Have you ever thought of moving to Ireland? Ireland is a country located on the North Western part of Europe. Often referred to as the Emerald Isle owing to its landscape and natural beauty, there is so much to see and do for the nature and outdoor lovers. Ireland also has a great economy making it quite inviting. I have summed up a list of pros and cons of life in Ireland. The list is not exhaustive but I have tried to capture some of the most prominent factors that affect residents in Ireland. I have tried to narrow them down to advantages and disadvantages as listed hereunder.

Why live in Ireland

1. Natural beauty

Ireland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and picturesque countryside. From the stunning Cliffs of Moher to the scenic Ring of Kerry, Glendalough in Wicklow mountains, Dingle Peninsula just to mention but a few, the country offers an abundance of natural beauty that residents can explore and enjoy.

2. High quality of life

Ireland consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life. The country offers high quality education, and social welfare systems. The Irish people are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, making Ireland a pleasant place to live.

3. Strong economy

Ireland has a strong and resilient economy, which has attracted numerous multinational companies like Google and Apple as well as foreign direct investments. The country is a hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and other industries, providing ample job opportunities and career growth prospects.

4. Education System

Ireland has a well-regarded education system, with several world-class universities and institutions such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin among others. The country is a popular destination for international students seeking high-quality education. Additionally, the government invests significantly in research and development, fostering innovation and academic excellence. This together with being an english speaking country makes it a suitable country to live in.

5. Vibrant Cultural Scene

Irish culture is vibrant and rich, with a deep-rooted history of literature, music, dance, and folklore. There is culture night which takes place once a year in Ireland to celebrate the cultural diversity, creativity and the arts .The country has produced renowned writers, such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, and its traditional music and dance, including Irish folk music and Irish step dancing, are celebrated worldwide. Festivals, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances are prevalent throughout the year. Ireland has produced some great Irish bands like U2, The Dubliners, The Cranberries, The Coors and Westlife. Many international artists also come to Ireland for performances.

6. Safety and Security

Ireland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. It has a low crime rate and a stable political environment. Residents can feel secure and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. However, Dublin city has a few rough places.

7. Outdoor Activities

Ireland offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Whether it’s hiking in Wicklow mountains or in Howth or fishing in Malahide, Dun Laoghaire or Balbriggan. If you fancy playing golf on world-class courses like in Portmarnock or in Ballybunion, or engaging in water sports along the coast. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

9. Diversity

There are so many nationalities in Ireland especially in Dublin making the international community quite diverse. A visit to grafton street in Dublin will give you an idea of how multinational Ireland has become.

10. Restaurants

There is a good number of restaurants with various international cuisines.

11. English language

Ireland is an English speaking country and is ideal for English speakers and English learners. There’s a good number of language schools which offer the best english programs for learners.

12. Jobs

There are many job opportunities especially in Technology with competitive salaries. Major technology companies with offices in Ireland include as mentioned above Google, Apple and also Meta, Microsoft, HP, Yahoo, Apple just to mention but a few.

13. Healthcare

Free maternity for all residents. It does not matter whether you are a politician with a good wage or an undocumented person, all residents are entitled to free maternity.

14. Free water

Tap water is drinkable in almost all parts of Ireland and is free. However some people prefer to buy drinking water and others use filters depending on the level of limescale found in your area.

15. Rich History and Heritage

Ireland has a rich historical and archaeological heritage, with ancient castles, ruins, and monuments scattered across the country. The country’s history is intertwined with myths and legends, offering residents a chance to delve into captivating stories and explore their roots.

The above listed advantages contribute to making Ireland an appealing place to live, offering a high standard of living, natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong economy. However there are disadvantages that are worth noting.

The downside of life in Ireland

1. High cost of living

Ireland is ranking as the most expensive country in the European Union in 2023. It has a relatively high cost of living, particularly in cities like Dublin and Cork. Accommodation, taxes, groceries, transportation, and healthcare expenses are expensive, making it challenging for some residents to manage their finances effectively.

2. Housing shortage and high rents

This is the biggest problem Ireland is facing at the moment. A one bedroom apartment in the cities for rent starts at around one thousand six hundred euros (€1600) a month and there is a lot of competition. Ireland has been experiencing a significant housing shortage in recent years, especially in urban areas. This has resulted in soaring rents and fierce competition for available properties, making it difficult to find affordable and suitable accommodation. There is a big problem of homelessness in Ireland. According to the statistics provided by Peter McVerry Trust on homelessnessinireland.ie, as of May 2023, 12,441 people were accessing emergency accomodation in Ireland.

3. Housing insulation

The insulation in most houses is very poor especially in the old houses and for that reason residents are forced to use a lot of heating during the winter months. Some houses are very humid and get mouldy quite easily.

4. Weather

Ireland is known for its unpredictable weather patterns, which can be a downside for those who prefer consistent sunshine and warm temperatures. Frequent rain, cloudy skies, and relatively cool and wet summers can dampen outdoor activities and limit sun-filled days. It gets quite windy some days so even the use of umbrellas is limited. There’s constant luck of sunshine and residents are advised to take vitamin D supplements especially in winter months.

5. Traffic congestion

Major cities in Ireland, particularly Dublin, can suffer from heavy traffic congestion during peak hours. Commuting to work or running errands can be time-consuming and frustrating, leading to decreased productivity and stress for residents.

6. Limited job opportunities

While Ireland has a growing economy and is home to several multinational corporations, certain sectors may have limited job opportunities, depending on one’s skills and qualifications. Finding suitable employment, especially in rural areas, can be challenging for some individuals.

7. Public transport infrastructure

While Ireland has a public transportation system, it is not as extensive or efficient as in some other countries in Europe, in fact it can be quite unreliable. Outside of major cities, the availability and frequency of public transport options may be limited, making car ownership necessary for many residents.

8. Healthcare system challenges

There is a big shortage of doctors and beds in hospitals. Patients are sometimes left on trolleys for hours. Waiting lists to be seen by specialists are for years if not months. The Irish healthcare system has faced issues related to long waiting times for certain medical procedures and limited access to specialized services in most areas making it one of the worst in Europe.

9. Expensive Education

Education in Ireland is expensive for International students and most especially for non European Union member nationals.

10. Taxes are super high

Residents wages are taxed the standard rate of 20 (twenty) percent and the more one earns the more tax they pay. In fact working two jobs in Ireland is not advisable as the tax man is the one who will benefit more. Everything else from food, rent, fuel is taxed. Even home owners pay Local Property Tax.

11. Smoking and vaping

A large population in Ireland smokes/vapes.

12. Airport parking

Dublin Airport lacks enough parking and the long term parking available is expensive. For example if going on holidays for two weeks, parking in the express red car park will cost you between €150 and €165.

13. Childcare

Generally childcare is very expensive in Ireland so if you are a couple planning on having children in Ireland, think again. It could cost you an average of eight hundred euros a month per child.

14. Potential isolation

For newcomers to Ireland, integrating into the local community and building social connections can be challenging. The strong sense of community in some areas can sometimes lead to difficulty breaking into existing social circles, making it harder for individuals to establish a supportive network.

It’s important to note that these disadvantages may vary based on personal circumstances and preferences. Many people still find Ireland to be a wonderful place to live despite these challenges.

So if you are someone thinking of moving to Ireland, I hope this Article can be beneficial.