10 Best Places for Families to Live in Ireland

If you're dreaming about moving with your family to Ireland and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in Ireland.

Dublin

Dublin is an excellent place for international families to settle down. The city is rich in family-friendly activities, including numerous museums such as the National Museum of Ireland, which offers interactive exhibits for children, and Imaginosity, a dedicated children's museum that encourages learning through play. Dublin is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city, and St. Stephen's Green, a historical park in the city center. For families interested in athletics, the National Aquatic Centre provides a world-class swimming facility, while the West Wood Club offers a family-friendly gym environment. Additionally, Dublin boasts a variety of sports clubs for children, including the Belvedere Football Club for budding soccer players and the Templeogue Tennis Club for those interested in racquet sports. With its blend of cultural, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Dublin provides a welcoming and engaging environment for families from all over the world.

"Family life is big. I love to see all the families out on the weekend spending time together in the parks or the sea front (weather providing). Socialising is a big thing as well, and there seems to be a healthy balance between the two. Often times, you'll see kids with their parents in the pub, which still seems so strange to me," commented an expat living in Dublin.

Cork

Cork is a great destination for international families seeking a vibrant and welcoming community. The city is brimming with child-friendly activities, such as the Lifetime Lab at Old Cork Waterworks, an interactive museum that makes learning about science and history fun for kids. The Fota Wildlife Park is another popular attraction, offering children the chance to see and learn about animals from all over the world. Cork is also home to numerous parks and recreational areas, including Fitzgerald Park, which boasts a large playground and a museum, and the Ballincollig Regional Park, a vast green space perfect for picnics and outdoor games. For families interested in sports and fitness, the LeisureWorld Bishopstown offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Cork that cater to children, such as the Cork City Football Club and the Bishopstown Lawn Tennis Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its rich blend of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Cork offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for international families.

Galway

Galway is a great place for international families to reside. The city is filled with activities that are suitable for children, such as the Galway City Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. The Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, is another popular attraction, providing an exciting and educational experience for children. Galway is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the Merlin Woods Park and the Rinville Park, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Kingfisher Club Renmore offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Galway that cater to children, such as the Galway United Football Club and the Galway Lawn Tennis Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Galway offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Limerick

Limerick is a fantastic destination for international families looking for a vibrant and welcoming community. The city is filled with child-friendly activities, such as the Limerick City Gallery of Art, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. The Hunt Museum is another popular attraction, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and workshops. Limerick is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the People's Park and the Mungret Park and Playground, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the University of Limerick Sports Arena offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Limerick that cater to children, such as the Limerick FC and the Limerick Lawn Tennis Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Limerick offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a fantastic place for international families to settle. The city is rich in child-friendly activities, such as the Medieval Mile Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. The National Reptile Zoo is another popular attraction, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and workshops. Kilkenny is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the Castle Park, which offers ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Watershed Kilkenny offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Kilkenny that cater to children, such as the Kilkenny City Harriers Athletics Club and the Kilkenny Rugby Football Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Kilkenny offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Waterford

Waterford is an excellent choice for international families seeking a welcoming and vibrant community. The city is brimming with child-friendly activities, such as the Waterford Treasures Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. The Waterford and Suir Valley Railway is another popular attraction, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and train rides. Waterford is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the People's Park and the Mount Congreve Gardens, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Kingfisher Club Waterford offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Waterford that cater to children, such as the Waterford City Rugby Club and the Waterford Boat Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Waterford offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Killarney

Killarney is a wonderful place for international families to reside. The town is filled with child-friendly activities, such as the Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. The Killarney National Park is another popular attraction, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and wildlife spotting. Killarney is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the Ross Castle and the Gap of Dunloe, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Killarney that cater to children, such as the Killarney Athletic AFC and the Killarney Rugby Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Killarney offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Bray

Bray is a fantastic destination for international families to call home. The town is abundant with activities for children, such as the Sea Life Bray, an aquarium that offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. Another popular attraction is the Bray Adventures, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Bray is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the Bray Head and the Kilruddery House & Gardens, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Shoreline Leisure Bray offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Bray that cater to children, such as the Bray Emmets GAA Club and the Bray Wanderers FC, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Bray offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Naas

Naas is a great place for international families to settle. The town is rich with activities for children, such as the Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. Another popular attraction is the Kildare Maze, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. Naas is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the Naas Canal and the Blessington Lakes, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Naas Sports Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Naas that cater to children, such as the Naas GAA Club and the Naas Rugby Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Naas offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.

Drogheda

Drogheda is a great choice for international families looking to relocate. The town is brimming with activities for children, such as the Millmount Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and workshops for kids. Another popular attraction is the Funtasia Waterpark, providing an exciting and educational experience for children with its hands-on activities and water-based adventures. Drogheda is also home to beautiful parks and recreational areas like the St. Dominic's Park and the Boyne River Walk, both offering ample space for outdoor activities and exploration. For families interested in sports and fitness, the Integral Fitness and Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities that cater to all ages. Additionally, there are several sports clubs in Drogheda that cater to children, such as the Drogheda United Football Club and the Boyne Rugby Club, providing opportunities for kids to engage in team sports and develop their athletic skills. With its mix of educational, recreational, and athletic opportunities, Drogheda offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for international families.