All the information you need to live in Ireland.
The answer doesn’t solely lie in the geographical beauty, rich history and culture, or the friendliness and outgoing nature of the Irish people. Although, clearly, all of this contributes to making the experience of studying and living in Ireland an unforgettable one.
However, the main reason Ireland has become one of the most sought-after countries for studying English abroad is the excellent quality of its education.
On this page, we go through the reasons that make the Emerald Isle such an attractive destination if you’re thinking of living the wonderful experience of studying abroad. If you want to know more about the history, economy, education system, people, culture, geography, and climate of Ireland, keep reading!
Do you want to know why living in Ireland is an ideal destination for studying and experiencing something unique? Here, we give you 12 reasons that will lead you straight to packing your bags.
While the United Nations ranks Ireland among the top 20 countries in the world to live in its Quality of Life Index, the UN places it eighth in the world in its Human Development Index.
Ireland’s educational tradition dates back hundreds of years; for example, Trinity College Dublin was established in 1592, six centuries ago!
Today, Ireland is committed to continuous improvement in the way education is delivered to international students. Ireland’s modern approach to education is related to the current global economic context. The rapid pace set by globalization demands increasingly specialized professionals, of course, with a good command of English.
Moreover, Ireland is considered one of the best destinations for students looking to learn or improve their English, thanks to favorable currency exchange rates, tuition fees, and the cost of living compared to other popular destinations like Australia, Canada, Malta, or the United Kingdom.
The Irish government invests heavily in its open economy, business infrastructure, and education system.
Ireland ranks high in the European Commission’s economic growth rankings among European countries. As a result, major international companies such as Google, Facebook, or eBay have chosen to establish their European headquarters in Ireland.
In 2016, the Financial Times ranked Dublin, the capital of Ireland, third in its ranking of European cities of the future based on criteria such as economic potential and ease of doing business.
Ireland is now among the top 10 most competitive economies in the world according to the Global Competitiveness Yearbook by IMD.
The Irish government encourages links between its universities and institutes with the labor market and takes an open stance toward international students who decide to live and work in Ireland after completing their studies. More than 40,000 people from other countries travel to work in Ireland each year, making Ireland one of the top destinations in Europe for foreign workers.
Approximately 120,000 international students from 161 countries travel to Ireland to study English each year. Moreover, all of them are protected by strict regulations that ensure not only the quality of education but also the best possible experience when studying on the Emerald Isle.
A significant incentive for international students is the possibility of working while studying English in Ireland.
If you are a citizen of the European Union, you will have the same labor rights as any Irish person. In case you come from a Latin American country, to work in Ireland, your stay must be longer than 90 days (3 months). Depending on your nationality, different labor conditions will apply. For example, if you are from Mexico, Chile, or Argentina, it will be sufficient to apply for the IRP (Irish Residence Permit), while if you are from Colombia, Peru, or Ecuador, in addition to the IRP, you will need to apply for a student visa.
As mentioned, Ireland has a growing economy that offers good working conditions. It has one of the highest minimum wages in Europe, with the average salary being 1600 euros per month.
Ireland has a low unemployment rate, so if you come with the intention of working, it is very likely that you will find a job, whether qualified or not
Ireland stands out not only for the excellent reputation of its English courses or the high quality of life it offers but also for having one of the most deeply rooted and rich cultures in all of Europe.
The first colonizers arrived on the island around 8000 B.C. Later, in the 6th century B.C., Celtic tribes arrived, playing a prominent role in Irish identity. Even today, the Celtic influence can be observed in Irish art, music, and folklore.
Ireland also has a strong literary tradition with authors such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and W.B. Yeats. Furthermore, Irish folklore is full of myths and legends, including stories of fairies and leprechauns.
Moreover, its history is marked by various events, such as the Viking invasions, the Anglo-Norman conquest, and the Tudor conquest of Ireland, among others. Each of these events has left its mark on the country, contributing to the rich tapestry of Irish history and culture.
Irish society is family-oriented. The Irish are extroverted and friendly, and this friendly nature extends to international students. There are plenty of opportunities for students to make friends. The Irish are globally known for their great wit and humor, referred to as “craic” (pronounced “crack”). Gentle teasing is common among family and friends and is generally a sign of affection.
If you come to spend some time in Ireland, you’ll find that the Irish will make you feel welcome from day one. Nevertheless, remember that at Dingoos, we are also waiting to welcome you with the warmth you deserve.
Ireland is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, on the western fringe of Europe. The Republic of Ireland covers five-sixths of the island and is known for its picturesque coasts, hills, valleys, and spectacular mountains.
