Living in Ireland

Other than the number of rainy days annually endured by Ireland, it also has much in its favor from its international social and economic standing to its views on equal rights and freedom of speech. There is a wide range of the standard of living one can enjoy and the availability of decent employment opportunities, free education and subsidized health care. Contribution of all these factors and many more stacking up in its favor, it’s not surprising that Ireland is such in demand location with expatriates from all over the globe.

Ireland speaks of a strong and thriving economy and some of the most beautiful scenery the world has to offer. Ireland has a magical lure for many expatriates. Not many places outside of the tropics are as green as Ireland. It features rolling hills and meadows with fuchsias growing along the roadsides. It also speaks of miles of unspoiled and rugged coastline. The accommodations range from ancient castles and Georgian mansions to calm cottages and humble farmhouses. The maritime climate of Ireland is milder than most of Europe. Temperatures range from 16 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with mean temperatures of 40 in winter and 60 in summer.

Cost of living

Several estimates are published each year, which attempt to provide an indication of how much it costs to be a student for one academic year (nine months) in Ireland.

Somehow these figures exclude tuition fees. Estimates for the academic year vary between EUR 11,700 and EUR 15,250. But this depends upon the type of accommodation one stays at. A great variety of accommodation is available to the students. It ranges from the cheaper option of sharing a room in private accommodation (usually at EUR 11,700 per year) to having your own room in a shared private house (usually at EUR 15,250). The expenses include rent, electricity, food, books and laundry and medicine as well as travel and social life expenses.

For food, one can hope to spend between EUR 70 - EUR 100 a week. These items include some meals bought on campus or from some cheaper restaurants. The average journey on a bus in Dublin is about Euro 1.40. But one can also buy weekly and monthly bus tickets at a discounted price in case one has a Student TravelCard. The cost of cinema tickets cost between € 7- € 12 depending on what time and where you see the film. Generally the student discounts are available during the week on production of a student card. Many cinemas do not offer student rates at the weekend.

Theatre tickets are a little more expensive. The entrance fees to nightclubs vary between EUR 7 and EUR 15 depending upon the venue.

A pint of beer would cost about EUR 4.50 and a glass of wine will cost about EUR 5 in Dublin. But this would still depend on the bars one socializes in.

Cigarettes are expensive and come at EUR 7.05 for a packet of 20. But this expense depends on the individual’s lifestyle. Generally there is a ban on smoking in the workplace. Smoking is also prohibited in bars and restaurants, in Ireland.