Kerry, Clare, and Offaly may not have the size of Dublin or Cork, but in 2025 and 2026 they are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for international job seekers who want a balance of career opportunities, affordability, and lifestyle. Each county has its own strengths. Kerry is famous for tourism, hospitality, and renewable energy, Clare combines aviation, technology, and the Wild Atlantic Way, while Offaly offers opportunities in renewable energy, healthcare, and manufacturing in Ireland’s Midlands. Together, these counties provide expats with a chance to experience authentic Irish life in welcoming communities while building rewarding careers. With support from The CV Doctor, your CV can be adapted to Irish standards and help you stand out to employers.
International workers in Kerry, Clare, and Offaly must secure the right visa and employment permit. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is ideal for professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, and finance, while the General Employment Permit covers many other roles when employers cannot recruit locally. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment explains permit details at enterprise.gov.ie. Immigration Service Delivery at irishimmigration.ie manages visa applications. Registration is completed at local Garda immigration offices in Tralee, Ennis, and Tullamore, and it is important to book appointments early.
Recruitment agencies help connect international job seekers with opportunities in all three counties. CPL at cpl.ie lists healthcare, technology, and multilingual roles. Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com works with engineering and pharma. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie advertises IT and finance jobs across the region. Hays Ireland at hays.ie supports teaching, accountancy, and construction placements. For executive positions, Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com works nationally. Employers in these counties often value direct applications, so a polished CV from The CV Doctor ensures you are interview ready.
Kerry’s economy is built on tourism and hospitality, with Killarney, Dingle, and Tralee attracting visitors from around the world. This creates steady employment in hotels, restaurants, and visitor attractions. The county is also growing in renewable energy, particularly wind power projects along the Atlantic coast. Healthcare is another major employer, with University Hospital Kerry recruiting international staff. The Health Service Executive at hse.ie provides information on available roles and public healthcare. Education is also strong, with schools and training centres seeking qualified teachers registered through the Teaching Council at teachingcouncil.ie.
Clare combines tourism with industry and aviation. Shannon Airport, located in Clare, is a major employer, supporting logistics, transport, and services. The Shannon Free Zone has attracted technology and manufacturing companies, including multinationals in aerospace and IT. Tourism along the Wild Atlantic Way, from the Cliffs of Moher to Lahinch, creates seasonal and full time jobs in hospitality. Healthcare is provided by Ennis General Hospital and community services, while education roles are available in primary and secondary schools. Clare is also developing renewable energy projects, particularly in offshore wind.
Offaly, located in the Midlands, has a different economic profile. The county is moving from traditional peat based energy to renewable energy, with new projects in wind, solar, and bioenergy creating jobs. Manufacturing remains strong, with engineering and construction firms providing steady employment. Healthcare roles are available at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, which employs international staff across many specialties. Education opportunities exist in local schools and further education colleges, and all teachers must register with the Teaching Council. Agriculture also plays a role in Offaly’s economy, creating jobs in food production and agri tech.
Living in Kerry, Clare, and Offaly is more affordable than in Dublin or Galway. Housing is cheaper, though demand has increased in popular areas such as Killarney, Ennis, and Tullamore. Many expats choose to live in market towns or coastal villages, enjoying a quieter pace of life. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie tracks rental prices and tenant rights. Families appreciate the availability of schools and safe neighbourhoods, while individuals enjoy lively cultural life at lower costs.
The cost of living in these counties is manageable. Groceries and utilities are similar to national averages, but lower housing costs reduce overall expenses. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie provides updates on inflation and wages. Childcare is more accessible than in larger cities, though still costly, and families should plan accordingly. Education standards are strong, and information is available from the Department of Education at education.ie. Public healthcare is widely available, with private options for those who want faster access.
Transport is well connected. Kerry has rail services to Dublin and Cork, as well as Kerry Airport with flights across Ireland and Europe. Clare benefits from Shannon Airport and direct bus links to Limerick, Galway, and Dublin. Offaly sits on the Dublin to Galway corridor, with train services from Tullamore to both cities. Driving is common in all three counties, and details of bus and rail services are listed at transportforireland.ie. International residents appreciate the combination of regional airports and strong road networks.
Cultural life in Kerry, Clare, and Offaly is vibrant. Kerry is famous for traditional music and festivals, Clare has a global reputation for Irish music and dance, especially in towns like Ennis, and Offaly has strong theatre, literature, and sports traditions. Outdoor activities are everywhere, from hiking in the Kerry mountains to surfing in Lahinch and exploring the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Sport is central to community life, with Gaelic games, rugby, and soccer widely played. Expats often find joining clubs is the fastest way to integrate into local society.
Networking opportunities are supported by local chambers of commerce, enterprise centres, and community initiatives. In Kerry and Clare, the tourism and hospitality sectors offer strong professional networks, while Offaly’s renewable energy projects are creating new industry associations. Employers in rural Ireland value both professional qualifications and community involvement, so integration is often both a social and professional advantage. A strong CV from The CV Doctor ensures your application is taken seriously when opportunities arise.
The future looks promising for these counties. Government investment outlined on gov.ie highlights housing, renewable energy, and regional enterprise development. Kerry is expected to expand its tourism and green energy sectors, Clare will continue to benefit from Shannon Airport and multinational employers, and Offaly is set to become a leader in renewable energy in the Midlands. These trends mean demand for international workers in healthcare, teaching, engineering, hospitality, and energy will remain strong through 2025 and 2026.
For expats, life in Kerry, Clare, and Offaly means enjoying the best of Irish community life while pursuing a career. Families benefit from safe towns, strong schools, and affordable housing. Individuals enjoy cultural life, outdoor adventures, and manageable living costs. While these counties do not have the scale of Dublin or Cork, they offer balance, opportunity, and a welcoming atmosphere. With preparation, the right visa, and CV guidance from The CV Doctor, international job seekers can build fulfilling lives in the heart of Ireland’s regions.