The southeast of Ireland is one of the country’s most dynamic regions, and in 2025 and 2026 international job seekers are increasingly choosing Waterford and Wexford as places to build their careers. These two counties combine strong industries with a lower cost of living and a welcoming lifestyle. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city and a hub for technology, pharmaceuticals, and education. Wexford is famous for its coastline, agriculture, and renewable energy projects. Together they offer a mix of opportunities and quality of life that appeal to families and individuals moving from abroad. With support from The CV Doctor, your CV can be shaped to meet Irish standards and help secure interviews across the southeast.
Like everywhere in Ireland, visas and employment permits are essential for working in Waterford and Wexford. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is the most attractive option for highly skilled professionals in IT, life sciences, engineering, and healthcare. The General Employment Permit is available for many other roles once employers show they cannot fill them locally. Details are published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at enterprise.gov.ie. Immigration Service Delivery manages visa applications and registrations at irishimmigration.ie. New arrivals register with local Garda immigration offices in Waterford or Wexford, and early booking is recommended.
Recruitment agencies play an active role in both counties. CPL at cpl.ie lists jobs in technology, pharma, and healthcare. Sigmar Recruitment at sigmarrecruitment.com supports multilingual roles and engineering. Morgan McKinley at morganmckinley.ie covers finance and IT positions across the southeast. Hays Ireland at hays.ie advertises vacancies in teaching, accountancy, and construction. Executive roles are handled by Odgers Berndtson at odgersberndtson.com. Employers in the southeast expect candidates to present well prepared applications, and The CV Doctor helps job seekers adapt CVs for the Irish market.
Waterford’s economy is diverse and growing. The city is home to South East Technological University, which attracts international staff and researchers. Life sciences and pharmaceutical companies operate across the county, providing roles for engineers, technicians, and scientists. The technology sector is also expanding, with start ups and established digital firms supported by Enterprise Ireland at enterprise-ireland.com. Tourism remains strong thanks to the city’s Viking history and the Waterford Greenway, creating jobs in hospitality and services.
Wexford is best known for its agriculture and food production. The county is a major centre for dairy, horticulture, and seafood, creating employment in farming, food processing, and logistics. It is also growing in renewable energy, with offshore wind projects planned along the southeast coast. Engineering and construction jobs are linked to these projects, and international expertise is welcomed. Tourism is another pillar of Wexford’s economy, with resorts like Curracloe Beach attracting visitors and supporting hospitality jobs.
Healthcare and education are strong sectors in both counties. Waterford University Hospital and Wexford General Hospital employ international doctors, nurses, and allied health staff. The Health Service Executive at hse.ie provides information on public services. Teachers in both counties must register with the Teaching Council at teachingcouncil.ie, and recognition of overseas qualifications is managed by Quality and Qualifications Ireland at qqi.ie. Schools and higher education institutions provide steady employment and contribute to the international atmosphere of the southeast.
Living in Waterford and Wexford is more affordable than in Dublin or Cork. Housing is cheaper, though demand is rising. Many expats in Waterford live in the city centre or suburbs like Ferrybank and Dunmore East. Others choose towns such as Dungarvan or Tramore, which offer coastal living with access to the city. In Wexford, popular areas include Wexford town, Enniscorthy, Gorey, and New Ross. Coastal villages offer a slower pace of life while still being close to work. The Residential Tenancies Board at rtb.ie publishes rental prices and tenant rights.
The cost of living is manageable, especially compared with Dublin. Groceries, transport, and utilities are at national averages, but housing and childcare are more affordable. The Central Statistics Office at cso.ie tracks inflation and wage trends. Families benefit from good schools, safe neighbourhoods, and access to sports and cultural activities. Education options are listed by the Department of Education at education.ie. Childcare places are more available than in the capital, making the southeast a popular choice for families relocating from abroad.
Transport links connect both Waterford and Wexford with the rest of Ireland. Waterford has rail services to Dublin and regional bus routes, while Wexford is connected to Dublin by rail and road in under two hours. Both counties have strong coach connections to Dublin Airport, making international travel straightforward. Driving is common, though walking and cycling are practical within towns. Details on routes and fares are provided at transportforireland.ie.
Cultural life in Waterford and Wexford is rich. Waterford hosts the Spraoi Festival, Winterval Christmas festival, and a lively arts scene centred on Garter Lane Arts Centre. Wexford is home to the world famous Wexford Festival Opera, as well as theatre, music, and traditional arts throughout the year. Pubs in both counties feature traditional Irish music, and sporting life revolves around Gaelic games, rugby, and soccer. Outdoor life is equally appealing, with the Copper Coast in Waterford and the beaches of Wexford offering natural beauty.
Networking is supported by chambers of commerce, industry associations, and enterprise hubs. In Waterford, the ArcLabs Research and Innovation Centre supports start ups. In Wexford, business networks encourage collaboration across agriculture, energy, and technology. Building a professional network is important, as Irish employers value personal connections alongside qualifications. With a CV prepared by The CV Doctor, international job seekers are ready to seize opportunities as they appear.
The future of the southeast is promising. Government strategies at gov.ie highlight housing, renewable energy, and regional development. Waterford is set to expand its tech and life sciences clusters, while Wexford will see growth in offshore wind and sustainable agriculture. These trends will create demand for international professionals in engineering, science, teaching, and healthcare. Tourism is also expected to grow, further strengthening the local economy.
For expats, life in Waterford and Wexford offers the best of both worlds. Career opportunities are expanding, costs are manageable, and the lifestyle is welcoming and relaxed. Families enjoy safe communities, good schools, and access to healthcare. Individuals benefit from vibrant cultural scenes, outdoor activities, and easy connections to Dublin. With preparation, the right visa, and the professional guidance of The CV Doctor, international job seekers can thrive in the southeast of Ireland and make Waterford or Wexford their new home.