Best Cities in Ireland for Expats
Best Cities in Ireland for Expats in 2025
Your ultimate guide to finding the perfect Irish city for your new life in Ireland
By Emma Fitzgerald • Updated June 17, 2025
Moving to Ireland offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities. As an expat, choosing the right city is crucial for your experience living in Ireland. From bustling Dublin to charming Galway, each Irish city has its own personality, advantages, and considerations.
This comprehensive guide explores the best cities in Ireland for expats in 2025, helping you find your perfect match based on career opportunities, lifestyle preferences, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re drawn to tech hubs, coastal living, or historic charm, Ireland has a city that will feel like home.
Top Irish Cities for Expats in 2025
Ireland’s cities offer diverse experiences for expats moving to Ireland. Each combines modern amenities with rich history and cultural experiences unique to Irish life.
Dublin
Ireland’s vibrant capital offers the most opportunities for expats moving to Ireland. Home to European HQs of major tech companies, Dublin combines career prospects with rich cultural experiences.
Why Expats Love Dublin:
- Abundant job opportunities in tech and finance
- Vibrant international community
- World-class restaurants and cultural events
- Excellent public transportation (by Irish standards)
Challenges:
- Highest cost of living in Ireland
- Competitive housing market
- Traffic congestion during rush hours
Best For: Career-focused expats, tech professionals, city lovers, and those who want a large international community.
Cork
Ireland’s second city charms with its rebel spirit, stunning harbor, and renowned food scene. Cork offers a more relaxed pace than Dublin while maintaining excellent career opportunities.
Why Expats Love Cork:
- Lower cost of living than Dublin
- Famous food culture with fantastic markets
- Beautiful coastal location near stunning scenery
- Strong sense of local identity and community
Challenges:
- Smaller job market than Dublin
- Limited public transportation options
- Can feel provincial to big city dwellers
Best For: Food lovers, families, those seeking coastal living, and professionals in pharma and tech.
Galway
The cultural capital of the West, Galway enchants with its colorful streets, artistic vibe, and proximity to the stunning Connemara region. Known for its festivals and welcoming atmosphere.
Why Expats Love Galway:
- Strong arts and music scene
- Friendly, welcoming community
- Stunning natural beauty nearby
- Excellent university with international focus
Challenges:
- Limited career options outside specific sectors
- Housing shortage during peak seasons
- Can be very touristy in summer
Best For: Artists, musicians, nature lovers, academics, and those seeking authentic Irish culture.
Limerick
Once overlooked, Limerick has transformed into a thriving city with excellent employment opportunities and affordable living. Its rich history and riverside location make it increasingly popular.
Why Expats Love Limerick:
- Most affordable major city in Ireland
- Strong job market in tech and manufacturing
- Rich history and impressive architecture
- Central location for exploring Ireland
Challenges:
- Still overcoming outdated reputation
- Limited cultural amenities compared to larger cities
- Public transportation needs improvement
Best For: Budget-conscious expats, families, engineers, and those wanting an authentic Irish experience.
Waterford
Ireland’s oldest city offers a slower pace of life with rich history and beautiful coastal scenery. Waterford combines Viking heritage with modern amenities and a thriving arts scene.
Why Expats Love Waterford:
- Affordable cost of living
- Rich history and cultural heritage
- Stunning coastal location
- Friendly community with small-town feel
Challenges:
- Limited career opportunities
- Smaller international community
- Fewer amenities than larger cities
Best For: History enthusiasts, retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Kilkenny
This medieval masterpiece offers an idyllic Irish experience with its castle, cobbled streets, and vibrant arts scene. Kilkenny provides small-town charm with cosmopolitan flair.
Why Expats Love Kilkenny:
- Beautiful medieval architecture
- Strong arts and crafts tradition
- Excellent food and drink scene
- Safe, walkable, and family-friendly
Challenges:
- Limited employment opportunities
- Smaller range of services and amenities
- Can feel isolated for some expats
Best For: Remote workers, artists, retirees, families, and those seeking authentic Irish charm.
Ireland City Comparison 2025
| City | Avg Rent (1-bed) | Job Market | Expat Community | Quality of Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | €2,100 | Excellent | Very Large | 4.5/5 |
| Cork | €1,600 | Very Good | Large | 4.7/5 |
| Galway | €1,700 | Good | Medium | 4.8/5 |
| Limerick | €1,300 | Very Good | Growing | 4.4/5 |
| Waterford | €1,100 | Good | Small | 4.3/5 |
| Kilkenny | €1,200 | Fair | Small | 4.6/5 |
Choosing Your Irish City: Key Considerations
Selecting the right city when moving to Ireland requires careful thought. Consider these factors:
Career Opportunities
Dublin leads in tech and finance, Cork excels in pharma, while Galway offers opportunities in medtech. Research your industry’s hubs.
Cost of Living
Dublin is 40% more expensive than Limerick. Consider housing, transportation, and childcare costs when budgeting.
Lifestyle Preferences
Do you crave city energy, coastal tranquility, or cultural richness? Ireland offers diverse living experiences.
Community & Support
Larger cities have established expat networks, while smaller towns offer deeper integration into Irish life.
Essential Resources for Moving to Ireland
Relocation Services
- Citizens Information
- Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
- Crosscare Migrant Project
Housing Resources
- Daft.ie (rentals)
- MyHome.ie (purchases)
- RTB (tenancy rights)
Expat Communities
- InterNations Ireland
- Expats in Ireland Facebook groups
- Meetup.com local groups
Final Thoughts on Living in Ireland
Moving to Ireland offers an unparalleled quality of life, friendly communities, and stunning landscapes. While Dublin attracts the most expats, Ireland’s smaller cities offer authentic experiences and more affordable living. Your perfect Irish city depends on your priorities: career ambitions, lifestyle preferences, and budget.
Whichever city you choose, living in Ireland means joining welcoming communities, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and enjoying the famous Irish hospitality. With careful planning and an open mind, your move to Ireland can be the beginning of an incredibly rewarding chapter in your life.
Sláinte to your new Irish adventure!