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Moving to Ireland

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Page updated 11 November 2025

This page contains a range of information on work permits, tax, social security and for new employees or those thinking of coming to work at UCD.

You can find even more information on the (opens in a new window)Citizens Information website* which provides an overview of the Irish system and includes details on Housing, Education, Taxation and Social Security entitlements.

Please note, UCD HR is not responsible for the currency, accuracy, or legality of the content on external sites.

Key Information

Neighbourhoods Near UCD

UCD is located in Belfield, south of Dublin city Centre. Areas to consider for close proximity include:

  • Donnybrook
  • Clonskeagh
  • Ballsbridge
  • Stillorgan
  • Blackrock
  • Ranelagh

The closer the location is to UCD, the higher the cost. However, there are very good bus routes from locations further from UCD. For example, Dublin Bus routes like 11, 39a, E1, E2, 47, S4 or S6 connect directly to UCD. More details can be found here (link to travel and commuting page)

Green Line LUAS stops at Milltown and Windy Arbour are also within walking distance.

DART stops at Sydney Parade and just a short walk away.

Accommodation Options

Long-Term Rentals: Use trusted rental websites like:

There are also reputable estate agents, for example, (opens in a new window)Sherry Fitzgerald,  (opens in a new window)Lisney, & (opens in a new window)DNG. 

Short-Term Stay: If you're just arriving and have not found yet found long-term accommodation, consider staying in hostels, Airbnb, or budget hotels.

Please be highly vigilant when searching for accommodation as in order to avoid scams. Offers that seem too good to be true or requests for payments without proper documentation are red flags. 

Never pay rent or a deposit without seeing the property or having a signed contract. 

Avoid listings that ask for payment through untraceable methods like Western Union.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Most landlords or letting agents will require:

Viewing and Application

  • Schedule Property Viewings: Attend in person if possible. Virtual viewings are common for those still abroad.
  • Inspect Carefully: Check for any damages (take pictures or videos of any existing damages) and neighbourhood safety.
  • Generally rentals in Ireland are fully furnished, however you should note any missing appliances that you may need to purchase and clarify this with the landlord

Understand the Lease Agreement

  • Lease Terms: Read the agreement thoroughly.
  • Security Deposit: Typically one month's rent (sometimes more). Ensure you get a receipt.
  • Utility Bills: Clarify if the rent includes utilities like electricity, heating, and internet.

Tenant Rights

Please note that securing accommodation is the responsibility of the individual, and UCD HR is unable to provide assistance with this process.

Diagram

Obtaining a PPS Number

A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is needed in all dealings with Public Service Agencies. This is required for the University to make payments to you. 

Learn (opens in a new window)Why you need a PPS Number when working in Ireland.

Until such time as a PPS Number is provided, HR cannot set you up on the UCD payroll system for payment. 

However, if an appointment is set up you can let the HR helpdesk know by sending a screenshot of your appointment, and payment can be set up on the condition that you will be (opens in a new window)emergency taxed until a PPS number is provided. 'Emergency Tax' is a temporary, high rate of tax.

Upon receipt of your PPS Number – notify (opens in a new window)hrhelpdesk@ucd.ie  immediately so we can set you up on our system as soon as possible.  

You can apply for a PPS Number online at (opens in a new window)mywelfare.ie

In order to get a PPS Number, you must provide evidence of:

Once you obtain a PPS number you can then apply for a Tax Credit Certificate.

Tax

To ensure the correct tax is deducted from your salary, you must apply online for a Tax Credit Certificate.

To do this, you need to register with the Irish tax authorities for (opens in a new window)myAccount. Once registered, you can register your UCD employment by clicking on the 'Update Job or Pension Details' link under 'PAYE Services' section of the site.

Please note UCD’s Employer Registered Number is 0079124M 

You will be taxed at the Emergency Rate until such time as a new Tax Credit Certificate is issued, however, any owed monies will be refunded to you. Emergency Tax is applied in cases where your tax credits are unclear.  

For full support on this process you should go directly to the online Irish Revenue Starting Work and Tax (opens in a new window)page.

The University will be notified of your tax credits and will make appropriate salary deductions. 

Please contact (opens in a new window)payroll@ucd.ie if you have any questions or concerns

Opening a Bank Account

Salaries are paid directly into your bank account. UCD requires bank details prior to set up on the UCD System.

