Live and work in Cork
Ireland’s second largest city is Cork with a population of 190,384. The friendly Corkonians are extremely proud of their city. It is a bustling city and even the Queen visits regularly for shopping. Cork is also known as the gateway to the beautiful southwest coast and is also an instant base for a trip along Ireland’s rugged west coast.
Once you start living and working in Cork, you will find that the city is also really all about the powerful (Celtic) music, delicious food and colorful gardens. The locals are extremely friendly and will lovingly welcome you to their city. The center is also compact (with lots of nice stores!) and therefore exudes an intimate atmosphere. Here and there you will find street performers and some local terraces. Especially along the banks of the Lee you can find some nice, cozy spots. Are you curious about what it’s like to live and work in Cork? Read more about that in this article and you will see that it is absolutely worth it!
Latest jobs in Ireland
Working in Cork
Working conditions in Cork
Living and working in Ireland is incredibly enjoyable thanks to its nature and culture, and it is well worth emigrating to Ireland. The country has 10 public holidays, of which St. Patrick’s Day is considered the ultimate, national holiday.
A typical workday in Ireland lasts from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an hour break between noon and 2 p.m. A typical work week is 39 hours.
Salaries in Cork
The minimum wage in Ireland in 2022 is about €1775, this corresponds to the cost of living in Ireland.
Also, the average income of workers in Cork in 2022 is €43,100 per year, or €3,600 per month gross.
Income tax in Cork
A standard tax rate of 20% is deducted from your monthly income. You may also have to pay more tax. The exact tax rate depends on how much you earn and your place in the tax system. You can read more about how your tax rate is calculated in Ireland here.
Once you’ve signed an employment contract, you’ll need to obtain a PPS (Personal Public Service Number – Citizen Service Number) and then give it to your employer. You apply for this number at your local Social Welfare Office. For this you need a passport and a bank statement. Here it is important that you request a declaration of wage tax deduction at the tax office (if necessary). This will give you a Tax Credit Certificate, which will calculate your place in the tax system and your tax rate.
In addition to social security contributions and income tax, USC (Universal Social Charge) tax will be deducted from your salary.
Networking in Cork
The opportunity to build an international network is a major reason why many people find working abroad so valuable. Having a large (international) network increases your chances of finding a suitable new job in the future and it is also good for your professional and personal development.
Would you like to meet new people in Cork? Or are you looking for a job in Cork? Then keep a close eye on the following websites to keep up to date with new networking events in Cork: Eventbrite, AllEvents and JobsExpo.
The work culture in Cork
When you start working abroad, you will naturally have to deal with a new work culture. In order to prepare you for your adventure in Cork, we will give you more information about the work culture in this section.
In general, the Irish are very friendly and easygoing. They enjoy working together and this often creates a relaxed and pleasant working environment. In addition, Irish people also place a great deal of importance on a good work-life balance. The Irish work culture is also very sociable and colleagues can feel like friends. For example, it is not at all unusual in Ireland to go to the pub with colleagues after work to have a few drinks together. The Irish see this as a good way to get to know their colleagues.
Living in Cork
Benefits of living and working in Cork
Perhaps the biggest advantage of Cork is that it is a lot cheaper than Dublin in terms of housing. Rents are much lower.
Another advantage of living and working in the center of Cork, is that you hardly have anything to do with public transportation. Cork city center is compact and you can bike and walk everywhere in no time. Also, just like in Dublin, there are many pubs in Cork. So great to relax after a long day of hard work. The city has a rich history and has many green fields and hills.
Living and working in Cork is experienced by many as nice and relaxed, because it is such a quiet and relaxed town where there is also plenty to see and do.
Accommodation in Cork
We already mentioned that living in Cork won’t cost nearly as much as living in Dublin. Of course, it does depend a bit on the location. For example, in the city center you will pay just a bit more for an apartment than on the outskirts of Cork. Here’s a little overview of average monthly rents in Cork:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1377
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1111
- 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2318
- 3-bedroom apartment outside the center: €1697
This is a popular website for finding housing in Cork: https://www.rent.ie/
Transportation in Cork
As we mentioned earlier, once you start living and working in downtown Cork, you won’t have much to do with public transportation.
If you are outside the city, you can use trains and buses. But a car in Cork is also recommended. Public transportation in Cork consists of Irish Rail and a number of different bus companies:
Bus Eireann, Iris Rail, Aircoach and CityLink.
Eating in Cork
There are plenty of good restaurants and pubs to be found in Cork. But in addition, Cork also possesses one of Europe’s best food markets.
