The east of Ireland is arguably the most well-known region of the country. It is home to the world-renowned capital of Ireland, Dublin and has the largest population of the country’s provinces. Also known as Leinster, the east of Ireland is often considered the economic heartland, with many companies locating their European headquarters here. In addition to a strong economy, the region has a multicultural outlook, rich history, and offers many unique experiences. Our ultimate student guide will explain why you may want to live and study in Leinster.
What is eastern Ireland like?
Location and demographics
Leinster covers the east and southeast of Ireland and is located alongside the Irish Sea and bordered to the north by Northern Ireland. The region is the smallest of the Irish provinces and covers just over 18,000 square kilometres. Despite its small footprint, Leinster has a population of over 2.8 million people and consists of 12 counties, namely:
- Carlow
- Dublin
- Kildare
- Kilkenny
- Laois
- Longford
- Louth
- Meath
- Offaly
- Westmeath
- Wexford
- Wicklow
The largest counties in terms of population are Dublin, Kildare, and Meath, while the county that is geographically the biggest is Wexford at 2,367 kilometres squared.
Culture and history
Leinster started as a Gaelic kingdom, with records suggesting it was founded in the second century AD. This original kingdom did not include some regions and areas, including Dublin, Wexford, and Meath. Dublin and Wexford were first established in the 10th century AD as Viking settlements, elements of which can still be seen today.
The region has also seen its fair share of upheaval, including the invasion of Ireland by English King Henry VIII, its reconfiguration by Oliver Cromwell, and in the 20th century, the Irish Civil War, which created the modern state of Ireland.
Leinster is also known for its sporting tradition. Some of the biggest Irish rugby and football teams are based there. Leinster is noted for high-quality education, with some of the top universities in the country located in the region. The region has a reputation for offering the best employment prospects alongside a relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
What cities are in eastern Ireland?
It may surprise you that Leinster has only one official city, the Irish capital. This does not mean that there aren’t many towns in the region. We guide you through some of the most well-known and popular Leinster locations:
- Dublin is Ireland’s biggest city and the capital of the country. More than two million people live in the wider city area making it a remarkably diverse and vibrant city. Dublin is known for its education, commerce, culture, and industry.
- Dundalk is the capital of the county of Louth and is found on the country's east coast alongside the Castletown River. It is a relatively small town with a population of 40,000 but remains an important centre for the economy, with the pharmaceutical, financial services, and technology industries operating there.
- Kilkenny began life as a religious centre in the 6th century and grew into a hub of trade and production through the centuries. The town is a popular tourist destination known for its architecture, art scene and festivals.
- Drogheda is located not too far North of Dublin and is known as an industrial and maritime centre. It is the largest town by area and population in Ireland and is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Newgrange, a prehistoric building just west of the town.
- Swords is a small town on the outskirts of Dublin. Dating to the 6th century, the town is home to Ireland’s national airport, medieval castles, 12th-century towers, and an enviable number of green spaces.
Read more on the best cities in Ireland.
How much does it cost to live in eastern Ireland?
You’ve likely already realised at this point that with Leinster being at the centre of the Irish economy, things may be a little more expensive. This is especially true of Dublin, with monthly costs (excluding rent) of about EUR 850 per month. Dublin is even slightly more expensive than London overall, but a little cheaper when it comes to renting. If you want to study in Leinster, you’ll need to consider the following costs:
- Rent = EUR 1,700 per month (off-campus accommodation)
- Accommodation on campus = EUR 600 to EUR 800 per month
- Utilities = EUR 230 per month
- Food = EUR 200 to EUR 300 per month
- Recreation = EUR 100 to EUR 200 per month
- Travel = EUR 100 per month
- Study materials = EUR 75 per month
Remember that costs will vary according to where you study, both institution and city. Always check with your university about their costs, so you know what to expect.
Find out more about the cost of living in Ireland.
What services are available in eastern Ireland?
