The 'Emerald Isle' in the 21st century is a progressive country with a booming economy. Beautiful hills and valleys stretch between the thriving major urban centres of Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick where traditional hospitality is combined with modern cultural life.

Country Profile
Capital City: Dublin
Area: 69,000 sq km / 26,641 sq miles
Population: 3,969,000
Time Zone: GMT 0
Country dialing code: 353
Currency: Euro

Climate
A temperate maritime climate. Relatively mild winters, cool summers and often overcast.

Country highlights
Ireland is steeped in historical buildings, well known landmarks and beautiful scenery. Among the best loved attractions are Blarney Castle with its famous Blarney Stone, the Dublin Zoo, the Killarney National Park and Glendalough - the round tower that stands at 34m tall amid the grand Wicklow Mountains and lakes.

Accessibility
Ireland is just a step away from the UK with flying times of just over an hour to the country's major airports Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Derry. It is also very affordable. Smaller regional airports that operate domestic and UK services are Kerry, Knock, Waterford and Galway. Discount airline Ryanair is a good source of cheap flights to Ireland, particularly from the UK. Ferrys run from Holyhead in North Wales to Dublin with a journey time of 1 hour 50 minutes and from Pembrook in South Wales to Rosslare, a trip which takes apporximately 3 hours, 45 minutes: Irish Ferries. 

Permanent Move
UK/EEA nationals have the right to live and work in Ireland without a work permit. UK/EEA nationals working in Ireland have the same rights as Irish nationals with regard to pay, working conditions, and access to housing, vocational training, social security and trade union membership. Families and immediate dependants are entitled to join them and have similar rights.

Applicants for naturalisation in Ireland must be 18 years or older,(or an Irish born minor) provide a report as to their good character detailing any criminal record, have had a period of one year's continuous residence immediately before the date of application for naturalisation and, during the eight years preceding that, have had a total of four years residence in the Ireland, make a declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

Buying Property
Ireland's beautiful rural areas and lively cities increasingly draw Brits to its shores. It has also gained in popularity as a retirement destination, due, in part to its good pensioner benefits and affordable properties.
 
When buying a property in Ireland, you A deposit, usually 10%, is paid to the vendor's solicitor at the time of exchanging contracts which binds you to completing the purchase. Property is mostly freehold with some leasehold for apartments. You will ordinarily make an offer to buy subject to survey and contracts. The fees for buying a property in Ireland will normally total between 6-10% of the buying price. Your legal fees should not be more than about 2% of the purchase price which will include VAT (Value Added Tax) at 21%, with small fees for the land registry which are around two hundred Irish pounds. New properties will also incur VAT. Stamp duty is charged for buyers who have bought before or buy a previously owned property. This will be scaled against the purchase price, at the most 9%.

Destination Hot Spots

Dublin
The river Liffey into divides Dublin into the North and South sides. The latter has traditionally been the more expensive area of the city. The charm of Southeast Dublin stands as a testament to Georgian urban design with many beautiful real estate opportunities. Property north of the river is more varied with worker's cottages and small apartments that are more affordable options. With its lively cultural scene and coastal locale, Ireland's capital is a popular choice with those seeking an urban property. Prices start at around £90,000 for an apartment.

County Waterford
The coastal areas of Waterford are convenient for airports and provide excellent opportunities to enjoy Ireland's beautiful countryside. A small rural house in need of extensive modernisation would set you back approximately £50,000, while a large country homes can cost as much as £500,000.

Search for properties in Ireland

Useful website:
Everything you need to know about Ireland

Click here to read the World of Property interactive i-mag FREE

Article first published in May 2006