Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Ireland (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip before relocating to Ireland is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to experience the country firsthand, helping you understand the culture, climate, and day-to-day life. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to explore various cities and towns, enabling you to make an informed decision about where to settle down.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Dublin, then head to Cork, Galway, and finally Limerick. For a 20-day trip, include the above cities and add Kilkenny, the Wild Atlantic Way (including towns like Dingle and Westport), and Belfast in Northern Ireland. These itineraries offer a mix of urban and rural settings, providing a comprehensive overview of Ireland.

Dublin

Dublin, the capital city, is a hub for tech companies and startups, attracting many digital nomads. With a population of over 1.2 million, it offers a vibrant city life, rich history, and proximity to both the coast and mountains. The is higher than in other parts of Ireland, but salaries often reflect this.

Travel Tip: Visit the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's most popular tourist attraction, for a pint of the famous stout and a panoramic view of the city.

Cork

Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, with a population of over 200,000. It offers a lower cost of living compared to Dublin, along with a strong job market, particularly in the tech and pharmaceutical industries. Cork is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant food scene, and proximity to beautiful coastal towns like Kinsale and Cobh.

Travel Tip: Dine at the English Market, a covered food market that has been serving the people of Cork since 1788.

Galway

Galway, on the west coast, is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its proximity to the stunning landscapes of Connemara and the Aran Islands. With a population of around 80,000, it offers a lower cost of living than Dublin and a high quality of life. Galway is also a hub for medical device companies.

Travel Tip: Visit the Spanish Arch, a popular gathering spot and historical site that offers beautiful views of the River Corrib.

Limerick

Limerick is Ireland's third-largest city, with a population of around 95,000. It offers a lower cost of living compared to Dublin and Cork, along with a strong job market, particularly in the tech and engineering sectors. Limerick is known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the beautiful Shannon Estuary.

Travel Tip: Explore King John's Castle, a 13th-century castle located on King's Island in the heart of the medieval city.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval city located in the southeast of Ireland, with a population of around 25,000. It offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities and is known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the beautiful countryside. Kilkenny is also a hub for craft and design.

Travel Tip: Visit the Smithwick's Experience, an interactive visitor center that tells the story of Ireland's oldest beer.

Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km route along Ireland's west coast, featuring stunning landscapes and charming towns. Digital nomads and retirees often appreciate the remote beauty and slower pace of life. Consider visiting towns like Dingle, known for its music and food scene, or Westport, a vibrant town with a rich history.

Travel Tip: In Dingle, visit Murphy's Ice Cream, famous for its unique and delicious flavors made with fresh, local ingredients.

Belfast

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has a population of over 340,000. It offers a lower cost of living compared to Dublin, along with a strong job market, particularly in the tech and aerospace industries. Belfast is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to beautiful coastal landscapes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Titanic Belfast, a museum dedicated to the ill-fated ship, built in the city's historic shipyards.