Have you ever dreamed of living in Ireland? When it comes to living abroad, the Emerald Island wins the hearts of many Brazilians and foreigners from around the world.
Whether for its culture or receptivity towards foreigners, Ireland is a country that attracts attention. And today, I'm excited to share a complete guide for anyone who dreams of living in Ireland.
Don't waste time, continue reading this article about living in Ireland and embark on this journey with me!
5 steps to living in Ireland
Why live in Ireland?
The desire to live abroad is something that we, travel lovers, share a lot, right? After all, whether it's learning a new language, getting to know new cultures or even changing your perspective on life, living in another country is an incredible experience.
But why live in Ireland? It's not for nothing that the country is known as the Emerald Island, after all its landscapes are impressive. The fields and vegetation, combined with the ruins and castles, create scenes that seem to come out of fairy tales like the Cliffs of Moher! Seriously, it's breathtaking!
Furthermore, as the third largest island in Europe, Ireland attracts more visitors every year than its population. This unique characteristic transforms the country into a central point of interaction with different cultures, providing a welcoming and ideal environment for those who wish to live abroad and learn or improve their English.
This is because constant familiarity with English not only accelerates learning, but also increases your chances of absorbing local idiomatic expressions and slang. Whether in a lively conversation in a pub or during a visit to a tourist attraction, your learning will intertwine with everyday experience, making everything even more memorable and fluent!
In other words, in addition to all the natural and historical beauty, living in Ireland is a great option for those who want to practice their English.
Is living in Ireland expensive?
Living in Ireland can be considered relatively expensive, depending on the lifestyle and city in which you choose to reside. Dublin, the capital, is generally more expensive than other cities in the country such as Cork or Galway.
There is a huge problem with a lack of cheap accommodation in major cities. However, the salary is one of the highest in Europe. Thus, having a good salary, it is possible to pay the bills calmly.
Security is also another point worth highlighting, as Ireland is considered a safe country, with low crime rates. However, it is always important to take safety precautions, such as not walking alone in deserted areas at night and keeping your personal belongings close to you in busy places.
5 steps to living in Ireland
Now that you know some particularities about Ireland, how about checking out some tips on how to plan to live in Ireland?
1 – Check the visa documentation
Before embarking on this incredible journey of living in Ireland, it is essential to be aware of the essential documents to ensure a smooth experience. The first step is to obtain an Irish visa. Depending on the purpose of your stay, there are different types of visas.
In the case of work visas, they are only available for vacancies with an annual salary of €30,000 euros or more. Furthermore, its initial duration is 2 years. After this period, it can be extended for another 3 years. After 5 years of stay in the country, there is no longer a need to apply for a work visa.
For the student visayou need the immigration letter, which validates your enrollment in a course listed in the Interim List of Eligible Programs (ILEP) with a minimum workload of 15 hours per week. This visa is for long-term courses, in which you can work. If your course is shorter than 3 months, you can come on a tourist visa and CANNOT WORK.
To obtain this visa, you need a Brazilian passport, whose validity must cover not only the period of exchange in Ireland, but also extend for six months beyond your expected time on the island. A financial reserve is mandatory, ranging between 3000 and 4000 euros, intended to cover essential expenses during the stay.
Securing a place of residence even before landing on the island is a crucial step. Be prepared to present proof of residency as part of the process. Finally, paying the EUR 300.00 fee is another important point to consider. Remember that payment for the visa must be made via debit or bank transaction.
To be able to stay in Ireland and work (even renew your long-term student visa), you need to:
- enroll in a program lasting at least 25 weeks
- attend classes for at least 15 hours per week
- attend at least 85% of your classes
- complete an end-of-program examination.
I talk more about the visa here Exchange in Ireland: how to study and work in Ireland
2 – Make financial planning
Moving to a new country involves costs, and living in Ireland is no exception. Before embarking on this journey, carry out detailed financial planning. Consider expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, visa fees and initial expenses. Having a solid financial reserve will help ensure a smoother transition and allow you to make the most of your experience without excessive financial worries.
3 – Which city to live in Ireland?
Ireland offers a variety of cities that are excellent options for living. To help you choose the best city, I separated some parts of the country and also some characteristics of each region. Take a look:
Dublin
Dublin is famous for its culture and bohemian atmosphere, with many pubs, restaurants, clubs, museums and art galleries.
In addition to its cultural charm, Dublin stands out as an educational center, housing several world-renowned universities and colleges, ranked among the 50 best cities for students according to the QS Ranking! The region offers a wide variety of language courses, which provide opportunities for both linguistic development and academic improvement.
A curiosity worth highlighting is that Dublin is always in the global ranking of the best cities to carry out a student exchange, reflecting its commitment to educational quality and international experience.
In addition to all this, Dublin is recognized for being a safe and friendly city, with an efficient public transport system and diverse accommodation options for exchange students. It's a great option for living in Ireland.
In Dublin it is also possible visit the Guinness brewery!
Cork
If you like the atmosphere of university towns, you'll love Cork. Located on the south coast of Ireland, the city has several natural attractions such as the Beara and Dingle peninsulas and the famous Ring of Kerry: an incredible route in the south of Ireland. The city is also home to the famous Cork Castle and St. Finbarr's Cathedral. I really enjoyed it when living and I recommend it to live in Ireland.
There are also several festivals that are worth checking out throughout the year, such as the Cork Jazz Festival and the Cork Film Festival. Ahhh, the city stands out for its rich gastronomy with the English food market. If you're good with a fork, this seems like a good option, right?
In the video below I show you a little bit of Cork!
Galway
Also known for being a university city, Galway stands out as an important cultural center, which celebrates artistic expression through numerous festivals throughout the year, notably the renowned Galway Arts Festival.
In addition to cultural activities, the region offers the opportunity to explore natural treasures. The proximity to the Aran Islands and Connemara National Park allows you to broaden your horizons, discovering incredible landscapes.
Want more city tips in Ireland? See the article Where to study in Ireland
4 – Look for accommodation
Now that you know a little about the best regions to live in Ireland, it is important to choose the type of accommodation. Research available options, from apartments to shared rooms, considering location, cost and amenities.
My tip is to start this research in advance to guarantee the best options.
Use popular online property search platforms, such as Daft.ie, MyHome.ie, Rent.ie, and check out the options available for rental. These sites allow you to filter by property type, price, location, among others.
You can also join local Facebook groups such as “Expats in Dublin” or “Rent in Ireland”, where people often share information about available accommodation and tips related to living in Ireland. However, be very careful not to fall for scams! Local real estate agencies are safer, but it is difficult to rent if you “don’t have your name on the market yet”
Some schools help you find accommodation for the first few months, check the resources offered by your educational institution! ICOT is one of them! Find out more about Exchange in Ireland: how to study and work in Ireland
And of course, once you make friends, you can share an apartment or find available rooms.
5 – Networking
When arriving at a new destination, especially if you are going to live there, it is important to be open to meeting and interacting with new people and cultures. Integration into the local community is a fundamental part of your experience.
Attend local events, meetups and interest groups to meet new people. The Irish are known for their friendliness, so don't hesitate to get involved in social life. Making friends will not only make the transition easier but will also enrich your cultural experience of living in Ireland,
Many schools already have programs to better “get together” with students!
Ireland is a country full of history, culture and human warmth, not only does it offer a conducive environment to improve your English studies, but it also provides a unique experience. Did this article about living in Ireland help you gain the courage to finally make your dream come true?
So check out more articles about Ireland here on the blog! Read: 14 interesting facts about Ireland
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