Ireland is a country that may not be a top dream destination for many digital nomads, but if given the chance, will surprise you with it’s charm. Whether it be from the rolling green hills, hauntingly beautiful towns and church ruins, or dramatic coastlines set against a moody sky, Ireland sure does have a vibe of it’s own. If you choose Ireland as your next destination or digital nomad base, here’s everything you can expect and how to plan your stay. Alright, let’s dive into your complete guide to Ireland for digital nomads!
Introduction
Ireland is a large island nation located in the westernmost part of Europe. It gets its nickname as the Emerald Isles due to the very green and grassy landscape that characterize much of the country, a result of the very wet and mild climate. Ireland’s past is anything but boring, and can even be considered tumultuous and tragic in many ways. It took many civil uprisings, a huge famine, and ultimately war, until finally gaining freedom from the British Empire in 1937, less than a century ago. Despite the hardships of the past, Ireland is very much a thriving country today with a continuously growing economy.
Practical Info
Northern Ireland vs. The Republic of Ireland
Ireland is actual two countries in one. While 80% of the country is now independent from British rule, in what is called the Republic of Ireland, the Northern part of the island is still part of the United Kingdom.
This means, that when you are in Northern Ireland, you are in the UK, while the Republic of Ireland (southern part) is considered part of the European Union.
Despite being in the EU, the Republic of Ireland is a non-Shengen state. This can be a positive aspect about Ireland for digital nomads or any traveler who has already spent 90 days in the Shengen EU countries. This means that even if you have stayed your 90 days in the Shengen EU, you can still stay in Europe by relocating to Ireland.
Visa
Americans do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in both Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland.
In the Republic of Ireland, you can obtain a 90 day tourist visa on arrival at no cost. The 90 day stay is for Ireland alone, and does not include any time spent in the Shengen countries or other European States. It does not include time spent in Northern Ireland either.
As for Northern Ireland, the rules of the UK apply. Americans are considered non-visa nationals of the UK, which allows for a stay for up to 180 days (6 months).
Currency
The currency used in The Republic of Ireland is the Euro, while Northern Ireland uses the British Pound.
This is important to keep in mind when traveling between the two countries. Although, truthfully, both countries widely accept card payment for most things. If you intend to travel between the two parts of Ireland, just pay with card to avoid exchanging cash frequently.
Wifi
The wifi is fast enough in Ireland for digital nomads and those working while traveling. According to speed tests, the average mobile speed in 2021 is 33 mpbs, while broadband speeds are up to 99 mbps.
Bear in mind that these are countrywide averages, which include the vast rural areas. Within the major cities the speeds are likely much higher. With more and more fiber optic networks being made available, you’ll find above sufficient wifi speeds to work from the cities.
Weather
The weather in Ireland is pretty wet and can be generally gloomy year round. While the ominously grey skies are somewhat a synonymous aesthetic associated with Ireland, it can get overbearing depending on who you ask.
Spring
Spring is still fairly cold in Ireland, with daytime temperatures between 4 – 11 C. Likewise, it’s not unheard of for winter to last well into spring, extending the gloomy coldness. However, mid-spring is known to be the least rainy month in Ireland. Pair this with the flowers in bloom around April, and this season could be a great time of year to visit. Plus, the St. Patricks Day celebrations fall into this time!
Summer
Summer is probably the best time to visit Ireland, but don’t expect a sunny beach vacation. It still rains about 50% of the time, and even on sunny days, the temperatures are lukewarm at best. With daytime temperatures between 15 – 20 C, it never really gets hot. However, this season sees considerably warmer weather, ideal for hiking and if you dare, swimming.
Autumn
Autumn sees a sharp drop in temperature, with daytime averages between 10 – 15 C. The days are drastically shorter than summer, and with increasing frequency in rain. However, I like visiting in Autumn because of the gorgeous hues and shades of orange the trees turn in this times of year. It adds a great deal of color and contrast against a normally very green country.
