Expat Guide to Living in Ireland

Whether you're already living in Ireland or preparing to move to Ireland, our Expat Guide to Living in Ireland offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Ireland. For answers to specific questions, visit our Ireland Forum to talk with expats in Ireland.

Healthcare in Ireland

Expats in Ireland face very specific timelines and rules when it comes to getting healthcare in Ireland. It's important to understand how this will impact your journey and your individual health before you decide to move to Ireland.

Moving to Dublin

Expats are moving to Dublin in increasing numbers. Over the course of the last few decades, Ireland has emerged as a formidable economic force, and Dublin has benefited greatly. Here are some basics for those expats considering moving to Dublin.

12 Expats Talk about Living in Ireland

Expats in Ireland talk about meeting people, expat life, cultural blunders and more. Some expats find it hard to make real friends and become part of community life.

Expats in Ireland: Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland

The passion that expats in Ireland have for their adoptive land is often truly amazing. Many get absolutely absorbed in the culture, the people and everything else that Ireland has to offer. But it's not always easy. Here are the Pros and Cons for living as an expat in Ireland.

Living Abroad: Digital Nomads in Dublin

The number of people interested in becoming a digital nomad continues to grow, and those that are interested in a thriving metropolis as a destination would be wise not to scratch Dublin - and other cities in Ireland - off your list.

Expat Healthcare & Health Insurance in Galway

An retired expat in Ireland offers a candid comparison of the public healthcare system vs. the private healthcare system in Galway. He's 70 with a heart condition and recalls an emergency visit to the public hospital where he was left on a trolley for 30 hours after breaking his collar bone and ribs. He says that private health insurance is a must. And, he says that he sometimes returns to his home country of Germany for medical care.

Moving to Tobercurry, Ireland

A retired couple, who first gave retirement in Florida a try, found that Ireland has a much lower cost of living and enjoyable lifestyle. They miss their family and friends, but appreciate that modern technology helps them see their grandkids regularly. They talk about the research they did, how they chose Tobercurry and what living in Ireland is like.

Culture Shock in Enniscorthy, Ireland

An expat in Enniscorthy, County Wexford in Ireland offers a colorful culture shock report. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Ireland and offers some great information about the details of moving to Ireland.

Culture Shock in West Clare, Ireland

An expat in West Clare, Ireland describes life there as kinder, simpler and slower. She advises newcomers to adapt to this new way of life rather than try to teach locals how to be faster and more efficient (an American trait the Irish typically don't admire).

Living in Tubbercurry, Ireland

An expat living in Tubbercurry, Ireland (aka Tobercurry) talks about residency requirements, finding work in or near Tubbercurry, cost of living and more. She and her husband love being retired in Tubbercurry and appreciate how welcoming the locals are to outsiders.

Living in Dublin, Ireland

One expat in Dublin appreciates that locals have a good balance of family life and socializing and that people are very accepting of other cultures.

Dream vs Reality of Living in Tobercurry, Ireland

A couple who moved from Florida to Ireland for retirement did their research and found that the reality of living in Ireland surpassed their dreams.

Retirement in Tobercurry, Ireland

A expat in Tobercurry talks about how she and her husband chose to retire in Ireland - the more affordable lifestyle (living on less than $2,000 a month), Ireland's public healthcare system, finding a home through an Estate Agent, enjoying walking everywhere and not needing a car, the sense of safety and more. She cannot stress enough that anyone thinking about retiring in Ireland research diligently and seek the advice of other expats.

More Culture Shock Reports for Ireland

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Ireland handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Ireland:

Submit a Culture Shock Report

More Living in Ireland Reports

What are people's priorities in Ireland - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Ireland:

Submit a Living Overseas Report

More Moving to Ireland Reports

What should you take with you when you move to Ireland? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Ireland? Below are some of the responses from expats in Ireland:

Moving to Dublin, Ireland

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

Reviews of Schools in Ireland

Reviews and school profiles from expat parents and even a few school administrators in Ireland. Great place to find insight into school facilities, teachers and curriculum. Below are some of the reviews from expats in Ireland:

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Ireland Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Ireland. If you are already living in Ireland, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Ireland:

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Tobercurry, Ireland

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Retiring in Ireland Reports

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Ireland, by filling out our Overseas Retirement report. Below are some of the reports from expats in Ireland:

Retiring in Galway, Ireland

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Ireland Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Ireland? Below are some of the reports from expats in Ireland:

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working in Ireland Reports

What's it like to find a job in Ireland? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Ireland? Below are some of the reports from expats in Ireland:

Working in Dublin, Ireland

Working in Dublin, Ireland

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Additional Articles

7 Important Tips about Healthcare for Expats in Ireland

Expats in Ireland share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Ireland. Advice about Irish hospitals, having a baby in Ireland, medical care in rural areas of Ireland and more.

Moving to Ireland: 7 Things to Know Before Moving to Ireland

Expats moving to Ireland have a wide variety of options in terms of great places to live. People moving to Ireland for work, to retire or for any other reason can realize the life they imagine if they do enough research before taking the plunge.

10 Best Places to Live in Ireland

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 is a good start for expats looking to explore where they will be happiest in Ireland.

5 Neighborhoods to Consider in Dublin, Ireland

Expats in Dublin have several neighborhoods to consider. There are several factors to consider, such as proximity to work, schools and transportation access.

5 Tips for Tech Jobs in Dublin

Expats in the tech industry in Dublin live in one of the most vibrant tech economies in the world. Ireland's favorable tax policies and other factors have made "Silicon Docks" a magnet for tech firms of all sizes.

How an Expat Retiree Fought to Stay in Ireland

Expat retirees David and Maura Woods were given 7 days notice to leave Ireland. David shares his story, why they were asked to leave, and how they found a way to stay in the adoptive land they love.

10 Tips for Living in Ireland

Expats living in Ireland say that the transition from tourist to expat is not as easy as one would think -- from challenges making friends with the Irish to the rainy, gloomy weather. Expats who make the effort and take their time are rewarded with life-long Irish friends and a love of Ireland.

Dublin Rentals

Renting in Dublin is similar to renting in the United States, but there are some differences. Author Christina McDonald advises how to find a rental, the current rental market, the lease process and more.

Suburban Dublin

If you're moving to Dublin and considering settling in suburban Dublin, author Christina McDonald offers and overview of a number of good suburbs.

Property in Ireland

From a lack of national property listings to arranging financing, buying property in Ireland presents some challenges. Author Christina McDonald provides tips and insight into the process of buying a home in Ireland.

Having a Baby in Letterkenny, Ireland

One ExpatExchange.com member shares her positive experience having a baby in Letterkenny, Ireland.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Ireland from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in North Tipperary, Ireland

An expat in North Tipperary talks about how she is adapting to expat life in Ireland. She appreciates the friendly shopkeepers, but has found that becoming part of the a small town community is a slow process.

An Expat Discusses Living in Tubbercurry, Ireland

Healthcare in Ireland

Moving to Dublin

12 Expats Talk about Living in Ireland

Expats in Ireland talk about meeting people, expat life, cultural blunders and more. Some expats find it hard to make real friends and become part of community life.

Expats in Ireland talk about meeting people, expat life, cultural blunders and more. Some expats find it hard to make real friends and become part of community life....