You may have never heard of Dundalk, but we encourage you to keep reading so that you can discover why Dundalk is the best decision you can make.

Dundalk is a city located in the northeast of Ireland in County Louth, between the two capitals of the country – Dublin and Belfast. Although this city is not well known, it is an area in which large multinationals have settled in recent years, making Dundalk a city with strong economic connections between the north and south of Ireland where good job opportunities can be found. .

The cost of living is up to 54% cheaper than in the capital and, in addition, it stands out for its quality of life, the friendliness of its inhabitants, its security and multiculturalism.

It is known as the Technological Center of the country with countless job offers for young people from around the world and some of the largest international employers are located in Dundalk.

Find out why Dundalk is the best option for you.

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1. Living in Dundalk

Dundalk is, without a doubt, the best decision you can make if your plan is to study and work in Ireland. It is not the best-known city in Ireland, but only the proximity to the two capitals of the country make it an attractive destination and it also offers a great variety of labor demand in various fields.

It is a young and growing city, characterized by its vibrant music scene. You can meet up in the local pubs with your friends and enjoy Irish traditions, study in prestigious institutions and work while you study in order to pay for your expenses.

You must bear in mind that Ireland does not have a climate that is characterized by being warm. On the contrary, generally in Ireland drizzle and low temperatures predominate. But do not panic, the excellent quality of life that you will have will make the climate a secondary fact.

In spring the temperatures begin to rise, the days are getting longer and longer and they will invite you to do outdoor activities and enjoy the fresh air. Remember that sporadic drizzles may fall, so your ideal complement will be an umbrella and a good raincoat.

summer is the time of year that we all like the most, afternoons have more hours of light, temperatures can reach up to 26 ° C, and many Ireland’s parks and incredible nature will encourage you to enjoy hiking or biking trails, visiting the nearby lakes, and generally being surrounded by your friends and enjoying the experience.

In autumn the temperatures begin to drop again and the drizzle becomes so characteristic. However, it is not usually as cold as one might imagine. You can still go for a walk outside and play sports, but never forget your umbrella at home!

In winter temperatures reach an average of 8 ° C and the rainy season begins to be more noticeable. These months are ideal to focus on your studies and shelter in the pubs with your friends.

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2. Cost of living

In general, Ireland has a very high standard of living and this is reflected in the cost of accommodation, food, etc. However, as the quality of life is so high, wages also tend to be higher compared to other countries.

In addition, in Dundalk, accommodation is up to 54% cheaper than, for example, in Dublin. This makes Dundalk start to look more attractive to you, right?

Next, we show you a series of lists with approximate prices in relation to accommodation, transport, food, services and leisure expenses.

2.1. Accommodation

One of the main advantages of opting for Dundalk is the price of the accommodation. It is up to 54% cheaper than, for example, in Dublin. It is clear that, depending on the type of accommodation you prefer or the area where the accommodation is located, prices can go up or down. We will give you a small example of the costs in Dundalk below.

• 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: 1,100 EUR
• 1 bedroom apartment outside the center: 625 EUR
• Shared apartment in the city center: 1,500 EUR
• Shared apartment outside the center: 1,000 EUR

2.2. Transportation

To give you a slight idea of ​​the cost of transport in Dundalk, we leave you an approximate list:

• Public transport (monthly price): 100 EUR
• One-way ticket (local transport): 3.50 EUR
• Taxi (Flag drop): EUR 4.40
• Taxi (1 km): 2.90 EUR
• Taxi (1 hour): 29 EUR

2.3. Services

Apart from the coste of the accommodation, you must have the costs of additional services in case they are not included in the rental price.

Therefore, here we show you the service costs that you will probably have to add to the cost of accommodation:

• Basic services (electricity, heating, water, garbage, etc): 159 EUR / month
• 1 minute local prepaid mobile rate: EUR 0.35
• Internet (60 Mbps flat rate): 57 EUR

2.4. Food

Food expenses can also vary depending on your personal tastes. Of course, if you prefer to eat in restaurants, you should have a higher budget. On the other hand, buying food at the supermarket to cook at home will reduce expenses.

