Everything to Know About Living as Expats in Ireland
Living as an expat in Ireland is an absolute dream. The country is filled with tradition, culture, friendly faces, and fantastic beer! As with moving to any foreign country, you will have to weigh the pros and cons. Expats in Ireland will face their challenges, but it is well worth the move abroad.
This comprehensive guide to living as an expat in Ireland will answer your questions about moving abroad, settling into your new country, and creating a life in beautiful Ireland:
JUMP TO:
• A Brief History of Ireland
• Is Ireland Good for Expats?
• Who Can Move to Ireland
• Is It Expensive to Live in Ireland as an Expat?
• Where Do Most Expats Live in Ireland?
• Renting vs Home Buying as an Expat in Ireland
• Schools in Ireland
• Is Ireland’s Economy Good for Expats?
• Healthcare in Ireland
• Weather and Climate in Ireland
• Transportation Around and Out of Ireland
• What to Do for Fun as an Expat Living in Ireland
• Making Friends in Ireland as an Expat
• Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland as an Expat
When you are deciding where to settle as an expat, it is important to understand at least a little of the history of the country. A country’s history reflects in its culture and policies, and thus some of the rules you will have to follow. Plus, having some common knowledge of the history will help you be a more informed citizen.
A Brief History of Ireland
Ireland was largely built around farming, and agriculture is still an important part of many people’s lives in rural Ireland. I even had a man from Northern Ireland try to propose to me by telling me how much “road frontage” and sheep he owns!
Around 300BC a warrior nation known as the “Celts” settled in Ireland from mainland Europe. The Celts had a profound influence on Ireland and shaped much of its ancient culture. Celtic influence can still be seen even today, including influencing the first official language of Ireland, Irish Gaelic. Though now English is the main language spoken.
Famous St. Patrick and other Christian missionaries played an important role in shaping Ireland’s religious history. Many of Ireland’s rules and restrictions are still heavily influenced by strict Catholic beliefs, though the country has started to become more progressive over the years.
Protestant England had great influence in Ireland as well since Ireland was governed by England for many years. After the War of Independence ended in 1912, Ireland was divided into Northern Ireland (still governed by England) and the Irish Free State (now known as the Republic of Ireland, which includes Dublin).
Up until 1998, there was a considerable amount of strife in Ireland. However, the 1990s saw a big boom in the economy and immigration. By 2005 “Economist” magazine voted Ireland as one of the most desirable places in the world to live.
Is Ireland Good for Expats?
Obviously picking a “good” country to live in is a very subjective choice. However, generally speaking, Ireland is a great place for expats to live! Compared to the strict visa requirements of other countries, most people will find it fairly simple to stay in Ireland for an extended amount of time.
Most people find that Ireland has a very welcoming culture and that the standard of living in Ireland is pretty decent. However, depending on your job and way of life you may find Ireland to be a fairly expensive place to live.
The typically grey and rainy weather can be a downer for some, though others don’t mind it and love the beautiful nature and abundance of places to explore across the country.
Who Can Move to Ireland as an Expat
Gaining Irish residency can be much more simple than in other countries. However, there are still certain restrictions and processes that people will have to face when moving to Ireland that depend on their nationality.
Visas for Expats in Ireland
Citizens of the United Kingdom can live in Ireland without any restrictions. In general, citizens of the EEA and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa if they have valid identification. They can take up residency in Ireland if they are employed, self-employed, in school, or retiring.
If you are a national from another country, you will need permission to enter and to remain in Ireland. You will need a visa to enter the country and an employment permit to work or set up a business.
After 5 years of legally living in Ireland, you are generally able to apply for Irish residency. Once you have been granted residency you will no longer need to apply for employment permits. You are able to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency.
To find out more about immigrating to Ireland for your particular circumstance, click here.
Can U.S. Citizens Move to Ireland?
Yes, U.S. Citizens can move to Ireland, but they will need special permission. U.S. citizens are allowed to enter Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days. After that point, they will need to request permission to stay in Ireland for work, study, or retirement.
There are requirements for what type of work is accepted, and you typically need to have a job lined up before applying for your employment permit. It is also important to note that studying in Ireland does not count as time towards Irish residency.
Is It Expensive to Live as an Expat in Ireland?