The vast expanse of green grass covering much of the island has earned it the affectionate nickname “Emerald Isle.”
Studying in Ireland means getting to know students from all over the world who have traveled to the country with the same goal as you. Additionally, if you plan your trip with Dingoos, we will connect you with other students in the same situation so that you can bond from day one. You’re going to have a great time!
In Ireland, you won’t get bored because there are hundreds of leisure plans and different places to visit. At the end of this page, we reveal some that you shouldn’t miss.
International students traveling to Ireland are amazed by the diversity of experiences the country offers: from music festivals to unforgettable nature excursions or trips to ancient ruins.
Living in Ireland will not only allow you to improve your English and enjoy its culture, but it will also give you the opportunity to travel and explore other European countries. You’ll find flights for less than 100 euros that will take you to visit that other country you’ve always wanted to see.
To be able to make all these plans and trips, you’ll need money, and if you intend to work in Ireland while studying to cover your expenses, you’ll surely be interested in knowing the country’s salary level. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you!
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The unemployment rate in Ireland is around 5%, making its job market very accessible, both for qualified positions and those related to the service sector, such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, or shops, which are the most common for international students who do not yet have a high level of English.
The minimum wage in Ireland is €10.10 per hour, which translates to a minimum monthly wage of around €1,600 for full-time work.
In qualified positions, the annual salary ranges between €30,000 and €70,000, with the highest-paying jobs related to IT, sales, healthcare, engineering, or finance. In recent years, many technology companies like Facebook or Google have established their European headquarters in Ireland, creating numerous job opportunities related to IT, technology, science, and innovation.
In any case, you should know that the better your English level, the more positions you can apply for. Qualified roles require an advanced level of English, while for non-qualified positions, having an intermediate level is more than enough.
If the prestige of its educational system, the wide range of job opportunities, and the good remuneration haven’t convinced you yet, let’s go over the cost of living if you decide to study and live in Ireland.
Living costs in Ireland are moderate compared to other destinations for learning English. For example, in relation to its neighboring country, the United Kingdom, monthly fixed expenses would be lower. However, if we compare living costs in Ireland with those in Malta, living costs in Ireland would be higher. In any case, if you plan to combine your studies with work, you won’t have trouble covering your stay in the country thanks to the high salaries mentioned in the previous section.
Living costs can vary depending on factors such as the Irish city you choose to live in, the type of accommodation you choose, or the transportation you use to attend your English classes. Of course, your lifestyle also has a lot to add or subtract from these expenses. We can say that the average monthly cost of living in Ireland ranges from €800 to €1,200.
So that you can get an idea of what these monthly costs would be, we break down the typical expenses you would have to face if you decide to live in Ireland:
The Consejo Irlandés de Estudiantes Internacionales (ICOS) indicates that, for example, living in Dublin can cost around €10,000 per year. Accommodation is the main variable that determines the cost of living in Ireland. Keep in mind that the cost of your English course is not included in these living costs.
Depending on your nationality and the time you want to stay in the country, you will need to meet different requirements to live in Ireland. To see them easily, below we group nationalities that share the same requirements:
Living in Ireland as a Spanish, Swiss, or any other European Union country citizen is straightforward, as you can enter and leave Ireland freely without having to apply for any visa. You also won’t need to request the Irish Residence Permit (IRP). You can study for as long as you want and work full time.
In summary, the only requirement you need to meet is to have a valid passport from an EU country or Switzerland.
There are Chileans, Mexicans, and Argentinians living in Ireland who do not need an entry visa for Ireland but must be enrolled in an English course to enter the country. Depending on the duration of their studies in Ireland, they will need to meet the following requirements:
If you meet the requirements mentioned below, upon crossing the border, your passport will be stamped, and you will be granted a Tourist Visa valid for 90 days (3 months).
Keep in mind that with a Tourist Visa, you cannot work in Ireland. If you want to be able to work, the duration of your course must exceed 90 days, and the following requirements will apply.
Upon crossing the border, your passport will be stamped, and you will be granted a Tourist Visa valid for 90 days (3 months). However, once in the country, you will need to apply for the Irish Residence Permit (IRP) to stay in Ireland beyond the initial 90 days.
Once you have the IRP, you can work part-time (20h/week) and full-time (40h/week) from June to September and from December 15th to January 15th.
