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The world's largest expat community

Your Expat Community in Ireland

  • Connect with fellow expats in Ireland

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Ireland

  • Benoit Julien

    Want a night out beyond the obligatory pint of guinness? Enjoy the Dublin Expat Get-Togethers hosted by InterNations, just as I did.

Welcome to the InterNations Community of Expats in Ireland!

Dia duit and a warm welcome to our expat communities in Ireland! Moving to a new country can be tough, but InterNations is dedicated to making your transition to Ireland as stress free and simple as possible. With members representing all nationalities and 390 InterNations Communities across the world, finding other expats in Ireland to help solve any query, big or small, could not be easier. Not only can you trust the InterNations network to help you locate expats online in Ireland, the organization even hosts prestigious monthly events and activities to help you meet other expats in person. Furthermore, you can always make use of the expat forum and read our many guide articles. With their aid you can finally solve those questions which have plagued you; for instance, where is the best place to go for a pint of Guinness and how does the healthcare system work?

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to check out our vibrant InterNations Communities in countries like Bahrain or Saudi Arabia.

Jump right in:

Living in Ireland: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Ireland, you might have some questions about what life will be like on the Emerald Isle. We've gathered answers to seven common questions to help you get acquainted with your new home. If you'd like to ask more specific questions or share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, a supportive community of expats who enjoy helping each other out.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
English is widely spoken in Ireland, so you should have no problem communicating with locals. However, Irish Gaelic is also an official language, and learning some basic phrases can be a fun and rewarding way to connect with Irish culture and history.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Dublin:

  • Single-room flat: 1,500–2,000 EUR (1,680–2,240 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 2,500–3,500 EUR (2,800–3,920 USD) per month

Cork:

  • Single-room flat: 1,000–1,400 EUR (1,120–1,568 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 1,800–2,600 EUR (2,016–2,912 USD) per month

Galway:

  • Single-room flat: 900–1,200 EUR (1,008–1,344 USD) per month
  • Three-bedroom flat: 1,500–2,200 EUR (1,680–2,464 USD) per month

3. How safe is Ireland for expats?
Ireland is generally considered a safe country with low crime rates. However, it's always a good idea to take normal safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, securing your belongings, and staying informed about local safety updates.

4. How does the healthcare system work in Ireland?
Ireland has a public healthcare system called the Health Service Executive (HSE), which provides healthcare services to residents. While public healthcare is available, many expats choose to have private health insurance to access faster treatment and a wider range of services at private healthcare facilities.

5. How can I open a bank account in Ireland?
To open a bank account in Ireland, you'll typically need to provide your passport, proof of address, and a Personal Public Service (PPS) number. Some banks may require additional documentation or an initial deposit, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Ireland?
The cost of living in Ireland varies depending on your location and lifestyle. Dublin, in particular, can be more expensive than other areas, especially when it comes to housing. However, with careful budgeting, it's possible to live comfortably in most areas of the country.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Ireland?
Foreigners can drive in Ireland using their valid foreign driver's license for up to 12 months. After that, you'll need to obtain an Irish driver's license. Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to exchange your foreign license for an Irish one without taking a driving test. Otherwise, you'll need to complete a driving test and provide documentation such as your passport and foreign driver's license.

Join Our Online and In-Person Events in Ireland

Attend our many events to get to know like-minded expats, both in Ireland and around the world! Our new online events even let you find connection and inspiration without leaving your home.

Mar 20, 2024, 7:00 PM
12 attendees
The Irish Marketing Conference 2024 will gather hundreds of marketing professionals from across Ireland. It is free to attend. The Irish Marketing Conference 2024 will gather hundreds of marketing pr
Mar 21, 2024, 7:00 PM
8 attendees
Patrick Rubinstein Exhibition @ (...) Protected content (...) ‘An Ode to the Masters’ will feature a stunning collection of Rubinstein's recent works, which pay homage to the old and modern Masters
Mar 23, 2024, 7:45 PM
11 attendees
We would like you to join us to do the Original Ghostbus Tour. The Ghostbus tour gives you a glimpse of Dublin’s underbelly, the dark side to “Dublin’s Fair City” you’ve never seen or ever knew existe
🌟 Greetings, Happy Mingle & Jiggle Enthusiasts! 🌟 The euphoria persists as we joyfully unveil the upcoming InterNations Dublin Newcomers' Mingle & Jiggle on 29 March at the Giddy Dolphin! 🎉 The N

Want to see all the upcoming events in Ireland?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Ireland

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    From China, living in Cork
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    From Brazil, living in Cork
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    From Russia, living in Dublin
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    From Malaysia, living in Dublin
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Meet other expats like you in Ireland

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Share your hobbies and interests with expats in Ireland

Learn More about Being an Expat in Ireland

Ireland is a thriving and beautiful country, full of kind, interesting characters and breathtaking scenery. One of the most fascinating aspects of Irish culture for expats is the ease at which the population can switch between English and Irish (English tends to be most commonly spoken, however). This is something which can be seen on everything from road signs to train station stops. These traditional Irish values are not only held in the still-thriving language, but in everything from the music being performed at your local pub to the popularity of hurling. This vibrant country is one everyone should experience living in, or at the very least visit as often as possible. Most of the predominantly Roman Catholic population lives in urban areas, with particularly dense populations in Cork and Limerick. Dublin has the highest population rate in the country, boasting 1.16 million people in 2014. As was the case for much of Europe (particularly those utilizing the euro), Ireland suffered from the 2008 financial crisis. Despite this, however, the economy has picked up dramatically and has now left its period of austerity. This is partially due to an increase in the export sector and low corporation tax which has encouraged investment in the country. This recent upswing in the economy suggests that Ireland is well on the road to recovery and a strong choice of location to move to.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in China or Qatar, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Get a Head-Start on Building Your Network in Ireland

As mentioned, InterNations is your best possible method of meeting other expats in Ireland and helping you to settle in to your new home. With InterNations you can attend exciting events and join interest-based groups. With these you can make new friends, find solutions to any problems, and have an awful lot of fun. You might be inclined to participate in the Dublin Live Music Group, or even the Cork Travel Group. Making just a few of these connections can be the best way for you to make Ireland your new home.

  • Benoit Julien

    Want a night out beyond the obligatory pint of guinness? Enjoy the Dublin Expat Get-Togethers hosted by InterNations, just as I did.

  • Katharina Berbner

    Got some great tips on business contacts in the IT sector from InterNations expats - thanks!

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Communities in Ireland

Like-Minded Expatriates in Ireland

Ireland Guide Topics

Upcoming Communities in Ireland

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