Ireland calls up images of rolling green hills, cozy pub gatherings, and friendly locals. It’s no wonder the country is a popular destination for expats looking to move abroad. Although the country may have earned its reputation for rainy days, that only adds to the allure of the Emerald Isle. For a small country, there are plenty of charming places where you can find a sense of community and begin your new life. Taking the diverse needs of foreigners into consideration, we’ve ranked the best places to live in Ireland as an immigrant.
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How We Identified The Best Cities in Ireland
There are many reasons people choose to relocate to foreign countries. Some want better employment opportunities while others are interested in experiencing a new culture. Some people may be looking for a lower-cost city to enjoy their retirement, while others prioritize the tranquility of nature.
We considered all these different aspects when selecting the best places to live in Ireland. Looking at immigration numbers, job opportunities, the cost of living, the healthcare system and safety levels for cities and towns across the country helped us. We used Numbeo, Mercer’s Cost of Living Index, the Joint Commission International and U.S. News and World Report’s Best Places to get data for these categories.
We then gave every city a ranking for these categories. We totaled each place’s points and used that to rank the five best cities to live in Ireland.
A note: the island is made up of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign nation, and is generally what people are referring to when they talk about Ireland. Northern Ireland is a separate country and part of the United Kingdom. Its cities and towns were not considered in our rankings.
The Five Best Places to Live in Ireland
Ireland has plenty of charming places to consider for your new home. We’ve narrowed it down to the best five places for people to live based on the criteria discussed above. The following cities are all welcoming of foreigners and excellent places to call home. Keep in mind, the best places are not necessarily the most affordable places. Before you go, you’ll also want to understand daily life expenses better.
Also Read: The Cost of Living in Ireland
5. Waterford
Waterford is the capital of the South-East region of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in AD 914, it’s the nation’s oldest city, where the ancient and modern mix. This mid-sized city offers a compact, accessible city center. You can walk ‘the Quay’ and enjoy the marina, stroll through the Viking Triangle to learn about the city’s history and wander the city’s shopping and nightlife area all in 20 minutes.
Waterford is becoming more popular with foreigners as they look for cheaper alternatives to the better-known Dublin and Cork. Housing is available for different income levels and the city is in the 6th fastest-growing region in the EU for job growth. Jobs in ICT, manufacturing, and bio-pharma sectors are booming in the area.
Waterford also offers easy access to the great outdoors. The Waterford Greenway is a car-free, 28.5-mile (46 kilometer) route that connects the city to the small seaside town of Dungarvan. The Comeragh Mountains serve as the backdrop to the trail. Taking it, you can stop and explore stunning gardens, Norman castles, coves and beaches.
4. Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland. Its diverse population and role as the cultural and economic hub of the country make it a popular location for expatriates of all ages. The city also offers easy access to the rest of Europe. Dublin is well-connected by ferry, train, and plane.
This capital city is chock full of culture. It is home to historic landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College. The famous nightlife spots like Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse are great places to grab a drink while learning about Irish history and life. Become immersed in the rich literary heritage of writers like William Butler Yeats and James Joyce at the Irish National Library. Dublin is compact and most of these places are easily reached on foot, but you can always hop on a tram or bus to save time (or escape the rain).
The multicultural population in Dublin has led to a diverse food scene. There is a wide variety of culinary options available. Dublin also has more job opportunities than elsewhere in the country. The technology and finance industries, in particular, are booming. Big names like Google, Facebook, Citibank and Stripe all base their international headquarters in Dublin.
However, all the benefits and amenities found in Dublin can be overshadowed by high costs. Dublin is the 51st most expensive city in the world according to Mercer’s Cost of Living. While Dublin has many amenities and opportunities for fun, you will be limited by your budget.
3. Cork
Cork is the second largest city after Dublin, home to the famous Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone. The city and its people are friendly and welcoming — so much so that Cork was named the second friendliest European city in 2023 by Condé Nast. The locals are ready and willing to share their history and culture with new arrivals.
The city also boasts a reputation as the food capital of Ireland. Restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and farmers markets selling fresh produce are abundant. Stop by Cork’s English Market to buy a treat and see “the best covered market in the UK and Ireland,” according to celebrity chef Rick Stein.
Beyond the thriving food scene, the city offers many cultural attractions, such as Fitzgerald Park and the Cork City Gaol. You’ll find there is always an event going on in the city, from comedy shows to the Guinness Jazz Festival to the Cape Clear Storytelling Festival. If a wander in nature is more your speed, Cork offers easy access to lush countryside and rugged coastal towns.
The city is also home to some of the country’s most prestigious primary and secondary schools. That, paired with the high-quality medical facilities located in the city, makes it one of the best places to live in Ireland for both retirees and young expat families.
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2. Limerick
Limerick is a medium-sized city situated along the riverside in the mid-west. The city is known as a cultural and artistic hub. It’s home to the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the Lime Tree Theatre and the annual Limerick City of Culture festival. It also holds the biggest St. Paddy’s Day parade outside of Dublin!
Limerick is a great home base for nature lovers. In the city itself, you can kayak or paddleboard on the River Shannon or stroll through the gardens at the People’s Park. Limerick also offers easy access to Ireland’s beautiful coastal driving route, “The Wild Atlantic Way.” Within just 90 minutes, you can reach the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park or the Dingle Peninsula, to name just a few renowned sites.
With the usual city amenities, medical facilities and schools readily available, where Limerick really stands out is its affordability. It’s cheaper to rent in Limerick than other major cities and house purchasing prices are below the national average.
1. Galway
Located on Ireland’s west coast, Galway is a small, cosmopolitan city. It’s often touted for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. This creates a welcoming environment for expats from all walks of life.
Galway is a great place to feel like a part of history. The cobblestone streets, pubs playing traditional music, medieval city walls and the Irish spoken on the streets easily transport you back in time. Yet you have all the amenities of any modern-day city — and for cheaper than elsewhere in the country.
There is always something happening in Galway. Aside from its markets, pubs and galleries, the city is known as the festival capital of the country. Galway boasts an average of 122 festivals each year. The Galway International Arts Festival, the Macnas Halloween Parade, and the Galway Races are some of its most famous events.
In addition to the thriving cultural scene, Galway is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way and offers easy access via train to Connemara National Park. Whether you’re looking for history, nature, amenities, or affordability, Galway will have something to suit your needs.
Find the Best International Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
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