Relocating to Ireland can be an exciting adventure, whether you're moving for work, study, or a change of scenery. To make your transition smoother, here’s a guide covering essential aspects like retail and convenience stores, administrative necessities, finding accommodation, and navigating public transport.
1. Retail and Convenience Stores
Ireland offers a variety of retail and convenience stores to meet different needs and preferences:
Supermarkets: Major chains like Tesco, Dunnes Stores, and SuperValu are popular for groceries. Aldi and Lidl stand out for their affordability, offering a wide range of products at lower prices. This makes them particularly appealing to students and budget-conscious shoppers.
Specialty Stores: For specific items, explore local butcher shops, bakeries, and farmer's markets. Avoca and Fallon & Byrne are excellent for gourmet foods.
Convenience Stores: Spar, Centra, and Londis are everywhere for quick essentials, snacks, and basic groceries. However, due to higher prices, we don’t recommend doing bulk grocery shopping there.
Shopping Centers: Major cities have shopping centers like Dundrum Town Centre, Liffey Valley, Jervis Shopping Centre, and Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin, as well as Mahon Point in Cork. These centers offer a diverse selection of brands, ranging from high-street and fast fashion to luxury options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
2. Administration: Bank Account and PPS Number
Setting up essential administrative services is crucial when moving to Ireland:
Bank Account: To open a bank account, you’ll need proof of identity (passport), proof of address (such as your accommodation booking invoice), and a PPS number. Banks like AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB are popular choices. Visit branches or apply online, and shop around to compare bank charges—in our experience, Permanent TSB is the most cost-effective. Note that online banks like Revolut are also becoming increasingly popular due to their lack of fees and instant, unlimited transfers.
PPS Number: A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is necessary for accessing public services, starting work, and opening a bank account. You can apply for a PPS number at your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare office, or online at MyWelfare, though you’ll still need to attend an in-person appointment. Be sure to bring identification and proof of address.
3. Finding a Place to Live
Finding accommodation in Ireland can be challenging, particularly in cities like Dublin. To ease this process, we recommend using a hosting agency. If you’re unsure about committing to a long-term lease, consider medium-term rentals, which typically start from one month and can be extended to as long as you need if you are pleased with it. Although hosting agencies may charge a fee, they often provide more cost-effective alternatives to hotels or B&Bs while you search for a permanent residence. This option also offers a quieter and more comfortable stay compared to a hostel dorm.
Staying with a local host can enrich your experience by allowing you to connect with locals, build a sense of belonging, and potentially form lasting friendships, giving you a deeper insight into the Irish way of life.
Moreover, booking through a hosting agency is a secure way to arrange accommodation before your arrival, offering peace of mind. You’ll also have access to support if any issues arise, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Renting through a hosting agency also gives you time to familiarize yourself with the city and its neighborhoods. This allows you to carefully evaluate factors like proximity to work or school, public transport options, and local amenities before committing to a permanent place. If you’re satisfied with your current arrangement, you can even extend your stay.
4. Transports
Ireland has a well-developed public transport system, making it easy to get around:
Transports Options:
Luas: The Luas is Dublin’s tram system, and the name fittingly means "speed" in Irish. With two main lines (Red and Green) covering different parts of the city, the Luas is an efficient and relatively fast way to travel.
Buses: Bus services are extensive across cities and towns in Ireland. Dublin Bus operates within the greater Dublin area, while Bus Éireann provides efficient intercity connections. Local operators also offer comprehensive coverage. Timetables and routes can be easily checked online.
DART and Trains: The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) runs along the coast, connecting Dublin to suburban areas. Irish Rail offers train services nationwide, making it easy to explore other cities and regions.
Taxis: Taxis are a convenient, though more expensive, option for getting around. Irish taxi drivers are known for being chatty, and it’s not uncommon for passengers to sit in the front seat—something to be aware of when you hail a cab.
Accessing Transport:
Leap Card: The Leap Card is a convenient, cash-free way to pay for public transport in Ireland. It can be used on buses, Luas, DART, and Irish Rail services. You can top it up at convenience stores, online, or via the Leap Top-Up app. It’s also worth noting that fares are cheaper when paying with a Leap Card. For instance, a 90 min journey is €2 for an adult and €1 for a student, you can check all the details here.
Transport For Ireland App: Make sure to download the TFI app, which will help you plan your journeys and navigate around. It’s especially useful when you’re new to the city and need guidance on getting from point A to point B.
Taxi Apps: Free Now and Bolt are the most popular taxi app in Ireland, but Uber is also available. As an indication, a 10-minute taxi ride in fluid traffic will cost about €12.
In Summary
Relocating to Ireland involves navigating new systems and adapting to a different way of life, but it is part of the experience! By familiarizing yourself with retail options, setting up essential services, finding suitable accommodation, and understanding the public transport system, you'll settle in more comfortably. Enjoy your time in Ireland, and embrace the rich culture and friendly atmosphere this beautiful country has to offer!
If you are looking to rent a place anywhere in Ireland, Hosting Power has you covered! Book your room now: https://app.hostingpower.ie/