How to Find the Best Place to Live in Ireland

Ireland is frequently judged to be one of the best places in the world to live. Its economic stability and traditional values make it an attractive place to make a home, and the gorgeous scenery and friendly people make it positively irresistible. Although it is a fairly small country, Ireland has a good mixture of cities and countryside, so there are plenty of options for those looking to live there.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. List your priorities. If you have children, you may want to consider schools in the area. If you travel abroad often, you may need to be close to an international airport.

2. Think about your lifestyle. Do you want the excitement of a city, or are you looking for the quiet, rural life? You may wish to focus your search on cities like Dublin, Cork and Galway, or you may prefer the more tranquil areas like those along the west coast.

3. Consider living the capital life. Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland, and there's no doubt that it can be an exhilarating place to live. However, the cost of living in Dublin is higher than the rest of Ireland's cities, so it is worth some careful consideration. Many visitors are familiar with Dublin, so it often becomes the first port of call when looking for a home in Ireland. But don't forget that Ireland has other great cities as well. Visit Cork, Galway, Shannon, Kilkenny, Waterford and Limerick to see how they compare to the capital.

4. Check house prices. These can vary greatly from area to area, and this will probably be a big factor in your final decision, especially if you are planning to buy a home. Have a look at the House Prices Index which will tell you the average price paid for a house in Ireland, as well as the regional variations. Housing tends to cost significantly more in Dublin than in the rest of the country. Prices in the commuter counties of Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow also tend to be higher than the rest of the country, but not as high as Dublin's rates.

5. Do a trial run. The most important thing to do before you move to a new place is to actually live in that area for a bit, to see if it feels right. Try renting in your chosen region for a few months before committing to living there permanently or buying a property. If you don't have much time to spare before making your decision, try to spend at least a week in the area, experiencing daily life and testing the local amenities and commuting routes.

Tips & Warnings

• Galway is the capital of West Ireland and is a thriving city with plenty of arts and culture, making it a good alternative to Dublin.
• Some of the very small towns can seem a bit unwelcoming to newcomers, simply because the locals are not used to strangers. If you take a bit of time to get to know them (and let them know you), you should find most people very welcoming. If you prefer anonymity, it's probably best to stick with the cities and larger towns.

Resources

• This page has links to everything you need to know about life in Ireland, including links to Irish estate agents.
• This estate agent site has properties for sale and the latest House Price Index figures.
• Irish Property News carries information on property and mortgages in Ireland.

[shanediffily]

on 4/20/2009 A website called www.likeplace.ie has ratings and comments about places to live in Ireland. It covers schools, environment, jobs, etc. It says the best place today is Ballyhean in Co.Mayo. Not sure if that is really true!