Moving to Limerick in 2026
Ireland's third city sits on the River Shannon with a strong employment base, affordable rents, and a community that punches well above its weight.
1. Why expats choose Limerick
Limerick is Ireland's third largest city with a population of around 100,000 in the city itself and close to 200,000 in the metropolitan area. It sits at the head of the Shannon Estuary and has undergone significant regeneration over the past decade.
The city has a strong multinational employment base anchored by the Shannon Free Zone — one of the world's first free trade zones — and by several large IDA campuses. Dell Technologies, Analog Devices, and Johnson Controls have major operations in the region. University of Limerick (UL) and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) add an academic dimension and a young, international community.
Compared to Dublin, Limerick is substantially more affordable. A 2-bedroom apartment in Limerick city costs roughly half what an equivalent Dublin property commands. The city is compact, walkable between most main areas, and has strong GAA, rugby, and arts cultures. Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby, is one of the great sporting venues in Irish sport.
The Treaty City: Limerick is known as the Treaty City after the 1691 Treaty of Limerick. The city has strong civic pride and a reputation for warmth toward newcomers that consistently surprises expats arriving from larger cities.
2. Limerick city neighbourhoods
Castletroy
The university suburb east of the city, Castletroy sits adjacent to UL's campus and is by far the most popular area for expat professionals. Strong schools, newer housing estates, good retail, and a highly international community. Slightly higher rents than the city average.
Raheen / Dooradoyle (south)
The main south Limerick suburbs. Raheen hosts the University Hospital Limerick and several multinational campuses. Dooradoyle has the Crescent Shopping Centre. Solid primary schools and good value family homes.
Corbally / North Circular Road
A quiet residential area northeast of the city centre along the Shannon riverbank. Popular with families and older professionals who want a calmer setting close to the city. The riverside walks are a genuine draw.
City centre / Newtown Pery
The Georgian grid of Newtown Pery is Limerick's most architecturally distinctive area. King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum, and Arthur's Quay Park are all within walking distance. Good apartment options for those without children or with older children.
Castleconnell / Annacotty
Village-feel suburbs on the eastern edge of greater Limerick, close to the University of Limerick campus. Castleconnell sits on the River Shannon with a distinct village character. Popular with academics and senior professionals.
3. Rent in Limerick 2026
| Property type | Limerick city avg/month |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | €1,050–€1,350 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | €1,400–€1,700 |
| 3-bedroom house | €1,600–€2,000 |
Source: RTB Rent Index Q4 2025.
Limerick city falls within a Rent Pressure Zone. Annual increases within existing tenancies are capped. New tenancies are set at market rate. Castletroy typically runs 10–15% above the city average due to UL proximity and demand from tech workers.
4. Commuter towns around Limerick
Limerick has rail connections west to Ennis and north-east to Nenagh and Tipperary Town, plus bus corridors to Newcastle West and smaller Limerick towns.
Ennis — 35 minutes by rail
The county town of Clare, Ennis is a complete town in its own right with excellent schools, a strong market culture, and one of the best value-per-quality ratios in Munster. Multiple secondary schools. Very popular with expat families.
Nenagh — 50 minutes by rail
North Tipperary's principal town on Lough Derg. Extremely affordable rents. Two secondary schools. A genuine market town feel. Best suited to those who work from home most of the week.
Newcastle West — 45 minutes by bus
The main town in west Limerick. Good schools, strong community, very low rents. A solid option for families who want space and affordability without sacrificing services.
Kilmallock — 35 minutes by bus
A medieval walled town with some of the most affordable rents in the region. Small but characterful. Best for remote workers or those with a part-time commute. Coláiste Iósaef secondary school on the doorstep.
5. Getting around Limerick
Limerick's public transport is primarily bus-based within the city. Bus Éireann and Transport for Limerick operate services across the main corridors, with route improvements ongoing under the National Transport Authority's Limerick–Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
Irish Rail's Limerick Colbert station connects to Ennis and Shannon Airport (westward), and to Nenagh, Tipperary Town, and Dublin Heuston (eastward via Limerick Junction). The Dublin journey takes around 2h 10min on the fast InterCity service.
A car is useful for Limerick, particularly for suburbs and commuter towns. The M7 and M18 motorways provide fast connections to Dublin and Galway respectively. Shannon Airport is 25 minutes from the city centre, with flights to London, Amsterdam, and major European hubs, plus transatlantic routes to New York and Boston.
Cycling is growing in Limerick, with investment in protected infrastructure along key routes. The UL campus and Castletroy area are well-connected by cycle path to the city centre.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Limerick a good city for expats?
- Yes, particularly for those working in tech, pharma, or at University of Limerick. The city is affordable, the community is welcoming, and the quality of life is high relative to cost. Many expats who visit Dublin end up choosing Limerick for the better value and the easier pace of life.
- How does Limerick compare to Dublin on cost?
- Significantly cheaper. Rent for a 2-bed in Limerick runs €1,400–€1,700/month versus €2,400–€2,900 in Dublin. Childcare, restaurants, and day-to-day costs are broadly similar. The saving on housing alone makes a substantial difference to monthly outgoings.
- What are the best areas for expat families in Limerick?
- Castletroy is the first choice for most expat families due to its proximity to UL, good schools, and established international community. Raheen and Dooradoyle are popular with healthcare workers. For more space and lower cost, the commuter towns of Ennis and Newcastle West are worth serious consideration.