Winter
Winter temperatures in Ireland don’t go below freezing, thankfully. But with average daytime temperatures hovering between 4 – 7 C, just above freezing, it’s still pretty damn cold. Snow and ice are a high possibility, especially at higher altitudes. And of course, rain still perseveres.
Cost of Living
The cost of living will be expensive in Ireland for digital nomads, especially when compared to the likes of Central Europe or Southeast Asia.
I’d even compare the costs to the U.K. To live frugally here, you should plan to spend a bare minimum of $1500 USD a month. If you plan to live comfortably, travel, rent a car, and indulge in the fantastic nightlife, a budget of $2500 – $3000 USD is much more realistic.
Accommodation
A huge portion of your expenses will go to accommodation. It’s not easy to drive down this cost unfortunately. The easiest way to rent a place short term is off Airbnb. Most single bedroom rentals or flats are going for $800 – $1000 USD a month in the major cities, and this is on the lower end.
For a nice apartment the prices can easily be the same as in a major city in the U.S, costing from $1000 – $1500 USD.
Even if you chose to stay in hostels in efforts to save money, a night in a hostel is usually $20 – $25 USD a night, so you won’t save much.
Food
Eating out in Ireland can be a pricey affair, again with dining expenses similar to the ones in the U.S.
A simple meal of fish and chips or Irish stew will be about $15 USD. A pint of beer will cost about $6 – $8 USD.
To be honest, the food in Ireland is not that amazing where I think you need to spend a lot of time eating out. It’s very similar to English or American food. Therefore, you can (and should) buy groceries to save money and to eat well.
You’ll be happy to find that grocery costs in Ireland are pretty fair, and the quality is quite good. Irish beef costs far less than beef in other parts of Europe, and it’s almost always domestically produced, grass-fed, and of high quality.
Expect to spend $300 USD a month for a single person on groceries in Ireland. Double that amount if you plan to eat out several times a week. Triple it if you also plan to hit the bars frequently.
Transport
Transportation can be expensive in Ireland as well. A 2 hour train ride to another city or town can easily cost 25 euros ($30 USD). While it’s very convenient and comfortable to take the train, the costs easily add up.
Taking the bus is slightly cheaper, although without as many connections as the train.
Renting a car is also pretty expensive, with daily costs averaging about $35 USD (with gas on long distance trips) for a small car.
Public transport within the city can be anywhere between 2 – 4 euros, depending how far you go and whether its by bus or train.
If you plan to stay mostly in the city, budget at least $300 on transport. If you plan to travel a lot, by train or rental car, expect to spend a lot more.
Activities
Paid activities in Ireland can also be costly. A 1 hour visit to the Jameson factory is $20 USD. A visit inside a castle costs about the same. Luckily, you can counter this by mixing up your leisure time between both indoor and outdoor activities. Most of the best things Ireland has to offer are found in nature, and totally free, including the beaches, hikes and old ruins.
Getting There
By Air
If you are coming from outside of Europe, it’s likely that you’ll arrive in Dublin. Dublin is a major hub for transiting or arriving in Europe, so you’ll find many airlines offering direct flights from major cities. From the US, you can fly direct to Dublin from New York on just a 6 hour flight.
If you are coming from within Europe, you do have the option to fly to Cork, Shannon, Belfast or Knock Airport (in the west of Ireland). For a budget option, you can look up Ryan Air flights.
These are definitely low cost carriers, and as basic as they come. However, the price can’t be beat, and as Dublin is their base, you’ll have lots of route options from all throughout Europe. I once flew to Dublin from France for $10.
By Land
If you are coming from the UK, it’s possible to get to Ireland by taking a bus and ferry. Megabus offers routes from London to Rosslare, about 2 hours by car from Dublin. The ferry ride is included with a purchase of a bus ticket.
You will stop through Bristol, and Cardiff on the way, and arrive in Rosslare about 12 hours later.
This journey isn’t the most convenient, but it can be dirt cheap. For more information on how to take the bus to Ireland click here.
