From the lush greenery and windswept beaches to medieval landmarks and cobblestone streets, Ireland is one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries.
The digital nomad scene in Ireland is still relatively new, but it is growing rapidly, with new co-working spaces popping up all the time.
Ireland should definitely be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a safe and friendly place to live in Europe as a digital nomad.
But, what about the visa situation?
Can you just pack your bags and move to Ireland without any hassle?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
In this guide, we’ll explore digital nomad visas in Ireland and what are your options if you wish to stay longer than 30 days.
Wondering if you need a visa for Ireland? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Ireland
Digital nomads in Ireland usually fall into one of two categories – those who are from the EU/EEA, and those who are not.
If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can travel and work in Ireland without a visa.
If you’re not from the EU/EEA, then you’ll need to apply for a visa before you can enter Ireland.
The most common type of visa for digital nomads is the short-stay visa, which allows you to stay in Ireland for up to 90 days. Another option is the long-stay visa which allows you to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days.
To apply for these visas you will need to visit the Irish Immigration website to see which visa you qualify for and how to get it.
Digital Nomad Visa
There is no such thing as a digital nomad visa in Ireland.
However, you can apply for a long-stay visa, which will allow you to stay in Ireland for over 90 days.
Best Places To Live In Ireland For Digital Nomads
Ireland is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places to live in Ireland for Digital Nomads.
Dublin
Dublin is easily one of the best cities to live in Ireland because of its traditional rich heritage, modern amenities, and thriving nightlife. The medieval city is steeped in history and culture, with tons of ancient buildings and historical sites among the lively Irish pubs and street art.
As the capital of the Republic of Ireland, job opportunities are plentiful, with many sciences, engineering, health, and pharma companies. The natural scenery is beautiful, too, thanks to its east coast location, the River Liffey running through it, and numerous beaches.
However, Dublin is one of the least safe parts of Ireland and has a high cost of living. That being said, housing pricing and safety levels vary between the 24 districts.
If you want to be right in the action, Portobello and The Docklands are beautiful and safe districts. Still, like all central districts, rental prices are expensive; expect to pay up to €2000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
If you want to live away from the hustle and bustle but still have a short commute, the suburbs of Dalkey and Killiney Bay are an excellent choice. These suburbs are located among green rolling hills, close to gorgeous beaches, and full of art galleries, top-class restaurants, markets, and traditional pubs.
You’ll likely find an apartment in the outer suburbs for around €1500.
Galway
Did you know Galway city is one of the best places to live in Ireland for solo expats?
The west coast harbor city has the country’s highest percentage of single people. So if you’re looking to meet “the one” or just enjoy the dating scene, Galway is a top choice.
Galway is known for its music and festival culture. You’ll find live Irish folk music in most of the pubs, and around 120 festivals or events happen every year.
The bustling city is also a foodie’s heaven, with plenty of fine dining restaurants among the shops and pubs in the 18th-century Eyre Square, which is the city’s hub.
Galway is a very safe city and has many job opportunities for expats. Many multinational companies like Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Wayfair are located here.
The tech industry and manufacturing sector are thriving, and many new medical device companies are also operating.
The average monthly rental on a one-bedroom apartment in the city is €1300. However, if you live in the suburbs, like the lovely village of Clonbur, you’ll find something cheaper.
Cork
Cork, in southwest Ireland, is a vibrant cultural hub ideal for digital nomads and younger expats looking to make friends and build an active social life.
It is the country’s second-largest city, so finding a job here is usually pretty easy for expats who speak English. In particular, the Tech and pharmaceutical industries are thriving.
Cork is dubbed the food capital of Ireland because of its high-quality produce. Whether you’re tasting samples at a local food market, enjoying lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant, or sipping a brew in a craft-beer pub, you’ll be impressed.
Aside from food, Cork has no shortage of entertainment venues, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, making it a truly diverse city.
Although it’s great for young people, Cork is also popular among expats with families. This is because the city has some of the best schools in the country and excellent medical facilities.
Rental prices are in line with Galway, ranging from €1100 to €1400, depending on location, for a one-bedroom apartment.
Limerick
Limerick may be one of the oldest parts of the country, but it’s still one of the best Irish cities for expats looking to soak up the traditional culture. Located on the River Shannon in the West of Ireland, Limerick is a small yet bustling city where there is always something going on.
Limerick puts on various music, food, and cultural events every year and is full of medieval landmarks like King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral. There are also some excellent food markets like the quirky restored Milk Market.
The downside to Limerick is that there are not so many job opportunities compared to the bigger cities. In addition, unlike other parts of the country, the locals are not as welcoming to outsiders, so fitting in may be a bit more complicated.
However, living costs are reasonable, especially if you live in the outer suburbs. Expect to pay between €850 and €1200 monthly rental on a one-bedroom apartment.
Westport
Westport in County Mayo is not one of the most well-known towns. Still, the peaceful lifestyle and romantic scenery here make it one of the best cities in Ireland for couples. Therefore, if you’re looking to move to “The Emerald Isle” with your significant other and would prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin, consider Westport.
Westport is one of the most picturesque towns in the country, full of beauty and charm, from the iconic Croagh Patrick and pretty Clew Bay. It is very safe and was voted the best place to live in Ireland in the Irish Times.
However, there are far fewer job opportunities here than in the cities, so it’s best for expats who work remotely. The cost of living is average for Ireland, with similar rental costs as Limerick.
Killarney
From one stunning town to another, Killarney in County Kerry is a lovely, peaceful, and naturally beautiful area in the southwest. It’s certainly more of a historic village than a modern one, so it is ideal for anyone interested in Medieval history, architecture, and traditional Irish culture.
Killarney is also a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts as the town is surrounded by lush countryside, including Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe. Moreover, despite its old feel, the locals are super friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
Of course, as a reasonably small town, job opportunities for expats, especially well-paying ones, are sparse. Therefore, Killarney best suits remote workers or digital nomads wanting to explore the Irish lifestyle.
Kinsale
We finish the list of the best places to live in Ireland with another small town, Kinsale, in County Cork. Kinsale is another historical area with a rich heritage as it once served as a battleground.
Today, expats choose to live here for its peaceful lifestyle, natural beauty, and close proximity to the city of Cork (a 30 – 45 minute drive).
Kinsale inherits Cork’s culinary expertise, so you will find multiple award-winning restaurants and gourmet food festivals here. However, if you like your evenings to consist of something more than a nice meal, you’ll be a bit disappointed as there is not much nightlife.
Like the other towns on this list, there are fewer job opportunities. Plus, housing is limited, so it can be harder to secure a place to call home in Kinsale.
Cost Of Living In Ireland
Living in Ireland is comparable to other hot spots in Western Europe. Like other Western European countries, it will be expensive to live, but you will get a high quality of living and a lot of safety in return.
What your monthly costs will be, will greatly depend on the destination chosen and your lifestyle.
For example, if you live in Dublin, your living expenses could be around EUR 2,500 per month. However, if you live somewhere like Limerick, that will definitely be lower.
Same regarding the food, you could either cook your own food or eat local food to save money. If you’re tempted by going out to bars and restaurants very often, you will need a much higher monthly budget, as these things are quite expensive in Ireland.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Ireland
Ireland is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture. It is also a very safe country and is very welcoming to people moving there.
If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Ireland is definitely a place you should consider. Just be prepared for the high cost of living.
Besides that, Ireland is an excellent place to live and work as a digital nomad.
Not sure if Ireland is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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