The Liberties through the eyes of international students

The Liberties is one of Ireland’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. You may find many of Dublin’s top visitor spots here, and over 800 years of history to uncover as you walk through its streets.

But what do young people from abroad like, and dislike, most about this area? The Liberty team took to the streets of the neighbourhood, asking international students for their impresssions.

Bartek Kogut (21), a DCU computer science student from Poland, has been living in Dublin for the past three years. He really likes the Liberties, since there are so many things to do and see there. St Patrick’s Cathedral is his favourite landmark. He finds the area beautiful and perfect for hanging out with friends – but there are pitfalls.

“The amount of run-down buildings ruin the Liberties’ great potential,” Kogut says.

As we all know in the area there are many quaint cafes and restaurants, and that is exactly what Clara Jonckheere (21) loves most about this place.

“Being able to grab a cup of coffee and tasty pastry it’s a great way to spend your free time in between lectures,” the Trinity student says. “Thanks to the Liberties I have amany options to choose from.”

When Yavuz Şimşek (19) decided to come to Dublin from Turkey to study he was not sure in which area he should be looking for a place to stay. He finally decided on one of many student accommodations on Cork Street. He finds it a buzzy and exciting area to live in as a student.

“I am really happy with the location, it is great to have a twenty minute walk to the city centre, and have so many local shops around, where I can get fresh food. Also, people in the area are extremely friendly and helpful, which makes me feel very welcome.”

There are many Erasmus students in the area that come to Dublin for a few months or a year for the first time and decide to live in the Liberties. Alva (21) is a Trinity student at the moment, here for one year on exchange from Sciences Po in Paris.

On a beautiful sunny weekend at the market in St Patrick’s Park, she says that since she came across this weekly gathering, it became her favourite activity in Dublin. “There is no better way of spending a Sunday afternoon than attending this market,” Alva says.

“More pedestrian space would make the area much more attractive. They just finished the works around Capel Street – why not the Liberties next?”

Changing sunny Spain for a rainy Ireland must be hard, yet Alaitz Garitano (21) came to Dublin to study law at Technological University Dublin. After six months here she has her views and opinions on the Liberties.

“My favourite place in the area is definitely the Guinness Storehouse. I had so much fun going there with my friend, even though we are both not big beer fans. But that place is more than just alcohol.

“What I do not like about the Liberties though is the public transport – the lack of it in the evening. It’s hard to enjoy what Dublin has to offer during the night, when the last bus to get home is at 11:30pm.”