Where to Stay
There are many places in Ireland you could use as your hub. Even the smaller towns and rural areas have pretty good wifi and lots to offer a traveler or digital nomad. However, if you plan to travel around the country, you’ll want to stay in an area that’s well connected to other parts of the country. That narrows it down to 3 cities I’ve selected as optimal home bases in Ireland for digital nomads.
Dublin
The obvious choice is Dublin, the capital city and where the major airport is located. This city is by far the most active and lively. If you love city life, Dublin has everything you need, from co-working spaces, to green parks to relax in, and a crazy nightlife scene. The negatives? Well, Dublin itself, while definitely holding it’s own charming little corners, was historically an industrial city. It’s kind of.. ugly and gritty, quite frankly.
However, this is easily the best base, as you have the most train connections to travel to basically any other point of interest in Ireland. It’s also centrally located between Northern Ireland and the southern parts, so even by car it’s in the best location to travel around.
Galway
Galway is another good base in Ireland for digital nomads. It’s not nearly as big as Dublin, and with only a fraction of the population, it can be thought of as a big town. As a harbor city, you have close access to the sea and other natural points of interest along the western coast, which is arguably the best area for tourists.
Galway also has a much more laidback and eclectic culture than Dublin. Just a walk through the old town feels lightyears more culturally rich than in the capital city.
This is a perfect base for those who want a more chill city as their digital nomad base, or if you plan to travel the west coast extensively.
Belfast
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. It’s about half the size of Dublin, but still very much a bustling city. This is a great base for those more interested in discovering Northern Ireland.
It’s also much more affordable than Dublin, with accommodation and cost of goods both costing a fraction of what you’d pay in Dublin. Belfast itself is also a beautiful city, that’s smaller in size, meaning you can get around on foot more and cut down on travel time and transportation costs.
Getting Around
Uber
The Uber app can be used in Ireland, but not in the way it’s used elsewhere. You can hire a car through the app as usual, but you’ll be calling for a licensed taxi. Independent drivers for ride sharing is still illegal in Ireland.
So while the app is a convenient way to call for a ride, be aware that you are paying regular taxi prices. A 20 minute ride from the city center of Dublin to the airport will cost about $25 USD.
Train
On a positive note, Ireland is pretty well connected between cities and towns by train and public transport. The downside, is that these are also not cheap. But, they also aren’t expensive.
A 2 – 4 hour trip from one city to another can cost anywhere from $20 – $35 USD. Many of the trains are very comfortable and clean, with many even offering wifi, tables and charging ports.
Car Rental
There are still many places in Ireland that are most easily accessible by car. For the days you’ll travel further from your home base, you could opt to rent a car.
It’s not the cheapest option, but you’ll have the most freedom and flexibility. I do not recommend renting a car for your whole stay in Ireland, only for your road trips and weekends out of the city.
Car rentals start from about $25 USD per day, and when you factor in gas, it costs way more than using public transport. However, if you are traveling as a pair or in a group, the cost of renting a car makes much more financial sense.
Things to Do
There are many places to visit in Ireland for digital nomads, and depending on your interests, you may prefer some over others. If you love history you’ll have a hard time finding time to see everything. If you love nature, you also are in for a treat, as Ireland is a natural wonder. Here are the best things in Ireland to do on your days off.
Kilkenny
One of my favorite towns in Ireland is Kilkenny. It’s a beautiful medieval town with a dark and tragic past, that you can uncover by visiting it’s historic old town today. From witch burnings, to violent sieges, ghosts, and hauntingly beautiful abbeys, learn all about a past Ireland in the cobbled alleyways of Kilkenny.
On top of the historical aspect, it’s one of the most picturesque towns in all of Ireland. On a sunny day, you can’t beat lounging in the grass by the river. While here be sure not to miss Kilkenny Castle, The Black Abbey and the Smithwick Brewery.
