Ireland has beautiful natural landscapes, from lush green grasslands and crystal clear lakes to majestic mountain ranges. As the only purely English-speaking country in the Eurozone, Ireland is a popular destination for immigrants. Ireland is not only a beautiful environment, the people are warm and friendly, but it also has a top education system similar to that of the UK, so it’s no wonder that so many people aspire to live there. So, what are the best places to live in Ireland? Let’s take a look together.
Is Ireland a Good Place to Live?
Ireland is a great country to live in and is particularly favoured by those seeking safety, a quality living environment and friendly communities. Here are some of the main reasons why Ireland is a great place to live:
High Quality of Life: Ireland has a generally high standard of living, with an excellent healthcare system, quality educational resources and a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Safety: Ireland is a relatively safe country with a low crime rate. Residents can enjoy a relatively carefree life, especially in small and medium-sized cities and rural areas.
Natural Environment: Ireland is renowned for its natural beauty, including vast grasslands, spectacular cliffs, lakes, and ancient castles. The landscape lends itself to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Economy and Employment Opportunities: Ireland has a well-developed economy, particularly in the technology, pharmaceutical, financial and service sectors. Large cities such as Dublin attract international companies and offer many employment opportunities.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland and one of the best places to live in Ireland. It is located near the centre of the island’s east coast and is an idyllic metropolis of quaint, poetic charm. Although many may be unfamiliar with Dublin’s cuisine, it is known for Irish beef stew, wild salmon, Guinness stout, and whiskey.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Docklands, Ranelagh, and Donnybrook. All three are easily accessible and have good amenities.
Must-visit Attractions: Dublin Castle, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin Business School
Average Rental Price: €1,700 – €2,200
Average Cost of Living: around €1,200-€1,800.
Cork
Cork is a far-flung tourist destination. The city is surrounded by green hills and trees, with hills, rivers and valleys, and beautiful beaches dotting the coastline, making the scenery breathtaking. It is one of the best places to live in Ireland and what makes it even more unforgettable for the visitor is the warmth and friendliness of the locals, as well as the old churches and the stunning modern architecture that incorporates the Georgian period.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Ballincollig, Douglas, Bishopstown. With great amenities and easy access to Cork’s city centre.
Must-visit Attractions: University College Cork, Cork City Hall, English Market.
University: University College Cork
Average Rental Price: €1,200 – €1,500
Average Cost of Living: Around €900-€1,300.
Galway City
One of the most beautiful cities in the West of Ireland, it has a rich cultural heritage, a university, an annual arts festival in June, and a summer carnival in July and August. It’s not just the culture alive and well here; it’s the charm that shines through in every other way.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Salthill, Renmore, College Road, close to campuses and business centres.
Must-see Attractions: Galway Cathedral, Galway Bay, Spanish Arch.
University: University of Galway
Average Rental Price: €1,200 – €1,500
Average Cost of Living: around €800-€1,200.
Limerick
Next, we travelled to Limerick, which is also part of the province of Munster but is closer to Galway than Cork in the mid-west region of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, Limerick is one of Ireland’s oldest cities and still one of the largest. This is a good choice for those who want to enjoy a high standard of living in Ireland and potentially save more money than some other provincial towns. It is one of the cheapest places to live in Ireland. The cost of living is lower than in many Irish cities, but Limerick’s income levels are higher than anywhere outside Dublin – making it a great place to find a job. It’s also wise to consider Limerick for remote workers and nomads. Its relatively central location and good transport links make it an ideal base for those wishing to explore the island during the day or a weekend break.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Castletroy, Citywest, Limerick City Centre for easy and safe living.
Must-see Attractions: Limerick Castle, King John’s Castle, and Limerick Cathedral.
University: University of Limerick
Average Rental Price: €1,000 – €1,300
Average Cost of Living: around €700-€1,100.
Derry City
Derry is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland, known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city’s nickname, “The Virgin City,” comes from the legendary history of its walls, which were never pierced by a cannonball during the Siege of 1690. Walking around Delhi, you can see the walled Old Town and the East and West Banks connected by two bridges, giving you a sense of the city’s rich history.
Secondly, Delhi is a famous city for football, with many avid fans and football clubs. Delhi City Football Club is one of the best, with a large fan base and a rich programme of events. You can feel the passion and enthusiasm for football in Delhi’s stadiums. It is one of the best places to live in Ireland.
Further, Delhi’s music culture is unique. Local punk rock band The Undertones has won acclaim for its distinctive style of music, and its songs and music videos often feature elements of Derry, giving the city a place in the music scene.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Loughshore, Orchard Park, Donegall Road for a peaceful and beautiful environment.
Must-see Attractions: Derry Castle, Derry Cathedral, National Museum.
Average Rental Price: £450 – £600
Average Cost of Living: around €700-€1,000.
Waterford City
Ireland’s oldest surviving city is Waterford, located southeast of the island. It is also one of the prettiest places to visit, especially when walking through the docks at night. Waterford is an excellent choice for a simple lifestyle and beautiful riverside views. However, its nightlife or entertainment options aren’t in the same range as those in Cork or Galway.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: The Curragh, Bishopstown, Waterford City Centre with great amenities.
Must-hit Attractions: Waterford Crystal Palace, Regency Theatre, Waterford Cathedral.
Average Rental Price: €900 – €1,200
Average Cost of Living: around €750-€1,100.
