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Living in Ireland | All you need to know before the big move
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Living in Ireland | All you need to know before the big move

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

Let’s begin by saying that living in Ireland is an excellent choice. Besides the gorgeous landscapes and its rich history, Ireland is a prosperous country, filled with opportunities. And, it’s also a great place to study. Therefore, many students leave their confort zone and move to Ireland, at least for a season.

If your next big step is living and studying in Ireland, this article will help you make it happen. Here, you’ll learn what kind of visa you’ll need, how to find the best accommodations, what Irish culture is like and much more so you can make the most of it. Have a look at this information and discover what we have prepared for you. Let’s go!

Living in Ireland | A Complete Guide for the Best Experience

Maybe you’re nottotally convinced that Ireland is the place for you. If that’s the case, we’ll have to start with these five reasons to move to the emerald island. Continue at your own risk because once you’re done, you will be eager to pack your things!

5 Reasons to live in Ireland

Truth be told, there are tons of reasons why you should move to St. Patrick’s country. But, we have decided to list only the top five so you can go and discover the rest on your own!

Great quality of life

Welcome to Ireland

Ireland has kept a top spot on the rankings for countries with the best quality of life. So, if you choose to move to Ireland, your wellbeing will be quite secured. This is possible, among other things, thanks to the excellent healthcare and education systems, the environmental quality, low crime rate, and very well paid jobs. 

Quality of education

Find accommodation for living in Ireland

Ireland’s education system is known for its excellence.  Even in times of crisis, the government has as its priority to maintain the quality of education in private and public schools. Thus, the country has earned recognition among European countries.

Breathtaking landscapes 

Gorgeous landscapes awit you in ireland

When you land on Ireland, you’ll encounter the greenest landscapes imaginable. Not in vain is it known as the Emerald Island. All you have to do is dress up, get on a bike and go out to see landscapes they even made it to TV on Game of Thrones. 

Charming culture

Irish culture is ancient

Ireland is an ancient country. Therefore, its culture is quite rich and interesting. Living in Ireland means to be surrounded by smells, colors and flavors to delight you in every sense; and, of course, lots of parties. If you don’t believe us, you only need to see how they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and all the other festivals that fill the streets with joy. 

 Irish people are nice

Irish people are so nice

Living in Ireland also means to be among kind people. The Irish are known for their cheer and joy. So, throughout your stay, you’ll feel quite at home. Every day will be full of celebrations, good times, and lots of beer surrounded by friends.

What to do to live in Ireland

Steps for living in Ireland

With all those reasons to live in Ireland, you probably want to know how to get there as soon as possible. Here, it is important that you know that, depending on the purpose of your trip, you may or may not need a visa. 

To live in Ireland for a season as a tourist, you’ll need a Tourist Visa. With this document, you can remain legally within the country for a 90 day period. During these days you can travel around the country or study a course that does not exceed the valid period of the visa. 

If you wish to live in Ireland to study a course (an English course, for example) that lasts 25 weeks or more, you’ll need a Student Visa. A first, it will authorize to remain in the city for eight months. If your course lasts longer than that, you can request an extension to continue your studies, just as long as your course duration does not exceed two years. 

It’s important that you know about the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service. There is a list of countries that do not require a visa to study in Ireland before traveling, such as Canada, Mexico or Chile. You can check if you’ll need a visa onthis listing by simply entering your nationality. 

Oh, we almost forgot… while living in Ireland as a student, you are also allowed to work. The Irish government will give you a permit with which you’ll be able to work for 10 hours a week during school periods and full time during official holidays. Ideal, right?

Other visas for living in Ireland

Another means to live in Ireland is a Working Holiday Visa. During this period you can study and work or work full time. The advantage this document brings is that you can work for a full year without any restrictions. The disadvantage is that there are very few of these visas available. Not all countries have access to it and it is granted only once a year to 200 applicants. 

On the other hand, to work in Ireland you can get a work visa. To get this authorization you must prove that you have enough work experience and a good English level.

Cost of living in Ireland

Don't choose your accommodation from home

Before going into detail, it’s important to highlight that all the amounts provided are an approximation. As in many cities, the cost of living in Ireland will depend on the city you live, the kind of accommodation you choose, and so on. 

Let’s begin with daily expenses. To live in Ireland, you’ll need about a thousand euros. Accommodation costs go from 350 to 450 euros. To fill your pantry, you may spend around 150-200 euros per month, and public transport tickets usually cost about 2,15 euros. But you can get a student card (valid for 30 days) for 92 euros. 

