciated.

Peace, Blessings,

Hanna