Ireland may be small, but its towns, cities, and counties each have their own personality. Your ideal location will depend on what you value most — career opportunities, cost of living, cultural life, or a quieter pace.
1. Dublin — Urban Energy and Career Opportunities
Best for: Professionals, city lovers, people working in tech, finance, and creative industries.
Dublin is Ireland’s capital and economic powerhouse. It’s home to major multinational headquarters, a lively cultural scene, and a young, international population. The city is buzzing with pubs, live music, theatre, and festivals.
- Pros: Strong job market, international airport, English-speaking hub, lots to do.
- Cons: High housing costs, heavy traffic, competitive rental market.
- Neighbourhoods to consider:
- Ballsbridge – upmarket and leafy, close to embassies.
- Rathmines – trendy with cafés and younger professionals.
- Howth – coastal village charm but within commuting distance.
2. Cork — Ireland’s “Second City” with a Friendly Feel
Best for: A balance of city life and smaller-town warmth, foodies, families.
Cork is known for its strong cultural identity, foodie reputation, and slower pace compared to Dublin. It has a mix of international companies (especially pharmaceuticals and tech) and a thriving arts scene.
- Pros: More affordable than Dublin, close to scenic West Cork, vibrant food markets.
- Cons: Smaller job market than Dublin, fewer direct international flights.
- Neighbourhoods to consider:
- Douglas – suburban with good schools.
- City Centre – lively, walkable, near the River Lee.
- Kinsale – a picturesque coastal town about 30 minutes away.
3. Galway — Bohemian, Cultural, and Coastal
Best for: Creatives, students, people who love a lively arts scene.
Galway blends small-city charm with a strong cultural and artistic vibe. It’s famous for festivals, live music, and proximity to the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Pros: Vibrant nightlife, walkable centre, access to stunning west coast landscapes.
- Cons: Job opportunities more limited outside hospitality, arts, and education.
- Neighbourhoods to consider:
- Salthill – seaside area with a relaxed feel.
- City Centre – colourful streets, cafés, and pubs.
- Oranmore – quieter suburb with easy city access.
4. Limerick — Affordable and Growing
Best for: Budget-conscious movers, those in tech or manufacturing, families.
Limerick is shaking off its old reputation and becoming a hub for start-ups, manufacturing, and tech companies. The University of Limerick adds a youthful energy.
- Pros: Affordable housing, good transport links to Shannon Airport, close to scenic County Clare.
- Cons: Smaller cultural scene compared to Galway or Dublin.
- Neighbourhoods to consider:
- Castletroy – close to the university, popular with families.
- City Centre – revitalised, walkable.
5. Waterford — Historic and Understated
Best for: Quieter lifestyle, history lovers, retirees.
Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford has a charming mix of medieval architecture and modern amenities. It’s close to the sunny southeast coast.
- Pros: Low cost of living, less crowded, good weather by Irish standards.
- Cons: Smaller job market, quieter nightlife.
- Neighbourhoods to consider:
- Tramore – coastal town popular with surfers.
- City suburbs – more affordable housing with access to the centre.
6. Rural Ireland — Peace, Space, and Scenic Living
Best for: Remote workers, nature lovers, those seeking slower living.
Counties like Kerry, Mayo, Clare, and Donegal offer spectacular landscapes, small-town friendliness, and lower living costs.
- Pros: Beautiful scenery, affordable housing, strong community spirit.
- Cons: Fewer job opportunities, limited public transport, some areas can feel isolated.
Choosing the Right Place for You
| Location | Best For | Key Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Career & city life | Jobs, culture, transport | Expensive, crowded |
| Cork | Balanced lifestyle | Food, culture, affordability | Smaller job market |
| Galway | Arts & coastal living | Festivals, scenery | Fewer jobs outside certain fields |
| Limerick | Affordability | Growing economy | Smaller cultural scene |
| Waterford | Quiet living | Low costs, history | Limited nightlife/jobs |
| Rural counties | Scenic life | Space, nature | Isolation, fewer services |