Some of the main banks in Ireland include:

  • Bank of Ireland
  • Permanent TSB (PTSB)
  • Allied Irish Banks (AIB)

Required information (each back might have their own requirements) for opening an account:

  • Two forms of ID (passport/birth certificate/driver’s license)
  • Proof of address (utility bill).  If this is not available, some banks will accept a letter from Human Resources confirming employment with the University – please contact (opens in a new window)hrhelpdesk@ucd.ie  

Some useful information can be accessed on the Citizens Information website in the section on (opens in a new window)Opening a Bank Account

Child Benefit / Tax Credits

  • If you are legally living and working in Ireland and have a child under 18 years of age in full-time education, you may be entitled to receive Child Benefit, a welfare payment of €140 per child per month. 
  • Social welfare benefits (including children's allowance/benefit) is dependent on being classed as having a (opens in a new window)habitual resident condition.
  • Applications should be made within 12 months of your child moving to Ireland or your child being born/joining the family.

There are a number of tax credits available for those with dependents, details of which can be found (opens in a new window)here on the Revenue website.

Ireland has both public and private healthcare systems:

Public Healthcare (HSE)

Managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), public healthcare provides a wide range of medical services, partially subsidised by the government.

Services may include visits to public hospitals, emergency care, and maternity services. However, waiting times can be long for non-emergency treatments.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is voluntary but can potentially offer faster access to treatments and shorter waiting times. Private health insurance is common for accessing private hospitals and specialist care.

General Practitioners (GPs)

  • GPs are the first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.
  • You will need to register with a local GP. 
  • A typical consultation costs around €50–€70 without insurance. 
  • If you have a medical card, you can get certain health services free of charge. To qualify for a medical card, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Details (opens in a new window)here.

Register with a GP (General Practitioner)

Your first step upon settling in should be registering with a local GP, as they are your primary point of contact for non-emergency medical issues.

How to Find a GP:

Note: There are some ‘walk-in’ clinics available in the city centre where it is not required for you to register. For example: https://jervismedical.ie/

What to Do:

  • Contact the GP to register as a patient.
  • Keep your PPS number (Personal Public Service number) handy when registering.

Private Health Insurance

The following are providers of private health insurance in Ireland, including (but not limited to)

VHI - (opens in a new window)www.vhi.ie 

Irish Life - (opens in a new window)www.irishlife.ie  

Laya - (opens in a new window)www.layahealthcare.com   

These are private insurance providers, and all dealings are directly between the individual and that company. 

While the University does not pay for health insurance, employees of the University may join a group scheme with one of the private health insurance companies listed here, and the University will facilitate payment through payroll.

Key Public Hospitals in Dublin:

  • St. Vincent’s University Hospital
  • St. James’s Hospital
  • Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
  • Beaumont Hospital
  • Rotunda Hospital
  • Tallaght University Hospital

Key Private Hospitals in Dublin:

  • Mater Private Hospital
  • Blackrock Clinic
  • Beacon Hospital
  • St. Vincent’s Private Hospital

What to Do When Seeking Hospital Care

  1. For Emergency Care: Go to the nearest A&E department or call 112/999 for an ambulance.
  2. For Specialist Care: Visit a GP for a referral.

Employee Permit Guidelines

Non-EEA nationals working in Ireland must have an employment permit. It is an offence for both the employer and the employee to employ a non-EEA national without an appropriate permit. UCD must ensure all our staff are legally entitled to live and work in Ireland.

Am I a non-EEA national?

Anyone who is not a citizen of the European Economic Area – which includes EU member states, along with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein – is considered a non-EEA national.

UCD HR will support non - EEA employees in obtaining valid work authorisation for roles eligible for work permits. The permits covered by UCD are 

  • Critical Skills Employment Permits
  • General Employment Permits
  • Hosting Agreements
Fast Track Work Permit for Researchers: Hosting agreements

A hosting agreement allows third-country researchers to carry out research in the EU. Only researchers on contracts issued by universities or other accredited organisations can avail of the Hosting Agreement scheme in Ireland. Hosting agreements are linked to the contract of employment offered by the relevant employer in Ireland.

Eligibility and criteria

Typical positions (but not limited to) include: 

  • Research Assistant 
  • Postdoctoral Researcher
  • Research Fellow 
  • Research Scientist
  • Lecturer engaged in research

Posts must be a minimum of 70% research. Therefore, it does not cover technical, administrative or academic staff, or lecturers not engaged in research. 

