Living in Ireland – Postgraduate Guide

Written by Mark Bennett

Having been a centre of learning and academic exchange since the middle ages, universities in the Republic of Ireland are ready to say 'fáilte roimh' ('welcome!') to international students – and the country has much to offer them as a postgraduate home away from home.

On this page you can read all about living in Ireland whilst studying a Masters degree, including advice on finding accommodation, looking for part-time work and budgeting for living costs.

For advice on the Irish university system and the requirements for studying in the country, see our separate guide. Or, if you'd prefer to begin browsing Masters courses in Ireland, you can use our course search.

What’s it like to study abroad in Ireland? Accommodation Living costs Working whilst studying Further information

What’s it like to study abroad in Ireland?

Whatever your interests, you'll have find plenty to see and do whilst studying abroad on 'the emerald isle'. Ireland's landscapes include serene loughs and stunning mountain ranges, with famous natural landmarks such as the Giant's Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher.

Students attracted by the country's cultural history will also find plenty to enjoy, with renowned Irish writers, thinkers and artists including Seamus Heaney, George Berkeley and Maeve Binchy, as well as globally famous performers such as Enya, Sinéad O'Connor and U2.

Of course Ireland is also famous for some of its other exports and, as a Masters student in the country, you'll be welcome to unwind from a hard day's study with an authentic pint of 'the black stuff'!

Irish culture and student life

Irish culture is a rich mixture of Gaelic heritage and Anglo-Norman influences from the rest of the British Isles. The country has also attracted visitors from further afield, many of whom have left their own marks; believe it or not, the city of Dublin was originally settled by Vikings! (So, if you ever run out of ideas for a St Patrick's Day costume. . .)

Ireland has also had an impact of its own overseas. In the Middle Ages Irish monasteries remained as centres of learning following the retreat of the Roman Empire, and their monks and missionaries played a key role in re-establishing important traditions of scholarship elsewhere in Europe.

Of course, Irish customs and celebrations are now well known around the globe, but, as a Masters student in Ireland you'll have a chance to see many of these in their authentic form.

A wide variety of Irish folk music is popular across the country, and music and dancing are a regular part of the entertainment in more traditional pubs.

Festivals such as St Patrick's Day are also celebrated on a unique scale - the customary parade in Dublin will be far more impressive than anything you witnessed in student bars during your undergraduate degree!

Religion in Ireland

Ireland is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, but Irish society is multiculural and other religions are increasingly represented, such as Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, as well as many other Christian sects.

Food and drink

It's fair to say that Ireland suffers from a few stereotypes when it comes to cuisine. However, if you travel to the country expecting to eat bland fare, based largely on potatoes, then your time studying abroad will be an educational experience in more ways than one!

Popular Irish dishes range from hearty stews based on various meats and vegetables, to a range of different breads such as soda breads (arán sóide) doughy breakfast rolls (blaa) or toasted raisin and sultana barmbrack (bairín breac).

In common with other parts of the British Isles, Ireland also offers its own take on the cooked breakfast, with white pudding and some of the aforementioned breads featuring alongside more familiar components.

One version, the 'ulster fry' is particularly renowned, accompanying a range of fried meats and vegetables with soda bread and potato farls that, as the name suggests, are also fried. Regular consumption of this dish probably isn't to be advised, but it might make an excellent occasional weekend treat after a hard night studying.

Ireland's most famous drink requires little introduction, but, if you're not a fan of Guinness you needn't worry; the country is also renowned for a range of whiskeys and liqueurs. These days Ireland even makes a small amount of wine!

Climate in Ireland

The weather in Ireland is generally mild year round. You can expect the temperatures never to get too hot or cold, with fairly frequent rainfall (pack those layers!).

Search for a Masters in Ireland

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Ireland on FindAMasters.com

Accommodation

You'll usually be studying on a Masters programme in Ireland for between one and two years, so some form of long-term accommodation will be necessary.

University halls of residence

Universities will have their own student housing and dormitories and these will usually be available to postgraduates (some may even be reserved for international students).

Prices can vary considerably dependant on location. The University of Limerick, for example, charges an average of €7,500 per year for a single room in on-campus accommodation, while students at Trinity College Dublin can expect to pay at least €11,324.

You should investigate what is available at your prospective university - most will have lots of information available on their websites and will be happy to help you with any enquiries by email.

Private student accommodation

Private rental options are readily available in Ireland. Popular university cities such as Dublin and Cork are well served with landlords offering student flats or shared houses.

Prices for these will vary extensively depending on facilities and location, and it's difficult to give an accurate cost.

As a very rough guide, average rent for a student living in Dublin is estimated at around €585 per month. Costs in other cities may be slightly lower.

Living costs

On the whole, Ireland is a relatively affordable place to live, with a large student population driving demand for appropriate accommodation and other services in major cities. Living costs in Dublin will usually be slightly higher than elsewhere in the country, but prices will generally be on a par with elsewhere in the British Isles.

Student living costs in Ireland

The Irish government estimates typical living costs of between €10,000 and €20,000 per year. This is a very broad range, but takes into account the variety of accommodation and other costs faced by different students, with different lifestyles in different parts of the country.

Learn more about studying in Ireland

Looking for more information about Masters study in Ireland? Our detailed guide covers everything from university rankings and courses to fees, funding and applications.

Working whilst studying

International postgraduates usually only require a permit to work in Ireland if their programme of study runs for less than one year.

Because most Irish Masters degrees take between one and two years to complete, this shouldn't be a problem. (Even if your course runs for a single year, the dissertation component will usually mean your registration covers the requisite minimum period).

The number of hours you can work whilst studying in Ireland varies during the year:

During term time (approximately September to mid-December and mid-January to May) you will only be able to work up to 20 hours per week.
During holiday periods (May, June, July and August and mid-December to mid-January) you may work up to 40 hours per week (the equivalent of a full-time employment in Ireland).

Major cities should offer plenty of opportunities to find work as an international student, with vacancies in hospitality, as well as leisure and tourism.

Your university's international office may be able to advise as to good local employers and you can also ask other students for tips once you arrive.

Further information

By now you should have a good idea of what life might be like for you whilst studying a Masters in Ireland. You'll be able to search for accommodation, get started with any immigration requirements and budget for your living costs (perhaps leaving a little spare for that pint of Guinness).

There are a couple of other details you'll need to be aware of as a postgraduate studying abroad in Ireland though.

Travel and transportation

Ireland's largest international airports are Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport (near the city of Limerick) and Cork Airport. Between them these provide access to most of Ireland's major cities.

A number of ferry companies also offer services running between Ireland and the British mainland, as well as other destinations, such as France.

Within Ireland itself you will be able to travel between cities by rail and within cities using bus and taxi services. Dublin also offers a tram service, known as the Luas (Irish for 'speed').

You can find out more about Irish public transport at the website of Transport for Ireland.

Money and banking

Banking in Ireland is similar to elsewhere in Great Britain and accounts are readily available to international students. High street branches will be open during the working week and you will also find plenty of ATM machines in convenient locations.

If you would like to open a bank account in Ireland you will be able to do so by showing two documents proving your identity and Irish address. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, or at specialist bureau de change in other locations.

Search for a Masters in Ireland

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in Ireland on FindAMasters.com

Mark Bennett

Mark joined FindAMasters to develop our first ever advice articles in 2013 and now serves as our Director of Audience & Editorial, making sure our websites and information are as useful as possible for people thinking about Masters and PhD study. He has a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Kent and the University of South Wales.

Living in Ireland – Postgraduate Guide

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