That Cork is known as the ”foodie capital” of Ireland has its reasons. For one, the products are of incredibly good quality and very varied: from artisan cheese to smoked fish. The English Market on Opera Lane (Cork’s largest shopping street) located in the city center is also a must-see. Also called a culinary rollercoaster past the best food in the county. You won’t leave there on an empty stomach anyway!
You can always go to the Merchants shopping center (located near the English Market) for your daily groceries. Below we would like to give you an overview of the approximate prices you can expect:
- Milk (1 L) €1,11
- Potatoes (1 kg) €1,36
- Eggs (12) €3.03
- White bread €1,60
- Cheese (1 kg) €6.40
- Cigarettes (20) €15
- Beer (0.5L) €2.54
Nightlife in Cork
Like the rest of Ireland, Irish people prefer to hang out all day in the cozy pubs and bars. But once evening comes and the sun goes down, the atmosphere really gets going.
Often a night out begins in one of the traditional pubs in Cork city center. Highly recommended are Costigans, Castle Inn and Clancy’s Bar & Bistro. If you really want to sample Irish conviviality while enjoying a pint and a sports game on TV, the Preachers of Reardens is the place to be. One of the nicest bars is The Bodega and The Gateway Bar hosts many students. For the very best cocktails you can go to Kudos and Le Cheile. Fancy a nice good glass of wine? Then head to Suas, El vino. Max’s Wine Bar, by the way, is an award-winning bar.
Of course, there are also a number of nightclubs in Cork where you can enjoy a night of dancing. The Scotts comes highly recommended. There is live music there on Thursdays and Fridays as well. It is also worth visiting the clubs Havana Browns, Mangans and Fast Eddies.
Irish beer
Of course, going out in Cork is also the perfect opportunity to sample popular Irish beers. For example, Guinness is perhaps the most famous Irish beer. This dark stout has a rich and unique flavor. On the other hand, are you looking for something lighter? Then Murphy’s Irish Red Ale is a good option. This ale is smooth and easy to drink, making it a popular choice among locals.
Cost of living in Cork
Living and working in Cork is generally cheaper than living and working in Amsterdam. For example, rent prices in Cork are over 22% lower than in Amsterdam, and eating out in Cork is over 12% cheaper than eating out in Amsterdam.
Prices of alcohol and cigarettes are slightly higher in Cork, though. For example, you’ll pay about €11.50 for a bottle of mid-range wine in Cork, a 0.5-liter beer costs an average of €2.54 and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes (20 pieces) costs €15.
The landscape and nature of Cork
Ireland is of course known for its mountainous and rugged landscapes. For example, there is the Beara Way. This is a hiking trail along the coastline of the Beara Peninsula located in West Cork and Kerry. The absolute highlights of Beara Way are:
Eyeries
The village of Eyeries is home to typical brightly colored Irish cottages – a picturesque sight you’ll find in many other Irish villages.
Bantry Bay
Few sunsets can rival this stunning view of Bantry Bay. During the final section of the Beara Way, from Kenmare to Glengarriff, hikers can enjoy unforgettable views of this bay.
Gleninchaquin Falls
The stunning natural beauty of Gleninchaquin Park is a must-see stop along the Beara Way anyway. Green Irish landscapes filled with sheep make this valley one of the highlights in West Cork. The Gleninchaquin Falls are absolutely photo worthy.
Where is Cork in Ireland?
Cork is located on the south coast of Ireland in the province of Munster. River Lee flows right through the city and most of Cork lies on an island in the mouth of this river.
Weather in Cork
The weather in Cork is quite mild throughout the year. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, as you can then enjoy all that the city has to offer without being too hot or too cold. In fact, the average temperature in Cork during these months is between 17-22 degrees Celsius. Do keep in mind that it can be quite rainy in Cork.
The currency of Cork
The currency of Cork is the euro. There are several ATMs and banks in the city, so you can easily withdraw money when needed. Credit cards are also widely accepted in Cork.
Irish culture
Ireland’s culture is very rich and has been around for thousands of years. Traditions are very important to the Irish. St. Patrick’s Day is an example of a well-known tradition in Ireland. On St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), Irish culture and heritage is celebrated extensively. Everyone wears something green and there are festivals and parades all over the country. Cork also hosts a parade every year. Read more about the St. Patrick’s Day festival in Cork here.
In addition, music and dance are also very important to the Irish. Every Irish pub features traditional Irish music that should be danced to.
What language do they speak in Cork?
