Newcomer's Guide to Ireland

10 guides

Everything you need to settle in

Moving to a new country is a lot. These guides cover the practical stuff — PPS numbers, bank accounts, transport, healthcare — in plain language. Written for newcomers, available in your language.

First-week essentials

Getting your PPS number

Your Personal Public Service Number is required for work, banking, and accessing public services. Here's how to get one.

1 minute read

Opening an Irish bank account

AIB, Bank of Ireland, Revolut IE — what works for newcomers and how to handle the address-proof catch-22.

2 minute read

Renting in Ireland: the basics

RTB registration, deposit norms, BER ratings, and the right way to break a lease without losing your deposit.

2 minute read

Mobile SIM: prepaid vs postpaid

The main IE providers (Three, Vodafone, eir) compared — what works without an Irish bank account, what doesn't.

1 minute read

Public transport: Leap card, LUAS, DART, Dublin Bus

One card covers everything. Here's how to get a Leap card, when to buy a TaxSaver, and what's actually free.

1 minute read

GP and HSE registration

Finding a GP, getting on a panel, GMS card eligibility, and what to do if your GP is closed.

2 minute read

Setting up utilities and broadband

ESB, Bord Gáis, Electric Ireland, Eir, Virgin Media, Vodafone — who to pick and how to switch later for savings.

2 minute read

Working in Ireland: visa and IRP overview

The main work permission categories explained — Critical Skills, General Employment, Stamp 1/4, IRP cards, and what each lets you do.

2 minute read

Practical Ireland

Best free things to do in Dublin

Museums, parks, libraries, free walking tours — make weekends interesting without spending.

1 minute read

Irish supermarkets and grocery costs

Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu, Aldi, Lidl — what each is good for and rough monthly grocery budgets for one and two people.

2 minute read