Relax in Howth
If you are basing yourself in Dublin, Howth will easily become your weekly escape from the city. It’s a quaint and relaxing seaside town, where you can experience cliffside hikes along the sea, and finish off your day with some amazing seafood.
When here, stop by Octopussy for the infamous seafood chowder and other seafood dishes.
Hike in Glendalough
Glendalough is also an easy day trip from Dublin. This area boasts some pretty lakes and hiking areas, surrounded by truly spectacular natural scenery. On warmer days, you’ll even find people swimming in the lakes here! There are several hiking trails here, one even leading to a waterfall.
A major highlight not to miss here is the old monastic city, an ancient settlement founded in the 6th century. Today you can still view the churches and cemetery almost fully in tact in the Glendalough Valley.
Visit Cork
Cork is in fact the second largest city in Ireland. It doesn’t really feel like it though. You have a beautiful city that mixes both new and old, and urban living with nature. For food lovers, this is the place to be.
Cork is known as the food capital of Ireland, and the best way to dive into this is by visiting the English Market.
On top of eating, you also have a buzzing nightlife scene and fabulous museums to keep you busy.
Cobh
This is a smaller seaside town not far from Cork, and usually visited in a single trip with Cork. It is home to the iconic photo spot of the colorfully painted houses with the church tower in the background.
But Cobh has much more to offer. It’s proximity to the sea offers a wonderful seaside promenade area, where you’ll find lots of cute shops and cafes as well.
For those interested in history, this was the last docking point of the infamous Titanic before it went across the Atlantic and ultimately sank. You can learn more about this tragedy at the original White Star Lines office.
Hike in Killarney
Killarney is one of the most touristy parts of Ireland. And you know what? It’s still entirely worth a visit. This area is an absolute playground for nature lovers and fully captures the essence of the Irish landscape. Green forests, lakes and the ruins of castles and abbeys are what you’ll find here.
The town itself is also beautiful, and you’ll find a lot of great options for dining here. You need at least 2 days to fully enjoy this area and explore all of it’s hidden gems.
Road Trip the Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula could be home to the most dramatic coastlines in Ireland, apart from the Cliffs of Moher. Dingle itself is a sleepy little seaside village, located right along a buzzing and active fishing port.
Apart from Dingle, all the other villages in the region you’ll pass are very small and rural in comparison. Here you’ll discover authentic parts of Irish culture, as the residents of this region have strongly embraced their heritage. In some villages they even still speak Gaelic, and you’ll have opportunities to hear live traditional Irish folk music.
For the best of the natural beauty, be sure to drive through Connor’s Pass, to zig-zag by dramatic scenery including lakes, crazy cliffs and the sea.
Ring of Kerry
Another notorious road trip hot on the tourist trail, is the Ring of Kerry. As the name suggests, it’s a full loop road trip, that takes you through some of the best natural scenery in the nation.
You’ll discover more rugged coastlines, rural seaside villages and more church and monastery ruins.
It’s also the ideal area for enjoying outdoor activities such as fishing, cycling and hiking.
Cliffs of Moher
Easily one of the most famous landmarks in Ireland, are the Cliffs of Moher. In the last decade, the Irish government decided to slap a price on this natural wonder, and it’s now a paid tourist attraction.
However, every cent is worth it, as this may be one of the most impressive and memorable coastlines you’ll ever see.
On a clear day, the scenery can be beat. With the green grassy hills, jagged rocky cliffs, and gravity defying rock formations in the dark waters below, this is definitely a highlight of visiting Ireland.
Kylemore Abbey
A beautiful abbey easily reached from Galway. This place is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, and the home to a number of legendary tales.
Aside from this, it is a truly beautiful structure, located in a very scenic part of the country. A visit here will allow you to learn of the history of this place, and perhaps even about the myths that surround it.
Visit the Giants Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a truly unique natural formation. It’s characterized by stacks of hexagon shapes columns. The rock is comprised of basaltic lava rocks., and is located just along the sea’s edge.
