- Download our Moving to Ireland Guide (PDF)
Expats won’t have a problem keeping in touch with family and friends while they're in Ireland, as the standards and variety of internet, telephone, mobile and postal services are generally good.
As a majority English-speaking country, Ireland has plenty of English media, so new arrivals can easily keep abreast of news online and through local and international newspapers.
Internet in Ireland
Broadband is available throughout the main cities and towns of Ireland. Eircom is the main provider of internet and also offers a fibre broadband that’s relatively fast in and around cities and towns. Expats living in the more rural areas of Ireland will find it harder to get fast internet connections.
The four options for internet in Ireland are as follows:
- ADSL that’s run through a regular phone line
- Fibre broadband, which is more common in cities or towns and is generally unavailable in rural areas
- Mobile broadband, which provides a dongle option
- Satellite, which can provide internet access to rural or very remote areas
It is advised that expats check internet connectivity when moving to Ireland, especially if one's work or business is reliant on fast internet speeds. It’s also vital to check coverage in a specific area, as this could differ from place to place.
WiFi is becoming more and more popular, and many public areas, such as shopping malls, libraries, hotels and restaurants, offer free WiFi access.
Mobile phones in Ireland
The main providers of mobile phones in Ireland are Vodafone, Three and Eir.
Expats have the option of getting mobile phones on a pay-as-you-go package or they can take out a contract. New arrivals who plan on opening a postpaid mobile phone contract will need to provide certain documents, including proof of identity and proof of address.
English-language media in Ireland
With English as an official language, all forms of media, including newspapers, magazines, TV stations and radio are available in Ireland. Irish, the other national language of Ireland, is spoken by a minority of the population, but it’s also used for signage.
There are five main national television stations, including RTE state-run channels and TG4, the Irish language network. Within these are HD channels, news channels and children’s programming in Irish and English.
There are also numerous options for satellite or cable TV, many of which provide access to overseas channels.
Expats must have a TV licence to own a television, regardless of whether or not they're using the state-run service, a private satellite or cable provider. This licence can be paid monthly by direct debit or yearly through the post office.
Postal services in Ireland
The postal services in Ireland are reliable. From Monday to Friday, deliveries are made to homes across the country. Mail can be sent via post boxes scattered around the towns and cities or from the nearest post office. Stamps can be purchased at some local convenience stores or at the post office.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance.
Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.
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