Living In Ireland: Essential Expat Guide 2024

Ireland calls to people and then pulls them in by the heartstrings. It is the land of a hundred songs, a thousand shades of green, and almost five million people waiting to say hello. 

In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to make your move to Ireland (the Republic of Ireland) as smooth as possible.

In this guide:

• Ireland’s highlights.
• The legalities of moving to Ireland: visas and residency options.
• The cost of living: monthly expenses, rentals, and real estate.
• Ireland as a retirement destination.
• Infrastructure: travel connections, public transport, internet.
• Healthcare and education.
• Taxes and bank accounts.
• Where to live in Ireland – an overview of the most popular expat locations.
• Tips for moving.

Ireland’s highlights

High quality of life: Ireland consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. As of 2021, it was ranked 12th in the world by the Quality of Life Index.

Good education: Ireland is home to several top-ranking universities, including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. The country invests significantly in education, with a literacy rate of over 99%.

Good healthcare: The Irish healthcare system is known for its quality of care. Life expectancy in Ireland is approximately 82.3 years, higher than the global average.

Cultural richness: Ireland is steeped in history and culture, with numerous castles, ancient sites, and museums. Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, reflects the nation’s commitment to the arts.

Natural beauty: The Irish landscape is stunning, featuring lush green countryside, dramatic coastal cliffs, and serene lakes. The Cliffs of Moher, a popular tourist destination, attract over 1.5 million visitors annually.

Low crime rates: Ireland has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. The Global Peace Index ranks it as the 12th most peaceful country in the world.

Language advantage: English is the primary language spoken, making it easier for expatriates to adapt and communicate. Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone.

Visas and residency in Ireland

Ireland has dozens of reciprocal agreements with nations around the world, which allow their citizens to travel short-term to Ireland without a visa. To move long-term, though, most prospective expats need a visa. The exceptions to this rule are EU and UK citizens. 

Ireland visa options

1. Work visas

Work permits come in two main categories: a general employment permit and a critical skills occupations permit. The central requirement is that applicants need a job offer that pays at least €30,000 per annum.

There are some special exceptions to this threshold for shortage industries. The job offer must cover two years, the usual length of a first-time work permit. 

Critical skills permits are similar to general work permits but with more flexibility on earnings and a faster route to permanent residence (Stamp 4). 

2. Study visas 

Irish Universities welcome thousands of international students every year. Students who need a visa to join their course need a few basics to apply.

These include evidence that they have paid their course fees, have access to funds to support themselves (around €7,000 per year), the level of English required to study successfully, and evidence of their health insurance. 

3. Retirement visas

If you do not come from a country with an automatic right to enter Ireland and reside, you will need to apply for a Stamp 0 to retire in the Republic. To qualify, you need to evidence an income of €50,000 per person per year as well as comprehensive health insurance. 

Ireland residency & visas for US citizens

US citizens moving to Ireland usually need to make formal visa applications. For those with Irish ancestry, start going through your Irish grandparents’ attic for their birth certificates. The ancestry route is straightforward if you are eligible. 

For working adults without Irish ancestry, it’s best to start looking for a job.

Most U.S. citizens benefit from the absence of significant cultural differences when it comes to applying for roles in Ireland. Check you aren’t eligible for a Critical Skills Permit, but otherwise, set your sights on suitable roles and a General Employment Permit. 

Retired adults or those retiring on arrival will need to check whether they meet the criteria for a Stamp 0 Permit, which covers individuals of independent means. 

You will find all the details in our guide on moving to Ireland as a U.S. citizen.

Ireland residency for British citizens

If you are a UK citizen, then the Common Travel Area clears most obstacles. British citizens are entitled to live, work and study in Ireland.

British citizens aren’t eligible for all state support, however, and their families can’t necessarily live in Ireland without a visa.

For example, a British student can apply to an Irish university and qualify for domestic fees but not necessarily any grants or subsidies. 

Residence permits

Citizens and permanent residents of countries within the EEA and Switzerland can arrive in Ireland without a visa but need to prove their nationality using a valid form of national ID. 

