Investing in Ireland
Quality of Life
Overview
With the youngest population in Europe, Ireland is a dream country for many. It has a stable economy, a consistent education system, a vibrant social life, rich culture, and beautiful sights. According to The UNDP Human Development Report Index 2020, Ireland has the second- highest quality of life in the world, ranking number two of 189 countries.
While many expats prefer Ireland for its business environment, there is a huge percentage of expats who choose the country as their retirement place. In this guide, we’ll provide you with insights and tips you can benefit from before you plan your move to Ireland.
Democracy
The Irish republic is a parliamentary democracy. Its constitution was promulgated in 1937 and can be amended through a referendum. The country’s head of state, the president (Uachtarán in Gaelic), is elected directly by the public for a term of seven years and is eligible for reelection for a second term. The president normally acts on the advice of the government but also consults an advisory Council of State in the exercise of certain functions.
The president signs and promulgates bills passed by the Oireachtas (Parliament) and, when so advised by the prime minister (taoiseach), summons and dissolves the Oireachtas. The president may, however, refuse to dissolve the Oireachtas on the advice of a prime minister who has ceased to command a majority in the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives). The president is the guardian of the constitution and may, in certain circumstances, submit a bill passed by the Oireachtas to the people in a referendum or refer it to the Supreme Court to decide on its constitutionality.
There are two houses of the Oireachtas—the Dáil and the Seanad Éireann (Senate). Chief legislative power is centred in the 158-member Dáil. The Seanad may delay bills passed by the Dáil, or it may suggest changes in them, but it cannot indefinitely block their passage into law.
Executive power is vested in the prime minister, who heads the cabinet and presides over its meetings. The prime minister, the deputy prime minister (tánaiste), and the minister for finance must be members of the Dáil. The other government ministers must be members of either house, but no more than two may be senators.
Pollution
Ireland’s environment is, for the most part, very good and stands up well to comparison with any other country in Europe or in the wider world. This is due in no small way to an accident of geography and an accident of history.
Geography places Ireland at mid-latitude, not too close to the heat of the equator or to the cold arctic and its position on the north-western edge of the continent ensures a constant supply of clean unpolluted air and plenty of rain from the Atlantic Ocean.
History decreed that Ireland missed the industrial revolution of the 19th century and, so, missed out on the polluting industries of that period. Up to the middle of the 20th century Ireland’s economy was based on grassland agriculture which was not very intensive and placed little pressures on the Irish environment.
Much has changed in Ireland in the past 50 years, and the pressures on the environment have grown, but overall the essentials for life of clean air, clean water and productive soil are abundant on this island.
Freedom of Speech
The Irish Constitution recognises and declares that people living in Ireland have certain fundamental personal rights.
Articles 40 to 44 set out these fundamental rights. Many of the rights apply to everyone living in Ireland, including non-Irish citizens.
Education
Schools in Ireland are known for their excellent education system. Irish universities rank very well in global league tables. According to OECD reports, Ireland’s education system is above the OECD average.
In Ireland, every child has access to free primary and secondary education. Ireland is also home to many prestigious universities such as Trinity College and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Healthcare
In Ireland, healthcare is accessible when compared to other international nations such as the USA. Most people in the country make use of the country’s public healthcare system. Immediate and instant healthcare is available through private medical help, too. For the most part, public and walk-in clinics are always on call.
Amenities
Ireland is well serviced with a huge array of public parks, waterways, national parks, coastline and lakelands all freely accessible to everyone.
In Ireland sport and activities play a big role in the local communities and society in general. For the visitor and sporting enthusiast these popular areas can be divided into professional spectator sports that offer visitors on an Ireland vacation a fun day out for spectators to a range of activities that take advantage of the spectacular Irish outdoors.
As a sporting nation Ireland has a wide range of sporting options and has enjoyed great success in a number of fields. In the international sporting arena Ireland can claim soccer (association football) rugby, boxing, golf, snooker, horse racing and the equestrian sports of show jumping as its’ most successful areas. In more recent times Irish teams have also found some success in athletics, cricket and rowing.
Shopping in Ireland has evolved in the last decade and now challenges any European destination for the ultimate retail experience. Irish people like to combine a stroll, a chat, and maybe some people-watching, window-glazing or a stop for a coffee with the business of doing their weekly shop. So around cities and towns, you’ll find big-brand outlets side-by-side with cafes, bars, quirky boutiques and off-beat independent stores.
The most prestigious department store in Dublin, Brown Thomas, is situated on the city’s most glamourous and famous Grafton Street. The designer room in Brown Thomas houses international collections from Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and many more. Whereas the 18th century Powerscourt Townhouse, situated behind Brown Thomas, is a must for independent boutiques, beauty salons and art, craft and antique shops.
