Top 5 student cities in Ireland

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Ireland and what makes them unique.

Ireland has become a popular destination for international students thanks to the quality of its universities, its youthful atmosphere, the opportunity to practise English, and the presence of technology companies that attract talent from all over the world. Choosing from the five best cities to study in Ireland can make a big difference to your academic experience and your daily life as a student.

In this guide, you’ll find key information about each destination: pros and cons, top universities, and rental prices for students. This’ll allow you to clearly evaluate what each destination has to offer before making your decision.

What's more, on our online student accommodation platform, you can search and compare verified rooms, flats and residences across Ireland, with filters that allow you to find options near campus or in the most popular student neighbourhoods.

Dublin

Dublin, the capital, is Ireland's main university destination and one of the most dynamic cities for international students. It has a varied cultural life, plenty of leisure activities, job opportunities and a youthful atmosphere thanks to its universities and the presence of large technology companies.

Pros and cons of studying in Dublin

Studying in the Irish capital can be a great experience because of its advantages, although it also involves some challenges.

Pros of studying in Dublin

Multicultural and lively university atmosphere.
A wide range of leisure, cultural and nightlife activities.
Many job opportunities in international companies, especially in technology.
Good connections for travelling around Ireland and to other countries economically.

Cons of studying in Dublin

The daily and accommodation costs are the highest in the country.
The demand for student accommodation is very high and competition is fierce.
It’s the most popular tourist destination in Ireland.

Top Universities in Dublin

The capital is home to some of the country's most prominent universities.

Trinity College Dublin

It’s the best-known institution in the country and one of the best-known in the world, as well as being the oldest Irish university. Its campus is located in the Dublin 2 district, in the city centre, and is also often visited by tourists due to its charm.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodations near Trinity College Dublin.

University College Dublin

This university is the largest in Ireland and is highly regarded for its research and business and science programmes. Its main campus, the Belfield Campus, is very modern and is located south of the city centre.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to housing close to University College Dublin.

Student housing in Dublin

Dublin is the most expensive city to live in as a student in Ireland, and this is reflected in rental prices. Rooms are usually the most economical type of accommodation, but even so, they are still expensive. As a reference, the price of a room in a shared flat averages €800 per month.

Are you looking for accommodation in Ireland? Read our guide to student housing in Dublin, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Cork

Cork is Ireland's second most important city and an ideal destination for university students looking for an active environment that’s less crowded than Dublin. It’s known for its cultural life, its proximity to nature and a more relaxed pace, while still offering good academic opportunities.

Pros and cons of studying in Cork

Cork offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.

Pros of studying in Cork

More affordable prices than Dublin for most daily expenses.
Very good cultural and gastronomic offerings.
A safe, manageable city that is easy to explore on foot.
Good student atmosphere, with students from different parts of the world.

Cons of studying in Cork

The rainy weather may feel more intense than in other parts of the country.
Fewer job opportunities than in the capital.
Due to its southern location, it’s more difficult to reach other parts of Ireland.

Top Universities in Cork

One prestigious institution stands out above all others in Cork.

University College Cork

This university, also known as the National University of Ireland - Cork, is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. It’s also often ranked among the most important in the world, especially in terms of research. Its campus is just a few minutes from the city centre and is a tourist attraction thanks to its beauty.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near the University College Cork.

Student housing in Cork

Rent prices in Cork are generally more affordable than in Dublin. Furthermore, compared to cities such as Galway or Limerick, Cork tends to be somewhere in between: it isn’t the cheapest option, but it offers good value for money in terms of quality of life. The minimum price for a room in a shared flat is usually around €500-600 per month.

If you’d like to see all the options available, check out our guide of student accommodation in Cork.

Galway

Galway is one of Ireland's most student-friendly and interesting cities. It has a youthful atmosphere, festivals throughout the year, a good cultural life and is the perfect size for getting around easily. It also boasts some of Ireland's best scenery, with sea cliffs stretching along the coastline.

Pros and cons of studying in Galway

Being a student in Galway has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

Pros of studying in Galway

Diverse student environment thanks to the universities.
Lots of cultural life: festivals, street music and events throughout the year.
The nightlife is very lively! In fact, it’s one of the biggest attractions for many international students.
Cost of living is generally more affordable than in Dublin.

