By: Cristina Cuevas Exposito
Breath-taking scenery, green landscapes, Guinness, Irish breakfast, Saint Patrick’s Day…Ireland is all this and much more. Well known for its easy-going atmosphere, the craic (fun), and charming Irish pubs, Ireland is the perfect place to live. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, a skilled and experienced professional, or just someone looking for new life experiences, you’ll find the best spot for you in the Emerald Isle. Keep reading to know more about what town would suit you best!
It goes without saying that Dublin is one of the most popular destinations in Ireland thanks to its modern lifestyle, vibrant nights, and the wide range of cultural activities that the city offers. The capital city is deemed one of the most friendly cities in Europe and in the world! Dublin is the most multi-cultural part of Ireland, so regardless of where you are coming from, you will call Dublin your home. Well known for its business-friendly environment and for being an attractive place for foreign investors, living in Dublin might be expensive. The average rent in Dublin has now reached €2300! In many ways, high house prices reflect Dublin’s success.
While living and housing expenses are high, Dublin is an extraordinary place to raise a family. Lots of outdoor activities, massive playgrounds, great schooling options, and a large variety of sports for every fitness level and ability. Within county Dublin borders Cabra, Malahide, and Skerries are popular suburbs located very close to the city center, with good transport options, a wide range of sports facilities, and houses of a decent size.
Galway City is another popular spot in Ireland, especially amongst singles. It has a lot to offer, from great restaurant options to astonishing scenery. It is famous for being the festival capital of Ireland, hosting more than 100 festivals each year. For those who seek a great balance between nature and city life, Galway will be the perfect option. The city is an important tourist hotspot and it’s becoming a hub for innovation and growth. Consequently, the expense of living in Galway has increased significantly in the past years, being the average monthly rent of 1700€. The Connemara National Park and the Aran Island are some of the main attractions in Galway, a must-see!
When it comes to a sense of community, Westport, in County Mayo, is worth a special mention. The city has a community of people that works together to make a wonderful place to live, and they are proud of it. They are friendly, welcoming and have plenty of activities to suit everyone. Westport’s scenery and open fields make it an ideal spot. Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay, to mention just a couple, are some of the many natural attractions that the city has to offer. Additionally, commuting in Westport is shorter than in any other place in Ireland; people spend less than 30 minutes travelling from/to work. Westport is also more affordable than any other popular place in Ireland, being an average rent of 1058€.
Bray is another place that is making waves in the national landscape. Stunning beaches, a Victorian promenade, and the Wicklow Mountains, are only a few of the features that attract thousands of people every year. It is well connected to/from Dublin, just a few stops on the Dart, taking you along the coastline to amaze you with out-of-this-world views. The average rental price is 1401€, so it makes it a fantastic place for co-workers who wants to enjoy this wonderland with Dublin at their doorstep.
Clonakilty, in Co Cork, stands out for its diversity and inclusivity. Its strong and progressive community conveys a welcoming atmosphere that makes feel different cultures and backgrounds like being at home. Despite the rental market can be tricky and the average rental price can be higher than in other places in Ireland (around 1500€), there are signs that the housing supply is improving. Unsurprisingly, Clonakilty has been named one of the top 5 places to live in Ireland in the past. A vibrant and cheerful town, the perfect place for music lovers. Clonakilty is the home of numerous festivals of all kinds of music. Why not grab a coffee and enjoy the music or the sound of the waves crashing on the shore of its stunning beaches? Whatever the plan is, fun is always guaranteed in this spectacular town!
These places are only a small representation of a beautiful country with numerous “hidden gems” and endless possibilities. Although rankings usually tend to show what places are the best to live, only your lifestyle and your goals will determine the most suitable spot for you. No matter what place you choose, Ireland will never disappoint you!
If you are considering expanding or relocating your staff to Ireland, we would be delighted to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team to learn more about the comprehensive support we can provide to ensure a successful transition for you and your team.
SOURCES:
https://brusselsmorning.com/5-best-place-to-live-in-ireland/28639/
https://dublin.ie/live/life-in-dublin/people-culture/
https://dublin.ie/live/relocating-to-dublin/diverse-community/
https://dublin.ie/live/getting-settled/cost-of-living/
https://www.irishcentral.com/travel/moving-to-ireland-legacy/galway-living
https://www.collinsmcnicholas.ie/blog/2019/05/10-reasons-to-live-in-westport