Yes, Ireland is relatively expensive to live in compared to most countries. It isn’t as expensive as some European cities or U.S. cities such as New York City. But it is still one of the topmost expensive countries in the world to live in as an expat.
Cost of Housing in Ireland
Housing is a big factor in the cost of living in Ireland. The average cost of renting in Ireland is about €1,300 per month. The average yearly salary in Ireland is around €33,000-€49,000.
The cities of Dublin, Limerick, and Cork tend to have the highest rental prices. And since Ireland is an island, most goods are imported which drives up the cost of everyday items.
In good news! Ireland does have free, quality public education as well as pretty decent universal healthcare that often extends to non-residents as well.
CLICK HERE for the Cost of Living in Ireland vs the U.S. Comparison and Explanation
Where Do Most Expats Live in Ireland?
As might be expected, many expats in Ireland choose to live in bigger cities such as Dublin, Galway, or Cork. There is often more to do and easier ways to make friends when you live in a city.
I lived in Dublin during my stay in Ireland and certainly can attest to the amount of nightlife and events that are constantly going on. There is always somewhere new to explore or a new event coming to town.
For expats in Ireland who prefer a slower pace of life or want to enjoy Ireland’s more rustic sides, there are plenty of smaller towns. The quaint Irish town of Kinsale in County Cork is known for its restaurants and yachting marina. Kenmare, Ireland in the south is near many incredible natural sights such as the Ring of Kerry. Or the coastal town of Westport has been noted as a great place to live, especially for those who like outdoor activities.
Expats Living in Dublin
There are plenty of great areas and neighborhoods to live in around Dublin. If you are looking to stay in the city, I would recommend trying to stay South of the river Laffey, or near the river. These areas tend to be safer and you are closer to more of the activity of the city, though each side of the river has its pros and cons.
Similar to many cities, there are more apartments closer to the center of Dublin and more houses to the outskirts of the city. If you are looking for quieter areas and don’t mind taking transportation into the city, then you can look a bit further outside of the city center.
The areas around the universities in Dublin (with the exception of Trinity because it is directly in the middle of the city) are typically surrounded by more suburban neighborhoods and family homes and can be nice areas to live in.
For more information on living as an expat in Dublin click below…
Renting vs Home Buying as an Expat in Ireland
Can you even buy a home as an expat in Ireland? Yes! There are no restrictions for non-residents who wish to buy a home in Ireland. However, owning property in Ireland does not mean that you gain residency. This means that while yes you may be able to buy a house, you will still need to get the proper documentation to stay in the country and live in the house.
To get a mortgage you will likely need to be living in Ireland for at least 6 months and employed for at least 12 months before a lender will consider you for a mortgage. There are still ways to get a mortgage as someone who is not originally from Ireland and is living abroad, though it will be much more difficult.
That being said, most expats find it is less difficult to rent a place rather than jump through the hoops of buying property. If you are looking to make Ireland a more permanent stay, it might be worth it to you to figure out from the start what you will need to do to own property in the future.
Popular rental websites in Ireland include: Rentberry, Rent.ie, or Daft.ie.
Schools in Ireland
Fortunately, the quality of education at public schools is high in Ireland. Many expat parents are happy with their decision to enroll their children in school.
Education is mandatory in Ireland for children from the ages of 6 to 16. State-funded (free) primary and secondary education is available to children legally resident in Ireland, or you can choose to send your child to a private school as well.
Universities in Ireland
Higher education in Ireland is pretty great as well. There are seven public universities (five of which rank in the top 500 universities globally), as well as 14 public institutes of technology, and seven private colleges.
Public universities are funded by the State in Ireland, so there are no tuition fees for Irish students. This does extend to undergraduate students who qualify as residents of Ireland as well.
Students looking to study in Ireland from other countries are expected to pay full tuition. Tuition fees vary between each university and are different for those residing outside of the EU.
Students from other countries will need a student visa to live in Ireland while they complete their coursework. However, once a student has been accepted to a university it is not too difficult to apply for a student visa in Ireland.
I studied for a semester at Trinity College Dublin and absolutely loved my time there! The quality of education and professors is top-notch, and there are plenty of societies (known as “clubs” in the U.S.) to get involved in to discover activities and social groups.
