Looking for French Expats in Ireland?

Is Ireland a good move for French expats? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what French expats in Ireland wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there. This is a small sample, so read it as a friendly snapshot rather than the last word.

• Careers and the economy are strong. 77% of expats in Ireland rate the state of the economy positively and 64% say the move improved their career prospects, against a global average of 55%.

• People are warm and easy to meet. 76% rate locals as friendly, and the French describe an easy, low-stress social scene.

• The nature and air are beautiful. 91% rate the natural environment positively and 84% air quality (vs. 65% globally).

• It's easy to settle. English is no barrier and 57% find bureaucracy easy, above the 38% global average.

• Housing and costs are the big problem. Just 9% of expats in Ireland rate housing affordability positively and 15% the general cost of living — among the lowest scores in the survey.

• Healthcare disappoints. Only 38% rate healthcare affordability positively and 49% the quality of medical care (vs. 71% globally).

• The weather is grey and wet. Just 22% rate the climate and weather positively, against 58% globally.

• Getting around outside Dublin is hard. Public transport rates 44% and, as an island, travel depends on flights.

For the French, Ireland offers strong careers, warm people, and beautiful green surroundings, with English making it easy to land. The trade-offs are a punishing housing market, weaker healthcare, and grey weather. With a small French sample, treat this as a snapshot.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our French members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Of course, expat living in Ireland is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow French is an essential part of expat life and helps getting accustomed to the Irish way of life and mentality. InterNations helps you connect and meet up with other French in Ireland, residing in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of French in Dublin or French in Cork.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for French food or discuss your favorite sports team's latest match, become a member of the Irish InterNations Community:

• Look up our top quality network to get to know open-minded expats from France in Ireland.
• Obtain and share insider tips in our Ireland Expat Forums – e.g. how to hire a babysitter fluent in your native tongue for your children or where to get foie gras in Cork.
• Search the InterNations Places database for Ireland to get information on institutions from your home country, including the French embassy.

From the most heavily touristed area around Dublin Bay to the green panoramic vistas of the west, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly French expats in Ireland.

Moreover, please feel free to attend our regular expat events and activities in Ireland. Our get-togethers are very diverse and range from a cozy gathering to enjoy the traditional Irish Irish stew, to big expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Dublin’s best locations. You can also participate in one of our expat trips to go and see the wonderful Aran Islands as well as other beautiful landmarks in Ireland.

Our meet-ups and activities are a great opportunity to mingle with expats from France and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Bonjour from our French living in Ireland!