In Dublin, the Southside is the most expensive, such as Dublin 2, 4 and 6. Prices can range from 800 euros a month for a studio, to 1000 euros for a one bedroom apartment.

Lower rents and better availability can be found in Lucan and Blanchardstown.

When you decide to rent a flat by yourself, you have two choices: either look on daft.ie, or go to see an estate agent. Prices vary but for a two bedroom flat in the centre you will pay about 800 euros ( this is just a rough idea). You will add the bills (gas, electricity, telephone, TV licence) every two months.

When you decide on the type of accommodation, the agency will usually ask for references and will frequently contact another company to request your details. Examples of suitable referees include previous and current employers or previous landlords/agents. It is also common if you are renting through an agent that a credit check will be conducted to ensure that you will be able to pay the monthly rent.

Rent is paid one calendar month in advance and a deposit will be required. Ensure that you get a receipt of this payment to get your money back. You will sign a contract for one year but you can be released from it before if it is specified in the contract.

When you move into the flat, you will need to sign an inventory to confirm the state of the accommodation and furnitures (if furnished). Meticulously detailed (it can specify a finger print on a wall), this is also your guarantee should anything be damaged beyond normal "wear and tear". For anything broken, or for all further improvements you will need to ask the landlord. Unlike when buying, you theoretically need to ask the authorisation for all future changes (even a pin on the wall) that you will make to the accommodation. Finally you might wish to redirect your mail, electricity, etc…