Is Ireland Good for Remote Workers?

If you’re a remote worker or someone dreaming of working from a cozy corner of the world while sipping a hot cup of coffee… you might be wondering:
“Is Ireland a good place to live and work remotely?”

Well, let’s unpack that together, shall we?

The answer isn’t just a simple yes or no. Like everything in life, it depends on your priorities — cost of living, lifestyle, internet speed, visa rules, and yes… how much rain you can handle 🌧️☕.

Let’s explore everything honestly — the good, the great, and the “hmm… maybe not so great.”

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Why Ireland is Becoming a Hotspot for Remote Workers

Ireland may not always be the first country that comes to mind when people think of remote work destinations like Portugal, Bali, or Spain. But it’s quickly catching up — and here’s why:

• It’s an English-speaking country (which helps a LOT).

• It has one of the best internet infrastructures in Europe.

• It’s home to tech giants like Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and Apple.

• It’s very safe and has a peaceful lifestyle.

• It has beautiful nature — green hills, cozy cottages, and a relaxed vibe.

And honestly? Irish people are known for being friendly, warm, and very welcoming.

But let’s not sugarcoat it — Ireland has pros and cons. So, let’s break them down clearly.

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🌟 Pros of Living in Ireland as a Remote Worker

Let’s start with the reasons why Ireland is a great place for remote workers.

✅ Strong Internet & Tech Infrastructure

This is probably the most important thing for any remote worker — and Ireland scores high here.

Even in small towns, you’ll find reliable high-speed internet.
In major cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, or Limerick, you’ll get fiber-optic speeds easily above 100 Mbps.

So yes — Zoom calls, file uploads, online meetings, and streaming are all smooth.
(And no awkward “Can you hear me now?” moments 😅)

✅ Safe and Peaceful Country

Ireland ranks very high on global safety indexes. There’s very little violent crime. People leave bikes unlocked in villages. Children walk to school. You’ll feel calm and secure.

And because the population is relatively small (around 5 million), cities aren’t overcrowded or chaotic.

✅ Friendly Locals & Great Community Vibe

Irish people are famously warm and talkative. Even strangers will smile at you or strike up a casual chat in a café or grocery store. As a remote worker, especially if you’re new to the country, this helps you feel less lonely.

Also, you’ll find plenty of coworking spaces and digital nomad groups. Places like Dublin, Galway, and Cork have remote-worker meetups, tech events, and open networking spaces.

✅ Access to Nature & Peaceful Lifestyle

If you’re someone who loves a quiet walk after work, hiking on weekends, or just sitting by the sea with your laptop… you’re going to love Ireland.

There’s greenery everywhere. Fresh air. Mountains. Lakes. Coastal cliffs. And even in cities, parks are clean and peaceful.

And unlike big cities in other countries, Ireland isn’t stressful to live in. People are laid-back, and life moves at a nice, slow pace. Perfect for focus and work-life balance.

✅ EU Member – Easy Travel in Europe

If you’re from the EU (or have a visa that allows it), living in Ireland gives you free movement across other EU countries. That means weekend trips to Spain, Italy, or Germany are super easy — and cheap with budget airlines like Ryanair.

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⚠️ Things You Should Know (Cons or Challenges)

Now, Ireland isn’t perfect. Let’s look at a few real-life challenges that remote workers might face. It’s always better to know the truth upfront, right?

❌ Cost of Living (Especially in Dublin)

Let’s be honest — Ireland is not cheap. Especially Dublin, which is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

Rent, groceries, eating out, and even basic stuff like transport can feel pricey compared to Eastern Europe or Asia.

Here’s a quick cost breakdown (monthly, average for a single person):

💡 Tip: If you work remotely and don’t need to be in Dublin — try living in smaller towns or cities like Kilkenny, Waterford, or Sligo. They’re cheaper and quieter but still very connected.

❌ Weather (Yes… It Rains a Lot)

Ireland has a mild climate, but it’s also wet and cloudy. If you need sunshine to feel productive or happy, this might be a small challenge.

Average rainy days per year? Around 150–225 days, depending on the region.

That said, the weather is never extreme. Winters are cold but not freezing. Summers are mild (and rarely go above 25 °C). So, it’s comfortable overall… just bring an umbrella ☔ and maybe a warm hoodie.

❌ Visa and Tax Questions for Non-EU Remote Workers

This part is important. If you’re not from the EU or EEA, you need to check if you can legally live and work remotely from Ireland.

Right now, Ireland doesn’t have a specific Digital Nomad Visa like Portugal or Estonia. That means you’ll need to either:

• Get a work permit through an employer.

• Get a long-stay visa (if you’re self-employed).

• Be a student or dependent of someone already in Ireland.

Also, if you live in Ireland for more than 183 days in a year, you’ll likely become a tax resident — meaning you have to pay income tax in Ireland (even if your clients are abroad).

💡 Tip: Always speak to a tax advisor if you plan to live in Ireland long-term as a remote worker.

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What Kind of Remote Jobs Work Best in Ireland?

If you’re already working remotely, great. But if you’re planning to work remotely from Ireland, here are the types of jobs that are very popular and supported there:

So yes — if you’re in tech, marketing, or digital services, you’ll feel right at home in Ireland.

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Best Cities or Towns in Ireland for Remote Workers

If you’re wondering where exactly in Ireland you should go, here’s a quick breakdown:

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So… Is Ireland Good for Remote Workers?

👉 Yes — absolutely.
If you’re someone who values safety, good internet, peaceful living, and English-speaking locals, Ireland is a great place to work remotely.

But — and this is important — you have to plan for the cost of living and visa/tax rules. Ireland isn’t the cheapest place to live, but it’s one of the most stable and rewarding if you want a long-term base.

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Quick Summary Table: Pros vs Cons

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I work remotely from Ireland as a non-EU citizen?
You can, but you need to make sure you have a valid visa or residency status. Ireland doesn’t have a digital nomad visa yet, so you’ll need to explore other long-stay visa options.

2. Is Ireland expensive for remote workers?
Yes, especially in Dublin. But if you choose smaller towns or live outside the capital, you can live on a much more reasonable budget.

3. Is internet fast in Ireland?
Yes. Ireland has excellent internet coverage, especially in urban areas. Even rural towns are connected to good broadband now.

4. Are there coworking spaces in Ireland?
Absolutely! Cities like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and even smaller towns have coworking hubs with strong communities.

5. Do remote workers pay tax in Ireland?
If you live in Ireland for more than 183 days in a year, you’re considered a tax resident and may need to pay taxes there. Always check with a tax advisor.

6. Is Ireland good for long-term remote living?
Yes, if you can manage the costs and meet the visa/tax requirements. Ireland offers great quality of life, safety, and peaceful living.

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A Few Visuals to Help You Picture It

Life as a Remote Worker in Ireland

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Final Thoughts

Ireland may not be a sunny beach destination, but it offers something better — a stable, safe, and peaceful life where you can work without stress, connect with kind people, and explore nature on weekends.

It’s not perfect — no place is — but if you’re someone who loves greenery, calm living, and good coffee with rain outside the window… you might just fall in love with Ireland 🇮🇪☘️.

So yes, Ireland is definitely a good option for remote workers, especially those who value quality of life, community, and long-term stability.

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✨ Pro Tip: Always check your visa options, tax status, and housing before you move. Plan first — then enjoy!