Meath, Westmeath, and Laois are central to Ireland’s Midlands and eastern regions, and in 2025 and 2026 they are emerging as strong destinations for international job seekers. These counties benefit from proximity to Dublin while offering lower housing costs, shorter commutes, and expanding industries. Meath has growing opportunities in pharmaceuticals, logistics, and agri food, Westmeath is strong in life sciences, IT, and manufacturing, while Laois is building its reputation in logistics, transport, and public services. For expats who want a balance of career growth and quality of life, these three counties are becoming highly attractive. With a professionally prepared CV from The CV Doctor, you can enter these local job markets with confidence.
Visa and employment permits are the same here as elsewhere in Ireland. The Critical Skills Employment Permit supports roles in IT, healthcare, and engineering, while the General Employment Permit applies when employers cannot recruit locally. Information is available on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment site at enterprise.gov.ie. Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie manages visa processing. Newcomers register at Garda immigration offices in Navan, Mullingar, and Portlaoise, depending on where they settle.
Recruitment agencies are active in these regions. CPL at cpl.ie lists roles in healthcare, finance, and multilingual services. Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com supports placements in pharma, engineering, and IT. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie covers opportunities across the Midlands in accountancy and technology. Hays Ireland at hays.ie focuses on teaching, construction, and professional services. For executive positions, Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com serves employers nationally. Having a tailored CV from The CV Doctor makes a strong first impression with both agencies and employers.
Meath’s economy is shaped by its proximity to Dublin and its strong agricultural base. The county is known for food production, horticulture, and dairy processing. Large employers in logistics and pharmaceuticals also provide opportunities for international workers. Meath is one of Ireland’s fastest growing counties by population, creating demand for teachers, healthcare workers, and service staff. Its location along the M3 and M4 motorways makes commuting to Dublin possible while still enjoying lower housing costs.
Westmeath is a hub for life sciences, IT, and advanced manufacturing. Athlone, the county’s largest town, is home to multinationals such as Ericsson, Alkermes, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals. These firms recruit engineers, scientists, and multilingual professionals. The county also has a strong tradition in education, with Technological University of the Shannon attracting international academics and researchers. Healthcare is another pillar, with Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar and Athlone clinics hiring international staff. Tourism and hospitality also provide opportunities, with Lough Ree and nearby attractions drawing visitors.
Laois has become a growing logistics and transport hub due to its central location. The M7 motorway connects the county directly to Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, and major logistics centres are based around Portlaoise. Public sector roles are also significant, with state agencies and offices located in the town. Manufacturing and engineering are steady employers, while healthcare at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise and surrounding clinics recruits internationally. Agriculture and food production remain part of the county’s identity, supporting jobs in farming and food processing.
Living in Meath, Westmeath, and Laois is affordable compared to Dublin and Cork. Housing costs are lower, though demand has risen in towns like Navan, Athlone, and Portlaoise. Many expats choose to live in smaller towns or villages, enjoying quieter lifestyles while still being connected to major cities. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie provides rental data and tenancy rights. Families often choose these counties for their safe communities and access to schools, while individuals value the balance of affordability and connectivity.
The cost of living is more manageable than in Ireland’s main cities. Groceries and utilities are at national averages, but housing, childcare, and transport costs are lower overall. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie publishes data on inflation and wages. Childcare is more available than in Dublin, though still costly, and families should budget carefully. Education standards are strong, and information is listed by the Department of Education at education.ie. Public healthcare is available through the Health Service Executive at hse.ie, with private options for those seeking faster access.
Transport links are one of the key advantages of these counties. Meath and Laois are directly connected to Dublin by motorways and rail services. Westmeath has rail