Westport
Westport, in the west of County Mayo, is one of the best towns in Ireland. It is a picturesque place with a rich cultural atmosphere and a high-quality life environment. One of the charming things about Westport is the coastal scenery and surrounding natural landscapes. Croagh Patrick is located near the town and attracts many climbers and pilgrims. The beautiful sea views along Clew Bay add to the town’s charm. Besides, the Great Western Greenway in Westport provides famous cycling and hiking routes, allowing you to see the beautiful scenery in Ireland. People can find various restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy Irish food and musical performances.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Carrowbeg & Town Centre, Westport Quay, and Knockranny.
Must-see Attractions: Croagh Patrick, Great Western Greenway, Clew Bay.
Average Rental Price: €900 – €1200
Average Cost of Living: around €1,500 – €1,800.
Kilkenny
Kilkenny’s stunning natural beauty on the banks of the River Kent presents a lush natural landscape of green grass and lakes. The ancient town was founded around 1169 and has existed for over 800 years. Walking through the streets and lanes, you can see many fine old buildings, especially Kilkenny Castle in the centre of the town, which has been rebuilt many times and is now a residential area. In addition, Kilkenny has numerous church ruins, museums, and art galleries that provide a glimpse of the town’s long cultural history.
Secondly, Kilkenny as one of the best cities in Ireland is known for its unique brewing culture, which is one of its specialities. This unique brewing tradition certainly adds to Kilkenny’s rich cultural heritage.
Neighbourhoods to Live in: Kilkenny City Centre, High Street, and John Street.
Must-see Attractions: Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral, and National Craft Museum.
Average Rental Price: €800 – €1,000
Average Cost of Living: around €700-€1,000.
Dingle
Dingle is full of natural, independent beauty, and dolphins can occasionally be seen on the beach. The summer carnival, the laughter, the stunning scenery and the ancient culture perfectly match. Picturesque Dingle is well worth a visit and one of the cheapest places to live in Ireland.
Neighbourhood: Dingle Town Centre, Inch Beac
Must-see Attractions: Sleazy Point, Dingle Caves, Dingle Observatory
Universities: University of Dublin, University of Galway
Average Rental Price: €700 – €900
Average Cost of Living: around €1,200-€1,800
Living in Ireland: Pros and Cons
Pros of Living in Ireland
Natural beauty
Ireland has a magnificent natural environment. The country’s green trees, rivers, and grasses are all over. It is known as the lungs of Europe, the Emerald Isle, and the Emerald Coast. This makes Ireland a natural oxygen bar. People living here can enjoy the fresh air and comfortable environment.
Stable Social Order
Ireland has a stable social order, with strict gun laws and a low crime rate, making it very safe for people to live there. In addition, Ireland is an international centre, and many foreigners live there. Immigrants to Ireland can easily integrate into their new social circle.
Quality Education
Ireland’s education level is well known worldwide, and its schools are closely linked with the UK to provide students with quality education. In particular, children under 16 can enjoy free public school education and a first-class pure Irish education. In addition, the relatively low cost of private schools in Ireland is also an advantage for families.
Comprehensive Welfare System
Ireland has one of the highest welfare rates in Europe. The government cares deeply about the welfare and health of its people and has invested heavily in social security.
Entrepreneurial Advantages
Ireland is considered one of the best countries for business, with an environment in the top 15% regarding property rights, innovation, taxation, and freedom, as recognised by Forbes magazine in the US.
Tax Advantages
Ireland’s corporate income tax is only 12.5%, much lower than in other countries. More importantly, if income earned outside of Ireland is not remitted to Ireland, there is no need to pay tax.
Cons of Living in Ireland
No place is perfect, and Ireland is no exception. There are some downsides to living in Ireland, such as:
Relatively Small Country
Ireland’s land area is only 70,000 square kilometres, and it takes only 4 hours from east to west or from south to north, which is relatively small.
Rainy Weather
Ireland is known for being dreary and rainy almost all year round, which is one reason it is known as the Emerald Isle. The weather in Ireland is very unpredictable, and it can be sunny and pouring rain on the same day.
High Cost of Living
As a developed country, the cost of living in Ireland can be high. Of course, this is an inevitable difference between developed and developing countries. However, relatively speaking, the minimum wage in Ireland is also higher, reaching €10.50 per hour.
Healthcare System Needs Improvement
Despite Ireland’s relatively good healthcare system, waiting times for specific medical procedures are still very long, especially in cases of emergency. This is a common problem in most developed countries, with queues at free public hospitals. As a result, many people who can afford it will choose private hospitals or family doctor services.
Conclusion
Each city in Ireland has its unique charm and advantages. Dublin is perfect for those pursuing a career; Cork is a haven for students and academics; Galway is best suited to artists and those seeking inspiration; and Limerick is ideal for tech professionals and families seeking a high quality of life. Choosing the best places to live in Ireland should consider personal career goals, lifestyle preferences, and family needs to ensure that moving to Ireland brings the greatest fulfilment and happiness!
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FAQ
Livable cities in Ireland include Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Dublin suburbs, Galway, Waterford, Derry, County Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and New Ross.
Dublin is Ireland’s capital and economic centre, with a wealth of cultural activities, excellent educational resources, convenient transport and excellent medical facilities. At the same time, it has a relaxed and pleasant living atmosphere, which attracts many people to live there.
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway is known for its stunning seaside scenery, unique arts scene and strong culture. The city has a laid-back pace of life and is ideal for living.
The suburbs of Dublin have a beautiful environment, fresh air, and are more peaceful than the city centre. They also have good infrastructure and good transport links, which provide good living conditions for residents.
The cost of living in Waterford is relatively low, which makes it an ideal place to live for many people. Here you can enjoy good value goods and services and live a comfortable life.
