cities in Ireland
Ireland's post-study work scheme is national and identical everywhere. The thing that actually differs between these cities is whether you can find a room.
Ireland's Third Level Graduate Programme — one year of work permission after a level 8 degree, two after level 9 or above — applies wherever you studied. There is no regional variation to optimise.
What does vary, severely, is housing. Ireland has a national accommodation shortage that is sharpest in Dublin, and it is the single most common reason a student's plans here fail. Treat finding somewhere to live as a condition of accepting an offer, not a task for after you arrive.
Tap a pin to open a city.
costs more / mid-range / costs less compare these cities to each other, not to anywhere else. They are our reading of the spread across Ireland, not a published index — the sourced money figures are on the costs page.
What changes between Irish cities — and what does not.
The graduate scheme does not change
One year at level 8, two at level 9 or above, anywhere in Ireland. No city offers more.
Housing
The real variable. Dublin is the most severe market; Cork and Galway are easier but not easy. Secure a room before you commit.
The job market
Dublin holds the technology and pharmaceutical multinationals and most professional employment. Cork has pharma and tech at smaller scale.
Cost
Dublin is substantially more expensive than anywhere else in Ireland — rent above all. The funds requirement is national and identical.