​

If you know someone who lives in Ireland ‘word of mouth’ through friends and people you know is also one of the option. 

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The average prices are:

1. Private room: 600-800€

2. Shared room: 250-500€

3. House or apartment with one or two rooms: 1300-2500€

4. Studio: 800 - 1500€

These are only average prices and of course you can always find cheaper or more expensive - depending on the location, etc. 

Always be careful. There are a lot of scams happening, do not pay in advance and do not trust landlords that can't give you a contract or similar suspicious activities.  

​

If you are coming with friends or family and you want a house or an apartment for yourself it might be difficult as the people that are living in Ireland already will have an advantage.

They will ask for work and references from previous landlords which you probably wont have in the beginning. 

On top of rent you will also need to pay bills which are not included in the rent (unless specified differently).

Typical utilities you can expect to pay in Ireland:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Waste
• Internet 
• TV licence (only if you own a TV)​

​

Extra tip:

Prices are generally lower if the apartment or house is further away from the city center. However, in that case you will have to pay for the transport and you will have to spend more time on travel to and from work. 

​

There is more jobs opportunity closer to the city center and probably you will find a job in the city center. Also, in the 'rush hour' a 15 min bus ride can easily become a 45 min or more. 

With all this in mind maybe a more expensive accommodation but closer to the city center might be a better option. 

Card contents go here

Card contents go here

Card contents go here

HelpX is a web site where you can find all sorts of accommodation, including cheap hostels, home stay, B&b's, farms and even sailing boats. It works in the way that they provide free accommodation and food (in most cases) in exchange for few hours of work per day. If you just arrived to Ireland and you have limited budget this can be a good way to save money on food and accommodation until you find a job, but also a great opportunity to learn something new and add a great experience on your CV. 

Workaway​ works on a similar way as HelpX, but the emphasis is on cultural exchange and experience "Travel cheaply and stay for free, whilst making a difference to the communities you visit " is what they promote on their web site. 

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How fast and what job will you find depends on you - on your skills, knowledge, level of English etc. 

​Job ads you can find for all kind of jobs and niches and you can find them almost everywhere - on internet, news paper, social media sites and even shop windows.

​Best and easiest way to start looking for a job is on one of many official job search web sites like jobs.ie or indeed. Web sites like this offer huge range of different job and you can even filter them by location, industry, skills or keyword. 

Another option is to print your CV and just go 'door to door' asking for job opportunities. This option is more suitable for pubs, bars, restaurant, hotels and similar. If applying for big companies or IT, office support sector - online is better option.

Extra tip:

Do not send the same CV and same Cover Letter to all employers. Taylor your application to each job as each job is different and has a different requirements. By adjusting it for each application you can highlight the required skills and experiences and increase your chance to land an interview with the desirable employer.  

For more advice on writing a great CV and Cover Letter visit My Career Jungle​ and receive 10% discount. Just share this code: 'SURVIVALGUIDEIRELAND'

On ​pages like jobs.ie​, beside having an option to filter the jobs, you can also create an alert for the desired jobs or industries and they will notify you every time a similar job is posted on the site.

It is a great option to not miss any opportunity. You can also browse the site for tips and tricks in regards to employment. Many useful information is posted on their blog and you can educate yourself on how to prepare for an interview, salary guidance, tax and revenue and similar topics. 

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As I mentioned before, Dublin has a lot of job opportunities so don't worry if you don't have a lot of experience or even if you don't have any experience at all. They will hire you for the lowest position and then with time and as you will learn you can progress to higher positions within the company. 

​

You will be taxed on an emergency basis where your employer has not received a Revenue Payroll Notification (RPN).

This may occur where:

• you have not provided your employer with a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
• you have not registered your first employment with Revenue. 

If you have worked in Ireland previously, you should provide your employer with your PPSN. Your employer can then request an RPN from Revenue in order to make the correct deductions from your pay. 

If you are starting your first ever employment, you must register your job through myAccount. Once you have successfully registered your job, an RPN will be available to your employer. This will show your total tax credits, tax rate bandand USC rate band. Your employer can then make the correct tax deductions from your pay, and take you off emergency tax. 

You can view your tax record on myAccount.

Every month, week or every two weeks - depending on the employer and payroll you will receive an electronic payslip on your email address. 

Every payslip will exactly show your worked hours, amount earned and all taxes and reductions. 

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​

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Reference Letters are very important for the employer. In most cases you will need to provide at least one reference from your previous job and in some cases even three. Before arriving to Ireland try to get at least two reference letters from your last employers. Make sure they are written on English and that the person speaks English, as the references are frequently checked. have them ready and attached to your CV at all times. If you have any other relevant document that is not a reference but can help with with getting a job, include it also with your CV.

