The 6 Best Places in Ireland to Live as an Expat
From Dublin and Cork to Galway and Westport, Ireland offers numerous ideal locations for expats worldwide to call home. Given the picturesque golf clubs, beautiful beaches, lush greens, spectacular architecture, and friendly locals, it stands above many other expat destinations.
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Wonder what it is like to live in Ireland? We have compiled essential information about the cost of living, job opportunities, quality of healthcare, insurance options, and access to amenities to help you decide whether this small yet welcoming country would be your next spot for relocation.
Dublin – The Capital City
Dublin is the cultural, economic, and political capital of Ireland. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to live, especially for those who enjoy the bustle and nightlife of a big city.
Ireland has a diverse population, ideal for expats to build connections. Dublin is known for its lively pub scene, world-class museums, and historic landmarks like Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. However, it can be expensive, so you should consider that when planning your move.
Why is Dublin a Good City to Live for Expats?
- English-speaking city – English is the official language in Ireland, so English-speaking expats will find it easy to communicate and integrate into the community.
- Rich culture – Dublin is known for its rich history and culture. The city offers a thriving cultural landscape, with numerous museums, galleries, and historical landmarks dotting the area. It also has a bustling arts and music scene that contributes to its vibrant creative energy.
- Accessibility to Europe: Dublin is a great base for exploring Europe, with many budget airlines flying to destinations across the continent. It’s also well-connected by ferry and train.
Cork – European Capital of Culture
Cork is a smaller city located in the southern part of Ireland. It has a unique charm that makes it a popular destination for expats. The city is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and lively arts and music scene.
Cork is also home to several multinational companies, which makes it a great place for expats looking for job opportunities.
Why Should You Consider Moving to Cork as an Expat?
- Family-friendly – With some of the top schools in the country and excellent medical facilities, Cork is an ideal city for expat families to move to.
- Lifestyle – Cork presents expats with a highly diverse range of attractions and recreational opportunities, ranging from sports clubs to idyllic natural harbors. Expats settling in Cork will be amazed by the abundant choice of activities and things to immerse themselves in.
- Colorful culture – Cork is a historic destination with many famous sights and was recognized as the European Captial of Culture in 2005.
Galway – Ideal for Expat Individuals
Galway is a picturesque city located on the west coast of Ireland. It’s a great place to live if you love nature and outdoor activities. The city is also surrounded by stunning landscapes– such as the famous Cliffs of Moher and the Connemara National Park.
Galway is also known for its lively festivals, including the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Races.
What Makes Galway Ideal for Expats?
- Lifestyle – From Michelin-star restaurants to some of the finest pubs, Galway is undoubtedly one of the top places for singles to live in Ireland.
- Great outdoors – There are unlimited opportunities to explore and spend time sightseeing. With six blue flag beaches, the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara, the magnificent Aran Island, and the local markets, there are many things for everyone to do.
- Friendly vibe – Galway is well-known for being one of the friendliest and most welcoming cities in Ireland. So, as an expat, you can expect to meet many friendly locals.
Kinsale – The Gourmet Paradise of Ireland
Kinsale is a beautiful and welcoming town with a high quality of life, vibrant culture, strong community, and easy access to nearby amenities. It’s a great choice for expats looking to experience the beauty and culture of Ireland.
Kinsale is also one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland and is internationally renowned for the number and quality of its famous eateries.
Why Should Expats Consider Moving to Kinsale?
- Beautiful Location – Kinsale is located on the southern coast of Ireland and is considered one of the most picturesque towns in the country. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including rolling hills, a rugged coastline, and the scenic River Bandon.
- Quality of Life – Kinsale offers a high quality of life with a relaxed lifestyle. The town is small enough to feel welcoming but large enough to have plenty of amenities and cultural activities. It’s a great place to raise a family or retire.
- Strong Community – Kinsale has a strong sense of community, and residents take pride in their town. The local community is friendly, welcoming, and always ready to lend a helping hand to newcomers.
Westport – The Friendly City
Westport is another friendly and welcoming town in Ireland you must consider when planning to move to Ireland. Located on the Mayo coastline, the town offers beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and vibrant culture.
Moreover, the food and the bars are excellent, making the town a favorite destination for many Irish and foreigners.
Here’s Why Expats Consider Moving to Westport:
- Cost of living – From childcare to property prices and food and drinks, the cost of living in Westport is much lower than in other cities in Ireland.
- Easy commute – About 65% of people from Mayo spend less than 30 minutes per day traveling to and from work.
- Positive vibe – The city of Westport will offer you the friendliest welcome, and walking down the streets will bring a smile to your face. Whether it’s a random Tuesday or a bank holiday, you will feel the warmth of the city all around you.
Limerick – The Sci-Tech Hub
Limerick is a great choice for expats looking to experience a place to experience everything Ireland has to offer. Limerick is a welcoming and affordable city with a rich cultural heritage and is surrounded by natural beauty.
Limerick has a thriving arts and music scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues offering various performances and events throughout the year.
Here’s Why You Should Consider Moving to Limerick:
- Affordable cost of living – Limerick is a relatively affordable place to live compared to other major cities in Ireland, such as Dublin or Cork. Housing, transportation, and other living expenses are generally lower, making it an attractive option for expats looking to save up.
- Rich cultural heritage – Limerick has a long and fascinating history, with many historic landmarks and cultural attractions that appeal to expats. For example, King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the Hunt Museum are some of the popular tourist destinations.
- Friendly and welcoming community – Limerick is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are always happy to help newcomers feel at home.
Conclusion
Ireland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer expats. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a quiet country town, there’s something for everyone. We hope this city list has helped you narrow your choices and find the perfect place to call home in Ireland.
Additionally, If you haven’t already thought about health insurance options, we suggest that you do and ensure you have adequate coverage for the country you choose to live in.
At Pacific Prime, we provide comprehensive international health insurance plans that cater to all your needs, no matter where you decide to call home.
Contact us to learn more about your options!
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared to the U.S., is living in Ireland less expensive?
Generally speaking, it is 10% cheaper to live in Ireland compared to the U.S. However, some cities in the U.S. are cheaper to live in due to the lower cost of living. For instance, living in Topeka, Kansas, is almost 14% cheaper than living in Cork, Ireland.
What is the Irish healthcare system like?
Ireland has a public healthcare system called the HSE that offers public insurance coverage. Expats can register for a Public Services Card to access primary, non-emergency services. Private health insurance is also available.
What is daily life like for expats in Ireland?
Work-life balance is good with emphasis on outdoor activities, community events and traditional Irish pastimes like music, arts, and Gaelic sports. The culture is friendly to newcomers though local traditions and customs take some getting used to.
Are local Irish friendly to foreigners?
The Irish are known for being very welcoming and extremely friendly to foreigners in their country. They understand that foreigners are important for their economic growth.
How hard is it to learn the Irish language?
Irish has a reputation for being difficult and challenging. However, it is not a must since 95% of the local population can speak fluent English unless you are interested in learning the language.
How diverse is Ireland?
Ireland is a nation with remarkable diversity. Although predominantly White Irish (94%), it sees immigrants from all corners of the globe as the country opens up opportunities for immigrants to acquire permanent residence. Several cities like Dublin are now multicultural environments.
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How do American expats typically handle banking and financial services in Ireland, and are there recommended banks or financial institutions that cater specifically to the needs of expats?
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