Dublin is a very beautiful city. It is not your typical urban city where you are surrounded by sky-high skyscrapers and concrete; and yet neither is it the plains of the Free State. It is a typical European city with the most gorgeous buildings, churches and statues, colourful doors and friendly Irish people.

So, if you think about coming to Dublin, either for a few days’ holiday or because you want to make it more permanent, do ensure that you have the following five things at hand. It will make your time here easier.

A raincoat … or umbrella (if you must)

I am not fond of umbrellas. It may look pretty if you walk around with the thing in your hands or smilingly cross the street during a light rain shower, but the moment the wind starts to blow, the picture changes completely. In the nine months that I’ve lived here, I have lost four umbrellas: Three while the wind blew and one on the bus – not my best moment.

A raincoat is therefore much better and a definite must. Do not let the sunny weather trick you while getting out of bed, because here in Dublin you get all four seasons in one day.

A pair of comfortable, yet stylish walking shoes

When visiting any European city, you should know that you will walk a lot: Not only because it is much cheaper (believe me, taxis and other transport can cost a lot), but you see and experience more of the culture and people if you walk among them. It is a must to walk as much as possible.

Do try not to wear your dowdy walking shoes during the outing. Many of the pubs here in Dublin do not allow dowdy shoes or track suits. And after a 10 km walk anyone would like to sit back for a while and treat a dry throat to something cold and wet.

A Leap Card

Although you’ll be walking a lot, there are places in and around Dublin that are simply too far to take on on foot. And this is where a Leap Card will come in handy. It gives you access to trains, busses and trams – at a much cheaper rate!

It is also much quicker. You upload a few euros onto the card, swipe it at the entrance to the bus, train or tram station and you’re on your way! You will quickly realise that the green plastic card is just as valuable as your bank card.

The Moovit app

This app and your Leap Card go hand in hand. This is an app that shows you how to get from point A to point B in the easiest way, as well as the times of the trains, busses and trams. It even offers a GPS function that shows you the routes.

There are many similar apps. Even if you choose not to use the Moovit app, make sure that you have at least on or another app that will help you to decipher the public transport system. Google maps sometimes only takes you that far …

A power bank

It rather goes without saying, because your batteries will run down at the most inopportune moment when you want to take that final selfie at the Guinness Store House or locate the shortest way home when you’re stuck in the city and have no idea whether to turn left or right. And make sure that your power bank is sufficiently charged.

These are but a few things, but each one – I think – is an absolute must if coming to Dublin. And before you know it, you’re negotiating the traffic like a proper Irishman, whether it rains or the sun shines, and taking a few selfies while on the go!