Services » Corporate and External Affairs

This guide aims to introduce newcomers to all aspects of living in Cork - from finding somewhere to live and a job to understanding the school system and what bus goes where.

Printed in English, French, Russian, Romanian and Polish it also signposts readers to where they can find more detailed information and support. 

The guide has been produced by the Cork - One City, Many Communities group. This broad partnership brings together organisations such as Cork City Council, Cork City Partnership, Cork Social and Health Education Project, Irish Immigrant Voice, NASC - Irish Immigrant Support Centre, YMCA, Youth Information Centre and others, with the aim of promoting interculturalism and awareness of cultural diversity in the city.

The guide was funded by the Know Racism programme, Comhairle, Cork City Council and the RAPID programme.

The Newcomers Guide to Cork City is available in pdf format

Newcomers Guide to Cork City (1,194KB)

The guide is also available as individual chapters.

Contents (PDF Version)(89KB)

Contents (HTML Version)(3KB)

Lord Mayor’s Message and Introduction (PDF Version)(31KB)

Lord Mayor’s Message and Introduction (HTML Version)(3KB)

How to Use the Guide (PDF Version)(49KB)

How to Use the Guide (HTML Version)(3KB)

1 Setting the Scene (PDF Version)(258KB)

1 Setting the Scene (HTML Version)(16KB)

A Short History of Ireland
History Of Cork
Culture and Everyday Customs
Understanding the Cork People
Weather

2 Accommodation (PDF Version)(141KB)

2 Accommodation (HTML Version)(10KB)

Private Rented Accommodation
Buying a Home
Supports Available
Emergency Accommodation

3 Employment (PDF Version)(193KB)

3 Employment (HTML Version)(18KB)

Work Permits
Working Visas And
Work Authorisation
Finding A Job
Wages and Taxes
Your Rights At Work

4 Social Welfare Payments (PDF Version)(184KB)

4 Social Welfare Payments (HTML Version)(11KB)

Unemployment Benefit and Assistance
Child Benefit
One Parent Family Payment
Family Income Supplement
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Maternity Benefit
Other Payments

5 Law and Order (PDF Version)(125KB)

5 Law and Order (HTML Version)(5KB)

Irish Police Force
Legal Advice
Discrimination

6 Driving in Ireland (PDF Version)(34KB)

6 Driving in Ireland (HTML Version)(7KB)

Driving Licences
Insurance
Motor Tax
National Car Test
Parking

7 Immigration Issues (PDF Version)(144KB)

7 Immigration Issues (HTML Version)(11KB)

Visas
GNIB Registration Cards
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Support for Immigrants
Irish Citizenship

8 Healthcare (PDF Version)(151KB)

8 Healthcare (HTML Version)(10KB)

Public Healthcare
Private Healthcare
What To Do In An Emergency
Pregnancy
Pharmacies/Chemists

9 Support Services (PDF Version)(114KB)

9 Support Services (HTML Version)(6KB)

People with Disabilities
Young People
Women
Older People

10 Education and Training (PDF Version)(163KB)

10 Education and Training (HTML Version)(14KB)

Pre-Schools & Childcare
School System
Third Level Education
Further Education & Training
Learning English

11 Everyday Living (PDF Version)(289KB)

11 Everyday Living (HTML Version)(20KB)

Public Transport
Voting Rights
Banking
Public Holidays
Media
Faith Communities
Country of Origin Groups
Places To See
Libraries
Public Parks
Sports Facilities

Quick Index/Useful Phone Numbers (PDF Version)(59KB)

Quick Index/Useful Phone Numbers (HTML Version)(6KB)