Ireland is a country of many wonders. It is the iconic land of Game of Thrones, blossoming with resplendent castles, verdurous countrysides, premium whiskies, literary masterpieces, and, of course, an impassioned rugby culture. Ireland is a country where history, nature, and gaiety thrive.
Today, Ireland stands as a land of promise with its welcoming community and handsome housing market, especially for expats. Read on to uncover the best places to live in Ireland.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. It is renowned for its friendly inhabitants, rich literary and musical heritage.
One of Dublin’s most defining features is its “craic,” a social interaction filled with humour, witticism, and intellect. Needless to say, Dubliners’ affability and love of insightful repartee have contributed to it being a UNESCO city of literature.
With its vivacious culture and cosmopolitan milieu, Dublin is also a leading digital district in the region. The city is home to Europe’s “Silicon Docks,” an enclave hosting Google, Meta, and Amazon. It boasts an incredible work-life balance – post-work hangouts and weekends are taken very seriously. There are countless avenues for entertainment and leisure, from pubs to nightclubs, parks, shopping centres, and architectural landmarks.
Dublin is Europe’s 16th most expensive city to live in and ranks 41 on a global scale. The average cost for an apartment is €3,414 per square metre, making it the fifth most expensive European city to build a house in. However, the market has plenty to offer, from flats to penthouses, family mansions, and leisure retreats. Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Merrion, and Ranelagh are some of the city’s best neighbourhoods to live in, dotted with upscale properties and verdurous parks.
Foxrock
Foxrock is an affluent suburb located on the outskirts of Dublin, abloom with an impressive literary pedigree.
The region was developed in the early modern period by William and John Bentley and Edward and Anthony Fox, as its chief railway line poised Foxrock within commutable distance of Dublin. From well-connected transport links to beautiful estates, Foxrock began to flourish within a few years of its existence. Writer Samuel Beckett, singer Jerry Lee Lewis, and singer Joe Dolan are few artistic figures that hail from Foxrock, crowning the suburb with its reputation of being a creativity cradle. The tightly-knit community is littered with excellent schools, restaurants, and departmental stores, making it an ideal postcode for well-off families.
Wicklow
Wicklow hosts some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural gems. It is steeped in soaring mountains, sinuous valleys, glimmering coastlines, and ethereal gardens.
The region is full of walking routes, hiking trails, and mediaeval architectural sites. Buzzing with activity since the Bronze Age, history buffs have plenty to explore in the town. As with every quintessential Irish town, Wicklow takes pride in its dynamic pub culture.
In the past decade, Wicklow has been steadily growing as a vital commuter town to Dublin, thus budding with many residential projects and investment opportunities. As such, people from around Europe have been flocking to Wicklow, aspiring to build a home in the bucolic haven. It has been noted as the second-most expensive place to live in after Dublin, with an average home costing €365,000.
Cork
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, is the country’s bohemian paradise.
The city is packed to capacity with innumerable artistic, intellectual, and cultural venues. The Crawford Art Gallery, in particular, is a national institution, housing over 2500 installations, including Greek and Roman sculpture casts from the Vatican Museum.
It has also gained notoriety for nurturing one of the country’s most vibrant culinary landscapes, known for eccentric bites like Toonsbridge mozzarella and Clonakilty black pudding. It's also a significant musical and theatrical centre in Ireland, with the Cork School of Music, the Montfort College of Performing Arts, and the Graffiti Theatre Company.
An average home in Cork will set you back at least €450,000, while a luxury detached property will cost at least €1,154,000.
Waterford
Set in the east of Ireland, ancient history and maritime splendour pervade Waterford.
Waterford is famously Ireland’s first ever city. It was a key Viking settlement, as a closed bay perched on the banks of the River Suir. Trade flourished in Waterford and later evolved into a city under Norse invaders. Its history is incredibly palpable in the air, with countless towers, forts, and museums expertly documenting the city’s colourful history – the Waterford Treasures establishment, for instance, showcases the city's 1,100-year-old history in one establishment.
At present, Waterford’s main commercial significance stems from its glassmaking industry and meat and fruit exports. As such, it is a great city to explore certain niche business opportunities.
A luxury bungalow at Waterford costs at least €500,000. Notably, it is home to Ballynatray House, Ireland’s most expensive house with a price tag of over €30 million.
Malahide
Malahide is a famously minted coastal retreat in Ireland. With a small population, gorgeous suburban homes, high-tech amenities, and picturesque landmarks, Malahide has remained a popular homestead for retirees as well as youngsters disillusioned with city life.
The region has evidence of prehistoric activity and Viking settlements, making for insightful walking expeditions. There is also a treasure trove of parklands, gardens, and coastal trails. As a quiet and upmarket enclave, Malahide is filled with small but cushy boutiques, eateries, and pubs. It also hosts a Millionaires’ Row, where the likes of musician Nicky Byrne, singer Ronan Keating, and Ireland striker Robbie Keane have lived.
An average home in Malahide is worth at least €700,000, while luxury homes bear price tags of at least €1.5 million.
Galway
Galway is one of Ireland’s most beloved and unique cities, known for its artistic merit and festive atmosphere.
Galway is known as Ireland’s “cultural heart,” for there’s almost never a dull moment in the city. The days are filled with events, festivals, and exhibitions, truly revelling in the wealth of Irish culture – the Galway Film Fleadh, the Galway Theatre Festival, and the Cuirt International Festival of Literature are some notable fests of the city. There’s always a flamboyant celebration of traditional Irish music, performing arts, and pubbing at Galway.
Moreover, filled with harbours, fiords, cliffs, and greens, Galway certainly isn't devoid of stellar natural gems. The Cliffs of Moher, in particular, have been immortalised in pop culture, folklore, and literature as one of Ireland’s most beautiful features.
Galway has the second-most expensive rental market after Dublin. Affluent neighbourhoods such as Salthill, Taylors Hill, and Chestnut Lane are lined with homes worth €800,000 to €1 million.
Greystones
Greystones is a coastal alcove set in Wicklow, known for its tightly-knit community, miscellany of resorts, and affluent residents.
It is a relatively new settlement, having developed in the late 18th century. The introduction of railways and its thriving fishing business led to a housing boom in the 1970s that lured in many Irish natives as well as expats. Today, Greystones is one of Ireland’s more prosperous towns. Bounded by azure coastlines, the town is peppered with designer boutiques, verdurous parklands, and local musical and theatre hubs.
Greystones has been voted the “most liveable community” by the LivCom Awards, a UN-backed competition based on global best practices regarding local environment development. A modest house in the city costs about €524,000, rendering it the most expensive Irish postcode beyond Dublin.
Final Take
From landmark technological hubs to pastoral retreats and cultural centres, Ireland has it all. As such, it is the ideal European homestead for luxury living and entrepreneurial ventures. From the industrial prosperity of Dublin to the upscale tranquillity of Wicklow, these are the eight best places to live in Ireland.