Here we show you a list of the products that are probably not going to be missing from your fridge:

• Milk (regular) 1 liter: 1 EUR
• Water 1,5 liters: 1,50 EUR
• Egg (12 units): 2.90 EUR
• Cheese (1 KG): 7 EUR
• Imported beer: 2.50 EUR
• 1KG of chicken: 7 EUR
• Apple (1 KG): 1.80 EUR
• Orange (1 KG): 1.90 EUR
• Rice (1 KG): 1.40 EUR
• Bread: 1.10 EUR
• Potatoes (1 KG):
• Tomato (1 KG): 2.20 EUR
• 1 Cola soft drink: 1.50 EUR

2.5. Leisure expenses

Not everything will be studying and working in Dundalk, you will also want to make the most of your stay and not miss any plans. You should go mentally with the idea of ​​saving part of your budget in your leisure activities, for example, going to restaurants, cinema or gym.

Here, we offer you a list with approximate prices of some of the activities that, surely, you will not want to miss:

• Monthly fee for gym: 40 EUR
• Cinema ticket: 10 EUR
• Dinner for 1 person in a cheap restaurant: 13.50 EUR
• Coffee with milk in a cafeteria: € 3.30
• McDonald’s Menu: 7.50 EUR

3. Study and work in Dundalk

In short, Dundalk is not only a great alternative economically, it is also a good opportunity to study, find work and save. It is also a good starting point if it is your first experience in a foreign and, above all, an English-speaking country.

From Dundalk you can also find a job in nearby cities or even in the capital, which is just an hour away, both by train and by bus.

Many of the international companies located in Dundalk, have departments for the Spanish market, so they usually need native Spanish-speakers. The main companies that offer this type of employment are the so-called Call-Centers such as PayPal, National Pen, Prometric or Vesta Solutions.

However, if you are going to study in Ireland, you will noticeably improve your level of English and, of course, the ideal is to find a job where you can practice the language.

The most demanded jobs, especially for beginners, are in the hospitality sector, for example, as a waiter or cleaning service in chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Dominos Pizza, etc.

However, you may also have the possibility of working in a company related to your academic studies. If you have a certain training, a good knowledge of English and experience in the field, there are no barriers that limit you to getting a good job.

One tip is to prepare a Cover Letter . Perhaps in your country you are not used to writing cover letters when applying for a job. However, this is a common practice for working in Ireland. A Cover Letter is a document, usually one page, where you briefly explain who you are, why you are interested in the position and why you think you are the ideal candidate.

3.1. Requirements to be able to work

One of the great advantages of Ireland is that there are many Latin American countries that do not require a Visa to be able to travel, study and work.

If you decide to study a higher study program, be it a Diploma, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you will have the right to work part-time (20 hours per week) during school periods, and full-time (40 hours per week) between December 15 and January 15, and the summer months. This will allow you, not only to be able to study in some of the best universities in the world, but also to get work experience, to be able to pay your expenses and save.

If you come from a country that does not require a visa to travel to Ireland, once in the country, you must apply for the Irish Residence Permit and, for this, you must go to the nearest GNIB office (Garda National Immigration Bureau). To request the IRP, you must present the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Student card with the details of your educational center
• Letter from the school where you inform the start date, the time load and the price of the course
• Have 3,000 euros in your bank account in Ireland
• Medical insurance in Ireland that covers a minimum of 30 thousand euros.
• € 300 to pay the fee

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Another requirement that you must meet is the request for the PPS number ( Personal Public Service). This is equivalent to the Social Security number and is a requirement for you to be able to work officially.

