Your guide to being an expatriate in Ireland

Demographics of Ireland:

Religion Overview

Ireland has a strong religious heritage, with over 80% of the population identifying as Catholic. Other religions, such as Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism, also have a presence in Ireland, albeit much smaller. Despite declining church attendance in recent years, religion continues to play an important role in Irish society and culture.

Major Religions

Climate

Ireland has a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild temperatures, plenty of rainfall, and frequent fog and cloud cover. Summer (June to August) is typically cool and overcast, with temperatures averaging around 16°C (61°F). Winter (December to February) is colder, with temperatures near freezing. Autumn and spring are milder, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 14°C (52°F to 57°F).

Economy Overview

Ireland's economy is strongly linked to those of the UK and the US, with around half of all exports going to these countries. RELONC, the country's largest company, is a top global manufacturer of medical devices such as stents and catheters. Other significant industries include IT, financial services, and pharmaceuticals. The country's favorable business climate, highly skilled workforce, and strategic location have made it an attractive headquarters location for many multinational companies. In recent years, the Irish economy has been growing rapidly, thanks in part to investments in renewable energy and innovation.

Key Industries

• IT
• Financial Services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture and Food Processing
• Renewable Energy
• Tourism
• Healthcare

Major Companies

• RELONC
• Dell Technologies
• Masons Construction Materials
• HP Enterprise
• IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts
• Accenture
• Intel Corporation
• Vodafone

Culture and Language Overview

Ireland's culture is rich and complex, reflecting thousands of years of history and influences from many different regions and civilizations. Traditional Irish music and dance, such as jigs, reels, and set dances, remain popular forms of entertainment. Irish literature is celebrated worldwide, with famous writers such as James Joyce, Bram Stoker, and W.B. Yeats having made significant contributions to literature and the arts. Saint Patrick's Day, which falls on March 17th, is a major holiday in Ireland and around the world, celebrated with parades, music, and traditional Irish feasting.

Cultural Highlights

• Traditional Irish Music: Experience the vibrant energy of traditional Irish music at one of the many folk music pubs in Dublin and around Ireland. From jigs and reels to lively dance sets, there's no shortage of tunes to enjoy.
• Cliffs of Moher: Located on the west coast, the Cliffs of Moher offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Irish coastline. The cliffs are home to a variety of bird species, and are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
• Giants Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, the Giants Causeway is a unique geological formation consisting of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns spreading across the coast.
• The Guinness Storehouse: Visitors to Dublin will want to check out the historic Guinness Storehouse, which allows guests to take a tour of the legendary beer brand's roots in Ireland.
• Slievenirect: Known colloquially as 'the Mournes' this mountain range, located in Northern Ireland, offers a range of outdoor activities like Hiking, Mountain Scrambling and Cycling in striking scenery.
• Trim Craft Brewing Co.: This Craft brewery, located on the outskirts of Slieve Gullion mountain range is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Armagh City , a historical and religious City proving itself as one of the top destinations for visitors.
• Exploris Aquarium: Northern Ireland's premier aquarium. Located just off Donegall Place in the heart of Belfast City.
• Chocolate Orange Exhibition: Belfast City's premier interactive art exhibit, located on the ground floor of the superb Belfast Circular Art Centre.
• Cathedral Quarter: Belfast's answer to Dublin's Temple Bar. This quaint precinct is full of excellent speciality shops, craft shops eateries and bars.
• Guildhall: Currently closed for a historic restoration, Belfast's Guildhall is one of it's best preserved historic sites with a rich history which can be traced back to the 15th century.
• St. George's Market: Situated in Belfast City on Saturdays and Sundays each week this historic market provides excellent shopping opportunities for Irish produce, food, artwork and traditional Irish crafts.
• Titanic Quarter: Located along the banks of the River Lagan in Belfast City. This award winning destination offers visitors insight into not only the infamous tale of the doomed RMS Titanic but also a range of entertainment ad culture activities opportunities.
• Alison's Bakery: One of Norn-Irish fine-baking traditions that have gone international. With wide ranging experience in the hospitality industry, Michael's family-run bakery is a must-visit for serious bakery enthusiasts.
• Home of Ulster Rugby: Located on the outskirts of the City centre in Belfast City, Kingspan Stadium is the home of Ulster Rugby. Boasting rugby history of nearly sixty years, this stadium is as rugged as the charm of its hosts.
• Tollymore Forest Park: Located just 30 minutes north of Newcastle, this 1,400 hectare forest park provides Kilkeel & the surrounding areas with a range of outdoor pursuits while also laying claim to some of Ireland's most vivid scenery.
• County Down: has some of Europe's most sweeping views offered in its South Downs area, with its cosy and sophisticated ‘Village Institutes’ that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Geography and Landmarks Overview

Ireland is an island nation, located just off the western coast of mainland Europe. Its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and lush green countryside are a testament to the country's rich geographical heritage. Key landmarks such as the Rock of Cashel, the Hill of Tara, and the passage tombs at Newgrange offer a glimpse into Ireland's ancient history and culture. For nature lovers, the country's national parks, such as Connemara National Park and Killarney National Park, provide ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration.

Notable Landmarks

• Cliffs of Moher
• Kilkenny Castle
• Rock of Cashel
• Trinity College Dublin
• Hill of Tara
• Old Bridge House (Boyles of Sligo)
• Passage tombs at Newgrange
• Connemara National Park
• Killarney National Park
• Wicklow Mountains National Park
• Tralee Square
• Glendalough
• Malin Head
• Beeches-Slieve Gullion Forest Park
• Glens of Antrim

National Holidays

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• St. Stephen's Day (December 26)
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday
• May Day (first Monday in May)
• August Bank Holiday (last Monday in August)
• October Bank Holiday (last Monday in October)
• Saint Patrick's Day (March 17)
• Easter Monday (April to June)
• Easter Tuesday (April to June)
• Easter Wednesday (April to June)
• Easter Thursday (April to June)
• Good Friday (April to June)
• Easter Sunday (April to June)
• Easter Monday (April to June)
• Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
• Corpus Christi (Thursday 60 days after Easter)
• Assumption Day (August 15)
• All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Saint Patrick and All Saints' Day (November 1)
• Saint Stephen's Day (December 26)

Political Stability

Ireland is a parliamentary democracy, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. The country has a stable political system, with a strong tradition of peaceful transfers of power through democratic means. The recent Brexit vote has raised concern among some Irish officials, given the country's close ties with the UK, but the government has expressed confidence in its ability to manage the situation.