The minimum salary threshold for applications is:

  • €23,181 with no dependents 
  • €30,000 with dependents

The minimum contract duration must be at least 3 months in duration.

Application timeframe

Although the timeframe for application approval is swift – typically 1-2 weeks – the line manager and applicant need to bear in mind that other factors can significantly lengthen the application process. 

These include: Funding approval confirmation, Staff request approval and contract issue, Entry visa requirements

Application fee

There is no application fee required for a hosting agreement.

Key provisions and benefits

  • Allows for immediate family reunification, for example,  a researcher can bring their immediate family (spouses and children only) to Ireland from the start of their employment (as long as the minimum salary threshold is €30,000)
  • Application process is swift (excluding visa application process)
  • After 21 months, an individual can apply for a Stamp 4
  • No application fee involved

Further Information 

Hosting Agreement Scheme terms and conditions can be found on (opens in a new window)EURAXESS, an organisation providing information and support for researchers seeking hosting opportunities.

Critical Skills Employment Permit

The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labour market and encourage them to take up permanent residence in the State.

Critical Skills Employment Permits are issued for occupations where a high-level strategic skills shortage exists. They are issued for two years, and therefore, an application is dependent on a job offer of two years or more. 

Permits are issued to individual employers and are not transferable.

Eligibility

The following criteria must be met to successfully obtain a Critical Skills Employment Permit:

  • Occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of €32,000 for a restricted number of strategically important occupations contained in the Critical Skills Occupations List. Applicants need a relevant degree qualification or higher.
  • All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €64,000, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or contrary to the public interest. A non-EEA national without a degree qualification or higher must have the necessary level of experience.
  • Job offer must be for two years or more.
  • The applicant must have the qualifications, skills and experience relevant to the particular role.

Application Timeframe

Critical Skills Employment Permit applications should be prepared well in advance of the proposed start date, approximately at least 12 weeks in advance of a start date.

As the processing timeframe can vary significantly, please read access the Government website for (opens in a new window)an accurate estimate at the time of application. 

Application fee

A €1,000 fee applies for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, this is paid by UCD.

Key Provisions and Benefits

  • Linked to the contract of employment offered by the relevant employer.
  • The contract must be for a period of two years or more.
  • Allows for immediate family reunification.
  • After 21 months, an individual can apply for a Stamp 4.

Changing your Job on a Critical Skills Employment Permit

Changing your job

From 2 September 2024, if this is your first employment permit in Ireland, then you must stay with your employer for 9 months (previously 12 months), unless there are exceptional circumstances. After that, (opens in a new window)you can change employer.

You no longer have to make a new application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit if you want to change jobs. However, you can only change to a job within the same occupation or occupation classification on your original permit, for example, different engineering roles.

The following conditions apply:

  • As the permit holder, you can make a maximum of 3 applications for a change of employer.
  • A new contract of employment signed by both you and your new employer must be submitted.
  • You must start employment with your new employer within 1 month of the new permit being issued.

You cannot start your new employment until the employment permit has been reissued. From 2 September 2024, you can be promoted or move internally within the same company if you will be using the same skills, and the job is still eligible.

If you qualify for a Stamp 4 after 21 months, you can change jobs without needing to apply for an employment permit.

Further Information

For further information on applying for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, please visit the (opens in a new window)Government webpage 

General Employment Permit

General employment permits are used by the State to attract non-EU nationals for occupations experiencing a labour or skills shortage.

Eligibility

The following criteria must be met to successfully obtain a work permit:

  1. Annual salary on offer is €30,000 or more
  2. Post must be a minimum of 12 months in duration
  3. The category of occupation must be deemed eligible
  4. The applicant must have the qualifications, skills and experience relevant to the particular role
  5. Academics who have a salary below €64,000, have a relatively new PhD (less than 2 years) and have no relevant teaching experience are eligible

Ineligible Job Categories

The following job categories are deemed ineligible in applying for a work permit:

  • All clerical and administrative positions
  • All general operative and labourer positions
  • All operator and production positions

Please see here for a (opens in a new window)comprehensive list of categories. 

Application Timeframe

General Employment Permit applications should be prepared well in advance of the proposed start date, approximately at least 12 weeks in advance of a start date.

As the processing timeframe can vary significantly, please access the Government website for (opens in a new window)an accurate estimate at the time of application.

