Everyday Essentials

Dublin is not a cheap place to live. The Economist Intelligence Unit Cost of Living Report ranks it as the 19th most expensive of 133 cities. On the plus side, this ranking does indicate that Dublin is less expensive than Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tel Aviv and Frankfurt as well as New York and LA in the USA and Singapore, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney in the Asia-Pacific region. Consumer goods The price of consumer goods is quite high compared to other European cities, although this is coming down. Ongoing competition between supermarket chains ha

The average person in Ireland threw away 322kg of household waste in 2012, the last year the Environmental Protection Agency compiled its National Waste Report. Kerbside Collection Most of this waste is collected at the roadside – known as ‘kerbside collection’. Four companies offer kerbside bin collection in Dublin: Greyhound Recycling and Recovery Thorntons

Whether renting or purchasing your own home, it’s important to know how to set up utilities and maintain your property. Renters should be aware that the relationship between a tenant and their landlord differs from country to country. How do things stand in Dublin? Utilities As a tenant or owner occupier, you are responsible for setting up your home’s utilities in your own name. If you are renting, make sure at the beginning of your rental contract sure that your landlord informs you of which companies supply your gas, water and electricity, so that you can contact them and take over the accounts. Electricity and gas Ireland has deregulated e

Ireland’s healthcare system is divided into public and private tiers. Public Ireland’s public healthcare system offers world-class care, partly funded by the government. If you are “ordinarily resident”, you can access a range of public health services that are free of charge or subsidised by the Irish government’s Health Service Executive (HSE). (You are considered to be “ordinarily resident” if you have been living in Ireland for at least one year – or you intend to live in the country for at least one year.) Holders of a European Health Insurance

Dublin is a great place to raise a family. As well as an excellent education system, your children will be able to enjoy the city’s beautiful parks, open spaces and nearby beaches and mountains, all while growing up in a safe and richly cultured society. Childcare There are many options for childcare in Dublin. Childminders are self-employed individuals who look after children in their home. Nurseries and creches offer a more formal environment, with set nap and meal times. Playschools and Montessori schools offer informal learning environments that prepare children for primary school. You might also consider engaging a professional nanny or au pair, although this te

Ireland is a generally safe country. The 2018 Peace Index ranks it as the tenth-safest country in the world, just behind Japan. A 2017 Fáilte Ireland survey found that 97% of tourist felt safe and secure on their visit to Ireland. Those staying longer-term can expect to feel safe, too. Ireland’s crime rate is low by global standards