Located just a few miles south of Dublin city center is the centerpiece of the new Dundrum Retail Centre. Dundrum Centre is Ireland’s largest retail and leisure destination, with over 100 shops, 40 restaurants and cafes, a cinema complex, a 200-seat theatre, a bar and a nightclub. You’ll also find a range of shopping centres and outlet stores in other cities and towns around the country.
Off the high-street and in the regional cities, you’ll stumble upon many unique shops, stocking everything and anything to mirror the Irish trait of hoarding. And in many smaller towns in rural Ireland, you may still encounter that traditional Irish establishment – the grocery, bar and undertakers, all under one roof.
Transport
In Ireland, you can make use of the abundance of public transport that is available throughout the country. All main Irish cities have a public bus system, whilst in Dublin you can also make use of the tram (LUAS).
Ireland also boasts of a good train network. You can use the train to travel to the Irish countryside and explore the country.
Dublin Airport is now one of Europe’s leading airports for both direct connectivity and hub connectivity. The airport has an extensive short and medium haul network, served by an array of carriers, as well as a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East. It serves as the headquarters of Ireland’s flag carrier – Aer Lingus and Europe’s largest low-cost carrier – Ryanair. The airport also boosts a United States border preclearance service which is available at the airport for U.S. bound passengers
Food
Food is an integral part of contemporary culture on the island of Ireland – from buzzing farmers’ markets, to incredible local ingredients, craft brewing and distilling, and innovative chefs who celebrate the rich connection between place and plate – and it shows.
The island is buzzing with incredible food experiences. Uncover the gourmet secrets of cities such as Dublin, Belfast and Cork in the company of expert food guides, cook up a supper you have just caught on the soft white sands of a Wild Atlantic Way beach, or delve into the deep traditions of Ireland’s whiskey.
Social Life
One of the best parts of living in Ireland is the social aspect. Ireland is usually a very friendly place. There are many social lounge areas to meet new people. This can be a great positive if you’re an expat in the country and don’t know anybody. Ireland is one of the most accepting and interactive countries in Europe.
Culture and Sights
Ireland is a relatively small country but there are many sightseeing opportunities in the country. There are picturesque towns, castles, museums and art galleries, and villages. The sights are best seen in places such as Cork, Kerry, Galway, Mayo (Wild Atlantic Way), Waterford, Belfast and obviously, Dublin. There are wide ranges of places to visit within a couple of hours of Dublin, such as the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Giants Causeway, and the Titanic Quarter. When in Dublin, you have access to sites such as Trinity College, Temple Bar, Howth, and National Museums.
Guinness and Whiskey
Ireland is home to some of the world’s biggest and most famous beer and whiskey brands. There are multiple brewers around the country, but the most famous is, of course, Guinness which is home to Ireland’s number one attraction.
Whiskey was first invented in Ireland and is home to a number of distilleries which are dotted around the country from Jameson in Dublin, to Kilbeggan in Westmeath and Bushmills in Antrim which stands as the islands oldest whiskey distillery.
Sustainability
The Irish government recognises that taking ambitious climate action is necessary to ensure a sustainable future both nationally and globally.
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of the economy and society, in terms of how we live, work and travel.
The government is creating and implementing policies and strategies to achieve its long-term goal of transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050.
By 2030, the government aims to achieve the following:
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30%
- Reaching a target of at least 32.5% energy efficiency
- Delivering 70% renewable electricity
The government also recognises the vital role of the public in addressing climate change. It facilitates public engagement and participation, supporting citizens, communities, businesses and organisations in taking action which will lead us towards a climate neutral, sustainable society by 2050.
Population Density
The island of Ireland is located in the North Atlantic and is the 3rd largest island in Europe with an area of 32,595 square miles (84,421 square kilometers) which ranks 124th in the world in terms of size. The Republic of Ireland covers 5/6 of the island while Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, covers the rest of the island. As of 2021, the population of Ireland was 4.937 million people, leading to a population density of roughly 72 people per square kilometer 186 people per m2) which ranks at roughly 124th in the world in terms of population density.
Nearly two-thirds of the Irish population live in urban areas, and several significant cities reflect this. The capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland is Dublin, which has an urban population of 1.9 million. Dublin was originally founded as part of a Viking settlement, becoming the nation’s principal city after the Norman invasion. Dublin covers just 44 square miles, making the population density 43,181 people per square mile. Cork is the next largest city in Ireland with a population of 399,216. Other major cities with populations in the 100,000 range include Limerick and Galway.
Climate
Ireland is known for its inconsistent and often drab weather patterns. You’ll notice winters are ice-cold. Irish Summers are filled with cloudy skies. Despite this, Ireland does have its sunny days, and when it’s hot, it’s hot. These are the kind of days where Irish society flourishes. Pubs and bars packed and people make the most of the amazing weather.