Key Provisions and Benefits

  • Linked to the contract of employment offered by the relevant employer
  • A (opens in a new window)labour market test must be completed in advance of the application
  • Family reunification can take place after a one year waiting period
  • Permit not required after five consecutive years of holding a permit. A Stamp 4 can then be applied for
  • An application fee must be submitted. The fee amount is linked to the duration of the permit

List of Common IRP Cards (Irish Residence Permit) and their Permissions to Work

Stamp 1
Individuals entitled to work subject to the terms of the relevant valid employment permit such as:

  • Hosting Agreement
  • General Employment Permit
  • Critical Skills Employment Permit
  • Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday Visa

  • People from ages ranging from 18 – 35 from (opens in a new window)certain countries can apply for a working holiday authorisation to come to Ireland for up to 1 year (up to 2 years for Canadians).
  • Working Holiday Visas are not renewable. 
  • The Working Holiday Visa is in the form of a letter with the candidate's picture and will have an end date within this

Stamp 1G
Individuals who have finished their studies are entitled to look for employment under the Third Level Graduate Programme. 

Stamp 1G is granted for 12 months only, except for those who have completed a master’s degree programme, when a further 12 months can be provided subject to conditions.

Stamp 1G Spousal

Stamp 1G Spousal is granted to the spouses or De Facto partners of persons who are currently resident in the State on the basis of a Critical Skills Permit or a Hosting Agreement.

The 1G spousal stamp is to be renewed yearly.

The Stamp is completely tied to their Spouses/De Facto Partners permit, meaning they will lose the stamp when the Spouse/De Facto Partner finishes their permit.

Stamp 2
Students attending a recognised full-time course of at least one year. They are permitted to work for 20 hours a week during term time and full time (40 hours per week) during holidays. 

Holiday periods have been standardised – June to September inclusive and from 15 December to 15 January.

Stamp 2A
Students who are attending a course not recognised by the Department of Education and Science.

They are not permitted to work.

Stamp 3
Individuals who are not permitted to work. This includes visitors; retired people of independent means; ministers of religion and members of religious orders; and spouses and dependants of employment permit holders.

Stamp 4
Individuals are permitted to work without an employment permit or business permission. They are also permitted to obtain permanent contracts on this stamp.

Stamp 4D or Article 50 TEU

These are issued to Non-EU family members of UK citizens who are resident in Ireland.

Article 50 TEU is for people who used to hold a Stamp 4 EUFAM and Stamp 4D is for people who have arrived post-Brexit.

They have similar rights as standard Stamp 4 holders.

Stamp 0

Stamp 0 indicates permission to stay in Ireland for a temporary period, subject to (opens in a new window)conditions.

This stamp is usually offered to visiting academics at an Irish university or college

Further Information

For further information and a list of all IRP cards, please visit the (opens in a new window)Irish Immigration webpage

Living in Ireland

Gas and Electricity

Most accommodation will have an already established connection to a supplier of gas and electricity. However, to maximise savings and make sure that you’re getting the best deal, it pays to shop around, and ensure that you’re really getting the most out of your money.

The Switcher.ie website provides an overview of all energy suppliers and allows you to compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal. For more information, see: (opens in a new window)https://switcher.ie/gas- (opens in a new window)electricity/suppliers/

Mobile and Internet Connections

There are a number of Mobile and Broadband companies in Ireland. For information on cost and availability at your address the best site to use is: (opens in a new window)https://switcher.ie/broadband/guides/broadband- (opens in a new window)types/what-is-mobile-broadband/

Childcare costs depend on the type of childcare you choose, the number of hours and the level of staff training in that facility. 

The choice of options is wide-ranging, however there is also a wide demand for places so it is important to enroll your children in a day care facility of your choice as soon as possible.

Online Platforms

  • Childcare.ie: Directory of creches, Montessori schools, and childminders.
  • MindMe.ie: Connects parents with childminders, nannies, and babysitters.

Government Resources

Costs and Government Support

Enrolling your Children in Primary School and Secondary School

All children in Ireland are entitled to free primary and post-primary education. The majority of schools are state-funded which means that you will not have to pay annual fees for your child's education. 

