Living in Irish Cities & Counties: Where Should You Settle?

Ireland is a small country, but where you settle makes an enormous difference to your daily life. Dublin offers the widest choice of jobs and the busiest transport network, but also the highest rents. Cork, Galway and Limerick offer a city feel with somewhat lower costs, while towns such as Athlone, Navan, Drogheda and Sligo can stretch a household budget further, particularly if you can work remotely or commute.

How to choose a place to live in Ireland

Start with work. Most newcomers arrive for a specific job, so the employer's location usually narrows the options. Next, check how realistic the commute is: Irish public transport is strongest around Dublin, Cork and Galway, and weaker in rural areas, where a car is often essential. Then compare rent and availability. Rents quoted in this series are approximate 2025 ranges and change quickly, so always check current listings.

Things every newcomer should compare

• Monthly rent for the kind of home you need, and how quickly rentals are snapped up.
• Distance to your workplace, and whether a train, bus or Luas runs at the hours you need.
• School places and creche availability, which can be tight in popular areas.
• Distance to the nearest HSE hospital and to a GP who is accepting new patients.
• Community: the size of the local international population, language classes and cultural groups.

Before you sign a lease

Whichever place you choose, you will need a PPS number for work, tax and public services. Read our guide to getting a PPS number in Ireland early. For tenancy rules, deposits and tenant rights, see our guide to renting in Ireland.

The twelve places covered

This series covers Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny, Drogheda and County Louth, Athlone and County Westmeath, Sligo, Letterkenny and County Donegal, Tralee and County Kerry, and Navan and County Meath. Each guide gives approximate rent ranges, main employers, transport options, neighbourhoods, schools, healthcare and practical tips, plus answers to common questions.

No single place is best for everyone. A single professional in tech may thrive in Dublin or Cork, a family seeking space may prefer Meath or Westmeath, and someone who loves the outdoors may be happiest in Kerry, Donegal or Sligo. Use these guides as a starting point, then visit before you commit if you can.