Wonder What Is It Like Living in Ireland? (25 Pros and Cons)

Ireland is a small country with a big personality. 

It’s also one of the best European countries to reside in. 

With wonderful locals, a great location, and a fun culture, you’ll be begging to move there.

Still not convinced?

We’ve put together the pros and cons of residing in this delightful country. 

Have a read of the guide below to discover whether Ireland is for you. 

The Pros

Close To Europe

Ireland is close to the UK and the rest of Europe. 

This makes it super easy to travel from. 

Ireland is also home to the budget airline Ryanair which will have you flying around in no time. 

Thatmeans you can go on lots of wonderful short trips if you have pets you need need to get a pet sitter. Dog sitting rates are really reasonable in Ireland and better than using a boarding kennel.

Annual Leave

If you work full-time in Ireland you are entitled to 20 days of annual leave.

This leave is compulsory and it’s not possible to avoid taking your leave.

Most employers will also award extra holiday days to long-term employees. 

Healthcare 

All Irish permanent residents can get healthcare. 

You will still have to pay for some services, but a lot of services are funded by the government. 

There are also schemes for prescription medications to help people with long-term conditions. 

Crime Rates Are Low

Living in Ireland, you’ll be residing in one of the safest countries in the world. 

Ireland has super strict gun laws and a low crime rate. 

Violent crime is uncommon and gun violence is essentially non-existent. 

Easy To Get A Bank Account

Non-residents can open a bank account with a form of ID and proof of address. 

A bank account in Ireland cannot be opened online.

So, you’ll probably have to wait until you land in the country to open the account in person.

A Big Expat Community

Ireland has a huge ex-pat community, so you’ll never feel alone.

This country is an international hub and is home to people from all around the world. 

Ireland also has strong ties to Europe, the UK, and the US so you’ll find a blend of the cultures here. 

Public Transportation Is Pretty Good

In major cities like Dublin, public transport is reliable and quick. 

Traveling across the country is also pretty easy.

Buses and trains regularly travel so you get around easily. 

Pub Culture

Ireland is famous for its pub scene and if that’s your thing, you’ll have a lot of fun!

Pubs are a great way to meet people and be involved in the social scene. 

There is generally a lot of entertainment and music played at the pubs as well. 

The Welcoming People

The Irish are known as a friendly bunch of people. 

They’re warm, welcoming, and have a great sense of humor. 

People in Ireland are also incredibly tolerant of foreigners and immigrants. 

You Can Be A Dual Citizen

One of the perks of becoming an Irish citizen is that you can hold dual citizenship. 

You’ll still be able to retain your US citizenship even after you’ve moved.

This is fantastic if you’re not sure how long you’ll be residing in Ireland. 

The Cons

The Irish Weather

It rains a lot in Ireland, so don’t expect steady sunshine. 

The gloomy weather can also be unpredictable and you’ll never quite know what’s coming. 

It rarely snows in Ireland but it can still get pretty cold during winter. 

Fuel Is Expensive

Fuel taxes in Ireland are high which makes petrol very expensive. 

Ireland has some of the most costly fuels in the world. 

It will be more expensive than in the United States and be similarly priced to the UK. 

Housing Can Be Difficult

Buying property is challenging in Ireland and it is difficult to qualify for a mortgage loan. 

There is also a housing crisis in Ireland at the moment. 

This makes renting options scarce and expensive throughout the country. 

Less Police

While there is a low crime rate in Ireland, there are also less police. 

The visible police presence is not large and abundant throughout the country. 

Emergency services can also have a slow response time due to this. 

Medical Delays

For medical procedures and non-emergency care, there can be big delays. 

In many cases, there are long waiting lists that go on for weeks. 

Due to this, many are deterred from seeking treatment if the condition is not life-threatening. 

The Cost Of Living Can Be High

Living in Ireland comes with a good quality of life but it can get expensive. 

In larger cities, rents will be particularly high.

Further out, rents will be lower but will also have less public transportation. 

Traveling Rurally And Regionally

While buses and trains do go across the country, there can be some challenges. 

If you live in a rural area it may be difficult to travel to the main cities. 

Journeys can often take many hours to take. 

Things Close Early

Places in Ireland are not 24-hour cities. 

Even in Dublin, public transport will end around 11.30 pm. 

Sundays things are often closed as well. 

There Are Limited Job Prospects Outside Of Dublin

If you’re looking for work outside of Dublin, you might struggle. 

There are limited job prospects outside this bustling city. 

Be sure to line up work before you head over so this isn’t an issue. 

Pub Culture Isn’t Everyone’s Cup Of Tea

Alcohol is deeply entrenched in the Irish lifestyle. 

However, if drinking isn’t your thing then you may struggle with pub culture. 

That being said, there are plenty of things to see and do without alcohol in Ireland. 

Ireland is a fascinating country that has so much to offer.

It’s got pub culture, lovely Irish people, and a thriving environment for ex-pat living. 

But it can also have limited job prospects, difficult housing, and expensive resources. 

We think you’ll love living in Ireland.

And, if it’s not for you- it’s worth visiting for a holiday!

Why do you want to reside in Ireland?