Ireland for digital nomads
Many individuals fantasize of working remotely from the world’s most magnificent places, and the Island of Ireland ranks at the top of that list
Now that remote working has become a reality for many individuals, firms have gotten more flexible about giving remote choices – meaning you can travel with your job and log in from anyplace with a strong internet connection.
Ireland is the ideal spot for digital nomads to spend a few months living and working. The island enjoys a wonderful quality of life, intriguing culture, decent infrastructure and lively nightlife.
Wherever you are situated, you’ll discover stunning landscapes to explore and unique adventures to attempt. Fancy going surfing along the Wild Atlantic Way before work? Or stopping up to a traditional music session in a quaint old tavern after your working day is finished? Well, you’ve come to the correct spot.
Importantly, according to the Global State of Internet Index, Ireland has the fourth fastest broadband speed in Europe. And the island has various digital hotspots if you’d want to interact and meet like-minded folks.
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So what’s it like to live in Ireland?
The quality of life
In 2020, the UNDP Human Development Report Index rated the Republic of Ireland as second in the world for quality of life. And generally over the island, you’ll find decent public transit, healthcare and infrastructure.
With a moderate temperature, Ireland’s weather does not have too many extremes either. It does rain, but the climate is temperate, with no severely cold or very hot seasons. And finest of all?
It’s the people. What many tourists like most of all about Ireland is the kindness of the people, and the warm, communal feeling. It’s an easy place to be!
Culture and exploration
Something you won’t be short of in Ireland are things to see and do. If you appreciate being near the sea, there are lots of long beaches to stroll, surf or swim, plus cliff hikes and coves to explore. You may explore offshore islands or cruise peaceful rivers and lakes.
There are mountain paths and parks to explore, Greenways and Blueways to bike or kayak, and enough castles, stately houses and museums to keep you touring for months.
Around the island, you’ll discover a bustling arts scene with frequent festivals and, of course, a lively nightlife with bars and music sessions.
Finally, if you have Irish background, you may prefer to trace your origins while you’re here.
Connectivity and hubs
There is internet connection in most locations (excluding certain isolated or rural areas) with the best speeds in metropolitan areas.
There are also decent 4g and 5g mobile networks and SIM-only phone services so you may connect to the world using your own device.
Ireland’s digital and start-up culture means there are many of co-working facilities, particularly in metropolitan locations.
There are roughly 242 digital hubs scattered over the Republic of Ireland, which you may use for a day, week or month, and they feature heat, light and internet with amenities like showers and bike storage. In Northern Ireland, the network of digital hubs also extends to libraries.
Another benefit of being headquartered in Ireland is that European working hours overlap (much of Europe is only one hour ahead) and there is also overlap with business hours in the US in the afternoons.
Visas
Neither the Republic of Ireland nor Northern Ireland have particular visas for digital nomads.
Visa requirements will differ on your place of origin, therefore it’s best to consult to the appropriate official websites for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to find out more about living and working here as a digital nomad.
Dublin
Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with lots of culture and history, an amazing literary tradition and a vibrant nightlife, with easy access to the rest of the island of Ireland.
It’s positioned on Dublin Bay and there are lots of beaches and watersports on offer, as well as outdoor activities like as climbing or biking in the Dublin Mountains.
Dublin is home to the European headquarters of firms such as Google, Microsoft, Twitter, PayPal and LinkedIn, thus the workforce is youthful and energetic.
It’s simple to start up on your own, but for co-working spaces, consider The Digital Hub on Thomas Street which provides monthly subscriptions, or tcube, having a city centre site on O’Connell Street.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s main city, Belfast is another dynamic destination with tons of culture and entertainment. It is great for touring more of Northern Ireland such as the stunning Causeway Coast or Game of Thrones®️ shooting spots.
The city has a comparatively cheap cost of living, and the presence of colleges and institutions such as Queen’s University means the population is youthful and a terrific nightlife is ensured, with hundreds of bars, music concerts and cultural venues.
For digital hubs, check out Ormeau Baths in a historic bathhouse with hot workstations, bike storage and showers, or The Foundry in east Belfast, with hot desks, studio spaces, meeting rooms and a restaurant.
Galway city
Galway is a little city on the Wild Atlantic Way with a bustling arts and music culture — the city has numerous of events and you can always find traditional music sessions in bars.
At weekends, explore attractions include the rough area of Connemara or the picturesque Aran Islands.
Internet access is decent and for co-working spaces, check out Westworks in the West End, with conference rooms and phone booths or PorterShed on Eyre Square which includes a café and podcast studios and also organises events.
County Donegal
County Donegal, in Ireland’s picturesque northwest, provides a superb quality of life for distant workers.
This is not a tremendously populous location thus internet speeds varies (access may be problematic in isolated, rural places) but certain areas have decent connection and there are roughly 15 remote working hubs.
There are dozens of long golden beaches to stroll, swim or surf before work, plus miles of mountain paths to explore.
You have a choice of adventure sports, cycling or golf, with beautiful vistas on offer no matter how you spend your time.
You may explore ruins, castles and stone circles or visit museums, and the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) community has a vibrant culture.
For hot desks, try out CoLab in Letterkenny, gteic in the Irish-speaking area of Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore) or Modam on the island of Árainn Mhór (Arranmore), which overlooks a beach.
Key: digital nomads
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