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1. Before leaving your country​ (for EU citizens only) 

• Passport
• ID 

You don't need any special visa or permit. Before leaving your country just double check that your travel documents are still valid and any other documents you think you might need (diploma etc.) so you can have them in advance.

2. For PPS number​

• Passport or ID
• Proof of address
• Proof of employment 

​

For PPS number appointment you will need to bring your ID, proof of address - contract, letter from landlord or any utility bill (gas, electricity, internet) and you will also need employment letter which you can obtain from your employer.

​

​

3. For accommodation​

• Proof of employment 
• Bank account 
• Reference letter

Is some cases if renting a more expensive place the landlord will also ask for recent payslips or/and bank statement.

1. Employment letter - the most important for the landlord is that you have a job and that you can pay the rent every month.  
2. Reference letter from current or previous landlord - as a proof that you were tidy and respectful tenants, payed the rent on time, never caused any problems etc.

3. Bank account - as you will have to pay the rent via bank transfer 

4. To open a bank account​

• Passport or ID
• Proof of address

​To open a bank account should be quick and easy. You will just need your Passport or ID and something to proof that you are living in Ireland - utility bills, letter from landlord or employer.

​

​

5. To enroll your child for school​

• Child's PPS number 
• Birth certificate​
• Proof of address 
• Baptism certificate

Each schools has different requirements but if you want to be on the safe side prepare all of the above. 

Baptism certificate in not obligated but because most of the schools are under Catholic Church would be good to have one.

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If you have a medical card you don't have to pay to see your doctor, or for medicines they prescribe.

A medical card also covers:

• public out-patient and in-patient services
• eye and ear tests
• dental checks

​Anyone who is ‘ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland can apply for a medical card or GP visit card. This includes families, single people, even those working full or part-time. ‘Ordinarily resident’ means that you are living here and intend to live here for at least one year.​

Being eligible for a medical card depends on your circumstances. If you do not automatically qualify for a medical card, an assessment will be carried out to determine are you eligible or not.

You will need to provide information about your:

• income
• expenses
• marital status
• dependants

​

If you're not eligible for a medical card, you will then automatically be assessed for a GP visit card.

​

You may automatically qualify for a medical card if you:

• are participating in certain government schemes
• have been affected by the drug Thalidomide
• have had a surgical Symphysiotomy
• are a child diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years
• are in foster care
• live in direct provision
• qualify under EU Regulations

For any of these, you will not be subject to a financial assessment, but you will still need to apply.

​

An quick assessment of your finances will be carried out during the online application process. This will let you know if you might qualify for a medical card or GP visit card. It is based on basic income and expenses information.

For any medical related issues or question you can visit your local health office. Find them here: Local Health Office list​.

If you have a regular income that covers all your basic life expenses you qualify for Category 2 - Limited Eligibility​​​​

In this category you will have to pay for Health Services like going to the doctor or hospital. General practitioner (doctor) will charge you approximately €60,00 for a visit but in the case he sends you for an examination ​or similar the expanses will be covered.

​In this category you will also have to pay for the medicine doctors prescribe you. If you think you will have to visit the doctor more often (for nay reason) you can apply for Drugs Payment Scheme.

​

Drugs Payment Scheme covers all expenses for medicine that are over €144,00 per month.

If you need to visit the hospital or you end up on in an ER (emergency room) you will have to pay €100,00. 

If you will have to spend a night in a hospital the price is approximately €75,00 per day. Good thing is if your bill goes over €750,00 in less than 12 month you don't have to pay anything above that amount. So, the largest amount you can pay in one year is €750,00.

Dublin Bus is a public city transport that connects all city areas and surroundings. At their website you can find all relevant information about routs, prices and timetables.   

An mobile app is also available and they also provide free wi-fi on the buses. On the bus stops they have digital displays with real time and information and notices if the bus is delayed or the route is closed. All city buses are yellow and double deckers, so you can't miss them.

​​

If you waiting on the bus stop you will have to wave to the bus driver as it might not stop. Also, when leaving the bus say thank you to the driver - unusual habit in Ireland but very nice and polite gesture for the driver. 

Beside that, do not forget to press 'stop' before the station you need to get off the bus. The bus stations are located all over the city but be careful as not all buses are stopping on all stations.

To pay for the bus you can use a Leap Card​ which is a top up card for public transport and can be used in buses, trams and trains. It costs €20,00 but gives you better rates (in average you will pay 20 - 30 cents less that if you would pay with cash). 