Fun cannot be left out. If you want to watch a movie, you can get a ticket for 7 to 12 euros. If you want to go out for a beer or a glass of wine, you’ll need 5 to 7 euros. You can also go out for lunch and enjoy a good meal for 12 euros.

Salaries in Ireland | Income per month

The minimum wage for the country is 1657 euros, which will allow you to live comfortably. Of course, salaries vary depending on the job. For example, a waiter earns between 14,17 and 21,795 euros in a year and an engineer can earn between 26,415 and 61,521 euros. 

However, if you’ll be living in Ireland as a student, you’ll only be able to work part-time. It means you’ll only be earning half of it: about 829 euros. Remember that during vacations you can work full time.

Popular Irish Food

Delicious irish dishes

If you are a foodie, your stomach will be glad you’ve chosen living in Ireland. As a result of centuries and centuries of expertise, along with a blend of different cultures and culinary styles, Irish cuisine is one of the most varied and exquisite in all Europe. 

Recipes are characterized by large amounts of fish, garlic, potatoes, cabbages, and many other flavors to thrill your palate. The Irish Stew, for example, is one of the best known: a plate composed of potatoes, onions, lamb, parsley, and the secret touch each of the distinct Irish communities give to it. You’ll never get tired of all its variations!

While living in Ireland you’ll have the chance to try the Boxty, a potato omelette with wheat flour, yeast, buttermilk, and eggs. Besides being one of the better known dishes in the country, many say it is the Irish equivalent of the well known French crepes. 

But wait! That’s not all. Irish cuisine is much more than salty food. We could not leave the sweets behind. Especially the flagship of Irish desserts: chocolate whiskey cake. It is the perfect blend between the sour flavor of pure chocolate and the sweet flavor of the whiskey. Each city makes it differently, but its essence is always the same. Be sure it will always be finger-licking good.

Your journey through the country of the leprechauns won’t be complete unless you try the rhubarb crumble: A delicious rhubarb and apple cake which, once out of the oven, can be accompanied with vanilla ice cream.

Irish Holidays and Traditions 

Irish culture and holidays

When we talk about Irish traditions, Saint Patrick’s day, the greenest celebration of the year, must be included. On March 17th, the Irish wear green. They fill their clothes and streets with clovers to enjoy concerts, parties, and parades.

Other popular celebrations among the Irish are Christmas and Halloween. As in America, Halloween is celebrated on October 31st. This occasion is also accompanied but other celebrations like All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Night on November 2nd, two celebrations with Christian influences. 

Christmas traditions are usually very similar to those of other countries: Christmas Eve masses, lighting candles to brighten baby Jesus’ birth, family dinners, etc. However, there are also influences from ancient Celtic traditions that manifest as rituals and in the home decorations. You should take the time to have a look around the streets!

All these celebrations have great music. The most wonderful melodies are created by their traditional Celtic instruments such as flutes, transversal flutes, pipes, violins, Irish flutes, bodhrans, and low whistles. When you start living in Ireland, be sure to enjoy this music, especially as it accompanies Irish dancing, Celtic style.

Sports are also a significant aspect of Irish culture. One of the most popular is, of course, rugby. On the other hand, Gaelic football and Irish hurling were originated many centuries ago. Both are the most typical and practiced sports among the locals. 

Weather in Ireland

Irish weather is mild and pleasant

The Atlantic Ocean influences the Irish weather. Thus, temperatures are not extreme, and the weather is quite pleasant compared to other European countries. Usually, the average temperature throughout the year is 10°C. Since the high mountains block most of the cold oceanic wind currents, it usually is not very windy. 

In Spring, from February to April, the thermometers go from 8°C to 12°C. From May to July, temperatures vary between 18°C and 20°C. Along these seasons, the warmest months are July and August, with 18 hours of sunlight per day more or less. So, when you hear the phrase “Still a long way till nightfall”, you’ll know what they mean.

In Fall, from August to October, temperatures are still quite soft: between 14°C to 18°C. September is the month with the best weather of the season. However, the Winter, from November to January, makes temperatures decrease. They can go from 8°C to even below 0°C, but with the right clothes, the fun never stops.

Accommodation in Ireland 

A roommie is your best shot

Accommodation is abundant in Ireland, but it’s important to choose it wisely.  Before going into more detail, we’d like to tell you about the types of accommodation available for those living in Ireland:

  • Hostels
  • Homestay
  • Student residences
  • Private rooms in shared apartments 

Approximately a room at a hostel can cost between 20 and 60 euros per night, depending on the one you choose. Regarding homestays, you’ll have to pay about 1000 euros per month but keep in mind that you’ll have many comforts: hot water, wifi, meals, etc.

If we’re talking about rooms in apartments, private rooms can cost approximately 500 to 600 euros per month. However, a shared room can cost about 250 to 350 euros per month. 

Keep in mind that these costs are approximations. Depending on the city, the area you live in, and the perks of the place, you may have to pay more or less. We recommend patience and keen attention when considering your budget. 

How to select the best accommodation for living in Ireland

  • Don’t search from your home country. For many, having accommodation before arrival in Ireland is a good idea. Yet, in our experience, it can be an expensive decision. We have heard of many students who are victims of a scam or who arrive only to find an apartment or room that looks nothing like the photographs. 
  • Stay at a hostel and start your search. Once your plane lands and your adventure in Ireland begins, you can stay at a hostel for the first days and then start your search for the perfect place. While living in Ireland, you can find very comfortable accommodation for a great price, and the best part is that throughout your stay, you’ll meet other travelers with whom you can share experiences.
  • Consult websites. You can compare prices and find hundreds of options for accommodation on sites like Daft.ie and Rent.ie.
  • Find a roomie. Just like you, hundreds of students have decided to live in Ireland. And so, many are looking for a roommate.  While living with another student, you save money and make new friends at the same time. If any classmate is looking for a roomie, don’t hesitate to make a connection.

If your roommate doesn’t speak your language, all the better! That way you’ll both be able to learn lots of stuff. Quite a bonus to living in Ireland, isn’t it?

What to do in Ireland

THings to do while living in Ireland

Without a doubt, living in Ireland is the perfect opportunity to enjoy many natural attractions and architectural delights. Besides, you’ll be able to venture into Celtic history and the rich past of every corner of the country.

If you are a nature lover, the view from the cliffs of Moher will take your breath away. You can also visit the Aran Islands with its ancient rock formations and its turquoise waters. To top it off, then the Ring of Kerry, with its ruins, lakes, and enchanted forests, will fascinate you.

Besides, you can enjoy the cities of Ireland and its architectural wonders. Trinity College, in Dublin, the oldest university in the country; Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most important monuments in Cork, or Galway’s marine landscape and its streets filled with historic buildings and pubs will give you an unforgettable visit. 

As mentioned earlier, Ireland was the scenery for some episodes of Game of Thrones. So, be sure to include a visit to Dragon Rock, Winterfell, or the Iron Islands. Go back to those scenes that made your skin crawl!

Then, after a long walk, take a break at the nearest pub. There, you can enjoy an ice-cold beer (always a plan the Irish welcome) while you watch a game of rugby and enjoy the local’s fanaticism. If that’s not your tempo, you can go and enjoy Irish cuisine and make your stomach very happy. We know, on experience, that Irish food will never let you down.  

Living in Ireland with GrowPro Experience 

Living in Ireland is best with friends

Now that you know everything you need about living in Ireland, it’s time to plan your journey. We know this stage is filled with questions and one or two headaches, but we help you avoid all of this. At GrowPro, we have a team of experts specialized in helping you organize your trip to Irish lands.

On our website, you’ll find our catalog of experiences and information about each package. Besides, once you select your pick, you’ll be able to access a personalized budget. You only need to fill out a form for the experience you’d like to enjoy.

Once you’ve obtained all the information and booked your experience, one of our Student Advisors will get in touch. At this stage, you’ll receive personalized guidance about how to get your visa, enroll in a school, and do all the necessary paperwork to start your adventure.

Once you arrive in Ireland, we’ll welcome you with a useful Welcome Session. Here, our Student Advisors on site will provide tips and advice about your city of choice. Besides, they will explain how to perform bank operations and other procedures.

Not enough? Well, let’s close by saying that our team will be there for you every step of the way. Throughout your stay in Ireland, they’ll be there to answer all your questions and lend a hand whenever you need it. And, if you fall wildly in love, we can help you extend your stay.

Leprechauns and golden cauldrons are waiting for the adventure of a lifetime!

About the author

Charlotte Koks
Charlotte Koks

Hey there! My name is Charlotte, and I'm working as an International Project Manager at GrowPro Experience. My goal is to help students all around the world to live the experiences of a lifetime 🙌🏽. I'm trying to inspire students by means of telling the story of former growers, showing what we are doing at each destination and writing about our cities and tips on our blogs. I got a big passion for adventures, doing sports in the park, learning new languages and seeing new places 🌏. That's one of the reasons why I studied European Studies and why I currently work for GrowPro, to expand my horizons. Hopefully, I can inspire you to do the same!

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