Dublin offers a variety of school types for primary and secondary education:

  • Public (State-Funded) Schools: Free to attend; some voluntary contributions may apply.
  • Gaelscoileanna (Irish-Medium Schools): Teach primarily through the Irish language.
  • Educate Together Schools: Multi-denominational and equality-focused.
  • Private Schools: Charge tuition fees but may offer smaller class sizes and additional resources.
  • Special Needs Schools: Cater to children with specific learning requirements.

It is important to enroll your children in a school of your choice as soon as possible as there can be great demand for places in schools, particularly in Dublin.

Many schools offer after school clubs and midterm/summer camps, it would be recommended to check this and the costs associated when considering a school.

To find out more about schools in a specific area in Dublin, please visit (opens in a new window)here

Department of Education: (opens in a new window)www.education.ie for school directories and guidelines.

Bus

Dublin Bus operate an extensive bus network system which can take you to within walking distance of the majority of places in the city centre, the wider Dublin area, and beyond. More information on rates and routes are available at: (opens in a new window)http://www.dublinbus.ie/. UCD is well served by public transport. Bus stops are located at the rear of the Sports Centre and the main terminus next to the Sutherland Building. Stops are also located just outside campus gates at Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh Road, Fosters Avenue and the N11 (main entrance). Use the TFI Journey Planner and Real Time information to get the best possible routes. These can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Luas

The Luas is Dublin’s light-rail system offering a direct link to many major locations outside the wider Dublin city centre region.

There are two Luas lines, Red and Green. Red operates between the 3 Arena and Tallaght, and the Green operates from Broombridge to Cherrywood. For more information, log onto (opens in a new window)https://www.luas.ie/.

Dublin Bikes

Getting around the city centre is easy with Dublin Bikes. The bikes are available to rent from lots of city centre locations and require a payment via card from the machine - you can get a 3-day pass, or an annual ticket. Details are available at (opens in a new window)http://www.dublinbikes.ie/

You must pick up and drop off a bike at the designated stations throughout the city, or risk being charged more!

Bleeperbikes

BleeperBike is Ireland's first station-less bike sharing scheme. Station-less bikes are equipped with a smart lock fixed above the back wheel of the bike, this smart lock controls usage of the bike by communicating with the custom-built app. As the smart lock is permanently on the bike the bikes can be picked up and left anywhere that traditional bike parking is permitted. BleeperBikes do not require custom built docking bays. BleeperBikes are available on campus and the system can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

More information on commuting services to UCD can be found in the commuting section of the UCD Estates website.

Food Shopping

Dublin is a culturally diverse city where obtaining international produce and items is just as easy as obtaining local items, such as Kerrygold (famous butter) or Lyons Tea. Below is a brief overview of the supermarkets that can be found in Ireland. Ireland operates a (opens in a new window)Deposit Return Scheme. When you buy a drink in a container with the (opens in a new window)Re-turn logo, you will pay a small refundable deposit. You can then claim back the levy by returning the empty container to an eligible machine and be given a voucher for the sum of the returned items. 

Halal Food

The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Clonskeagh has a (opens in a new window)shop consisting of a Halal butchers and grocers. 

The (opens in a new window)Dublin Meat Company, with a shop in (opens in a new window)Stillorgan, sells Halal chicken fillets and lamb. Not too far away from the Dublin Meat Company is (opens in a new window)Ingredients, an ethnic food supermarket selling food from across Asia, the Middle east and Africa and also provides online (opens in a new window)recipes. 

On the South Circular Road in Dublin 8, there is also the (opens in a new window)Al-Barakah Halal Shop selling meat and poultry as well as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and African foods, spices and other items. 

Big Name Supermarkets

Tesco is one of the larger supermarket chains in Ireland and operates larger supermarkets, called Tesco Extra and offering a wide range of food and non-food items, and smaller inner city shops, called Tesco Express. The larger supermarkets often offer a diverse international selection of food items. They have a loyalty scheme, (opens in a new window)Tesco Clubcard, which offers various discounts and money off vouchers every quarter, with the amount varying depending on the amount spent. 

Dunnes Stores is another larger store that offers both food and non-food items. Dunnes also has its own loyalty scheme, (opens in a new window)Dunnes Value Club, which regularly provides money off vouchers. 

Supervalu is another supermarket that focuses primarily on food and drink items, and does not offer clothing unlike Tesco and Dunnes. Further information about its loyalty scheme is available (opens in a new window)here. 

Supermarkets tend to offer home delivery at an additional cost. 

