Ireland

Location: Western Europe
Capital: Dublin
Major Cities/ Counties: Dublin, Cork and Limerick
Main Language: English and Irish
Climate
Overall, Ireland has a mild but changeable oceanic climate with few extremes. The climate is typically insular and is temperate avoiding the extremes in temperature.
Economy
GDP: 61,606.48 USD (2016)
Currency: Euro (€)
Government: The structure of the Government of Ireland is regulated fundamentally by the Constitution of Ireland. The Government is headed by a prime minister called the Taoiseach. The deputy prime minister is called the Tánaiste and is nominated by the Taoiseach from among the members of the Government.
Area: 84,421 km2(32,595 sq mi)
Population: 4.595 million (2013)
Time Zone: UTC

Traditions & Culture: The culture of Ireland includes customs and traditions, language, music, art, literature, folklore, cuisine and sports associated with Ireland and the Irish people. For most of its recorded history, Ireland’s culture has been primarily Gaelic. The country has its own language, music is known all over the world, they have produced literary greats and our theatre, arts and folklore are known all over the world.
Food: Irish food is known for the quality and freshness of its ingredients. Most cooking is done without herbs or spices, except for salt and pepper. Foods are usually served without sauce or gravy. The staples of the Irish diet have traditionally been potatoes, grains (especially oats), and dairy products. Potatoes still appear at most Irish meals, with potato scones, similar to biscuits or muffins, a specialty in the north.
Safety: Whilst Ireland is considered to be a relatively safe place to live, students are advised to exercise caution when walking home alone in the evenings, particularly in the more urbanized areas. From November through to February it can get dark as early as 4.30pm. The colleges themselves will be able to brief students on the personal safety issues relative to their particular area.
Despite increasing urbanization and the difficulties historically associated with the conflict in Northern Ireland, personal safety is generally very high and there is a low level of violent crime.
Welfare: The Student Welfare department is available in all the institutions across Ireland. They provide information to students about a range of concerns including; mental well-being, crisis pregnancy, sexual health awareness, suicide intervention and non-academic issues. Dedicated officers can also provide the students with information about a number of additional support services both locally and nationally and help connect students to these organizations, should they need the support.
Health: The Irish healthcare system is divided into public and private services. Both services are provided by GPs and the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for providing public and community health services. There are three types of hospitals: HSE hospitals, voluntary hospitals and private hospitals.
Transport:
Dublin and Belfast have comprehensive local bus networks, as do some other larger towns.

The Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) rail line runs roughly the length of Dublin’s coastline, while the Luas tram system has two popular lines.
Taxis tend to be expensive
Uber is in Dublin and is expected to spread elsewhere

Drive: The big decision in getting around Ireland is to go by car or use public transport. Your own car will make the best use of your time and help you reach even the most remote of places.
Bus: The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive – although journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served.
Rail: The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you’ll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat.

UG: € 10, 000 – € 15, 000 approx.
PG: € 12, 000 – € 20, 000 approx.
Living Expenses: On average a student will spend approx. €10,000 per year depending on location and lifestyle.

Planning & Housing:
College students have a wide choice when it comes to accommodation. Some students choose to stay in on-campus accommodation, which is available in many colleges. On-Campus accommodation is always in demand it can be quite expensive and it is difficult to find.
Students who want to be totally independent choose self-catering rented accommodation. Students pay their rent monthly and in advance.
Some students choose to live with a host family in their home. This way, you have your own independence but still, have the home comforts (and some rules) as well as a family to help you settle into a new way of life in a new country.
Restricted items to bring to IRELAND:
Certain goods cannot be imported to Ireland or can only be imported under license.
The main items that cannot be imported or must be imported under license are:

Firearms
Ammunition
Explosives
Offensive weapons
Indecent or obscene material (books, periodicals, prints and video recordings)
Plants or bulbs
Live animals or dead animals (including cats and dogs)
Birds or poultry
Endangered species
Meat and meat products
Hay or straw (even if used as packing)

Drugs: It is an offense to import or carry on your person controlled substances (drugs) when traveling to or from Ireland. (Examples of controlled substances are cannabis, cocaine, heroin and amphetamines).
Welcome week: Welcome Week is your opportunity to make friends, learn more about studying at the university and living in the country. You will be invited to attend a number of events throughout Welcome Week – some of which are optional and others compulsory.
Travel to your institution: If you are staying near the university, there is shuttle service available. Else, you may choose to travel by trains or buses.
Opening a bank account: In order to open an Irish bank account, you will need two documents: one to prove your identity and one to prove your address. This applies both in branch and online. Proving your identity is simple. You just need your passport.