Cons of studying in Galway

The climate on the west coast is windy and it rains frequently.
Some rental areas near the centre get booked up quickly during peak season.
Fewer job opportunities than in larger cities.

Top Universities in Galway

In Galway, there’s one institution in particular that attracts the attention of foreign students.

University of Galway

The University of Galway is renowned nationally and internationally, excelling in areas such as science, engineering, humanities and health. Its main campus is located to the north-west of the city centre.

Student housing in Galway

Rent in Galway is generally cheaper than in Cork and significantly lower than prices in Dublin. The average cost of a single room in a shared flat is usually between €600 and €700 per month.

Are you planning to study in Ireland? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Galway, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Limerick

Limerick is a growing university town that attracts many students due to its peaceful atmosphere, excellent academic offerings, and more affordable prices compared to other Irish cities. It offers a balance between student life, local culture and green spaces.

Pros and cons of studying in Limerick

The academic experience in Limerick has many things going for it, but certain disadvantages could influence your stay.

Pros of studying in Limerick

Lower cost of living and rent than in Cork, Galway, and Dublin.
The university environment is very lively, with clubs and societies.
Excellent access to natural areas, with parks and walking trails.
Opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by enjoying historical sites and pubs with live music.

Cons of studying in Limerick

The leisure options are more limited than in larger cities.
Located in the west of the island, it rains frequently.
Although it’s a safe city, there are some areas that are less advisable at night.

Top Universities in Limerick

Limerick is home to two highly prestigious and renowned universities.

University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is among the most important in the country. It’s also known for its modern campus, which is located in the Castletroy area.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to housing close to the University of Limerick.

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

This university focuses primarily on technical and creative programmes. It has six campuses across the country, two of which are in Limerick: Moylish Campus and Clare Street Campus.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near accommodation near the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

Student housing in Limerick

Limerick is usually one of the most affordable cities for student rentals. However, prices have risen considerably in recent years. Generally, a room in a shared flat costs a minimum of €500 per month.

If you’re going to study in this Irish city, check out our guide to student housing in Limerick with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Maynooth

Maynooth is one of Ireland's smallest university towns, but it’s very popular with students looking for a quiet environment with a strong academic life and lower costs. Its proximity to Dublin makes it an attractive option for those who want to be close to the capital without incurring its high costs.

Pros and cons of studying in Maynooth

Living in Maynooth for a while has its advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before choosing it as your destination.

Pros of studying in Maynooth

Its university community is large in relation to the small size of the town.
A peaceful and safe city.
Close to Dublin, with fast train and bus connections.
The cost of living is generally lower than in the capital.

Cons of studying in Maynooth

Much more limited leisure and nightlife options than in large cities.
Many students rely on trips to Dublin for job opportunities.
The availability of accommodation may be limited during peak season due to university demand.

Top Universities in Maynooth

This Irish city is notable mainly for one higher education institution.

Maynooth University

Maynooth University is another of the country's most renowned institutions, excelling in the humanities, social sciences, technology and education. Its central campus is divided into two parts, South Campus and North Campus.

Student housing in Maynooth

Rent in Maynooth is generally more affordable than in Dublin and, in many cases, comparable to or lower than in Galway. Rooms in shared flats cost an average of €550 per month.

Find accommodation in Ireland with Erasmus Play

Learning about the top 5 student cities in Ireland allows you to clearly compare what each destination has to offer and choose the one that best suits your budget, your studies and your lifestyle. Dublin stands out for its job opportunities and international atmosphere; Cork and Galway offer lively and somewhat more affordable cities; Limerick excels for its low prices; and Maynooth is ideal if you’re looking for a quiet environment near the capital.

Before making your decision, consider the cost of living, the academic offerings, and the type of environment you want for your daily life. And once you've decided on your destination, you can search our online student accommodation platform to find verified and secure accommodation throughout Ireland.

Other guides on studying and living in Ireland

If you need more information to help you decide on the ideal destination for you, take a look at our guides.