Living in Limerick: A Practical Guide for Expats
What you need to know about establishing yourself in Ireland's third city, from administrative processes to neighborhood choices and everyday logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats seeking affordable Irish city living
- Tech, finance, or aviation workers relocating to Limerick-based companies
- People looking for lower costs than Dublin, Cork, or Galway
- Anyone researching mid-sized Irish cities with good value
At a Glance
Typical ranges for Limerick. These are estimates and vary based on location, lifestyle, and circumstances.
Typical rent (1BR central)
€1,000–1,400/mo
More affordable than other Irish cities; improving availability
Typical rent (1BR outer areas)
€800–1,100/mo
Good options in suburbs; car helpful
Groceries (monthly)
€260–370
Similar to other Irish cities
Public transit
€50–70/mo
Bus network; improving but car often needed
Internet + mobile
€40–65/mo
Fiber available in most areas
Healthcare access
Public + private options
University Hospital Limerick; GP registration required
What to Know Before You Arrive
Key considerations that affect your timeline and planning.
Limerick offers the best value among Irish cities
Limerick consistently ranks as the most affordable of Ireland's major cities for housing. This doesn't mean it's cheap by international standards, but the gap with Dublin is significant—often 40% or more for similar accommodation. The city has invested in regeneration, and quality of housing stock has improved.
The city is experiencing significant regeneration
Limerick has undergone substantial development in recent years, with the waterfront, Georgian Quarter, and city center seeing investment. Some areas remain in transition, meaning neighborhood character varies. Researching specific areas before committing is important as the city continues to evolve.
Major employers span several industries
Limerick hosts significant employers in tech, finance, aviation, and manufacturing. Companies like Northern Trust, Johnson & Johnson, and various aviation firms have operations here. The University of Limerick and hospital are also major employers. The job market is smaller than Dublin but offers opportunities in key sectors.
Shannon Airport provides international connectivity
Shannon Airport is 20 minutes from Limerick and offers direct flights to several European and North American destinations. This provides international connectivity without Dublin's congestion, though flight options are more limited. Dublin Airport is roughly 2.5 hours by car or bus.
Neighborhoods & Areas
Limerick city center is compact, centered on the Shannon River and King John's Castle area. The Georgian Quarter has been regenerated with residential options. Suburbs like Castletroy (near the university), Dooradoyle, and Raheen are popular with families and professionals. The city is easy to navigate, though a car helps for accessing suburban amenities and surrounding areas.
For detailed cost breakdowns, see the Ireland cost of living guide.
City Centre
Compact urban core around O'Connell Street. Mix of Georgian buildings and modern developments. Improving amenities. Walkable to most destinations.
Georgian Quarter
Historic area being regenerated. Period buildings converted to apartments. Growing restaurant scene. Good central location.
Castletroy
East-side suburb near University of Limerick. Mix of student and professional housing. Good amenities including shopping center. Popular with families.
Dooradoyle/Raheen
South-side suburbs with retail parks and hospitals. Family-oriented with housing estates. More affordable than comparable Dublin suburbs.
Ennis Road area
North of the river toward Clare. Established residential area. Mix of housing types. Good value; slightly older housing stock.
Annacotty
Village east of the city, near Castletroy. More rural feel while maintaining Limerick commute. Growing popularity with families.
Setup Priorities
Key areas to research and plan for when setting up in Limerick. Each involves tradeoffs worth understanding before you arrive.
Visas & Work Permits
Non-EU citizens need employer sponsorship. Limerick employers in finance and tech often sponsor permits.
Smaller job market than Dublin; but major employers have established sponsorship processes.
View guideBanking
Major Irish banks have branches in Limerick city center. Same documentation requirements nationwide.
Fewer branch options than larger cities; digital banks work identically.
View guideHealthcare
University Hospital Limerick serves the region. GP registration works the same as elsewhere in Ireland.
Good regional hospital; limited private options compared to Dublin.
View guideCost of Living
Significantly lower than Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Housing is the main differentiator.
Best housing value among Irish cities; but some amenities and services are less available locally.
View guideCommon Pitfalls & Misconceptions
Issues that frequently affect expats settling in Limerick.
- Assuming all of Limerick is regenerated—some areas are still in transition; research specific neighborhoods
- Expecting Dublin-level amenities—Limerick is improving but remains a smaller city
- Moving without researching the job market—opportunities are concentrated in specific sectors
- Underestimating the need for a car—while the center is walkable, many areas require driving
- Basing decisions on outdated information—Limerick has changed significantly in recent years
- Not considering Shannon Airport access—it's convenient for some destinations but limited overall
- Expecting vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene—improving but smaller than larger cities
Key Things to Verify
Before committing to Limerick, confirm these items based on your specific situation.
- Confirm your employer is based in Limerick or supports Limerick-based remote work.
- Research specific neighborhoods—regeneration is uneven across the city.
- Verify whether you need a car based on your workplace location and housing preferences.
- Check Shannon Airport flight availability if international travel is important.
- Understand Limerick's size—some specialized services may require travel to Dublin or Cork.
- Research the current state of regeneration in your target neighborhoods.
Common Next Steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Related Guides
Explore our topic guides for detailed information on each aspect of expat life.
Important: This guide provides general information for planning purposes. Neighborhood characteristics, costs, and availability change frequently. Always visit areas in person, verify current information, and consult qualified professionals before making housing or financial decisions. This is not legal, tax, or real estate advice.