This is true. The further away you go from the bigger cities that aren't touristy, the more friction there is if you only speak English. A1 level of Dutch is plenty to navigate and do personal errands, and even then others still might swap to English to communicate with you if they hear an accent.
English is the primary language in Ireland, and I think as a developer you’d qualify for a “critical skills” visa. Can read more here https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving-country/working...
I imagine most countries have similarly helpful “moving to x” websites.
Amsterdam has way better infrastructure, more bike and pedestrian friendly (by a long, long way) and you can get by with just English to start.
But first maybe visit some places!