If you are Colombian, Peruvian, or Ecuadorian, you will need an entry visa for Ireland. To obtain it, you must have enrolled in an English course. Depending on the duration you want to study in Ireland, you will have to meet more or fewer requirements:
To study and live in Ireland for up to 90 days, you will need to apply for the Short Stay Tourist Visa before entering the country. However, you will not need to apply for the IRP (Irish Residence Permit). The requirements you need to meet are:
Keep in mind that with the Short Stay Tourist Visa, you cannot work in Ireland. To be able to work, the duration of your course must exceed 90 days.
To study in Ireland for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a Student Visa before entering the country and also apply for the IRP (Irish Residence Permit) once you are in the country. These are the requirements you must meet:
With your student visa and once you have obtained the IRP, you can work part-time (20h/week) and full-time (40h/week) from June to September and from December 15th to January 15th.
Although there are several cities where you could live in Ireland, such as Cork, Galway, or Limerick, the favorite among our students is Dublin, its capital. It is home to the best English schools in the country, prestigious universities, and excellent job opportunities.
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland and is located on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.
With around 600,000 inhabitants, Dublin attracts international students from around the world interested in studying and working in Ireland.
Its population is known for being the friendliest in Europe. This, combined with the high quality of life, makes Dublin one of the most attractive cities to settle and thrive in Ireland.
Dublin offers more activity and nightlife than any other city in Ireland. In this city, it’s practically impossible to get bored. You don’t need much advice on leisure in Dublin, as you will always find a plan to have fun and enjoy Irish culture. Whether it’s having a pint at one of its typical Irish pubs, visiting museums, or, on sunny days, having a picnic in St. Stephen’s Green Park.
This city in the northwest of Ireland was named the European Capital of Culture in 2022, a well-deserved recognition for its rich cultural and leisure offerings.
Compared to other Irish cities like Dublin or Cork, Galway has a lower cost of living.
It is a multicultural and underground-style city. Additionally, Galway is home to many renowned institutions, such as the University of Ireland.
Cork is located in the southwest of the island and is the second most important city in Ireland. Because it is smaller than the capital, the monthly cost of living there is more economical than in Dublin.
This city is a favorite among international students as, in addition to a quality education, it offers good festivals and has an interesting nightlife.
Cork also provides good job opportunities as many headquarters of major companies such as Apple, Pepsi, Amazon are located here. It is a city with a lot of business activity, including factories, shops, etc.
We want you to get to know Ireland. Therefore, we'll tell you about its main characteristics, what its capital is like, and some curious facts about the country. Let's go, Ireland!
Thanks to its strategic location in northwest Europe, its varied and excellent educational offerings, and its affordable cost of living, Ireland is one of the favorite destinations for students who want to study abroad.
In Ireland, you can legally work while studying, making it the perfect destination for those who want to add some work experience to their CV or simply earn money to cover their expenses.
With a European passport, you won't need a visa to study and work in Ireland. If you are from Latin America, specific requirements for your nationality will apply. Whatever your case, at Dingoos, we will help you with the necessary procedures.
Before delving into the various accommodation options available for international students, you should know that at Dingoos, we will help you find accommodation for your first days. In addition, almost all schools offer the possibility of staying in their student residences or even support in finding an Irish family where you can stay during your time in Ireland.
Most Irish schools offer the option of staying in a school-owned student residence. If you are interested in this option, it is advisable to book accommodation 4 to 6 months in advance as there are limited spaces, and it is a highly sought-after option.
One advantage of student residences is that they are usually located in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the school. This way, you have no excuse for being late to class, and you can also save on transportation.
Student residences generally offer various options, from single rooms to apartments with a capacity for 4 to 8 students. In these apartments, it is common for each student to have a private bedroom, while common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, or living room are shared.
In most residences, you will be required to pay accommodation in advance, as well as a deposit as a security deposit that will be refunded when you leave. Services such as water, electricity, heating, and the internet are usually included in the initial price. However, each student residence may have particular conditions. If you are interested in this option, your Dingoos Guide will provide you with all the information you need and help you reserve your place in your school’s residence.
This type of accommodation is commonly known as “homestay,” but the Irish also refer to it as “digs.”
This option is great for experiencing Irish culture from the inside and will help you accelerate your English learning. The operation is simple: an Irish family welcomes you into their home in exchange for a fee as rent. They will provide you with a private room, and you will share the rest of the house with the family. Two meals (usually breakfast and dinner) are usually included. Public services such as heating and electricity are included in the cost, and some other services, such as laundry, may also be included.
Accommodation agreements with families are becoming increasingly common because they are a very economical option and are well-regulated.
