Your Guide to Moving to Ireland

Thinking about moving to Ireland? With its lively pubs and friendly residents, it’s easy to see why plenty of Americans are drawn to the Emerald Isle every year. According to World Population Review, Ireland is currently home to nearly 5 million people, many of whom are immigrants. In fact, the website points out that Ireland ranks 28 th in the world in terms of the number of immigrants it receives. Students, professionals and retirees will find plenty to love about moving to Ireland. The country’s unmatched natural beauty, enriching culture and close proximity to many other countries makes Ireland a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. For more information about moving to Ireland, check out our guide below.

A quick guide to moving to Ireland

Cost of living

If you plan to move to Ireland, start saving your money now. Ireland is notoriously expensive – even compared to most other European countries. Expatisan.com claims that the Emerald Isle is the third most expensive country in Western Europe and is more expensive than 93 percent of countries in the world. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four is equivalent to $5,317 a month. The estimated monthly costs for a single person living in Ireland is $3,049. Overall, the cost of living in Ireland is slightly higher than that of the United States. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index score for Ireland is 78.07, while the cost of living index score for the U.S. is slightly less at 72.47. Of course, your cost of living will greatly depend on where you live (large cities are more expensive than small towns) and your lifestyle choices.

Housing

As you’d expect home prices and rental rates are fairly high in Ireland. However, costs vary widely depending on location. According to International Living, Dublin is the most expensive place to live in Ireland, with rents in many areas exceeding $1,130 a month for a two-bedroom property. Home prices in major cities have risen slightly over the years as well. According to Global Property Guide, the average asking price for a home in Cork (Ireland’s second largest city) rose to $313,243. Other major cities where home prices rose in the last year included Waterford City (with an average asking price of $202,029), Limerick City (with an average asking price of $224,827) and some areas of Dublin. The average asking for price for a home in Dublin’s city center is $365,924, according to the Global Property Guide. Keep in mind that both home prices and rental rates are lower in smaller towns and rural areas.

Safety

Ireland is considered to be a very safe country for travelers and newcomers. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory classifies Ireland as a “Level One,” stating that visitors should exercise normal precautions. For more information about safety in Ireland, check the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Crime and Safety Report. U.S. citizens looking for assistance in Ireland should contact the U.S. Embassy Dublin.

Weather

Moving to Ireland? Expect a mostly mild climate with plenty of rain showers. According to Ireland.com, temperatures begin heating up in the spring and typically range anywhere from 46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is Ireland’s driest season, with average temperatures ranging from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. July and August are typically the hottest months, with daylight lasting until 11 p.m. Fall is mostly mild with a good amount of rainfall. Average temperatures range from 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Wintertime is chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 39 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Occasionally, the temperature will drop below freezing – but snow isn’t a common occurrence. Clothing-wise, make sure you’re prepared for anything by bringing an umbrella, jacket, sweater, sunglasses and plenty of weather-proof clothing.

Quality of life

One of the most convincing reasons why anyone should consider moving to Ireland is the country’s exceptional quality of life. While expensive, many residents will tell you that their overall satisfaction in life is well worth the high cost of living. In the recent 2019 annual Human Development Index Ranking, Ireland came in as having the third highest quality of life in the world, based on health, education and income. The OECD Better Life Index also gives Ireland high marks for its above average rankings in jobs and earnings, housing, personal security, health status, education and skills, social connections, subjective well-being, work-life balance and environmental quality. Given the social nature of the Irish, it’s clear that the country’s strong sense of community is an important factor in Ireland’s high quality of life.

Healthcare

Newcomers will find plenty of excellent hospitals and practitioners throughout the Emerald Isle. Ireland offers a two-tier healthcare system, which includes a public health system option and a private health system option. According to Relocating to Ireland, the country’s public healthcare system is governed by the Health Service Executive, providing services to “EU/EEA or Swiss nationals and residents of Ireland.” Many of these services are free of charge. Residents also have the option to purchase a private health insurance plan. According to International Living, basic annual coverage starts as little as $450. Several of the best hospitals in Ireland include St. Vincent’s University Hospital, St. James Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, and Adelaide and Meath Hospital National Children’s Hospital.

Immigration requirements

To enter Ireland, you must have a valid passport. According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Ireland for tourism or business purposes lasting up to 90 days. If you’re planning to return to the U.S. within 90 days, you may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Ireland. Those looking to move to Ireland will need to register with immigration and apply for permission to stay for work, study, retirement, volunteering or for another reason. For more information on how to seek immigration permission, check Ireland’s Irish Naturalization and Immigration Services.

5 fantastic cities to consider when moving to Ireland

Not sure which Irish city is for you? Here are 5 popular options for expats looking to make Ireland their new home.

Dublin

Galway

Cork

Killarney

Limerick

Ready to move to Ireland?

While international moves are certainly stressful, figuring out how you’re going to move abroad doesn’t have to be. In fact, thanks to our network of reputable and reliable international movers, finding the right company to handle your relocation is a cinch. We vet all movers for key certifications, capabilities, and insurance. Our movers are also licensed and bonded with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In addition, all moving companies based outside of the U.S. must be in good standing with FIDI, the largest global alliance of professional international moving and relocation companies, in order to remain under their banner as an Accredited International Mover. Of course, before hiring an international moving company, we also recommend reviewing a mover’s history with the American Moving and Storage Association, the Household Goods Forwarder Association and the Better Business Bureau. Best of luck and happy moving!