Where to Live in Ireland
Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Waterford, or a commuter town? Here is how to decide based on your priorities, budget, and work situation.
Most expats moving to Ireland have already identified a city based on where their employer is. But within that city (or instead of it), the choice of neighbourhood or commuter town makes an enormous difference to daily life, rent, school access, and how much of your salary you keep.
This page compares the main options and helps you build a shortlist. Use the Commuter Finder tool below to explore individual towns in detail.
Dublin vs Cork vs Galway vs Limerick vs Kilkenny vs Waterford
| Dublin | Cork | Galway | Limerick | Kilkenny | Waterford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-bed rent (avg) | €2,400–€2,900 | €1,800–€2,200 | €1,700–€2,100 | €1,400–€1,700 | €1,200–€1,500 | €1,200–€1,500 |
| City population | 1.4m (GDA) | 210k city | 80k city | 100k city | 27k city | 56k city |
| Public transport | Best (DART, Luas, bus) | Good (bus + rail) | Bus-dominant | Bus + rail | Rail to Dublin | Rail to Dublin |
| School competition | Very high | Moderate | Moderate | Low–moderate | Low | Low |
| Key sectors | Tech, finance, legal | Pharma, tech, food | Medical devices, academic | Tech, pharma, academic | Agri-food, public sector | Pharma, medtech, SETU |
| Character | Cosmopolitan, busy | Vibrant, proud, food-focused | Cultural, outdoors, bilingual | Welcoming, affordable, rugby | Medieval, compact, arty | Viking, historic, quayside |
Source: RTB Rent Index Q4 2025.
City living vs a commuter town
The choice between living in a city and living in a commuter town is often framed as a commute trade-off. But it is really a lifestyle trade-off involving rent, space, schools, community, and how much of your income you can save or invest.
Living in the city: advantages
- • Short commute — walk, cycle, or a short tram ride to work.
- • Access to restaurants, culture, nightlife, and social life.
- • No car needed if you live close to work.
- • Faster for networking and after-work events.
Commuter town: advantages
- • Rent 30–50% lower than the city equivalent.
- • More space: larger homes, gardens, quieter streets.
- • Easier school enrolment and shorter GP waiting lists.
- • Stronger community feel, lower crime in most areas.
Hybrid working has changed this calculation significantly. If you need to be in Dublin 2–3 days a week rather than 5, a commuter town becomes a much easier choice. A 45-minute rail commute twice a week is manageable in a way that twice-daily is not.
Key factors to prioritise
Rent budget
The rule of thumb in Ireland is to keep rent below 35% of net income. If your budget is under €1,600/month, Dublin city is not viable for a 2-bed. A commuter town or Cork/Galway becomes necessary. Use our Cost of Living guide to model your budget.
School-age children
If you have school-age children, the enrolment situation should be a major input to your location decision. Dublin's popular schools are heavily oversubscribed. Commuter towns generally have more available school places. See the School System guide.
Commute frequency
A 5-day commute from Newbridge to Dublin is over 2 hours per day — 40+ hours a month. The same commute at 2 days a week is 16 hours. Know your office attendance requirement before you choose your location.
Access to nature and outdoors
Ireland is a small country. Dublin's mountains, Wicklow's coast, and the surrounding countryside are within 30–60 minutes of the city. Galway's Connemara begins almost immediately. If outdoor access is a priority, it is available from most Irish cities.
Recommended commuter towns by priority
Best for families with school-age children
Maynooth, Greystones, Bray, Celbridge. All have strong primary schools, multiple school choice, and DART or commuter rail to Dublin.
Best for lowest rent relative to commute
Newbridge, Athy, Drogheda. Higher commute times (45–60 minutes) but significantly lower rents. Best for 2–3 day/week office workers.
Best for coastal living within commute range
Bray, Greystones, Skerries. All on the coast with DART connections to Dublin.
Best commuter towns around Cork City
Cobh, Carrigaline, Midleton. Rail or fast bus to Cork city, affordable rents, strong community character.
Best commuter towns around Galway City
Claregalway, Tuam, Loughrea. Bus corridors north and east of the city, with much lower rents and a genuine town feel.
Best commuter towns around Limerick City
Ennis, Newcastle West, Kilmallock. Ennis offers the best all-round package on the Clare rail line; Newcastle West suits families wanting more space at low cost.
Best commuter towns around Kilkenny City
Thomastown, Callan, New Ross. Some of the lowest rents in Leinster, with a short rail or bus connection into Kilkenny city centre.
Best commuter towns around Waterford City
Tramore, Carrick-on-Suir, Dungarvan. Tramore (15 min) is the standout for coastal family living; Dungarvan suits hybrid workers who want a complete town at very low rent.