Here, there are two options. The first is that you rent an apartment yourself. If it has several rooms, you could lease them to help cover the rental costs. The second option is to rent just one room within an apartment that another person has rented. This option is also quite common, and its main advantage is freedom and privacy.
Apartments vary widely in terms of distribution, cost, and quality, depending on the city or neighborhoods in Dublin where you choose to live.
Rent must be paid every month before the first day of the month. In addition, you will have to pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s rent to secure the lease agreement. The normal duration of a lease agreement ranges from 9 to 12 months. The deposit will be returned to you at the end of the contract as long as you return the property (or room) in the same condition as you found it or have not violated any of the terms of the contract.
Useful Tips for Renting an Apartment in Ireland
Ireland has an oceanic climate and is considered temperate when compared to countries at similar latitudes. The average temperature in the country’s main cities is 10°C.
Winter in Ireland begins in November and ends in January. During this time, temperatures range between 0°C and 8°C.
In the coldest months, January and February, temperatures occasionally drop below 0°C, but it’s rare to see snow in cities. However, a good umbrella is a must-have if you’re living in Ireland as it rains frequently, especially in winter. Fog is also quite common in coastal areas during the coldest season.
In the spring months (February, March, and April), average temperatures range between 8°C and 12°C. The overall average temperature during this time is 10°C, with April being the most pleasant month to go outside and enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer in Ireland covers the months of May, June, and July. July and August are the warmest months of the year, with average temperatures of 19°C, although the hottest days can reach up to 30°C. Nevertheless, clouds and occasional precipitation can still occur.
Autumn in Ireland falls in the months of August, September, and October. Temperatures rise significantly compared to winter, ranging between 3°C and 10°C. It could be said that the Irish autumn is very similar to winter.
If you’re moving to Ireland and unsure about what clothes to pack, don’t worry – here are some tips. Keep in mind that in Ireland, even within a single day, the weather can be cold or warm depending on the time. Therefore, the best way to dress for Ireland’s weather is to wear multiple layers.
For example, a T-shirt with a sweater and a jacket in the spring or summer months, and a good coat in autumn and winter that you can remove if the temperature changes, as it often does. Yes, you heard it right – a jacket might be necessary even in summer.
And very importantly, don’t forget to bring waterproof clothing and an umbrella for outdoor activities, as well as comfortable shoes for the excursions organized by our Events Department.
Ireland offers a myriad of activities and places to discover. While there are many more, here’s a selection of must-visit places.
An hour from Dublin, you’ll find the Wicklow Mountains, a must-visit during your stay in Ireland. From this mountainous system, you can breathe pure air and enjoy privileged views of lakes, peaks, and forests filled with Irish nature.
The Cliffs of Moher are famous worldwide, and if you come to Ireland, you can’t miss them. With a height of about 200 meters, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that will leave you speechless.
It’s a beach formed by the cooling of volcanic lava millions of years ago. Located in County Antrim, besides enjoying fantastic sunsets, you can visit the town and hear the stories locals tell about the formation of this peculiar Irish beach.
The Guinness Storehouse is a former factory turned museum. Located at St. James’s Gate, you can learn about the history of Guinness, and at the end of the visit, you can taste one of the best beers in the world. Are you going to miss it?
This visit is a must. Enjoy privileged views by walking from Inch Beach to the cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, see the Aran Islands, and we assure you won’t be indifferent.
Do you like the movie “Titanic”? Then you’ll like visiting the town of Cobh. Here, you can see the Titanic museum and learn about the history of the transatlantic that, even after more than a century, is still on the lips of the locals. This is where the Titanic docked for the last time before sinking.
At Dingoos, we are a group of experts who will advise and accompany you throughout all stages of your experience abroad, both before and after reaching your destination.
We will help you find the course that best suits you in the city that interests you the most, and we will take care of managing your enrollment.
As visa experts, we know that dealing with paperwork to obtain it can be a hassle. That's why we will assist you throughout the entire process to successfully apply for your student visa!
We will be waiting for you upon your arrival and will welcome you as one of our own. We want you to feel part of our community from your first day abroad and become a member of our #DingoosFamily.
Going abroad is about learning, growing, making new friends, and experiencing many things for the first time. It's about living intensely, and for us, it will always be a pleasure to do it by your side!
Our goal is to make everything clear from the beginning, so you know at all times what you will find on the other side of the world and avoid surprises. Ready?
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Raúl Cely, Dingoos Guide and Canada Manager, shares all the secrets to planning a successful international experience. Are you going to miss it?
