Some actors choose to move to Ireland — whether from Northern Ireland, the UK, Europe or further afield — to work in the Irish acting industry. This guide provides a high-level overview of what to consider if you’re thinking about relocating to Ireland as an actor.
Important: This article does not provide immigration, legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify visa requirements, work rights and residency rules through official government sources and qualified professionals before making any decisions.
Why some actors move to Ireland
Actors consider moving to Ireland for several reasons:
- Growing film and TV industry: Ireland’s film incentives have attracted international productions and increased local content creation
- Access to European market: Ireland is an English-speaking EU country, making it a potential base for actors working across Europe and the UK
- Theatre tradition: Ireland has a strong theatre culture, particularly in Dublin
- Quality of life: Some actors prefer Ireland’s lifestyle, culture and pace compared to larger markets
- Personal or family connections: Irish heritage, relationships or family ties bring some actors to Ireland
However, moving countries for acting is a significant decision with no guarantees. The Irish industry is small, competition is high, and making a living as an actor anywhere is challenging.
A snapshot of the Irish industry for newcomers
Size and scope
Ireland’s acting industry is compact. Most professional work centres on Dublin, with regional opportunities in cities like Cork, Galway and Limerick. The market is much smaller than the UK or US, meaning:
- Fewer roles available overall
- Strong competition for paid work
- Close-knit industry where reputation and relationships matter
- Many actors supplement acting income with other work
Types of work available
As covered in other articles on this site, Irish actors work across:
- Theatre (major venues, regional theatres, fringe)
- Film and TV (Irish productions and international shoots)
- Commercials and corporate work
- Voiceover and radio
International productions filmed in Ireland sometimes cast Irish-based actors for supporting roles and day player work, though lead roles typically go to established international actors.
Competition
You’ll be competing with Irish actors who:
- Have local training and credentials
- Have existing relationships with agents, casting directors and directors
- Understand the industry’s unwritten rules and culture
- May be prioritised for certain roles due to funding requirements or authenticity
This doesn’t mean you can’t succeed, but be realistic about the challenges of entering an established, small market as an outsider.
Practical considerations (housing, cost of living, travel) at a high level
Cost of living
Ireland, particularly Dublin, is expensive. Consider:
- Housing: Rent in Dublin is high, with limited availability. Smaller cities are slightly more affordable, but still costly by international standards
- General expenses: Food, transport and day-to-day costs are higher than in many other countries
- Acting-specific costs: Headshots, classes, agent commissions, travel to auditions and materials all add up
Many actors work multiple jobs to support themselves, especially early in their careers. Make sure you have a financial plan that doesn’t rely solely on acting income.
Location within Ireland
Most professional acting work is based in or near Dublin. Living outside Dublin is possible, but you’ll need to:
- Travel frequently for auditions (often on short notice)
- Be comfortable self-taping for initial rounds
- Accept fewer in-person networking opportunities
Some actors start in Dublin to establish themselves, then relocate once they have strong representation and regular bookings.
Transport
If you’re based outside Dublin, a car is almost essential. Public transport between cities is limited, and auditions often require quick travel.
Within Dublin, public transport is reasonable, but having a car can still be useful for early call times or location shoots.
Visas, work rights and official information (high-level, no legal advice)
Understanding work and residency rights
Your ability to live and work in Ireland depends on your citizenship and immigration status. This section provides general information only — you must check official sources for your specific situation.
Citizens of Ireland, UK and EU/EEA
- Irish citizens: Full right to live and work in Ireland
- UK citizens: Under the Common Travel Area agreement, UK citizens can generally live and work in Ireland without visas (but check current rules)
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Generally have the right to live and work in Ireland, though registration may be required for stays over three months
Non-EU/EEA citizens
If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll typically need:
- A visa to enter Ireland
- A work permit or other authorisation to work legally
Work permits for actors and performers have specific criteria and processes. Research:
- Whether your profession qualifies for available visa categories
- What documentation and sponsorship you need
- Processing times and costs
Do not assume you can work in Ireland without proper authorisation. Working illegally can result in deportation, bans on re-entry, and serious legal consequences.
Where to check official information
Always verify visa and work rights through:
- Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS): Official government immigration information
- Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie): General information about living and working in Ireland
- Qualified immigration lawyers or advisors: If your situation is complex
Do not rely on informal advice, forums or agents for immigration information. Get accurate, official guidance before making decisions.
Tax and residency
If you move to Ireland and work here, you’ll likely need to:
- Register for tax with Revenue (Irish tax authority)
- Understand your tax obligations as a self-employed performer or employee
- Possibly deal with double taxation if you’re also earning in other countries
Tax rules are complex. Consult a qualified accountant or tax advisor who understands performers’ income and international tax issues.
Connecting with the Irish acting community
Building relationships
The Irish acting industry is relationship-driven. Breaking in as a newcomer requires:
- Professionalism: Always be reliable, prepared and pleasant to work with
- Networking: Attend industry events, theatre openings, film screenings
- Supporting local work: See Irish theatre, watch Irish films, engage with the community
- Training: Consider taking classes or workshops with Irish teachers to meet other actors and learn local approaches
Word spreads quickly in a small industry. Building a reputation as a professional, talented actor takes time but is essential for long-term success.
Finding opportunities
Look for:
- Drama groups and fringe theatre: Accessible entry points, especially if you’re building local experience
- Short films and student projects: Regular opportunities to gain Irish credits and footage
- Casting groups and platforms: Follow Irish casting directors and production companies on social media
- Agents: Once you have local experience and materials, research Irish agencies and submit professionally
Don’t expect immediate access to professional work. Most actors, regardless of background, start with lower-level opportunities and work their way up.
Cultural adjustment
If you’re moving from abroad, be prepared for cultural differences, even if you’re from an English-speaking country. Ireland has its own pace, communication style and industry culture. Be respectful, observe how things work, and adapt rather than expecting the industry to accommodate your expectations.
Is moving to Ireland the right decision?
Before relocating, honestly assess:
Your motivation
- Are you moving because you genuinely want to live in Ireland, or just because you think it’ll be easier to book work?
- Do you have realistic expectations about the size and competitiveness of the market?
- Are you prepared for the financial and personal challenges of moving countries?
Your resources
- Do you have enough savings to support yourself while you establish yourself?
- Can you legally live and work in Ireland?
- Do you have a backup plan if acting doesn’t provide enough income?
Your career stage
- Do you already have solid training, materials and experience?
- Have you built a career in your current location, or are you starting from scratch?
- Are you comfortable starting over in a new market where you have no connections?
Alternatives
Consider whether you could:
- Work remotely from your current location (self-tapes, UK casting from Ireland, etc.)
- Build a career in your current market first, then expand internationally
- Visit Ireland for pilot periods before fully relocating
Moving countries is a big decision with personal, financial and professional consequences. Make sure it’s the right choice for you, not just a gamble on an uncertain acting career.
Final thoughts
Moving to Ireland as an actor is possible, but it requires realistic expectations, solid preparation and a willingness to work hard in a competitive, small market. The Irish industry offers opportunities, particularly with growing film and TV production, but it’s not an easy or guaranteed path.
Before making any decisions:
- Research the industry thoroughly
- Verify your legal right to live and work in Ireland through official channels
- Build a financial safety net
- Prepare strong materials and be ready to start building relationships from scratch
If you do move, approach it professionally, respect the local community, and understand that success will take time, resilience and consistent effort — just like anywhere else.