Indians in Ireland: Lifestyle, Population, Students, Safety, & Costs

The Indian population in Ireland has grown over the years in light of global migration trends. Indian people have embraced Ireland's diverse society, initially enticed by the excellent educational system and enormous employment opportunities.

Many skilled professionals from India can now find employment through new job prospects provided by major technology organizations, pharmaceutical, and financial companies.

In fact Indian students in Ireland rose from approximately 700 in 2013 to more than 7,000 within ten years up to 2023 and are expected to hit 10,000 soon. Education is a priority for Ireland and can be classified into three areas: the number of agreements and partnerships, human capital - training, exchanges and study visits, and knowledge transfer.

Indian Population in Ireland

According to the Indian Embassy in Ireland, there are about 61,386 individuals of Indian origin living in Ireland, and among them, around 31,386 are Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and about 30,000 are NRIs. It is worth stating that most Indians in Ireland now work for various organizations and institutions in healthcare, the IT sphere, engineering, and top management positions.

They are generally accepted and have been socially assimilated in Ireland. For instance, the former prime minister is Leo Varadkar, 44. His father is from India, and his mother is from Ireland.

Warm & Welcoming Behaviour of Irish: Why Indians Feel at Home in Ireland

One of the key features of the Irish society is that it is full of warmth and joy. It makes life in Ireland for Indian students much easier by treating them with good spirits. About 40% of the population of Ireland falls under the 25-year-old age bracket. Therefore, it is the most happening place for a student as you get to connect with people of your same age group, and it is also a safe country to live in.

Exploring Local Culture: What Indians Love About Ireland

Most of the population in Ireland are Roman Catholics, and they give a lot of importance to their religious festivals. Life in Ireland for Indian students will be vibrant as the people celebrate local festivals such as Halloween, Fleadh Traditional Irish Music Festival, Puck Fair, Galway Oyster Festival, St. Patrick’s Day, and much more.

The capital of Ireland, Dublin, hosts the Dublin Fringe Festival and the four-day long Bram Stoker Festival to celebrate the Irish author Dracula. These festivals usher a feeling of togetherness and make the community life strong. Besides, Ireland is home to multiple malls, bars, pubs, and theatres and offers recreational activities through rugby, soccer, and hockey. 

Lifestyle in Ireland for Indians

The Irish Indian population receives fair treatment, and numerous job opportunities are available in the region. They celebrate events and recognize and participate in Indian and Irish activities, festivities, and group assemblies. There is virtually no problem getting Indian groceries and going to restaurants nationwide.

Irish people are friendly and hospitable; therefore, culture shock is not a major concern for the Indian population in Ireland. There are a few minor challenges regarding the weather, transportation, academic system, and working environment. 

Indian Cuisine in Ireland: You Won’t Miss Home

Life in Ireland for Indian students won’t be much difficult as a wide variety of Indian food, spices, and halal meat is available in the country’s major cities.

Though you might not get small Indian eateries and restaurants near your university campus, you may contact them in the Indian areas. To explore restaurants of your choice, you can refer to restaurant guides - Find a Restaurant and Taste of Ireland.

Safety in Ireland for Indians

In general, life in Ireland for Indians is safe, as crime rates are low and there are no significant concerns around personal safety. However, safety may differ across communities; therefore, the Indian community should consider adopting some special measures to enhance safety.

Community Safety Initiatives

The Irish government has an organized structure for promoting community safety through inter-sectoral cooperation led by government departments and state agencies with community organizations and the public.

From the current policy, The Department of Justice's Community Safety Policy protects LCSPs ( Local Community Safety Partnerships) and promotes the fundamental right of individuals to participate in assessing and coordinating safety measures.

Precautions Against Burglaries and Muggings

Indian residents should install alarm systems, secure valuables, and ensure doors and windows are locked to prevent burglaries. To avoid muggings, avoid risky areas at night, travel in groups, and stay informed about your associates' whereabouts.