Is Ireland’s Economy Good for Expats?
The economy in Ireland is thriving right now and is great for expats! Ireland’s economy has been in a period of growth and is seeing record low unemployment numbers, especially for skilled workers.
Ireland is seeing a boom in the pharmaceutical and technology industries especially. In fact, huge global companies such as Facebook, Airbnb, and Microsoft have developed their European headquarters in Ireland.
What Jobs Are Available to Expats Living in Ireland?
Expats moving to Ireland will have the best luck as a skilled worker, though it is not impossible to find other types of jobs. For example, I had a friend who worked as a barista while living as an expat in Ireland.
EU/EEA nationals will have a much easier time finding a job, as their residency requirements are not as complicated as those coming from other countries. If you are well-qualified or have a special skill, that will also help your job hunt.
Click below for the FULL guide on finding work as an expat in Ireland:
The fields that currently seem to be the easiest for expats to find a job in are:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Business and finance
- Transport and logistics
- Technology
Similar to the U.S. and other western countries, there are plenty of online job search engines that will help you find employment in Ireland.
A few of the popular job sites are:
NOTE: If you are living as an expat in Ireland, you still need to pay U.S. taxes! Likely, you will not owe much, if anything, to the IRS. But, you do need to file your taxes correctly to make sure you receive all applicable deductions. I use Taxes for Expats to make sure my taxes are done right every year to save me the most money possible!
❗CLICK HERE: and use code “TRIPMATTER” for $25 off Taxes for Expats❗
Work Culture for Expats in Ireland
Work culture in Ireland is comparable to that of most western societies. It is more similar to European cultures and slightly slower-paced than American workplaces. Ireland tends to foster a work hard, play hard style of business.
The Irish are very friendly, polite, and generally casual people. The workplace is fairly relaxed, and socializing with colleagues is common. The atmosphere tends to stay more lighthearted, and you might even find yourself cracking a few jokes during meetings.
It is also not uncommon to see men and women dressed in business attire in pubs at all hours of the day! It seems unusual, but people will meet business connections or conduct meetings over a pint of Guinness.
While it is a stereotype that the Irish work on their own time clock, there is a nugget of truth to it. Irish workers and students still get everything finished and are hard workers. They just also tend to not be as aggressively work-oriented, and prioritize enjoying life and spending time with friends and family.
Americans are often put off at first by some of the work habits in Ireland – until they realize the benefits of having a life that is not fully centered around their job!
Healthcare for Expats in Ireland
Healthcare in Ireland is generally great quality and extremely affordable, especially for those that are used to healthcare in the U.S. Expats in Ireland who have legal papers (employment permits, students, etc.) and intend to live in the country for a minimum of one year can apply for a GP Visit Card or a Medical Card.
A medical card grants medical care completely free of charge. A GP Visit Card offers free doctor’s visits, but not free prescriptions or testing. Expats in Ireland often assume they will not qualify for health care, when in fact affordable options might be present to them if they are willing to go through the paperwork and application process.
Applications can be found at the local health center. The staff should be able to assist you with your application and will let you know the necessary documentation you need to prove that you are an “ordinary resident.”
If you will not be in Ireland for over a year or plan to do a significant amount of travel outside of Ireland while living abroad, you will want to purchase travel insurance. I use and recommend SafetyWing travel insurance. It is affordable, reliable insurance that is specifically designed for digital nomads who will be traveling long term.
For an idea of how much insurance will cost you while living abroad, use the tool below. Or, to purchase insurance directly from SafetyWing, CLICK HERE.
* It is also important to note that you may need private health insurance to apply for some visas and residency prior to moving to Ireland as well.
Weather and Climate in Ireland
The one thing I thought I knew about Ireland was that it rained a lot. As someone coming from sunny southern California, I was convinced that I would hate the weather while living in Dublin. Surprisingly, I actually found the weather to be much nicer than I first anticipated.
The weather in Ireland is typically mild, wet, and changes often. It drizzles frequently in Dublin, but it does not rain hard very often. The skies were actually often bright with beautiful clouds! However, layering your clothes and always bringing a light raincoat is a good idea.
