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Europe · WorldSimple country guide

Ireland

Ireland is attractive for English-speaking work and study, but Dublin housing can dominate the budget. Cork and Galway offer smaller-city alternatives with their own job and rental tradeoffs.

Build a budgetAll countries
CurrencyEUR
CitiesDublin · Cork · Galway
Best forEnglish-speaking relocationTechnologyStudy and work

Choose your base

Where to start in Ireland

Dublin

Best for: Largest job market and international links.

Watch: Housing availability and rent are the main constraint.

Cork

Best for: Technology, pharma and a smaller city scale.

Watch: Rental supply can still be tight.

Galway

Best for: University, culture and west-coast lifestyle.

Watch: Weather and limited housing stock matter.

01

Housing first, salary second

A strong Dublin salary can be offset by rent and commute costs, so compare net monthly life rather than gross pay.

For moves, budget temporary accommodation because finding a normal lease can take time.

02

Official planning checkpoint

Entry and longer-stay rules depend on nationality, duration and purpose.

Use the official government source linked below for the latest requirements before making commitments.

03

City size changes car need

Dublin has the deepest public-transport network; Cork and Galway are smaller but can become car-dependent outside central areas.

Housing near a reliable bus or rail corridor may be worth a premium.

Checked 2026-10-08

Sources & checks

Rules change. Use these references as a starting point and recheck time-sensitive information with the competent official authority.

Irish Immigration — working in Ireland ↗Transport for Ireland ↗

Use anywhere

Planning guides for Ireland