They were created over 50 million years ago, by a volcanic eruption. It’s honestly unbelievable how symmetrical this natural form came to be. Because of its unique beauty, it became a UNESCO heritage site in 1986.
Visit a Brewery or Whiskey Distillery
I am sure we have all heard the stereotype that the Irish love to drink. While I think traveling definitely challenges all stereotypes, I will say that there are no shortage of breweries or pubs open any day of the week anywhere in Ireland.
Basically every city or region has its own locally produced alcohol establishments, many of which offer brewery tours, or for whiskey, distillery tours. These are usually both and educational, and fun, finishing off with a tasting of the product.
My favorite brewery tours are the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Smithwick Brewery in Kilkenny, and the Jameson Distillery in Middleton.
St. Patricks Day Festival
If you can line up your visit with St. Patricks Day, you should definitely plan to join in on the festivities. The best party is in Dublin, where you’ll find people cheers-ing and downing pints of green beer by the minute.
But it’s not just that, there is also wholesome fun to be had. There is generally a parade and a handful of activities on offer that don’t involve getting wasted. No matter what activity you prefer, this is definitely a celebration for the books.
Life in Ireland for Digital Nomads
The Positives
Beautiful Nature
The nature in Ireland is easily the best thing about this country. A huge majority of the country is comprised of farmland, rolling green hills, and abundance of lakes and forests to explore. It’s not difficult to discover unspoiled nature while in Ireland, and even from the cities, there are major natural attractions within an hour by train. If you love lakes, hiking, coastlines or even sheep, this country will keep you more than busy with it’s rugged beauty.
Intriguing History
For history lovers, Ireland is a great destination. It seems every city, town and village has a story to tell. You pass numerous historical sites and structures wherever you go. Many significant historical events took place here, and the story of Ireland’s past only gets more intriguing the more you learn.
Nightlife
No matter what city or town you’re in, if you want to go out for the evening, there is always something to do. You have Temple Bar in Dublin, which I start seeing fill up from the early afternoon with bar hoppers. Irish pubs across the country are full every evening with lively folks, who are super down to drink.
Also, there is usually live music playing somewhere for the evening, setting the perfect scene for a great night out.
Good Public Transport
Ireland is easy to get around using public transport. It’s very clean, comfortable and usually reliable. It’s very easy to travel all throughout the country by train or bus.
Modern Cities and Infrastructure
The cities in Ireland had every single facility I’d expect from my home country or any other modern country. It makes it very easy to transition to a temporary life here, as all the amenities you may need are widely available.
English Language
English is the main language used all over Ireland. There are basically no language barriers making it as easy to communicate here as it is back home (for English speakers).
This makes it all too easy to navigate everyday life such as reading signs, asking questions, and connecting with locals.
The Negatives
Cold Weather
Ireland is notorious for it’s rainy weather, and unfortunately this notion is true. Regardless of season, you will experience rain during your stay, and usually at higher frequencies than sunny days.
It’s not the ideal weather for exploring outdoors, and it makes living here get somewhat depressing. Also, despite having so much coastline, it’s not ever really beach or swimming weather, so you can’t fully enjoy having the sea nearby.
High Expenses
Ireland surprised me in it’s costs of living. It was much more expensive than much of Europe, and has costs that were almost on par with England or even France. This is not the ideal destination for the digital nomad on a budget, and you can easily travel elsewhere for more bang for your buck.
Less Cultural Experience
Ireland does have it’s own unique cultural identity, however, a lot of the modern day society reflects a typical English speaking country’s culture.
Sometimes in Ireland, I felt bored at the lack of novelty or feeling of discovery in the cultural sense. If you travel to broaden your horizons and immerse yourself in foreign cultures, if you are from an English speaking country this probably won’t do that for you.
The Food
Don’t get me wrong, the food in Ireland wasn’t terrible. It just wasn’t spectacular nor memorable. Again, it’s just too similar to the food in my home country (The USA) and I didn’t ever feel like I was really experiencing any new tastes.
