People on Reddit say:

TGCOutcast
I preface this as a white individual whom no one thinks is a forigner until I open my mouth. Experiences may differ.
With that, Ireland is the best place I've ever lived. While there are missing comforts from where I'm from overall the QoL is fantastic. I had almost immediate community and friends (irish and non irish alike). So many people showed up to support my family when I did a week in hospital mere months after moving here. My kid is getting an excellent education. Travel to much of Europe is "inexpensive" and easy compared to travel back where I'm from.
Not to say things are perfect. Certain things can be expensive, housing is scary and we have somehow avoided the issue entirely over the past 2 years. I've only been hit with the right wing you should leave crap once or twice, though I do live more rurally and far from any of the "major" cities.
As a student I don't think you will get hit with much of that at all. Start looking for housing now though as it's tough even as a student. As a student I think you will be fine for making friends.
Good luck and I hope this helps.

Ambitious-Swing1331
Public transportation is really disappointing. You don't even have a train or bus connecting directly between the major cities. Which means having always to get two buses or switching trains, usually in Dublin, making the trip longer. So car becomes essential.. not having a car limits your experience completely.
The worst part of it all is housing! There's no homes, buying is hard, rents are overpriced everywhere, you don't feel safe even when you're sharing. Landlords everywhere don't allow pets (and this infuriates me).
BUT... I still love it here. You have to try for yourself. If you like big cities you might not enjoy it so much. Galway is beautiful and vibrant! The university there is high quality and I'm sure you will have an amazing time as a student. Only time will tell if Ireland will cast it's spell on you and make you want to stay forever or not 🩷

Kharanet
Food supply is very high quality. Beast dairy in the world. We love the pubs, but nightlife is lacking compared to other parts of the world outside of that.
While the doctors are fine, the wait times are like nothing I’ve ever seen.