​If you are paying with cash you will need to have the exact amount in coins. If you over pay you will be issued a ticket and the change can be collected at Dublin Bus offices. 

If you decide to rent a place outside Dublin, few companies provide and express bus lines from small town around Dublin to Dublin city. Some of them are: 

• Matthews Coaches – Dublin, Dundalk and Bettystown
• Swords Express – Dublin and Swords
• Wexford Bus – Dublin and Wexford
• Collins Coaches – Dublin, Carrickmacross and Ballybay

CORK:

The city buses are run by Bus Éireann which services areas like Cork City, Knocknaheeny, Ballinlough, Mahon, Mayfield, Frankfield, Ballintemple and Farranree.

GALWAY:

Galway Transport is a website where you can find information about public transport services in Galway. Two main companies providing bus services throughout the city are Bus Éireann and Galway City Direct. Both buses accept Leap Card.

LIMERICK:

Euro Bus Limerick and ​Bus Éireann serves the Limerick area ​that covers routes to Raheen, Dooradoyle, Ballycummin, University of Limerick, O’Malley Park, Caherdavin and Castletroy.​

Tram, or LUAS as they call it in Ireland (which is Irish for 'speed') is also available thought the city (only in Dublin). It operates in two lines (green and red) and cover a big area of the city. You can pay by leap Card or using Contactless Payments at all Luas Ticket Machines. 

Luas Cross City is a site where you can find all information related to notices, prices, timetables etc. related to Luas.

The price vary depending on the area of travel which is divided in five zones plus city center.

​​

Train is also very useful, especially if you live further away form the city or in the appropriate vicinity of one of the train stations.

In many cases is much faster then the bus as it can't stuck in traffic during the 'rush hour' like buses usually do. 

​It is also the best choice if you want to visit the nearby cities or coastal villages like Howt or Bray.

You can pay for it the same way as other public transports and​​ you can also take your bike on the train, as long as it's not 'rush hour' which is usually on the weekdays in the morning when everyone is going to work and the evening, around 5 - 6 pm when commuters are returning home.

There are five main lines connecting these areas with Dublin:

• Northern Commuter – Dublin Pearse to Dundalk
• South Eastern Commuter – Dublin Connolly to Wicklow
• South Western Commuter – Dublin Heuston to Kildare
• Western Commuter – Dublin Pearse / Docklands to Longford

• DART – Greystones to Howth/Malahide

​DART is an abbreviation of Dublin Area Rapid Transport and ​it's connecting north and south coastal part of the city with the city center. 

CORK:

Three suburban train lines (run by Irish Rail) in Cork are:

• Cork Kent – Blarney ED – Mallow
• Cork Kent – Glanmire – Cobh
• Cork Kent – Glanmire – Midleton

GALWAY:

Irish Rail also operates Galway area and it's connecting Galway with Oranmore and Athenry.

1. Dublin Bikes are public bikes available for everyone. 

Just Eat dublinbikes is a self-service bike rental system open to everyone from 14 years of age. It enables you to travel through the city centre, commute between home and work and get out and about to enjoy Dublin city at your leisure.

All stations are equipped for Annual Card and 3 Day Ticket users. A number of credit card enabled terminals allow you to purchase a 3 Day Ticket. Once purchased, you can use the 3 Day Ticket similar to the Annual Card to rent or return a bike from any station in the network. Just Eat dublinbikes can also be accessed by using an associated Leap Card.

You can enjoy the many benefits of an Annual Card for just €25. A 3 Day Ticket costs €5. The first 30 minutes of use is free on every bike.

After this first half-hour, a service charge applies. See here for pricing structure​.

Using the Bikes:

Just Eat dublinbikes are very simple to use. To rent or return a bike, follow the instructions on the station terminal menu. To view availability of bikes and stands at particular stations when you’re out and about you can download the Just Eat dublinbikes App: AllBikesNow​

The app is suitable for iPhone, Android, Windows and Blackberry.

CORK:

Coca-Cola Zero® Bikes​​ are available in Cork and makes getting around and across the city easy. You can cycle from the train station to UCC or from St Mary’s Cathedral to City Hall. Whether you are a student or an office worker Coca-Cola Zero® Bikes is the best way to cross the city.​

​

Annual Subscription

A Coca-Cola Zero® Bike Annual Subscription Card is the easiest way to use a Coca-Cola Zero® Bike in each city - just present your card and enjoy the benefits, all year round, for just an annual fee.The first 30-minutes of each hire is at no charge, for longer hires a charge applies.