Retirees from Switzerland or the EEA need to prove that they have the means to support themselves and health insurance to stay longer periods.

New arrivals should head to their nearest Immigration Department Office to make their first application using their personal identity documents, but renewals can be done online where needed. 

If you are a citizen of Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, then it is worth checking whether you have an Irish-born great-grandparent. These were common destinations for Irish émigrés during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and you might just be lucky.  If you can find suitable evidence, you could be eligible for citizenship by descent. 

The cost of living in Ireland

According to the European Commission, Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the EU.

There aren’t many countries where people can justify moving to Ireland because of its lower cost of living. Here’s how Iralnd’s cost of living compares to some of the Northern European and North American countries:

Monthly budget

How much you need a month depends on where and how you live. For a family, somewhere between €3,700 and €6,000 per month. For a single person, between €1,600 and €3,500. 

On average, a family of four in Ireland needs around €5000 per month. A single person needs about €2,700, including housing. 

How the cost of living varies across the country

Dublin is undoubtedly one of the most expensive areas to live in Ireland. For a family of four, living comfortably in Dublin is likely to cost at least €5,500 per month. That translates to a gross household income of €95,000. 

For a single person, the premium is higher at around €3,400 per month, requiring a €65,000 annual salary. 

Take that spending power to Galway, and a €5,500 monthly budget will stretch to luxuries, even with a family to support. Costs in the region are around €3,900 for a family of four and €2,000 for a single person. 

Ireland’s cost of living vs. the U.S.

Living costs here in Ireland are similar to the U.S., but where the money goes is different.

Housing can be slightly cheaper in Ireland, although this depends heavily on which area of the U.S. you move from.

Fuel and vehicles are a cost that American expats will notice immediately. Fuel in Ireland can cost twice as much as in the U.S. Cars are also substantially more expensive. 

Rent in Ireland

The average monthly rent in Ireland is €1,733,  according to the popular property website Daft, but that’s only half the story. For example, a one-bedroom flat in Dublin starts at €1,700 per month. A similar flat in Leitrim, the cheapest county, could start at €700 monthly. 

A 3-bedroom family home starts at around €1000 per month in cheaper counties like Leitrim and Roscommon. In Dublin, a 3-bedroom house starts at €2,800 per month and climbs quickly. 

At a glance, here are some rough guides to where monthly rents start in cities:

City	1 bed apartment	3-bed house
Dublin	€1,500	€2,600
Cork	€1,200	€1,800
Galway	€1,100	€1,600
Limerick	€1,000	€1,600
Waterford	€900	€1,300
Drogheda	€800	€1,200
Dundalk	€750	€1,100
Swords	€1,000	€1,700

Pets are not usually welcome in rental properties, so make specific arrangements if you have a furry friend joining your family. 

Retiring to Ireland 

From those answering the call of their roots to adventurers looking for a new lease of life, Ireland is a tempting retirement destination for many. The question isn’t so much ‘Should I retire to Ireland?’, as Why not? 

According to the Expatra Global Retirement Index, Ireland is one of the top 30 retirement destinations in the world.

The index is based on the Expatra Global Retirement Survey that asks international retirees to rate their retirement destination’s infrastructure, climate, ease of settling down, value for money, friendliness, and other aspects of life in their retirement destination.

Here’s how Ireland scores:

Ireland is a practical retirement option for many expats. No language barrier exists for English speakers, just the charm of the accent. Ireland also has inclusive rules about citizenship by descent, links with the United Kingdom through the Common Travel Area, and is a member of the European Union. 

Ireland offers reams of legends, enchanting landscapes, and culture with a pleasant climate, a robust healthcare system, and good transport links for European travel. It is for anyone who wants rich experiences without taking leave of their senses.

Tip: If you are 65 years or older, you may be eligible for an income tax exemption. You’ll only need to pay income tax if your income exceeds a specific amount. In 2023, the limit is €18,000 for single or widowed individuals and €36,000 for married couples.

Travel connections

Ireland is reasonably well connected internationally, with the main travel hub being its capital, Dublin.

Air travel:

• Dublin Airport (DUB): Offers flights to various destinations worldwide.
• Shannon Airport (SNN): Provides connections to North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Cork Airport (ORK): Offers flights to some European destinations.

Ferry services:

• Irish Ferries: Operates services between Ireland and the UK, offering routes such as Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Pembroke, and Rosslare to Cherbourg/Roscoff.
• Stena Line: Provides ferry connections between Ireland and the UK, with routes including Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, and Belfast to Cairnryan.

Train travel:

• Rail and Sail services: A train and ferry ticket combination offers one of the most cost-effective and convenient methods of traveling between the UK and Ireland.
• Irish Rail: Operates domestic train services within Ireland and offers connections to Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Bus services:

• National Express: Offers coach services from Dublin to various cities in the UK, including London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
• Bus Éireann: Provides bus services within Ireland and some cross-border routes to Northern Ireland.

Public transport

When traveling in Ireland, you can primarily rely on trains, trams, and buses for public transportation. In Dublin, you’ll find a combination of all three, while outside the capital, their availability will vary depending on your location. Some domestic flights are available within Ireland, such as the Dublin to Kerry route.

Bus Eireann: operates throughout Ireland, serving both urban and rural areas. The fees vary depending on the distance traveled. For example, a single journey within a city can range from €1.50 to €3.50, while longer journeys between cities can cost between €10 and €30.

Irish Rail: connects major cities and towns across Ireland. The fares differ based on the distance and class of travel. For instance, a single journey from Dublin to Galway can range from €20 to €40, depending on the time of travel and whether it’s an express or standard service.

Luas (Dublin): a light rail system serving Dublin and its suburbs. The fees vary depending on the distance traveled. For instance, a single journey within Dublin’s city center can cost between €1.80 and €2.80, while longer trips to suburbs may range from €2.50 to €4.60.

Dublin Bus: operates an extensive network of routes within Dublin city and its outskirts. The fares range from €1.55 to €3.30 for a standard single journey. You can use the Leap Card for discounted fares.

DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit): a coastal train service connecting towns and suburbs in the Dublin area. The fares for DART journeys depend on the distance traveled. For example, a single journey from Dublin city center to Howth can cost around €3.50, while traveling further to Greystones can cost approximately €5.50.

Internet and mobile connectivity

The broadband connections in Ireland vary greatly, ranging from 12Mbps to 1,000Mbps. The speed you can get depends on your location and the internet service providers (ISPs) available in your area.

It is highly recommended to check the available internet connections before you rent or buy a property.

On the whole, cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford offer good internet infrastructure and widespread mobile coverage. High-speed fiber broadband and 4G and 5G mobile networks are available in the majority of these cities.

The average broadband speeds in Dublin range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the provider and plan.

In rural areas, you might need to rely on satellite internet and deal with very patchy mobile communication.

Costs

As for prices, broadband plans in Ireland can range from around €30 to €70 per month, depending on the speed and provider. Mobile phone plans with data typically range from around €20 to €50 per month, depending on the network and the amount of data included.

Safety

In line with its hospitable reputation, Ireland is a safe place to call home. On either side of the border, violent crime rates are well below the European average. Robbery and burglary rates are also low, although there are a few places where vehicle theft is a nuisance. 

Dublin records more crime per capita than the rest of the country, as you might expect from the capital city, but it is still very safe. To put it in context, residents of Dublin report feeling safer than locals in London. 

The safest county in Ireland

Neighboring counties Roscommon and Longford compete to be named safest in Ireland. Amicably, of course. Nearly two hours drive from Dublin, they are outside the commuter range but not completely isolated.

Healthcare in Ireland

Healthcare in the Republic of Ireland is a mixed public-private system with high standards of care. If you are a citizen of the U.K. or EEA and you meet the criteria for being ‘ordinarily resident’, you will be eligible for public healthcare. 

An important reminder for British expats is that being eligible for public healthcare doesn’t mean that healthcare is free. GP visits for most adults in Ireland cost around €50, and an Accident and Emergency visit costs around €100. 

New arrivals from outside the EU or the United Kingdom need private health insurance. The average annual cost of private insurance in Ireland is between €1,500 and €2,000 per person, although this varies with personal circumstances. 

Or you can opt for international health coverage. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 

Bank accounts and banking in Ireland

Most Irish banks ask for Irish proof of address and identity documents to open a bank account.

Bank of Ireland will allow U.K. and European citizens to open a non-resident account in advance. Application documents need to be certified by a notary, solicitor, or relevant official, but a functioning bank account is a very helpful head start when settling in.

AIB and Bank of Ireland are all popular retail banks in Ireland, with other international players available. Many current accounts are free, and others have modest fees. Most cards are chip and pin, with convenient ATMs outside banks and in many local shops. Contactless payments are very popular in cities and are spreading elsewhere. 

Schools in Ireland

Throughout Ireland, school years begin in September, and long summer holidays cover July and August. Children typically start school at 4 or 5. They stay at primary school until 11 or 12, depending on when their birthday falls. External exams are concentrated in the final year. 

Secondary schools have two phases in most of Ireland: the junior cycle and the senior cycle. Education is mandatory until 16, but most students stay on after this point to finish their leaving certificate. In some areas and schools, the students take a self-directed transition year between the two cycles, with no standardized tests.

In the Republic of Ireland, most state primary schools are run by the Catholic Church. Non-Catholic children can opt out of faith-based classes at their parents’ request.

Some schools have preferential admissions policies for Catholic children, but being Catholic is generally not a prerequisite. The Irish state is making an effort to introduce more multi-denominational schools across the country. 

Where to live in Ireland 

In Ireland, expats tend to land in big cities first. Expect other new arrivals in Dublin, Cork and Galway. As these new arrivals get settled, they often drift out into quieter and wilder spots. 

Where is the best place to live in Ireland?

The best place to live in Ireland is different for everyone, but here are some places to start. 

1. Dublin

Dublin is the biggest and best-known city in Ireland. There is plenty here that you would recognize from any modern capital. People are looking for fun, looking after themselves, and looking to eat well. Historic architecture and a literary personality work to keep Dublin unique.

 The center bubbles with life. The economy is strong, with a healthy supply of job opportunities, good schools, universities, and some sophisticated stomping grounds. No cravings for the finer things go unsatisfied here.

A drawback for the fair city is that Dublin is an expensive place for a growing family. For those working in the capital who need more room, Greystones and Maynooth are pleasant towns within commuting distance. 

2. Cork

Cork’s colorful streets are famous for their charming architecture, and the city offers a warm welcome. It’s a small city, more relaxed than Dublin, and more budget-friendly, with good access to stunning coastal paths. The university keeps things lively, and the city has its own cultural pulse.  

Cork is very liveable with short commutes, and many locals take advantage of the mild weather to walk or cycle to work. 

Central Cork is ideal for young professionals, but families often prefer Douglas or Ballincollig. 

3. Galway

Galway’s history began thousands of years ago, but its latest chapter feels thrilling—international festivals for the arts, food, and theatre crowd into this beguiling little city every year.

Galway is home to many students and acts as a hub for a large part of the West Coast. It is also home to a healthy population of Irish Gaelic speakers. Expats don’t need to learn it, although interest is welcome. 

House prices in Galway are appealing compared to other cities, but the job market is less buoyant. For city life, apartments around Eyre Square or Salthill are a good bet. Families are spoilt for choice, torn between the idyllic rural life in Ballinasloe and Oranmore or staying in the easygoing city. 

Highlights elsewhere

For anyone who needs to potter around a fairy tale, Carlingford and Kilkenny are ideal. Their medieval bones show, with narrow, cobblestoned streets to be explored in their centers and historic castles on hand. Both occupy a sweet spot with good amenities but without the occasional problems of a city. 

Remote workers wanting splendid isolation should take advantage and delve into the Wicklow mountains or the Ards peninsula. Both are stunning and loved by artists for their tranquillity. 

