IT Contracting in Ireland - Living & Working
Profile written by Matt Walters of Capital Consulting
(updated January 2016)
Accomodation
There is a strong rental culture in Ireland making it relatively easy to find a property for the duration of your contract.
Exchange of home could prove to be more attractive financially. The opportunity of getting a timeshare home is also available.
Prices for accommodation will of course vary depending on size and location, but a guideline figure of EUR 1500-2000 may be quoted for a small, furnished apartment in central Dublin
Travel
One of Ireland’s key advantages in the view of many contractors is its proximity and copious travel links with the UK.
i. Air
The airport of Dublin provides speedy links to all key UK airports by Aer Lingus, British Airways and RyanAir among others.
ii. Rail/Bus
The rail journey from Dublin to Cork (Intercity) takes about 3 hours, with regular departures. An efficient bus service is also available.
iii. Road
The drive from Dublin to London is about 266 miles, using the ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead on Anglesey.
Although not traditionally regarded as a contractor destination, the implantation of technology giants such as Apple, Amazon and Microsoft in Ireland has opened up the market.
The advantage of no language barrier, a highly skilled labour workforce, special tax conditions for non-domiciled individuals, along with Ireland’s proximity to the UK and reputation for hospitality has made it an increasingly attractive destination for the international contractor.
Public holidays in Ireland include New Year’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Easter Monday, Labour Day, June Holiday, August Holiday, October Holiday, Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26)
| Official Languages: | Irish (official), English (official). |
| Capital: | Dublin |
| Timezone: | GMT (+1 in summer) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Emergency Numbers: | 112 (all), 999 (all) |
| Key Airports: | Dublin (DUB); Cork (ORK) |
| Population: | 4,892,305 (July 2015 estimate) |
| Elecricity: | 220V / 240V |
| Tax Year: | 1st January – 31st December |
| National holiday: | 17th March (St Patrick's Day) |
| International dialing prefix: | +353 |
| Internet domain suffix: | .ie |
| Cost of living: | Dublin is ranked 49th in the Mercer worldwide cost of living survey. London is ranked 12th (2015). |
