Working in Cork Ireland
Located in the south-west region of the island, Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland with a population of about 400,000 in its metropolitan area. The city is situated on the River Lee, which runs through the city’s central area.
The climate of Cork is similar to the rest of Ireland. The city experiences a maritime climate with mild, wet winters and cool summers with temperatures rarely higher than 18 °C.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Cork International Airport
Located about 5km south of the city, Cork caters for travelers domestically, throughout the UK and all over Europe. It is a hub for a number of major low-cost airlines including Aer Lingus and RyanAir.
Cork Airport can be reached by public buses and SkyLink coaches from the city centre about every 30 to 45 minutes. Taxi is a reasonable option to the airport as it can be reached by a number of major roads in the region.
Railway Station
Cork Kent railway station
Located about a 10 minute walk from central Cork, the city’s main railway station services intercity commuters and travelers to and from all parts of the country. Cork Kent railway station is also a major stop for the city’s bus network and visitors will find a taxi stand at the centre.
Transportation
Cork’s central area is quite compact and provides expats or visitors a good opportunity to explore by foot when the weather is fine. However, there is also a strong bus service that allows commuters to travel around the central area and into the residential suburbs. Taxis are also available to all parts of the southern Irish city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cork is average to high by western standards for expats, with prices often significantly higher in central or touristy areas of the city. Compared to Europe’s major cities, such as London and Paris, rent costs in Cork are low. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (http://www.numbeo.com/), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $17.20 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $71.60 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $5.70 |
| Coke (330mL) | $2.15 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $1.60 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.30 |
| Eggs | $3.60 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $2.40 |
| Monthly pass | $103.50 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $2.30 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $1050 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $1720 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $25 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $215 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $2730 |
Accommodation
While not like Dublin’s extensive choice, Cork offers quality accommodation at the budget, mid-range and high –end levels, primarily around the city’s central business district. A few places to consider include:
Budget
Corks International Youth Hostel
Sheila’s Budget Accommodation Centre
Mid-range
Jury’s Inn
Metropole Hotel
High-end
Radisson Blu Hotel Cork Airport
The Clarion Hotel
Emergency
Emergency telephone numbers
Police 112 or 999
EMS and ambulance 112 or 999
Fire and Rescue 112 or 999
Insurance and Healthcare
The Republic of Ireland has a typical two tier health system with public and private sectors. All residents of Ireland are entitled to receive health care through the public health care system. To be classified as a resident and be eligible for public health care, the following must be provided:
- Proof of purchase or rental of property and evidence this is the principal residence
- Evidence of funds, bank accounts etc
- A residence permit, visa or work permit
- Applicant must sign a sworn statement
On top of the compulsory health insurance requirements, expats in the Republic of Ireland can also take out private care, with an extensive range of services available for those willing to pay extra. Costs for private health treatment in the Republic of Ireland are comparable to those in Australia.
Despite a high standard of health facilities in Ireland, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.