​

3-Day Pass

For occasional short-term use or by visitors to the City, there is a convenient 3-Day Subscription option available. The first 30-minutes of each hire is at no charge, for longer hires a charge applies.

A 3-Day Subscription can be bought online.

2. Taxi - has fair prices, but sometimes can get expensive as the traffic sometimes get crazy during busy hours. 5 km is about €15,00 but the app will calculate the approximate price for your journey.  My Taxi​ is the most popular taxi service and you can order via mobile app and also pay directly by linking your bank card.

​

3. Go Car is also available if you have a valid driving licence. You can rent it via mobile app and the price is €8,00 per hour for a city car or €10,00 for a van, which is handy if you are moving house and you have a lot of things. You don't have to worry about parking space as it is free for Go Car - event in the city center. 

4. Personal bike - is a great choice for a city, during the 'rush hour' you can be more fast on the bike than with the bus. Using the bike can also save you money because you won't have to spend on transport and they are definitely the most healthy choice. 

​You will have to be careful in the traffic and both front and back lights are obligated ( especially during the night). You can buy a bike in one of the many bike shops and the prices vary but an proximate price for a second hand bike is between 100 and 200 euros. You can also buy a new one, but be careful when leaving your bike around the city as they can easily be stolen (bike lock is a must) and make sure to keep it locked at all times. 

Many companies offer a 'cycle to work scheme' which allows you to buy a more expensive bike (must be new one, from a shop) and they pay full price for the bike and then they deduct the amount from your pay (spread thought the year). 

​

Another great option if you are commuting to work is TaxSaver Commuter Ticket Scheme - both your employer and you can save money using this scheme. You can save up to 50 % as you will pay less tax. You get a monthly ticket form your employer and the money will be deducted from your monthly pay. 

Information on where and how to apply you can find on these web sites:

• Taxsaver.ie
• Luas​

Ireland offers a great choice of colleges and universities from various areas of  study, where everyone can find something they are interested in. 

​

A lot of institutions for education and even companies offer different courses and further education programs for their employees. Beside regular degrees as bachelors and Masters you can also fins a wide range of certificates, diplomas and short term studies tailored to complement ​you current degree and advance you career. 

​​​

​

It is divided as follows:

1. First Level – Primary Schools

2. Second Level – Secondary Schools

3. Third Level – Universities, Institutes of Technology

4. Further Education – Post Leaving Cert, Apprenticeship Training, Private Business Schools

​

Primary and secondary education is mandatory and they also require uniforms for all students. All information about where to buy the uniform and the pricing is available directly from the school. 

​

Primary schools divide students in classes.

Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th i 6th.

​School hours are usually between 9am and 3pm 

Secondary schools are divided in cycles.

First Year (Age 12–14), Second Year (Age 13–15), Third Year.

Education is compulsory for children in Ireland from the ages of 6 to 16 or until students have completed 3 years of second-level education.

Pre-school education is usually provided by privately funded childcare facilities or providers. The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides free early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. Some pre-school initiatives focused on children at risk are funded by the Department of Education and Skills.

​

Children do not have to attend school until the age of 6 but children may begin school the September following their fourth birthday.

The Irish primary school curriculum is child-centred.

Certain children who come to live in Ireland may be exempted from learning Irish in school.

Primary schools are generally privately owned by religious communities (or boards of governors) but are State-funded.

Second-level education is provided by different types of post-primary schools.

Second-level education consists of a 3-year junior cycle followed by a 2-year or 3-year senior cycle depending on whether an optional Transition Year is taken following the Junior Certificate examination.

Students generally start the junior cycle at the age of 12. The Junior Certificate is taken after 3 years.

Transition Year follows the Junior Certificate examination. This year is free from formal examinations and allows students to experience a wide range of educational inputs, including work experience.

During their final 2 years in the senior cycle, students take one of 3 programmes, each leading to a State examination - the established Leaving Certificate, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme or the Leaving Certificate Applied.

The established Leaving Certificate is the main basis upon which places in universities, institutes of technology and colleges of education are allocated.

​

Third-level education is made up of a number of sectors. The university sector, the technological sector and the colleges of education are substantially funded by the State. In addition there are a number of independent private colleges.

There are universities which are autonomous and self-governing. They offer degree programmes at bachelor, masters and doctorate level.

Further education comprises education and training which takes place after second-level schooling but which is not part of the third-level system. It includes programmes such as Post-Leaving Certificatecourses; the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (second-chance education for the unemployed); programmes in Youthreach for early school-leavers; other literacy and basic education; and self-funded evening adult programmes in second-level schools.