Irish stew is great. Irish breakfasts are also great. It’s just that it’s too similar to the cuisine in America for me to feel excited about.
Safety in Ireland
Ireland is generally safe for digital nomads and all travelers, but it’s not without some crime. According to the Global Peace Index in 2020, Ireland ranked as the 12th safest country in the world. However, petty crime, gang related violence and alcohol related crime does occur, and some areas are considered worse than others.
According to official statistics, Limerick has the highest number of sexual crimes, so female travelers should be extra vigilant here, especially if solo.
Dublin, as the capital has the highest rate of overall crime. In comparison to dangerous cities across the US, it’s not that bad, but crime does happen everyday.
For perspective, during my last visit, I witnessed someone get stabbed in broad daylight in a touristy part of Dublin. I am told this isn’t the norm, but it’s also not unheard of.
You’ll want to be vigilant, and keep valuables out of site, especially in larger cities. If possible, avoid walking in dodgy areas at night, especially alone.
Ireland for Female Digital Nomads
As a woman, I never felt particularly threatened in Ireland. Some cities in Ireland, such as Limerick, are known to have more incidents of sex based crimes, so it’s wise to be extra cautious there.
I am unsure if it’s because I am a woman, but I found that a lot of female beggars seemed to target me when I was a woman alone. This never happened when I was with my boyfriend.
Be wary of people who ask for something, such as money or food, especially in Dublin. I had some shady characters ask for help, and on the premise of doing something good, I got myself into some unfavorable situations.
Just try to avoid getting too involved with people, because unfortunately, it’s not easy to discern those truly in need and those trying to take advantage of your kindness.
Final Word on Ireland for Digital Nomads
For anyone considering Ireland for digital nomads or to travel to in general, it’s surely an amazing place that just may surprise you. If you can live with the high cost of living and gloomy weather, there is a lot to be gained from spending time here. However, there is good reason it isn’t yet a major digital nomad hub. But, for those of us who like to go against the grain, Ireland is a good time.
What are your thoughts on Ireland for digital nomads? I’d love to hear your take, below!
Kerry says
Really comprehensive guide to Ireland! I’ve only ever been to dublin (which was great!) and Belfast in Northern Ireland but I definitely want to travel more. You’ve definitely inspired me!
Agnes says
An exciting and practical guide to Ireland. I did not think it could be an option for nomads travelers. Ireland is still on my dream list. I am especially interested in cliff hiking. Also, Dublin is on my must-see list.
Ummi | Ummi Goes Where? says
I’ve only seen Ireland in movies and I’m always struck by how green it is. The nickname Emerald Isles couldn’t have been better chosen. Thank you for sharing these tips. Ireland would be too expensive for me for a long-term stay, but I would love to visit for a week or so.
Jamie says
I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Ireland and the only challenge I found was driving – GPS helped but really found myself lost once or twice! But can’t recommend the experience more, I loved it!
Travelling Tam says
I love Ireland and this is a great guide (though I’ve only been to Cork and Killarney) but there is so much more to see! I’d love to do a road trip. As I can work remotely right now, it would be a cool place to base myself for a while too!
Krista says
I love how you broke down everything into sections – really helpful! There are lots of great tips here for those of us who live the digital nomad lifestyle.
Rajdeep Banerjee says
Spellbinding, Ireland has always caught my fancy since the time I had taken English literature as my major in college but sadly I couldn’t stay focused on that owing to a fragile mind. However, the intrigue that rose in my mind in my college days still lingers and seeing u dish out such a magical landscape in such an affable way made me read it in sheer amazement. And I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I personally request u as an English student, to another English teacher ( I’ve read in a blog of yours about how u used to give classes in English so that makes u a teacher I wanna study with anytime !!!! ) okay now!!!! As a former English student to please explore more such areas as scotland, wales and English cities so that we can get a substantial peek into they are about and further explore if what we read about them in books truly corroborates the actual scene.
Thanks