In the winter in Ireland (Jan/Feb) the lowest temperatures can get to about 36°F/2°C. The highest temperatures in the summer (July) are around 68°F/20°C. The average temperature in Ireland is in the 50s°F/9.9°C.
Ireland is a pretty small island, so weather does not vary too drastically across the country. The western coast can be a bit milder in winter and cooler during the summer. High winds are fairly common across the country as well.
The real shock to me about living in Ireland was that the sun will start to set around 4pm in the winter. It was crazy to me that you could stay out too late the night before and sleep in, only to find that you pretty much miss the sun altogether the next day! At least in the summer, the sun sets around 9:30pm, which is quite lovely.
Transportation Around and Out of Ireland
Expats living in Ireland tend to find transportation in and around Ireland, especially in Dublin, to be fairly comprehensive and easy to use. If you are in the bigger cities, it is likely possible to get away without needing a car. Most cities in Ireland are friendly to walkers and bikers in addition to having public transportation.
There are a few bus lines and train services that offer transportation between cities and around the country at an affordable price. For transportation out of the country, there are 5 international airports across Ireland (and 10 total airports).
Taxis are also common around the cities. Uber and Lyft are heavily controlled in Ireland. So, when you order an Uber, you are actually ordering a taxi. For this reason, taxis can easily be found and flagged down in the bigger cities.
Dublin Public Transportation
Dublin is incredibly easy to explore either on foot or by public transport. It took me about 20 minutes by foot to get just about anywhere I wanted to go that was in or around the city center.
If you aren’t much of a walker, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is a quick and easy way to get around. It runs all the way out and along the coast, from Howth in northern Ireland down to County Wicklow.
You can buy tickets for Dublin’s public transportation at stations, on buses, or online. However, if you plan to use public transportation frequently, use Dublin’s “Leap Card.”
The Leap Card is valid for 1, 3, or 7 days as needed and can be topped up with travel credit when required. This pass will save you up to 31% on your travel in Dublin and works with the DART, LUAS, Dublin Bus, and Airlink 747/757 services. It is really the most convenient way to get around Dublin if you are planning to stay there long-term.
Drivers Licences for Expats in Ireland
For expats driving in Ireland… If you have a driving license issued from an EU or EEA state it is recognized for use in Ireland (note that UK licenses are no longer recognized in Ireland), or you may exchange your driving license for an Irish license. There are a few other countries this applies to (see here), but if you come from a country not on the approved list you will need to go through the full driver licensing process.
If you have a license from the EU, EEA, UK, or a recognized state and you plan to stay in Ireland for less than a year and are NOT a resident living in Ireland, you will be fine driving with your foreign license. The same goes for those from other countries, so long as you also hold an international driving permit.
To rent a car in Ireland you must be at least 25 years old. Expats can buy a car in Ireland as well, but there will be extra fees involved. You will need to purchase car insurance (which might be more expensive for some expats), pay for road tax (calculated based on the make and year of your car), and a roadworthy test called NCT (€55 every 1-2 years beginning when your car is 4 years old).
Need a car to get around Ireland?
My go-to car rental service in Ireland is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the lowest prices and best deals.
🚗 CLICK HERE TO SEARCH FOR YOUR RENTAL CAR
What to Do for Fun as an Expat Living in Ireland
There is so much to see and explore in Ireland! For a small country, Ireland has so much to offer its residents. I lived there for four months and felt like there was still so much I missed out on. A few of the top things expats in Ireland can look forward to:
PUB CULTURE: Ireland is definitely well known for its pub and drinking culture. It feels like there is a pub on just about every corner.
Pubs are where a lot of events and activities are held, from comedy and open mic nights to art shows, live music, fundraisers, and dancing. It is very common for Irish people to drink a good amount in the evenings, however, it isn’t necessary to drink to experience Irish pub life.
➡️ The BEST Dublin Pub Crawls and Drinking Experiences (including top pubs and nightclubs!)
NATURE: When I thought of Ireland’s nature I thought of sprawling green fields and not much else. There is a lot of that! But there is also SO much beautiful nature across Ireland. From amazing rock formations to waterfalls and mountain hikes, Ireland is a nature-lovers paradise.
The Cliffs of Moher on the west coast and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland are some of the better-known must-see landmarks. However, there is beautiful nature across Ireland and along the coasts.