Excellence in Healthcare: How Ireland Cares for Indians

Anyone who is ordinarily resident in Ireland can access the public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes and administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE). This generally applies to expats who intend to stay in Ireland for at least one year and have proof of residency.

Non-EU international students generally must have private health insurance as part of their student visa application process. This is to ensure they can cover any medical costs they may incur during their studies in Ireland.

Educational Opportunities for Indian Students

Indian students studying in Ireland have good opportunities for students to get an education, and 34 institutions offer more than 5000 courses that lead to recognized international standards.

The acknowledged and reputable institutions such as Maynooth University, Dublin City University, and the University of Galway provide learners with numerous possibilities to choose from in the courses in business, sciences, technologies, humanities, arts, etc.

These institutions have quality education standards, and they are accredited internationally. Whether you are mainly interested in academics or a combination of academics and sports, these institutions will equip you with quality education.

Global Opportunities for Indian Students in Ireland

Though Ireland is a small country and ranks 118th in terms of country size, the International Monetary Fund has recognized it as the 32nd biggest GDP globally.

The Irish education system provides a host of global exposure to its students as people from all over the world interact in a multicultural environment. Ireland is home to global megacorporations such as IBM, Google, Facebook, and Apple, which have chosen the country based on their European base of operations. 

Work and Study in Ireland: Earning Opportunities for Indian Students

Life in Ireland for Indian students is easier as universities allow students to aid their studies by working part-time jobs. The Irish education system permits students to work for 20 hours per week during the academic session.

In May, June, July, August, and mid-December to mid-January, a student can work for 40 hours per week. Not just that, the Irish Third Level Graduate Scheme for non-EU third-level graduates can stay back in Ireland to get a job and gain work experience.

Travel Benefits for Indian Students in Ireland

There is a good public transport facility available in Ireland, and since the size of the country is small, it takes very little time in traveling from one place to another. Students can avail of the student travel card, which allows them to get discounts on all types of rides.

Life in Ireland for Indian students is not just about academics but also about exploring the nearby areas. Students can plan a trip to Europe or the UK during the offseason, around November to March, and the expenses are much cheaper. Students planning to visit Europe should apply for a Schengen visa beforehand. 

Costs of Living and Studying of Indians in Ireland

It is important to get an idea about the expenses of Ireland's lifestyle. This fact can be reviewed depending on the country and town and how one leads one's life. Key expenses include:-

1. Accommodation

The monthly rent cost shares a big portion of your spending. This depends on whether you are sharing the room, staying in an apartment alone, and the city you live in.

2. Utilities

Electrical bills, heating expenses, and monthly internet charges are also part of the overhead costs of living.

3. Food

Getting food is under controllable expenses as you can plan a weekly grocery list or you can eat outside, which will increase your expenses.

4. Transportation

Public transport is available, and students need to apply for a travel card, which will be cheaper, and within a short time, you can get a ride to your destination.

5. Miscellaneous

For example, if additional mobile plan costs are to be incurred, then this should also be taken into consideration - the same goes for entertainment and personal care.

For more detailed information, check the Cost of Living in Ireland for Indian Students.

The total expenses of studying for Indians in Ireland may differ depending on the chosen course type and institution. Tuition fees for Indian students can vary widely based on the level of study and the field of study.

One can opt for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Ireland with different fee structures according to the university or college. Stipends and other funds for scholarships or fees may also be proposed to refund the costs.

To know more about study expenses, follow the Cost of Study in Ireland for Indian Students blog. 

Pros and Cons of Moving to Ireland from India 

The advantages and disadvantages of moving to Ireland from India are as follows:-

India vs Ireland: Weather Comparison

As people plan their migration from India to Ireland, one important factor to ponder is whether the climatic condition suits them. Let's compare the climate of both countries.

Source: worlddata.info

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Conclusion

Ireland is suitable for Indians mainly due to its superlative educational facilities, lots of job avenues, and a generally friendly society. The increasing number of Indian households still prove themselves hospitable and easily assimilate into Irish society.

Hence, the prospects and quality of education, good and healthy lifestyles, and strong career opportunities make India interested in Ireland.