Lidl and Aldi are considered to be discount retailers, offering lesser known brands at cheaper prices than supermarkets such as Tesco and Dunnes, but are well known for ‘the middle aisle’, in which a wide range of food and non-food products are available for a limited time only. Lidl has a loyalty scheme (opens in a new window)Lidl Plus app, which offers a variety of discounts and offers and can be used in a wide range of countries. 

Convenience stores

Spar, Centra and Circle K are a number of well-known convenience stores available throughout Dublin and Ireland. Generally more expensive than big name supermarkets and the discount retailers, but can be more convenient. Some stores will have deli counters, serving Irish staples such as the chicken fillet roll. 

Duud African Foods

There are two (opens in a new window)Duud African Food stores in county Dublin, one in Hartstown and one in Lucan.  

Asia Market

(opens in a new window)Asia Market is the ultimate one-stop destination for the complete Asian Food variety in Ireland. There are two main locations, the closest one to UCD is on Drury Street in the main city centre,

Takeway Food delivery

A number of delivery apps catering for different palates are available: (opens in a new window)Deliveroo, Just Eat and  (opens in a new window)UberEATS  

Gluten Free Options

Dublin is generally Gluten Free/Coeliac friendly as majority of food establishments either have a gluten free options or even a separate gluten free menu (at request). 

The big name supermarkets, and also Aldi and Lidl also have specific sections in their supermarkets set aside for gluten free products. These products can range from breads to biscuits.

There is a app called (opens in a new window)Find Me Gluten Free that can help you find local food establishments that cater to gluten free options.

Vegan/Vegetarian Options

Most restaurants in Dublin have a vegan or vegetarian option on their menu. Some also have a separate vegan menu at request. 

There are also a range of restaurants and bakeries that are fully vegan/vegetarian. You can find a list on the (opens in a new window)Happy Cow website.

Food on UCD Campus

There are also an abundance of options during the time you are on UCD campus. You can find food and café options on the UCD estates website here.

Dublin Culture & Sport

Unsurprisingly Dublin has a wealth of museums; free entry is the norm for State-run museums, e.g. National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History, National Gallery of Ireland. Some smaller private museums charge for entry. Further information is available (opens in a new window)here. 

Nightlife and Socialising

Pubs, bars, and nightclubs popular with Dubliners can be found all over Dublin.

(opens in a new window)Eventbrite is a useful app/website to discover and book events to suit most tastes. (opens in a new window)Dublin Event Guide can also be used to check on weekly cultural events that are happening in Dublin which are free to attend, and may not be advertised on Eventbrite. 

There are many socialising events that happen each week, for example in T(opens in a new window)he Stags Head pub, there is a multicultural group who meet every week for (opens in a new window)Ukulele Tuesdays. Anyone can join, regardless of your ability to play the ukulele and also the group will always have spare ukuleles to borrow for the night- so you don’t need to buy one. On the weekend, the(opens in a new window) Hugh Lane Art Gallery hosts a music programme every Sunday afternoon at 12pm called (opens in a new window)Sundays at Noon. These are small intimate concerts held for free in the beautiful atrium space, where you can experience traditional Irish music, listen to traditional Asian instruments, and discover new melodies. 

Cinema going is a popular activity with young and old in Ireland. Cinema chains like the Savoy, Odeon and Cineworld in the city centre show Hollywood or other mainstream popular films. Smaller cinemas like the Lighthouse or the Irish Film Institute show independent films and international films (with subtitles), and often have themed film festivals. 

Another important part of Irish culture is comedy - Dublin city is known to host various comedy clubs and sessions throughout each week. Some popular venues of comedy shows include the famous(opens in a new window) Vicar Street, The(opens in a new window) International Comedy Club at the International Bar on Wicklow Street, and the(opens in a new window) Laughter Lounge. In Peader Kearney’s Pub on Dame Street in Temple Bar, you can find the(opens in a new window) In Stitches Comedy Club where it is Ireland’s only 7 nights a week comedy club, where you can also listen to traditional music. If you are interested in finding out more comedy shows to see, you can also check the (opens in a new window)Visit Dublin website to see upcoming shows.

UCD Clubs

Crafts is also well catered for in Dublin. (opens in a new window)Purl Jam is a staff and student club knitting and creative group. Coolock Library (accessible by DART and bus) has Makerspaces offering a multi-use creative hub with laptops, a 3D printer and sewing machines. The (opens in a new window)Rediscovery Centre may also be of interest which offers sewing workshops and training for bag making within Circular Economy. 

