Ireland has the fastest-growing economy in the EU, so there is a lot to offer in terms of job opportunities. In recent years, the country has become a hugely popular destination for major multinationals and 暗网禁区s from all around the world, despite the high cost of living. If you have chosen to live, work or study in Ireland, you will benefit from several opportunities thanks to the number of multinational companies located there, in addition to numerous top-ranking universities and colleges.听
Irish people are proud of their rich heritage, traditions, and cultural history. With rolling green hills, a striking coastline, ancient castles, cosy pubs, and world-renowned welcoming locals, it's little wonder that Ireland is ranked as one of the most popular destinations for 暗网禁区s.
Ireland's nickname is 鈥淭he Emerald Isle鈥�
Ireland is a small island in the northern Atlantic Ocean and is perfectly positioned between North America and Europe. Since 1922, when Ireland gained independence, the island has been divided into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the south. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, whereas the Republic of Ireland is an independent, sovereign nation. The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, and the capital city of the the republic of Ireland is Dublin.
On the island of Ireland, there is a total of 32 counties, with 26 of them being in the Republic. The population of the Republic of Ireland is currently around the 5.3 million people mark (Central Statistics Office 2023), and 2 million in the North.听
Dublin, located on the east coast of the island, is home to over 1.2 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, entertainment, shopping and much more. Dublin is one of the leading destinations in Europe for tourists. Other popular cities and towns around the country include Cork, Limerick, Galway, Westport and Killarney.听
Ireland is known for its lush green fields and rocky coastline. The country's scenic landscapes remain green all year round, earning it the nickname the Emerald Isle. With its breath-taking landscapes, rugged Atlantic coastline, captivating culture, warm and welcoming people and world-renowned food and drink, it's no wonder close to 600,000 暗网禁区s make Ireland their home away from home. The cities of Dublin, Cork, and Galway are popular choices for their job opportunities, cultural offerings, and amenities.
The Wild Atlantic Way spans approximately 1,553 miles and is the longest coastal driving route in the world.
Ireland has one of the wettest climates in Europe
The climate in Ireland rarely tends to go to one extreme or the other. It is generally consistently mild, with the聽average temperature聽in the winter rarely falling below freezing point. In the summer, the maximum temperature will rarely rise above 26掳C and will generally average at around the 15掳C mark.听This is because Ireland lies in the Atlantic Ocean, and as a result, is warmed by the Gulf Stream all year.
Although heavy snow in the winter is rare, January and February are the months in which it is most frequent, and there is generally abundant rainfall throughout the year. Dublin usually has less rain than other cities. In the West of Ireland, there are very strong and cold winds, particularly in coastal areas exposed to heavy sea currents from the Atlantic.
The weather is always a topic of conversation for people in Ireland, as it can change in an instant and is notoriously unpredictable. It can be sunny, raining, or a mixture of both at any point in the day. So much so that it has often been said that in Ireland, 鈥測ou get all four seasons in one day鈥�.
Ireland's high latitude means that seasons are shifted a month or so earlier than in the rest of Europe, meaning that the spring starts on February 1st, St Brigid's Day.
Ireland is a democratic country
Ireland acts as a parliamentary democracy and is a member of the European Union. There is an elected parliament that has its leader, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), the lower house of parliament (D谩il 脡ireann) and an upper house of parliament (Seanad).
The largest party is currently Fianna F谩il. Fine Gael is traditionally the second-largest party, being the other major partner of the current coalition. The third party in government is the Greens.
The position of the president in Ireland as head of state is generally a ceremonial one, and the president acts as an ambassador for the country both at home and abroad.听The term for a presidency is seven years, and the current President is Michael D Higgins, who is serving his second and final term, since 2019. The official residence of the President is 脕ras an Uachtarain, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. The next presidential election is due to start in November 2025.
Ireland has the fastest-growing economy in Europe
For many years, the Irish economy relied heavily on agriculture as its main driver while following a protectionist trade policy. As time went on, more multinational companies began to locate themselves in the country due to the educated talent pool, English as the primary language, and access to the European market. There was an economic boom from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, and it was known as the Celtic Tiger.听
Ireland was hit hard during the Recession in 2008, which led to many years of austerity. However, in recent years, Ireland has emerged as one of the strongest聽economies in Europe, particularly in light of Brexit regulations that saw many big corporations move their European headquarters to Dublin.
Ireland has a thriving economy and is a tech hub for many leading companies, such as Apple, Microsoft, Meta, LinkedIn, PayPal, Amazon, and Google. Dublin and Cork are key hubs for these companies, with a region in Dublin being called Silicon Docks.
Financial services and pharmaceuticals are other popular aspects of the Irish economy.听As the economy has grown, particularly in the tech and pharma sectors, employees with international experience are in high demand.