You won’t have a difficult time getting around Leinster with plenty of transport options available. Options include trains, buses, taxis, and ferries. You are also connected to the rest of Ireland and Europe via two international airports. You are covered with healthcare too, with Dublin alone having 14 public hospitals.
Some of the services you will become familiar with as an international student in Leinster are:
- Bus Eireann (the national bus service in Ireland)
- Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail)
- DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit)
- Dublin Bus
- LUAS (tram)
You can also qualify for a Student Leap Card, the national transport card for students in Ireland. This will give you discounted fares and offers. This makes the cost of transport a little easier. If you need additional support and advice, you can contact the Union of Students in Ireland and the Irish Council for International Students.
What are the post-study options?
If you want to stay in Ireland after graduation, you will need to graduate with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with honours. This will allow you to potentially qualify for the third-level graduate programme, which permits you to stay in Ireland for up to 12 months.
Leinster is a good choice if you’re looking for work with much of Irish business and commerce operating in the region. GDP in Ireland is expected to exceed 10 per cent growth in the coming years, so there are plenty of opportunities for graduates. You could potentially secure work in industries including:
- Technology
- Professional services
- Finance
- Life sciences
- Transport and logistics
- Arts
- Healthcare
- Engineering
Another important point is that Dublin is the European headquarters for companies including:
- Meta
- Indeed
- Airbnb
- PayPal
- Microsoft
- eBay
What universities are in eastern Ireland?
Leinster is home to some of the top universities in Ireland and some of the best in the world. Some of the potential institutions where you could study include:
- University College Dublin is a top-rated research institution with a student community of over 9,500 from 152 countries globally. The university is ranked third in Ireland and in the world’s top 250 universities by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
- Trinity College Dublin is ranked as a top 100 university and number one in Ireland by the QS World University Rankings 2023. Founded in the 16th century, Trinity consists of three faculties and 24 schools teaching everything from health sciences to humanities.
- Dublin City University is a relatively young university, having been established in the late 1980s, however, is already rated as a top 500 university globally by QS. It is home to more than 2,000 international students and has a reputation for an innovative and enterprising approach to education.
- Maynooth University is based just outside of Dublin and is considered one of the top young universities in the world (THE). 17 per cent of the student population are international students studying across 34 departments, including science, engineering, and social science.
- Technological University of Dublin was the first of its kind in Ireland. Combining three previous Institute of Technology institutions, TUD focuses on industry-focused, practical, and work-relevant education. Over 4,000 students study here in subjects covering business, art, technology, and science.
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is a specialist health science and medicine university. It’s considered one of Ireland’s top institutions and ranks in the world’s top 250 (THE). The university is known for its research, including the location of several centres and institutes.
Discover more information about the top universities in Ireland.
What are the main attractions in eastern Ireland?
There is plenty to keep you busy in Leinster. From the excitement of city life to the relaxation of the countryside, there are great options for students. We’ve narrowed down a list of some of the top attractions and activities.
- Visit one of the most spectacular prehistoric monuments at Newgrange in County Meath. It was created almost 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period and is a large circular mound made from stone and earth.
- Explore and walk along the River Liffey that flows through the centre of Dublin. There are plenty of activities available, from kayaking to river cruises, plus great food and shopping.
- Even if you don’t attend Trinity College Dublin, it’s worth visiting the historic campus with architecture that dates back centuries.
- Take a day trip or a hike in the Wicklow mountains, which are widely regarded as possessing some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland.
- Make sure to visit Kilkenny, famed for its picturesque city centre, art and design workshops and museums.
- Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, which has been on the same site since 1759. You’ll learn how the famous beer is made and enjoy a great meal.
- If you like historical buildings, we’d recommend visiting Dublin Castle, Trim Castle and Clonmacnoise Abbey. These sites give you an excellent insight into the history of Ireland.
As you can see, Leinster is full of interesting and exciting options for international students. You may now be ready to investigate studying in Ireland further and want to find out how to apply to study in Ireland and more information on studying in Ireland.
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