It’s not hard to see why Brits would want to go to Ireland. Exceptional housing is cheap, there is no language barrier, and the country’s bucolic countryside provides the tranquil and gentler pace of life sought by many British ex-pats.
It’s not easy to pick a favorite spot to call home when Ireland is so visually appealing. If you’re thinking about making Ireland your permanent home, these are the neighborhoods that ex-pats love the most.
Cork, West
A magnificent environment of foggy valleys, islands, and rocky beach inlets may be found in the far southwest corner of Ireland. Near the Atlantic Peninsula surrounding Mizen Head, in a collection of quaint tiny villages, you’ll find the majority of West Cork’s British ex-pat community. The most well-liked destinations are Castletownshend, Glandore, Schull, Skibbereen, and Baltimore. Compared to the rest of Ireland, this region has the highest proportion of British citizens living there.
This section of Ireland is known for its laid-back vibe and artistic community, thanks to its welcoming locals, stunning natural beauty, and plenty of artists, musicians, and crafters. Whether you’re looking to settle down in a sleepy fishing hamlet or a remote part of the countryside, you may find reasonably priced real estate.
One of West Cork’s biggest selling points is the region’s warm climate. Because of the Gulf Stream, the average temperature never drops below nine degrees in the winter, while it stays at a fairly acceptable twenty degrees in the summer.
You may go whale watching, surf, sail, or kayak right off the coast of Ireland if you live in West Cork. If you’re relocating from a major metropolitan area, you’ll be pleased to learn that the area hosts a wealth of exciting annual events. Remember to look forward to the West Cork Food Festival in September and the Skibbereen Arts Festival in July.
Oh, and don’t forget that the seafood in West Cork is some of the best in the world; prawns, mussels, scallops, hake, and monkfish are all on the menus. Yum!
Dublin
The capital of Ireland, Dublin, attracts many Britons, especially those in need of finding work. A little city with all the world-class restaurants, cafes, and bars befitting a city famous for the ‘craic’ (fun) that is Ireland is Dublin. Dublin is home to people from all over the world, and the city is known for its warm welcome of foreigners. As the country’s cultural hub, Dublin also offers plenty to do for fans of art and history.
You can rarely be more than twenty minutes from Dublin’s rural areas, no matter where you are. In around 15 to 20 minutes, you can take the DART to one of the city’s adjacent fishing communities to escape to the wilderness. If you’re in the mood for some exercise, you may go for a hike along the shore or in the nearby Wicklow Mountains. Phoenix Park, Dublin’s largest urban park, is home to a sizable herd of wild deer and is a popular destination for city dwellers.
In addition, the city is experiencing a health and wellness renaissance, which means there are many exciting opportunities for exercise and good dining.
Dublin’s job market is the finest in the country because of the influx of worldwide firm headquarters. The city’s schools, universities, and general atmosphere of security are all top-notch.
Galway
Galway, located in western Ireland, is yet another tourist hotspot that draws droves of Britons to its sidewalks and neighboring towns and villages. Galway is a college town, so there are lots of young people living there and plenty of great places to eat, drink, shop, and go to the movies.
The city of Galway is a utopia for those interested in art and history. Every weekend from the beginning of May to the end of September is booked solid with a different festival. The Galway Film Festival, the Galway Jazz Festival, the Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival, and the Galway Races are just a few of the city’s many annual events. Barna Woods and Connemara National Park, two of Ireland’s most beautiful natural areas, are easily accessible from the city.
Waterford
Located on the southeast coast of Ireland, County Waterford has attracted a large number of Britons in recent years. Since the neighborhood is just now beginning to appear on the radar of international buyers, real estate is unbelievably cheap. Houses with four bedrooms and a lot of land may be purchased for under £250,000, and one-bedroom apartments start at about £50,000. Waterford City, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, was once one of the most significant cities in all of Europe. Therefore, the region is full of historical sites.
Waterford is one of the most tranquil areas in all of Ireland, drawing many retirees for its low cost of living and proximity to the coast. You can spend your time here strolling along the windswept beaches or climbing the numerous routes in the nearby Comeragh Mountains. Waterford’s proximity to Dublin and Cork, both less than an hour away by car, makes it easy to reach other major Irish cities and points beyond.
Wexford
British shoppers have long been drawn to this sleepy hamlet of 30,000. Wexford is often considered to be one of the most welcoming regions in all of Ireland; as such, residents and visitors alike are likely to strike up discussions with you out of genuine interest in your background and experiences. There is a lot of activity at this waterfront location because of the abundance of freshly caught seafood. The Kennedy family’s roots can be traced back to the shore of Wexford.
Courtown, Morriscastle, Ballinesker, and Curracloe, where the opening sequence of Saving Private Ryan was filmed, are just some of the nicest sandy beaches in the country, and real estate in Wexford is quite reasonably priced. The Saltee Islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise, so keep your eyes out for puffins, gulls, gannets, and razorbills. Other nearby sights include Hook Lighthouse.
Kerry county
Located on a picturesque peninsula in southwest Ireland is the County of Kerry. British tourists are drawn to Killarney National Park, the quaint coastal villages, and the world-famous Ring of Kerry for their rocky coastlines and mountainous landscapes. The current average price of a home in the County is €160,000.
Area of County Mayo
Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean may be had from the western coast of Ireland, where County Mayo can be found. You can go trekking or rock climbing in Croagh Patrick or take leisurely strolls along uninhabited beaches or the famous Cliffs of Moher. Both Westport and Ballina, a town on Killala Bay, are popular among British nationals looking to buy real estate in Ireland. Currently, a home in County Mayo will set you back around €120,000.
Leitrim County
A County from Leitrim, Leitrim is the least expensive County in Ireland, with an average home price of just over €124,000. It is located in the north of the country, to the west of the Northern Irish border, and to the east of County Sligo. The average cost of a home in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Sligo, a popular destination for British ex-pats, is only €88,000.
Wicklow County
Because of its proximity to the Irish capital, County Wicklow has long been a favorite with foreign residents. Lovely Irish villages and country estates may be found in this rural area, which is framed by the stunning Wicklow Mountains. From many of County Wicklow’s hotspots, you can catch a DART train every 15 minutes and arrive in Dublin’s city center in about an hour. Given its proximity to the water and its concentration of some of Ireland’s finest dining establishments, it’s no surprise that Bray is a popular destination.