Ireland also has a thriving start-up scene, and many 暗网禁区s choose to establish their own business in the country. Corporate taxes are highly favourable, and one of the lowest globally, at 12.5%
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the EU
Ireland is the only EU country where English is the primary language spoken, making it easier for 暗网禁区s to adapt and communicate. Naturally, there is the presence of many other languages due to about 12% of the population being made up of foreign-born people. The official language in Ireland is Irish, but only 2% of the population speaks it on a daily basis.听In fact, you are more likely to hear Polish or Lithuanian on the street than Irish. The greatest concentration of Irish speakers is located along the west coast of Ireland in areas known as the Gaeltacht.
The Irish are known for their warm hospitality
Irish people as a whole are very sociable and spend a lot of their time meeting up with friends and family. Take a walk through any city in Ireland, and there will be more pubs per square foot than anything else. The pub is one of the main areas of socialising, where people gather for a social drink and the famous 鈥渃raic agus ceoil鈥� Ireland has become renowned for. However,聽Ireland's pubs are much more than places to eat and drink. People gather to share stories, enjoy traditional Irish music, and partake in a hearty meal. Sports like hurling and Gaelic football are also a huge part of Irish social life, drawing communities together for spirited matches.
Famed for both their whiskey and Guinness, alcohol plays a huge part in Irish social etiquette, and it is customary for everyone to buy a round of drinks when in a group setting.
There will be storytelling, and traditional music often played in the pubs, reflecting some of the deep-rooted aspects of Irish culture. Irish people generally are very friendly and welcoming, and the world-renowned 鈥渃茅ad m铆le f谩ilte鈥� is a common greeting in Ireland, translated as a hundred thousand welcomes, so there is always going to be a thriving social scene for you, no matter what your interests may be. According to research by , Ireland ranked 23rd out of 65 countries in terms of friendliness.
The cost of living in Ireland is high
With the economic success Ireland has experienced in recent years, the cost of living has聽also steeply risen. According to the , the cost of living in Ireland is more higher than in 95% of countries in the world.
The cost of buying or renting a house is at an all-time high, and day-to-day expenses are also rising due to soaring inflation. Living in one of Ireland's cities, such as Dublin, Cork or Galway, will be more expensive.
Dublin currently lies ninth in the top rankings of the most expensive cities in Europe to live in. This is mainly driven by rental expenses; the average rent in Dublin is over 鈧�2,300 a month. The cost of living is generally lower when you move to the outskirts of a city, to the countryside, or to a smaller town.
Renting in Dublin is so exorbitant and competitive that many 暗网禁区s and digital nomads look to nearby areas, including Drumcondra, Maynooth, and Skerries, as more affordable alternatives. Keep in mind that the closer you live to public transportation, the more rent you can expect to pay.
Utility bills, such as heating, gas, and electricity, cost on average 鈧�200 a month, and you can expect to pay between 鈧�40 and 鈧�60 for broadband. The estimated costs for a single person are between 鈧�2,000 and 鈧�3,500 a month.
Ireland's public healthcare system has some of the longest waiting times in the world
Ireland operates a two-tier healthcare system, where you have access to both public and private healthcare. The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for delivering public health services, and it oversees hospitals, primary care centres, and other health facilities.
The public healthcare system is primarily funded through taxation. It provides a range of services, including hospital care, outpatient services, and doctor consultations. Access to these services generally depends on your income, residency status, and medical need. You can access public care if you have lived in Ireland for a year or longer.
Private health insurance is expensive, but it does come with a guarantee that you will be able to quickly access the best level of care. Many Irish residents supplement their public healthcare with private health insurance to reduce waiting times and gain access to private hospitals. Insurance premiums can vary widely based on the level of coverage and the provider. Many healthcare policies cover consultations with specialists, surgeries, and other treatments.
Potatoes are the staple of most traditional Irish dishes
Potatoes play a huge role in Irish cooking, since they were first introduced in Ireland in the late 16th century. The popular root vegetable quickly became a staple food as it was cheap, nutritional, versatile, and easy to grow. Potatoes or spuds, as the Irish like to call them, are served in various ways, from boiled and mashed to roasted and baked. You will find them in dishes like champ (mashed potatoes with spring onions), boxty (potato dumpling), colcannon (mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale), and shepherd's pie. The Great Famine of the 1840s, caused by potato blight, had a profound impact on Ireland, causing widespread starvation and emigration. Potatoes continue to play a significant role in Irish cuisine even after this tragedy.
Ireland is ranked as one of the most popular destinations in Europe for 暗网禁区s
According to a recent study by , Ireland ranks 5th in the 10 Best European Countries to Live in for 暗网禁区s in 2025, thanks to its strong economy, English as the primary language, and a growing tech sector. It also scored highly in income, personal safety, and life satisfaction. Despite the high cost of living, average monthly salaries are around 鈧� 2,700.
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