Irish and English are the official languages of Ireland, so basically you should be able to have an easy chat with anyone.
Cork sights
What to do in Cork, Ireland?
The English Market
This market has been around since 1788 and is anything but English (the market is so named because of its Protestant origins), but it is the place to go for traditional specialties like drisheen (a type of blood sausage) and pigs’ trotters (pig’s feet). You’ll also find fresh bread, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables in the 55 or so stalls. The English Market is doing tremendously well and , according to chef Rick Stein, is the “best indoor market in Britain and Ireland”. Stop by the Farmgate Café for the tastiest dishes. These are prepared with produce from the market.
The University grounds of UCC
A walk on the grounds of University College Cork, along the waterfront of the River Lee is wonderfully relaxing. The trees surrounding this green campus, give the place a graceful look. The Lewis Glucksman Gallery hosts regular exhibitions. Basically, there is art all over campus: sculpture, photography, prints and paintings. Once you stroll the university grounds you almost feast your eyes.
Cork Butter Museum
We said it … food is very good in Cork. Not just the fresh delicacies of the English Market… Cork also holds historical tasty traditions. Particularly because of its former role in the European butter trade. At the Cork Butter Museum, you’ll find the finest Irish dairy products. The butter, milk and cheese have been so scrumptious for centuries because of the juicy grasses on which the cows graze. Dairy therefore played a role in the island’s income. The museum introduces visitors to that history.
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral
This cathedral is a French neo-Gothic masterpiece. After several alterations and renovations, the current cathedral was completed in the 19th century. When you see the beautiful stained glass windows, the Baroque organ and the 12th-century stone heads, you will understand exactly why this is such a masterpiece. Pay close attention to the angel on the east side of the cathedral. According to local lore, he will blow his bugle to proclaim the apocalypse!
Franciscan Well Brewery
Ireland is, as we have often said, the land of pubs! Beer brewing is also a strong tradition. Today, new life has been breathed into the Franciscan Well. The brewery is named after the location where a Franciscan monastery once stood, complete with healing well. Although the beer brewed there now has no healing power, it is incredibly delicious! There are several beers for customers to choose from. Think specialty ales, stouts and white beers. Relax with a pint in the beer garden, where local musicians regularly perform. Cheers!
West Cork Ireland
Cork is located in the Cork County of the same name in Ireland. If you’re going to live and work in Cork, you’ll naturally want to explore the surrounding area. There is a lot to see in West Cork: an area of quaint towns, rocky peninsulas and beautiful beaches. This area is ideal if you enjoy water sports. Examples of beautiful villages in West Cork include Schull, Glengarriff, Allihies & Eyeries, Clonakilty and Bantry.
Health care in Cork
Healthcare in Ireland is modern, safe and one of the best in the entire world. However, the Irish healthcare system is somewhat lacking in luxury. This is reflected, for example, in the hospitals with 30 beds per dormitory. Ireland also has long queues for medical procedures. You can solve this problem by getting private insurance in addition to public insurance.
Getting health insurance in Cork
So in addition to public health care, you can also opt for private health care. Almost half of Ireland’s population uses this option. Examples of private insurers include VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, Irish Life Health and HSF Health Plan. An average private health insurance policy costs around €1,000 for adults and about €500 for children.
Visa and travel insurance Cork
Since Ireland belongs to the EU, you do not need a visa to live and work in Ireland. Having a valid ID is sufficient. If you stay in Ireland for more than 3 months, you must start a job or study and have health insurance. If you move to Ireland, you must join a Social Welfare Local Office. Once you have a job, you must apply fora Personal Public Service Number. This number is used for all Social Welfare services. This can all be easily arranged online.
So you are automatically insured if you are an EU resident.
The Medical Card allows you to use all public health services without having to pay for them (few people qualify for this category, such as the long-term sick or those on low incomes).
Safety in Cork
In Ireland, crime is low. Especially in rural areas, crime is low. In the big cities, though, pay a little extra attention to your belongings. Bag thieves and pickpockets do their work in Ireland as well. Be careful at night and do not walk alone through dark alleys. Then little can happen.
Emigrating to Cork
Besides applying for an Irish citizen service number (PPS) and getting Irish private health insurance (if necessary), it’s also useful to know how to open a bank account in Cork. This section will tell you what you need to do to do this.
Opening a bank account in Cork
While it is possible to open a bank account online in Cork, it is often faster and easier to go to a bank branch. To open a bank account, you will need valid ID and proof of address in Ireland. Examples of major banks in Cork include KBC Bank, Bank of Ireland and AI Bank.