This number is a reference of 7 numbers followed by 1 or 2 letters that will help you to carry out some procedures such as:

• Access social welfare services.
• Have public health services.
• Get government aid like scholarships.
• Pay taxes.
• Be able to present the evidence to obtain a driver’s license.

To request it, these documents are necessary:

• An identity document (DNI or passport)
• A document that proves that you are residing in Ireland, presenting an invoice (telephone, gas …) addressed to your name, a statement from the owner of your house or a letter from your manager at work.
• Valid job offer

Although it is not mandatory, opening a bank account will bring you more benefits than inconvenience. An employer will not want to hire you if he has to make transfers or initiate procedures that he does not normally do with the rest of his employees. By opening a bank account in Ireland, you will facilitate the payment to the company that wants to hire you.

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4. Places of interest

Dundalk is a small but emerging city due to its proximity to the two capitals of the country and the decision of large companies to locate in said city. This offers its inhabitants and international students a wide variety of work and leisure options, which make this city a perfect place for your stay in Ireland.

Find out what else you can discover during your stay in Dundalk.

4.1. Roche Castle

Castle Roche, also known as Castleroche or Roche Castle, is one of the most impressive Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland and can be seen from miles away. Situated on top of a rocky hill, it offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Lady Rohesia of Verdun built the castle in 1236 AD. Legend has it that Lady Rohesia promised her hand in marriage to the architect if she would complete the castle to her satisfaction. When she went to claim her hand, she had it thrown from one of the windows, which to this day is known as the ‘murder window’.

4.2. Church of San Patricio

This impressive Catholic church was started in the 1830s, but will not be completed until later in the century due to the Great Famine. Today it is the headquarters of Catholic religious services, has a training center and has a collection of heraldic plaques. It became a cathedral in 1970.

4.3. Proleek Dolmen

This is a good example of a Portal Dolmen on the grounds of the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk County Louth. The cornerstone, which weighs around 35 tons, is supported by three vertical stones. It is one of the best examples of its kind in Ireland.

4.4. Cooley Whiskey

The Cooley Whiskey Visitor Center at Martin’s Pub is in the heart of the Cooley Peninsula, on the main road from Dundalk to Carlingford, just a hundred yards from Cooley Distillery. The Cooley Whiskey Museum & amp; Visitor Center is dedicated to the award-winning Cooley Whiskey range.

Established in 2011, the Whiskey Museum & amp; Visitor Center attracts people who want to learn about Cooley Whiskey and, of course, try world-famous whiskeys. Cooley Whiskey tasting events are held regularly.

4.5. County Museum Dundalk

The Dundalk County Museum is housed in a beautifully restored late 18th century warehouse at the Carroll Center on Roden Place on Jocelyn Street. The museum opened in 1994 and offers an extensive program of permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, theater performances, music recitals, lectures, and films.

However, the strength of the Museum lies in its collection. Narrating the historical development of County Louth from the Stone Age to the present, the Museum, through a combination of artifacts and computer interactives, presents this story in three permanent display galleries.

4.6. Stephenstown Pond Nature Park

Stephenstown Pond is a unique nature park with lakeside trails, forests, and a wide variety of wildlife. In this place you can spend a day, enjoy a picnic or feed the ducks and other wild animals.

4.7. Visit to Dublin

The country’s capital is just one hour by public transport from Dundalk. There will definitely be more than one occasion when you decide to take a getaway. From the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the canals and nature parks, Dublin offers everything one can imagine. But it is, above all, its great cultural, musical and gastronomic level that will make you come back more than once.

4.8. Carlingford Lough

In less than half an hour you can cross the Cooley Peninsula to the Irish shore of Carlingford Lough, a wide inlet that separates Ireland from Northern Ireland.

You can practice water sports like paddleboarding, or walk the greenway between Carlingford and Omeath, looking out over the Morne Mountains on the north shore.

4.9. Dundalk FC

One of the main emblems of this city is its football team, Dundalk FC , the team that has won the most national titles in recent years.