11 Secretly Amazing Places to Retire in Ireland

Ruins of Three Castle Head, County Cork, Ireland
e55evu/iStock via Getty Images

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: February 26, 2024

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When you’ve been working for 30 or 40 years, you start counting down the days till your retirement, but you also start planning for the future. Where are you going to live? Are you going to stay where you are? Or are you going to explore the world? Those are some of the questions that you have to decide upon that fateful day that you are no longer a working person. One of the amazing places where you can retire is Ireland. You’ll have the Luck of the Irish everywhere you go on that Emerald Isle. But, the question remains where in Ireland can you retire? Let’s take a look at the 11 secretly amazing places to retire in Ireland.

Killarney

Killarney National park. Ireland. autumn 2022. High quality photo

With a population of 14,000, Killarney is part of the Killarney National Park.

Located in County Kerry, Killarney is a small town that is quite popular and affordable for tourists and retirees. There are an abundance of activities that you can do while living in Killarney. You can take walks and its beautiful natural landscapes or even walk along the town and experience Irish culture.

Drogheda

Drogheda, Republic of Ireland

Located in County Louth, Drogheda has a population of 40,000.

One of the oldest places in Ireland, Drogheda is the country’s tech and medical hub. If you want to have the utmost medical care in the country, Drogheda is your best bet. Not only that, it is quite affordable, but also close to Dublin. It used to be an industrial city, but one that has its charm and unique history.

Limerick

nice senior woman on mountain bike, cycling on the cliffs of Dunmore Head near Kilballyowen , County Limerick in the southwestern part of the Republik of Ireland

Limerick’s weather is pleasant, ranging from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

Living in Limerick will feel like you are living in a limerick. Putting the jokes aside, Limerick is a city that sits on the river Shannon. Its culture is strong and has many artsy places that you can go to during your time here. The landscapes and scenery are stunning, as well. You can also make friends while you walk through the many trails and parks the city has.

Waterford

Waterford City

There are several Viking landmarks that you can visit in Waterford.

It’s one of Ireland’s oldest cities, and it is also called the place “where Ireland began.” That’s why Waterford is perfect for retirees. you can experience the cultural vibrancy of the city, as well as its arts scene. Waterford is a perfect place for couples because the cost of living is not that high. if you are an individual, however, things may get a little too expensive.

Kilkenny

Breathtaking view on a bank of the River Nore in Kilkenny, one of the most beautiful town in Ireland.

Located in southern Ireland, Kilkenny has about 27,000 residents.

If you’re looking for a place to retire that’s quiet and rural, then Kilkenny is the town you’ve been looking for. Sitting on the River Nore, Kilkenny is also quite affordable for an individual or couples. You can make friends by walking around the quaint town and learning about its history and culture.

Cork

St. Anne's Church, Shandon during a snow storm, Cork, Ireland

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland with a population of about 220,000.

Many places in Ireland can be expensive including Dublin. One of the cities that is quaint and beautiful to look at is Cork. It has cobblestone streets, cultural sites, and an art scene that you can explore throughout your time here. Make friends by walking around the beautiful countryside or the stunning coast. The best part about living in Cork is that you can live on about $2,000 per month.

Westport

Westport bridge in county Mayo, Ireland

One of Ireland’s oldest historical homes, Westport House, is located in the city.

Westport is the epitome of what Ireland is all about. It has culture, history, and greenery throughout the city — from its countryside to its coast. You can afford to live in Westport, as it’s only going to cost about $2,000 per month. And there are so many activities that you can do, from taking coastal walks to golfing or even sailing.

Galway

The Claddagh Galway

Situated on the west coast of Ireland, Galway has a population of about 80,000.

If you want to experience Ireland’s culture at its true self, go to Galway. It’s one of the most amazing places that you can retire to. Your lifestyle there will be affordable because it’s only going to cost you around $2,200 per month. There are so many things to do in Galway, too. You can take walks along the coast or experience the culture and try new foods every day.

Dalkey

Dalkey coast

Dalkey is an affluent suburb, located outside of Dublin.

If you’re one of those retirees who has extra money lying around, you might find the town of Dalkey as the place to be. Many of the houses cost upward of 2 million, however, these houses have views of the Irish Sea. It is colloquially called the “Italian Riviera of Ireland,” and for good reason. Enjoy your time by doing many outdoor activities from walking around parks, hiking, and exploring the historical sites.

Skerries

Kite flying at Ardgillan

Known for its hand embroidery, Skerries is a town near Dublin.

Sitting on the coast of the Irish Sea, Skerries has beautiful beaches and a quaint fishing port that can get you relaxed. Make friends by going on some walks along the water or doing many outdoor activities. The only unfortunate part about Skerries is that because it’s so close to Dublin, prices here can be quite expensive for a place for one.

Malahide

swimming at the Low Rock Malahide

Located along the Irish Sea, Malahide is a small town that is mostly affluent.

Malahide is on the east coast of Ireland and approximately 14% of those that live there are 65 and over. You are bound to make friends in the city where you can play golf, visit sites like Malahide Castle and Gardens, or walk along the beach. Because it’s close to Dublin, it may be a little more expensive than other cities in Ireland.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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