Dundalk and Drogheda are two of the most dynamic towns on Ireland’s east coast, and in 2025 and 2026 they are becoming increasingly popular destinations for international job seekers. Both are located on the busy Dublin to Belfast corridor, giving them strong transport links and access to major employers. Dundalk, close to the border with Northern Ireland, has developed a reputation for technology, manufacturing, and education. Drogheda, just north of Dublin, is growing rapidly in logistics, healthcare, and retail. For international professionals, these towns provide career opportunities, affordable living, and convenient access to Ireland’s capital. With expert CV preparation from The CV Doctor, you can present yourself to employers in Dundalk or Drogheda with confidence.
As with the rest of Ireland, working in Dundalk or Drogheda requires the correct visa and employment permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for roles in engineering, healthcare, IT, and finance. The General Employment Permit applies to a wide range of positions where employers cannot find local candidates. Requirements and eligibility are published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at enterprise.gov.ie. Visa applications are managed by Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie. New arrivals register at their local Garda immigration offices, and it is recommended to book appointments as early as possible.
Recruitment agencies cover both Dundalk and Drogheda. CPL at cpl.ie places candidates in technology, multilingual, and healthcare roles. Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com supports engineering and finance. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie lists IT and accountancy jobs across the region. Hays Ireland at hays.ie recruits for construction, teaching, and business support. For executive search, Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com operates nationally. While agencies provide access, many employers in the east value direct applications, and The CV Doctor ensures your CV matches Irish expectations.
Dundalk’s economy has grown significantly in technology and manufacturing. Multinationals such as PayPal and WuXi Biologics employ thousands in the town. The presence of these firms has created steady demand for IT professionals, financial analysts, engineers, and life sciences specialists. The Dundalk Institute of Technology also attracts international staff and contributes to research and education opportunities. Start ups are supported by innovation hubs and Enterprise Ireland at enterprise-ireland.com.
Drogheda’s economy reflects its proximity to Dublin and its role as a logistics and service hub. Warehousing, retail, and distribution companies employ a large workforce, creating opportunities for skilled and entry level staff. Healthcare is another major sector, with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital recruiting doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Education is also strong, with Drogheda hosting a range of secondary schools and being close to third level institutions in Dublin. Teachers must register with the Teaching Council at teachingcouncil.ie.
Living in Dundalk and Drogheda is more affordable than in Dublin. Housing costs are lower, and rental properties are more available, though demand has risen with population growth. In Dundalk, many international professionals live in areas like Blackrock or the town centre. In Drogheda, popular neighbourhoods include the south side close to Dublin and coastal areas such as Bettystown and Laytown. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie publishes official rent data and tenancy rights.
The cost of living in both towns is reasonable, with groceries and utilities at national levels. Commuting costs are manageable, especially with public transport links to Dublin. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie provides updates on wages and inflation. Families benefit from access to schools, listed by the Department of Education at education.ie, and childcare is easier to secure than in Dublin, though still costly. Healthcare is accessible, with local clinics and hospitals supported by the Health Service Executive at hse.ie.
Transport is a key advantage of Dundalk and Drogheda. Irish Rail provides fast connections to Dublin and Belfast, with Drogheda just 35 minutes from Dublin and Dundalk about one hour. Bus Éireann and private coach services run frequent routes. Dublin Airport is accessible within an hour from both towns, making international travel easy. Within the towns, walking and cycling are practical, and details on fares and routes are available at transportforireland.ie.
Cultural life is strong in both Dundalk and Drogheda. Dundalk has a lively music and arts scene, with the Spirit Store venue and An Táin Arts Centre hosting concerts and performances. Drogheda is home to the Drogheda Arts Festival and a strong tradition of visual art and theatre. Both towns have historic roots, with nearby heritage sites such as Monasterboice, Mellifont Abbey, and Carlingford. Sport is central too, with Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby widely played. Expats find integration easy by joining local clubs and attending community events.
Networking is supported by local chambers of commerce, professional associations, and industry clusters. In Dundalk, cross border links with Northern Ireland create unique business opportunities. Drogheda’s proximity to Dublin means professionals often attend events in the capital while living in a more affordable setting. Employers in the region value both technical expertise and cultural fit, so building connections is important. Having a CV prepared by The CV Doctor ensures you are ready to impress.
The future for Dundalk and Drogheda looks positive. Government investment in housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy is detailed on gov.ie. Dundalk’s life sciences and technology sectors are expanding, while Drogheda is set to benefit from growth in logistics, healthcare, and housing development. Both towns are expected to see population increases, creating more demand for services and skilled professionals. International job seekers will find opportunities across healthcare, technology, finance, education, and retail in 2025 and 2026.
For expats, life in Dundalk and Drogheda combines the convenience of being close to Dublin with the affordability and community of regional towns. Families enjoy safe neighbourhoods, good schools, and access to healthcare. Individuals benefit from lively cultural life, networking opportunities, and manageable costs. Commutes are shorter, housing is more affordable, and the lifestyle is welcoming. With preparation, the right visa, and the guidance of The CV Doctor, international job seekers can build a rewarding career and life in Dundalk or Drogheda.