Nursing Jobs in Dublin
Ireland’s biggest nursing job market.
Dublin has more nursing jobs than anywhere else in Ireland, with major teaching hospitals, national specialist centres, private hospitals and hundreds of nursing homes. This guide covers the main employers, pay, living costs and how to plan your move.
Why work in Dublin?
Dublin offers the widest choice of specialties, the most national centres and the most opportunities for career progression. You can work in cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, transplant, oncology, maternity and paediatrics at a national level. The city is international and lively, with large Indian, Filipino, African, Pakistani and Brazilian communities.
Major public and voluntary hospitals
- St James’s Hospital, one of the largest acute hospitals in Ireland, with national cancer and specialist services
- Beaumont Hospital, a major teaching hospital with national neurosurgery and renal transplant services
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, with national cardiothoracic and spinal injury services
- Tallaght University Hospital, serving south-west Dublin and beyond
- St Vincent’s University Hospital, a major teaching hospital in south Dublin
- Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, serving west Dublin
- The Rotunda, the Coombe and the National Maternity Hospital, three large maternity hospitals
- Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and the national children’s hospital services
- Mental health services such as St Patrick’s Mental Health Services and HSE community services
Private hospitals and clinics
Dublin has several private hospitals and clinics, including the Beacon Hospital, Mater Private, Blackrock Clinic, Hermitage Medical Clinic and Bon Secours Hospital Dublin. They recruit for wards, theatres, day surgery, oncology and critical care.
Nursing homes and community care
Hundreds of nursing homes across Dublin and the surrounding counties recruit international nurses, often with adaptation places. Community nursing and home care services also employ nurses across the city. See our nursing home jobs guide.
Pay in Dublin
HSE basic pay is the same across Ireland, so a staff nurse in Dublin earns the same scale as in Sligo. Private employers sometimes pay more in Dublin to attract staff. Premiums for unsocial hours apply everywhere. See our nurse salary guide.
Cost of living and housing
Dublin is the most expensive place to live in Ireland, mainly because of rent. Many new nurses:
- Share houses or apartments with other healthcare workers
- Use employer temporary accommodation in the first weeks
- Live in commuter towns in Kildare, Meath, Wicklow or north Dublin county
- Choose hospitals near good public transport
Use our cost of living calculator to plan your budget, and read how to find accommodation as a new nurse.
Getting around
Dublin has the Luas tram, DART and commuter rail, and an extensive bus network. A Leap Card reduces fares. Cycling is popular, and many hospitals offer cycle-to-work schemes. Shift workers should check early-morning and late-night transport options near their hospital.
Tips for finding a Dublin nursing job
- Search individual hospital career pages and HSE listings.
- Consider less competitive specialties, such as older person care or theatres, to get started.
- Ask about relocation packages and accommodation support.
- Join Dublin nursing community groups for job leads and room shares.
Frequently asked questions
Do Dublin hospitals hire international nurses?
Yes. Most large Dublin hospitals recruit internationally and support permits.
Is nursing pay higher in Dublin?
HSE pay is the same nationally. Some private employers pay more in Dublin.
Is it hard to find housing in Dublin?
Yes. Start early, use employer support and consider shared or commuter options.
Which Dublin hospital is best for international nurses?
It depends on your specialty and preferences. Compare support, location and adaptation programmes.
Compare other cities
See nursing jobs in Cork, Galway and Limerick.