Just outside of Dublin we were able to go hiking, rock climbing, biking, and even take a simple walk along the coast within minutes of leaving the city.
Would you believe that there is even great surfing in Ireland? Mostly along the west coast and only if you are able to withstand the cold water temperatures that is!
EVENTS AND SPORTS: There are plenty of great festivals, events, and sporting games that happen across Ireland.
Some of my favorites are the Christmas festivals, live Irish music and dancing, and rugby games.
Dublin especially is known for its arts and is always alive with music, art shows, and festivals, many of which are even free. Galway is also known as “the king of festival season”, and is especially fun to visit in the summer.
The favorite sports in Ireland are Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, and soccer. The games can be rowdy and full of boisterous Irish, but they are some good craic!
TOURS: If you want to explore more of the typical tourist destinations, there are plenty of tours offered.
In Dublin, you can tour the Guinness Storehouse (this was my favorite tour for a number of reasons, but mostly because it ends with a sky view of Dublin and a pint of Guinness) and Jameson Factory, visit the Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin’s campus, or view the Dublin Castle.
From Galway, you will not want to miss the Cliffs of Moher, it is one of the top sites to visit in Ireland, and for good reason!
From Cork, the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone is a popular destination. This is where you can kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck! Continue over to Killarney to tour the Gap of Dunloe – another incredible natural formation in the south of Ireland.
Northern Ireland has amazing sites and tours as well. When my parents visited me, my dad dragged our family to the Titanic museum, but it actually ended up being one of the best tours I went on in Ireland. Actually, it quite possibly is one of the best museums I have EVER been to.
Not only was the museum content spectacular to see, but the design of the building itself was mind-blowing. Every single architectural and site detail has something significant related to the Titanic. This museum really needs to be on every expats’ Ireland bucket list.
The Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge were some of the most spectacular natural sights in Northern Ireland. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you can’t miss the many tours of some of the filming locations.
❤️ READ MORE: 37 Surprisingly Fun and Romantic Things to Do in Dublin for Couples ❤️
How Can Expats in Ireland Make Friends
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to make friends with Irish people. Local Irish tend to be very family-oriented. Young adults often live at home with their parents for a much longer time than those from other countries would. And once Irish people have kids, that tends to consume a majority of their time at home.
The Irish are definitely still very friendly people! And most are always open to a chat over a pint, but it can be difficult to make deeper connections with people. The easiest ways to make Irish friends are as a student that can get involved in campus activities, if you have co-workers of a similar age, or if you are a parent and can get involved in parent groups.
Expats in Ireland find it exponentially easier to make friends with other expats. Travelers tend to have very open minds, and living in a foreign country means most people are more open to meeting others and making friends to establish a new community.
Expat Communities in Ireland
I always look on Facebook to see if there are any expat communities or groups that seem like they would help me create friendships in a new country. You can also look into joining a community sports team or a volunteer group.
Sites such as Meetup and BFFinder often host meetups/gatherings or will at least alert you to groups you can join that meet frequently. Often you can join groups based on interest, or join just general meetups. Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone and initiate conversation to actually make real friendships!
You might also want to join and monitor an Ireland forum for expats, such as Expat.com. People will ask questions about moving to and living in Ireland, and there might even be opportunities to connect and meet with people offline.
Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland as an Expat
As with moving anywhere, there will always be positive and negative aspects of uprooting your life to live in a foreign country.
The cons of living in Ireland for some are the weather, difficulty in making local Irish friends, and high cost of living.
The negative aspects of living in Ireland are far outweighed (in my opinion!) by the beautiful nature, constant events and festivals to keep entertained, friendly culture, balanced work-life, ease of transportation, and so much more!
Looking for resources to use for your next trip or move abroad?
CLICK HERE for my favorite travel and expat tools!
Ireland is a fantastic country if you are looking to settle in as an expat for an extended amount of time. As always, continue to ask me your questions about living abroad and living in Ireland. I love chatting with people about living as expat in Ireland!
Send your questions or comments to: janelle@makethetripmatter.com. Cheers!
☘️FAQs About Ireland☘️
✈️ Where Can You Find the BEST Flight Deals to Ireland?
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
>>>CLICK HERE FOR INFO
☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland
🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.
