Living and working in Ireland
Ireland is famous for their vibrant and very green country, which extends to their celebration of St. Patricks Day. Furthermore, Ireland is known for their cozy pubs and stunning landscapes. But what else? And what could it look like if you decide on moving to Ireland?
Here we aim to paint a more clear picture of this cool country.
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Currency
Ireland uses the Euro (ISO: EUR, symbol: €) as its official currency
Famous people
Some notable Irish people are Jamie Dornan, Rory McIlroy and Liam Neeson.
Population
Ireland has a population of ~5 million residents, mainly living in Dublin and Belfast
Typical food
Guinness brown bread, Irish stew, scones, soda bread, bacon and cabbage, white pudding
Avg. working week
Ireland has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily spread over 5 days a week
Location
Ireland is an island in the northwest Europe, divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (part of UK).
Languages
The official language is English, but with an Irish touch as Hiberno-English
Healthcare
Irish healthcare is ranked high on a global scale and residents are entitled to many free public health services, or at reduced cost.
Everything you need to know about working in Ireland
There are many benefits of living and working in Ireland that will make you want to work there:
- First of all, the work-life balance in Ireland is one of the greatest. Usually the working hours are about 9:00pm to 5:30pm, including 30 minutes break.
- You have 25 days leave during the year because Irish people value efficiency during work, and they believe that if your life is balanced you will be more productive at work.
- They also prefer that you take little breaks during work, like going for a little walk and being active. So job satisfaction is a big thing in Ireland, and they make actual efforts to ensure a good work environment.
Working in Dublin
The biggest city in Ireland, Dublin, has a robust job market and there are plenty of job opportunities here. Because of this, Ireland was the only country to record economic growth during the pandemic in 2020. Read this story to find it what it is like to work in Dublin.
Working in Cork
Cork is the second biggest city in the country and it has a strong economic field with one of the biggest natural harbours globally. Historically it has been one of the major port towns with many industry-related jobs, but right now it’s also raising many other fields, like the tech and pharmaceutical field.
What you need to fix before living and working in Ireland
- Get a PPS number; equivalent of a social security number. Required for working legally, paying tax and accessing public services
- Register with tax authorities; ensures that you’re taxed correctly
- Open an Irish bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get an Irish SIM card
Popular cities in Ireland
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Life in Ireland
Ireland is home to over 40 shades of green, earning it the nickname “The Emerald Isle”. Living in Ireland means experiencing a country that values community, creativity, and a slower pace of life. Take part in local traditions, from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with parades and festivals to witnessing the excitement of Gaelic games like hurling and football. The Irish embrace their rich cultural heritage with pride. Enjoy ancient castles, mystical ruins, and vibrant festivals that celebrate music, literature, and folklore. Explore the vibrant streets of Dublin, where literary greats like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde once roamed.
Fun facts about Ireland
- Its national symbol is the harp and the shamrock, so Ireland is the first country with a musical instrument as their symbol.
- It’s the home of Halloween, since this festivity has its origin in the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain, a common event at the end of summer in Ireland.
- The most famous beer is from Ireland: the Guinness beer originated in the Dublin brewery of Arthur Guinness. So if you are a beer lover, you must visit Ireland.
Irish Folklore
The Irish culture is very rich and they keep their heritage of traditions throughout their music, stories, myths, fables, poetry, rhymes, and sayings to make it easier for the little ones to learn them. They enjoy their traditions with music of all types and still use the instruments from the early ages today like fiddles, bagpipes, pennywhistles, horns, harps, and bodhrán.
It’s part of the Irish people to celebrate their folklore during parties, weddings, birthdates and holidays, by singing or telling about fairies, conjures images of banshees, leprechauns and their tales in their language.
Irish food and drinking culture
Their culinary traditions are focused on big gatherings where there is a big table full of roasted chicken and ham. Beside this they have their traditional soda bread, where each family has their own recipe passed from generation to generation. If you’re staying during September, don’t miss out their shellfish, a west coast plum native. For Christmas they love turkey followed by christmas cake or plum pudding. Regarding their drinking behaviour, they love to ask for beer in rounds, and it is almost a ritual during nights out.
Finding accommodation in Ireland
Use popular renting websites for finding accommodation in Ireland. Facebook is always an alternative, there are plenty of groups about renting in the different cities in Ireland, also you can verify with the comments of locals if the price is good enough, overpriced or if it’s too low to be real.
You can expect this for the average monthly rent prices in Ireland:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,700-€2,200
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,100-€1,700
- Room in a shared apartment: €600-€1,000
Cost of living in Ireland
The cost of living in Ireland depends on the city you’re going to live in. Dublin, as the biggest city, will be more expensive than others around. You can find the average costs of living in Ireland below:
- Groceries: €250-€400 a month
- Basic meal in a restaurant: €15-€25
- Coffee in a café: €3,50-€4,50
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €6-€7,50
- Gym membership: €40-€70 a month
- Cinema ticket: €10-€12
Still not convinced about Ireland?
- Picture yourself wandering through charming towns and villages, stumble upon waterfalls and forests, or walk along the amazing coastal cliffs.
- You will find pubs in towns, cities, and even in more rural areas. Pubs serve as social hubs where locals and visitors gather to enjoy drinks, live music, and lively conversations. They can be a great place to experience traditional Irish music sessions and soak in the local culture.
- Irish hospitality is legendary. Engage with the friendly locals, known for their wit and storytelling prowess, and embrace the “craic” (good times) that flows freely in traditional pubs.
- Irish cuisine is a delightful fusion of hearty dishes and fresh seafood. Try traditional favourites like Irish stew, fish and chips, and the iconic soda bread. And don’t forget to taste the creamy goodness of Ireland’s famous dairy products, including butter and cheese.
FAQ
No, if you are an EU/EEA citizen (or from the UK) you do not need a work permit. You can read all about it here.
The cost of living in Ireland can be relatively high, particularly in cities like Dublin. Accommodation, dining out, and certain goods and services may be more expensive compared to some other European countries. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the location and your lifestyle choices. Living expenses in smaller towns and rural areas can be more affordable. It’s also worth noting that Ireland has a wide range of options to suit different budgets, including budget-friendly accommodations, affordable dining choices, and free or low-cost attractions.
Ireland is known for its rainy weather because of the temperate maritime climate, which means rain is a common occurrence throughout the year. Expect this for the weather in Ireland:
- Spring: Mild, fresh and changeable. 8°C–15°C
- Summer: Cool compared to mainland Europe. 15°C–20°C
- Autumn: Mild but increasingly wet and windy. 10°C–15°C
- Winter: Cold, grey and wet. 4°C–8°C
Ireland offers a multitude of breathtaking sights and attractions to explore. Start with the stunning Cliffs of Moher on the west coast, towering over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the iconic Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a natural wonder consisting of hexagonal basalt columns. Explore the vibrant city of Dublin, home to historic landmarks like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the Guinness Storehouse. Don’t miss the picturesque Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes in County Kerry. Additionally, the rugged landscapes of Connemara, the ancient sites of Boyne Valley, and the serene beauty of the Dingle Peninsula are all worth visiting.
Ireland’s healthcare system provides accessible and high-quality care to its residents. The country operates a combination of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system, known as the Health Service Executive (HSE), offers comprehensive coverage, including hospital care, doctor visits, and medications. Private healthcare options are also available for those who prefer additional services. Ireland is known for its well-trained medical professionals, modern facilities, and a commitment to patient care, ensuring that residents receive the healthcare they need in a timely and efficient manner.