The pros of living in Ireland

1. History

In Ireland, the past is not a foreign country. At any moment, you can find yourself looking at and even touching an ancient Ireland.

Even in central Dublin, just dip into Phoenix Park and let the modern bustle fade as you watch the wild deer.

Strike out, and there’s the stunning Stone Age burial site at the Hill of Tara, Skellig Michael on the West Coast, and Newgrange Neolithic burial grounds.

Ireland boasts many of Europe’s most enigmatic ancient sites, but they don’t need their mystery to feel magical. 

2. Landscapes 

The majestic Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare have defied the Atlantic winds since time beyond memory, and human visitors love to join in for a few precious moments. 

For slightly less blustery beauty, Western National Park in Connemara summons a constant flow of admirers from every corner of the globe.

The unworldly Giant’s Causeway reaches out in the North, a stone’s throw from White Park Bay and not far from the beautiful Bundoran.

Not forgetting the enchanting Glendalough or the Slieve Bloom mountains. Ireland’s wildness resonates with visitors, but for those lucky enough to live there, it’s a lasting bond. 

3. The way of life

 Even the slickest denizens of Dublin will not live without a breath of fresh air, time to slow down, and the chance to enjoy a bit of craic (fun).

Ireland fosters a love of life in its people. It’s not that life in Ireland is without competition. It just includes trying to have the best time.

In Ireland, there is still such a thing as ‘an unseemly hurry’, and that can offer opportunities to smell the roses and find some balance. 

4. Music

Your ears will thank you for making this move. There is a lot more to Irish music than listening to fiddle music in a pub, but there’s nowhere better to listen to do just that.

The energy and skill of Irish folk musicians are unmatched, and here, there is nothing fusty about traditional music. Folk festivals are a fixture everywhere in Ireland, packed with exquisite music and dancing for all ages. 

The cons of living in Ireland 

1. Prices

Expats from most of North America and Western Europe won’t save by moving to Ireland.  It is affordable but not cheaper than Canada or the United States.

The cost of living in Ireland is slightly higher than in most of the United Kingdom. There are roughly 300,000 British citizens living in the Republic of Ireland, and plenty of them have noticed that everyday items like bread and milk are around 10-20% more expensive. 

2. Regional variations

Ireland is a country of contrasts, and contrasts breed surprises. Regional diversity is often wonderful, but Dublin can be a very different place to Donegal.

Ireland is home to cities that never sleep and bright young things who see themselves as citizens of the world.  As in every country, though, away from cities, there are places where change takes time to filter through, and same-day deliveries, ride-share apps, and global influences are discussed more than seen. 

Top tips for moving to Ireland

1. PPS numbers: These are essential for working, buying property, using health services, and paying taxes in Ireland. They are like a British National Insurance number but with a few more uses. To get one, you will need an official job offer or, if you are buying property, a letter from your solicitor. 

2. SIM cards: Buy an Irish Pay-as-you-go SIM card to get up and running. You can find a suitable contract later, but a domestic phone number is handy for making other arrangements. 

3. Movers: Irish removal companies tend to be more experienced at getting your possessions through import procedures. They are often a more seamless choice for international house moves.  

5. Snacks: Accept now that Tayto crisps are better than whatever type of potato snack you knew before. It saves time. 

6. Food: Don’t overlook traditional Irish foods. Ireland does things with carbohydrates that are so addictive they ought to be legally controlled. Potato farls, Wheaten bread, and Champ elevate starch to perfection. 

Living in Ireland – summary

From the literary streets of Dublin to the medieval magic of Waterford and the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland is an ancient country looking towards a bright future. It’s a popular destination for working expats, families, and retirees.

An urban lifestyle, a quiet country retreat, and everything in between is on offer here.

With its rich history, mild climate, stunning nature, and slower pace of life, Ireland is a perfect destination for you if you seek a better work-life balance or a more candid and reflective lifestyle in retirement.

Helpful external links:

• Ireland’s public transportation – your options and the travel planner
• Coming to live in Ireland – citizens’ information
• Taxes in Ireland – Irish Revenue
• Healthcare resources – Department of Health