Educational provision for students with special educational needs ranges from additional support in mainstream schools to specialist support in special schools. 

Related Documents

• Starting post-primary schoolDescribes post-primary education, including how to choose a post-primary school and enrol your child.
• Third-level education in IrelandThis document describes the system of third-level education in Ireland.
• Education in IrelandBriefly describes the education system in Ireland and introduces a series of links to information on primary, secondary and third level education.

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Irish national framework of qualification is a system of 10 points used to describe the Irish Education System.

​

IRISH NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF QUALIFICATIONS (NFQ)​

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One of the cheapest options when it comes to package sending is definitely  Eurosender - online reservation system for international sending/receiving a package in EU.

​It offered a range of services and it includes packages, luggage, sport equipment and large packages.  

The price vary depending on the country and it is approximately 30 € for a 30 kg package (insurance up to 200 € is included in the price). 

Beside Eurosender you can also find many private advertisers and groups offering transport services, usually advertising on various Facebook groups. 

1. Three

2. Vodafone​

3. Meteor

4. Tesco mobile

5. Virgin Media​

1. Tesco
2. Centra
3. Lidl
4. Aldi
5. Dunnes Stores
6. ​Street market - Moore Street

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Best option if you are looking for cheap clothes for work:

1. Penneys
2. TKMaxx

Household essentials like plates, cutlery or glasses can be found for cheap at: 

1. Dealz
2. Euro Giant​
   

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I have listed just few - most popular gyms but you can find many different gyms across Ireland and Dublin. Most of them offers various free groups training and classes. 

1. Flyefit

Location:

• 28-36 Ranelagh Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6
• 15-16 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
• 32F Macken Street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2
• 63 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
• 8 Harrington Street, South Circular Road, Portobello, Dublin 8
• Sandyford Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16
• Nevinstown Lane, Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co. Dublin

Price: 

 €29 monthly for one location or €32 for access to all locations. 

​

2. Ben Dunne​

Location:

• Jervis Street, Dublin 1
• Kimmage Road West, Terenure, Dublin 12
• Cherrywood Bus Park, Dublin 18
• Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin
• Santry, Dublin 9
• Beacon Shopping Centre, Dublin 18
• Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Price: 

€18.95 - €29 monthly, depending on the location.

3. West Wood​

Location:

• Leopardstown Racecourse, Co Dublin
• Clontarf Road, Dublin 3
• 1a St John’s Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4

Price:  €25-€75 ​monthly, depending on the package you choose.

​

​

4. Energie Fitness​

Location:

• 41-42 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2
• The Oval Building, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
• Applewood Village, Swords, Co Dublin
• Nutgrove Retail Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
• The Retail Plaza, Parkwest, Dublin 12

Price:

€41 - €59 monthly or €410 - €590 yearly, depending on the location.

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1. Temple Bar
2. The Ha’Penny Bridge
3. Trinity College and the Book of Kells - to avoid paying for the ticket just stop one of the students and they can get you in for free!
4. Guinness Storehouse
5. National Botanic Gardens
6. Dublin Castle
7. St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church
8. St. Stephens Green
9. The Spire
10. National Museum of Ireland - all national museum are free!
11. Irish National War Memorial Gardens
12. St. Stephens Green Park
13. Phoenix Park
14. Jameson Distillery
    
15. Glasnevin Cemetery
16. Poolbeg Lighthouse

1. The Brazen Head
2. O’Donoghue’s
3. The Long Hall
4. McDaid’s
5. L Mulligan Grocer
6. The Stag’s Head
7. The Hairy Lemon
8. Toners
9. Mulligans

Pub Crawl​ is another great and fun way of exploring pubs. You can do it alone of with friends and Dublin - with over 600 pubs it's a perfect place for that!

1. Sea Point - Dun Laoghaire*
2. Bull Island
3. Forty Foot - Sandycove
4. The Great South Wall
5. Killiney - White Rock
6. Graystones*
7. Skerries
8. Burrow Beach
9. The Velvet Strand*
10. Bray South Promenade*

*Blue flag holders

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I hope you found these information useful and that will be of great help for your 'moving to Ireland' adventure.

Feel free to contact me at any time! If you have any doubt or questions about moving to Ireland or if you want to share your comments or opinion you are more than welcome to do so!

You can reach me on the below e-mail address or via LinkedIn.

Good Luck!

Email: [email protected]​

LinkedIn: Josip Kuštera​

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Published by Josip Kustera © 2019 Dublin All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or modified in any form, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ​