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Find Your Ideal Home in the Emerald Isle

Ireland calls up images of rolling green hills, cozy pub gatherings, and friendly locals. It鈥檚 no wonder the country is a popular destination for expats looking to move abroad. Although the country may have earned its reputation for rainy days, that only adds to the allure of the Emerald Isle.

For a small country, there are plenty of charming places where you can find a sense of community and begin your new life. Taking the diverse needs of foreigners into consideration, we鈥檝e ranked the best places to live in Ireland as an immigrant.

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How We Identified The Best Cities in Ireland

There are many reasons people choose to move to Ireland. Some want better employment opportunities, while others want to experience a new culture.

Some people may be looking for a lower-cost city to enjoy their retirement, while others prioritize the tranquility of nature.

We considered all these factors when selecting the best places to live in Ireland, including immigration numbers, job opportunities, the cost of living in Ireland, the Irish healthcare system, and safety levels in cities and towns across the country.

We used Numbeo, Mercer鈥檚 Cost of Living Index, the Joint Commission International, and U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Places to get data for these categories.

We then gave every city a ranking for these categories. We totaled each place鈥檚 points and used that to rank the best cities to live in Ireland.

A note: the island comprises the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a sovereign nation and is generally what people mean when they talk about Ireland.

Northern Ireland is a separate country within the United Kingdom. Its cities and towns were not considered in our rankings.

The Best Places to Live in Ireland

Ireland has plenty of charming places to consider for your new home. We鈥檝e narrowed it down to the top places to live based on the criteria discussed above.

The following cities are all welcoming of foreigners and excellent places to call home. Keep in mind that the best places are not necessarily the most affordable.

Before you go, you鈥檒l also want to better understand daily living expenses.

Dublin

Dublin is the capital of Ireland. Its diverse population and role as the country’s cultural and economic hub make it a popular destination for expatriates of all ages. The city also offers easy access to the rest of Europe. Dublin is well-connected by ferry, train, and plane.

This capital city is chock full of culture. It is home to historic landmarks such as St. Patrick鈥檚 Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College.

Famous nightlife spots like Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse are great places to grab a drink while learning about Irish history and culture.

Become immersed in the rich literary heritage of writers like William Butler Yeats and James Joyce at the Irish National Library.

Dublin is compact, and most of these places are easily reached on foot, but you can always hop on a tram or bus to save time (or escape the rain).

The multicultural population in Dublin has led to a diverse food scene. There is a wide variety of culinary options available.

Dublin also offers more job opportunities than other parts of the country. The technology and finance industries, in particular, are booming. Big names like Google, Facebook, Citibank, and Stripe all base their international headquarters in Dublin.

However, the benefits and amenities of Dublin can be overshadowed by high costs. Dublin is the 51st most expensive city in the world, according to Mercer鈥檚 Cost of Living Survey.

While Dublin has many amenities and opportunities for fun, you will be limited by your budget.

Waterford

Waterford is the capital of the South-East region of Ireland. Founded by the Vikings in AD 914, it鈥檚 the nation鈥檚 oldest city, where the ancient and modern mix.

This mid-sized city offers a compact, accessible city center. You can walk 鈥榯he Quay鈥� and enjoy the marina, stroll through the Viking Triangle to learn about the city鈥檚 history, and wander the city鈥檚 shopping and nightlife area all in 20 minutes.

Waterford is becoming more popular with foreigners seeking cheaper alternatives to the better-known Dublin and Cork.

Housing is available across income levels, and the city is in the 6th-fastest-growing region in the EU for job growth. Jobs in ICT, manufacturing, and bio-pharma sectors are booming in the area.

Waterford also offers easy access to the great outdoors. The Waterford Greenway is a car-free, 28.5-mile (46-kilometer) route that connects the city to the small seaside town of Dungarvan.

The Comeragh Mountains serve as the backdrop to the trail. Taking it, you can stop and explore stunning gardens, Norman castles, coves, and beaches.

Cork

Cork is the second largest city after Dublin, home to the famous Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone.

The city and its people are friendly and welcoming, so much so that Cork was named the second friendliest European city in 2023 by Cond茅 Nast. The locals are ready and willing to share their history and culture with new arrivals.

The city also boasts a reputation as the food capital of Ireland. Restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and farmers’ markets selling fresh produce are abundant.

Stop by Cork’s English Market to buy a treat and see 鈥渢he best covered market in the UK and Ireland,” according to celebrity chef Rick Stein.

Beyond the thriving food scene, the city offers many cultural attractions, such as Fitzgerald Park and the Cork City Gaol.

You鈥檒l find there is always an event going on in the city, from comedy shows to the Guinness Jazz Festival to the Cape Clear Storytelling Festival. If a wander in nature is more your speed, Cork offers easy access to lush countryside and rugged coastal towns.

The city is also home to some of the country鈥檚 most prestigious primary and secondary schools. That, paired with the city’s high-quality medical facilities, makes it one of the best places to live in Ireland for both retirees and young expat families.

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Galway

Located on Ireland鈥檚 west coast, Galway is a small, cosmopolitan city. It鈥檚 often touted for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. This creates a welcoming environment for expats from all walks of life.

Galway is a great place to feel like a part of history. The cobblestone streets, pubs playing traditional music, medieval city walls, and the Irish spoken on the streets easily transport you back in time. Yet you have all the amenities of any modern-day city 鈥� and for cheaper than elsewhere in the country.

There is always something happening in Galway. Aside from its markets, pubs, and galleries, the city is known as the country’s festival capital.

Galway boasts an average of 122 festivals each year. The Galway International Arts Festival, the Macnas Halloween Parade, and the Galway Races are some of its most famous events.

In addition to its thriving cultural scene, Galway is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It is the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way and offers easy access via train to Connemara National Park.

Whether you鈥檙e looking for history, nature, amenities, or affordability, Galway will have something to suit your needs.

Limerick

Limerick is a medium-sized city situated on the banks of the river in the Midwest. The city is known as a cultural and artistic hub.

It鈥檚 home to the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the Lime Tree Theatre, and the annual Limerick City of Culture festival. It also holds the biggest St. Paddy鈥檚 Day parade outside of Dublin!

Limerick is a great home base for nature lovers. In the city itself, you can kayak or paddleboard on the River Shannon or stroll through the gardens at the People鈥檚 Park.

Limerick also offers easy access to Ireland鈥檚 beautiful coastal driving route, 鈥淭he Wild Atlantic Way.鈥�

Within just 90 minutes, you can reach the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, or the Dingle Peninsula, to name just a few renowned sites.

With the usual city amenities, medical facilities, and schools readily available, what really sets Limerick apart is its affordability.

It鈥檚 cheaper to rent in Limerick than in other major cities, and house purchasing prices are below the national average.

How to Choose Where to Live in Ireland

Choosing where to live in Ireland depends largely on your lifestyle, career goals, and budget.

Cities like Dublin offer the most job opportunities and international connections, but they also come with a significantly higher cost of living.

If affordability is a priority, smaller cities like Waterford or Limerick can provide a more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing essential amenities.

For those seeking culture and community, Cork and Galway stand out with their vibrant arts scenes, friendly locals, and strong sense of identity.

Meanwhile, nature lovers may prefer locations with easy access to Ireland鈥檚 coastline, mountains, and countryside.

It鈥檚 also important to consider factors such as employment opportunities in your field, access to healthcare, transportation options, and proximity to schools if you鈥檙e moving with family.

Taking the time to evaluate what matters most to you will help ensure you find a location that supports both your practical needs and your lifestyle preferences.

Ultimately, Ireland鈥檚 compact size and welcoming communities mean that wherever you choose to settle, you鈥檒l never be far from culture, nature, and opportunity.

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