Expats in Ireland have a lot of options when they consider where they would like to live on the Emerald Isle. From great cities like Dublin and Galway, to more rustic areas such as Killarney, this introduction to the 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland is a good start for expats looking to explore where they will be happiest in Ireland.
Dublin
Expats in Dublin live in one of the great, underrated international cities of the world. As one would expect, the cost of living in Dublin is high, expensive compared with many other areas in Ireland, but it's still cheaper than others, such as London and New York.
One of the most knowledgeable expats on our Ireland network wrote: "young, educated, employed, and seeking night life? There's no place better than Dublin. Rent is expensive, but public transport and two good legs can get someone to any number of interesting places any given day of the week. It's frequently mentioned (if I recall correctly) as one of Europe's greatest cities."
Expats in Dublin generally report that it's easier to meet people and make friends than in quieter parts of the country. Predictably, there generally are more expats in Dublin than elsewhere, too.
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Galway
The city of Galway is located on the river Corrib in County Galway in the western part of Ireland right next to the Atlantic Ocean. The employment prospects in Galway and County Galway in general are excellent for anyone who can secure a work visa, as a large number of tech companies have a presence there. Apple will soon build a massive data center in Athenry, a town in County Galway. For those seeking a cultural center with lots of music and arts, you'll also be happy in Galway!
Cork
The city of Cork in County Cork is another city that is smaller than Dublin but also has tech and pharmaceutical jobs, among others. While not as bustling or as international as Dublin, there is still no shortage of cultural and nightlife opportunities either.
An Expat Exchange member wrote that Cork city is "cosmopolitan and is nice if you want the city vibe."
Another wrote that "Cork is convenient to Limerick and gives you access to both an inner-city experience in Cork City and a countryside experience in Kerry and West Cork."