There is also a UCD photography club. The Club aims to provide a relaxed and welcoming setting for employees to learn more about photography, share their photos and develop their skills. They welcome all skill levels and all SLR or camera phone users.

A full list of clubs, including a Staff Music Group, Tabletop Tennis and Community Choir can be found here.

If you are interested in establishing an employee club then check our Starting a Club web page then get in touch with (opens in a new window)engage@ucd.ie

Sports

Dublin is a haven for sports enthusiasts. From thunderous cheers echoing through Croke Park during Gaelic games to the graceful movements of rowers gliding along the River Liffey, sport is deeply woven into the fabric of Dublin's culture. There is something for everyone to enjoy and participate in. The city boasts world-class stadia, active sports clubs, and picturesque parks where locals and visitors alike can engage in their favourite athletic and sporting pursuits. Below is a non-exhaustive list of spectator sports in Dublin.

GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association)

Gaelic games are Ireland’s national sports and include Gaelic Football (commonly referred to as football and not to be confused with soccer), Hurling and Camogie. (opens in a new window)Croke Park Stadium (nicknamed Croker by GAA fans and locals) is the principal national stadium (capacity 82,300) in Ireland and the home of Ireland’s largest sporting and cultural organisation, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). 

Soccer

Commonly referred to as soccer to distinguish it from Gaelic football in Ireland, Dublin hosts a number of soccer clubs as well as the Aviva Stadium, the home of the international team. The premier soccer division is the League of Ireland Premier Division with fixtures typically taking place on Friday or Monday nights.

UCD has its own team.  Nicknamed The Students, they play at The UCD Bowl on the Belfield Campus (near the Sports Centre). The club was relegated from the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2023 and currently plays in the League of Ireland First Division.  

Rugby

The (opens in a new window)Aviva Stadium is also the home of the Irish Rugby Football Union with international fixtures taking place here. There are four provincial rugby teams on the island of Ireland: Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connacht. 

(opens in a new window)Leinster Rugby plays its home games in the RDS Arena in Ballsbridge or the Aviva Stadium. Through UCD Culture and Engagement there are often discounts for Leinster matches. 

UCD also has its own (opens in a new window)rugby team that also plays at The UCD Bowl.

Staff Networks

UCD EDI supports a number of employee Networks, which provide opportunities for colleagues to get together and make connections. See below for examples of Networks with links to their websites and details on how to join them - everyone is welcome. The full list can be found here on the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion website..

Multicultural Employee Network at UCD (MENU)

MENU is the network for multicultural employees and those interested in other cultures. It was launched in 2019 and has 200 members and counting. The aim of MENU is to make International employees feel welcome, to help integrate them into the UCD Community and beyond, to provide a space for international employees to network, support members and exchange ideas with a focus on promoting cultural diversity and awareness in UCD.

To join MENU, please email (opens in a new window)menu@ucd.ie. If you would like to find out more about MENU then you can visit the MENU website.. 

LGBTI Staff Network

Whether you are new to UCD or well established at the University, the LGBTI staff network is a great opportunity for you to connect with UCD’s LGBTI Community.

The LGBTI staff network offers professional and leadership development opportunities, hosts regular social and LGBTI focused UCD events, offers support. UCD’s LGBTI Staff network also partners with the student LGBTIQ society for events and community endeavours to enhance our UCD community as well as the larger national LGBTI community.

For more information or to contact the LGBTI Staff Network, click the link: (opens in a new window)UCD LGBTI Staff Network (Facebook) 

Staff Disability Network

UCD Staff Disability Network aims to bring together staff with disabilities and staff with an interest in disabilities in a relaxed forum and to be a source of peer support in the workplace.  The network will promote disability equality for staff through active involvement and consultation on the University’s plans, strategies, policies and guidance. 

To find more about the Staff Disability Network, please visit their website at this link.

Women @ STEM

UCD Women at STEM is a network supporting UCD women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to reach their full potential at any stage of their career. 

To find out more, visit the Women @ STEM webpage. You can contact the committee at this email address: (opens in a new window)womenstem@ucd.ie

HR Helpdesk

HR Helpdesk UCD HR Roebuck Offices UCD Belfield Campus
T: +353 1 716 4900 | E: hrhelpdesk@ucd.ie | Location Map(opens in a new window)