Settling in · Wicklow
Landing in Wicklow? Start here.
The first fortnight in Wicklow, in order: the paperwork that has to happen, then the places that make it feel like somewhere you could stay.
Week one and two
The order to do things in
1
Ring your Sama contact when you land
Whoever placed you. Tell them you arrived and that you are all right. We check in on you, but ring anyway.
2
Get your PPS number started
You cannot be taxed properly without it and emergency tax is expensive. You need proof of address and your job offer.
3
Open a bank account
Bring your passport, your permit or IRP, and a letter from your employer with your address. Some branches are easier than others, which is exactly the kind of thing worth telling the next person.
4
Get an Irish SIM
A local number makes everything else easier, including the bank.
5
Register with a GP
Do it before you are sick, not after. The HSE finder is below.
6
Register for tax with Revenue
myAccount, then give your employer your details. Otherwise emergency tax eats your first pay.
7
Sort your immigration registration
If your permission needs an IRP, book it early. Appointments go quickly.
8
Find the nearest shop, place of worship and club
This is the part that decides whether you stay. It is also the part nobody puts in a handbook, which is why the rest of this page exists.
Official, and free
Official finders
Run by the State, so they stay current. Search each one for your own town.
Find a GPThe HSE list of GPs, searchable by area. Ring a few: some practices are full and some are not.Get a PPS numberYou need one to be paid properly and to be taxed properly. Apply through MyWelfare once you have a job offer and an address.PPS allocation centres by countyWhere to go in person, county by county.Citizens Information centre near youFree, independent, face to face help with anything: rights, benefits, housing, tax, immigration. Phone 0818 07 4000.Register your immigration permissionIf you need an Irish Residence Permit, this is where it is done and where the appointments are.Find your local Garda stationWorth knowing before you need it. Emergency is 112 or 999.Register for taxRevenue myAccount. Do this early or you will be on emergency tax and your first payslips will hurt.Exchange or apply for a driving licenceThe NDLS decides whether your licence can be exchanged or whether you start with the theory test.Renting: know the rulesThreshold gives free advice to tenants, and the RTB registers tenancies and settles disputes.Public transportTimetables and fares for bus, rail and Luas across the country.
Near you
57 places in Wicklow worth knowing in week one
From OpenStreetMap, the map that locals build, plus places our team knows. Every card has a map link. If one has closed or moved, WhatsApp us and it comes down.
Nothing nearby matches that yet. Try a shorter word.
Places of worship
Every faith near you, listed so people can find a community when they arrive. Sama Talent Group is not affiliated with any religion or religious organisation.
Churches
Church of the Most Holy Rosary Ashford
Christian, Roman catholic
Ashford Road, Ashford
About 6 km away
The Holy Spirit Oratory
Christian, Roman catholic
R761 The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 W264
About 10 km away
Saint Bartholomews Church
Christian, Anglican
Conary Hall Road, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 14 km away
Saints Mary and Patrick Parish Church, Avoca
Christian, Roman catholic
R754 The Municipal District of Arklow
About 18 km away
Hillside Evangelical Church
Christian, Evangelical
Hillside Road, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 NT27
About 18 km away
Iglesia ni Cristo
Iglesia ni Cristo, Dublin South
About 36 km away
Mount Merrion Community Centre, North Avenue Stillorgan, Dublin A94 R2Y4
Worship services: Thu 8:00pm · Sun 11:00am · Sun 1:30pm (children)
Iglesia ni Cristo, Dublin
About 44 km away
Bluebell avenue, Unit 4 Riversdale Industrial Estate Bluebell avenue Inchicore, Dublin 12 D12E2DP
Worship services: Wed 7:00pm · Thu 5:30am · Sat 10:00am · Sat 1:00pm (children) · Sun 5:30am · Sun 11:00am · Sun 1:30pm
Addresses and worship service times from the Iglesia ni Cristo directory, checked October 2026. Times can change, so check the locale's own page before you go. directory.iglesianicristo.net
Food and takeaways
Chakra by Jaipur
Indian. restaurant
Burnaby Mews, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 HD43
About 18 km away
Daata Tandoori
Indian, pakistani. restaurant. Hours: Mo-Sa 17:00-23:00; Su 17:00-22:00
Hillside Road, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 NT27
About 18 km away
Asian Harvest
Chinese. restaurant
South Quay, The Municipal District of Arklow, Y14 A303
About 22 km away
Izakaya Restaurant Hasu
Asian. restaurant
Church Road, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 AX23
About 18 km away
Koi Lings Japanese & Chinese
Asian. restaurant
Church Road, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 Y963
About 18 km away
Sports and clubs
Rathdrum Rugby Club
Rugby union. Sports centre
Killian's Glen, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 13 km away
Pat O'Toole Park
Soccer. Sports centre
Hawthorn Drive, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 14 km away
Greystones Rugby Football Club
Rugby union. Sports centre
Winnowbank Roundabout, The Municipal District of Greystones
About 17 km away
Arklow Rugby Club
Rugby union. Sports centre
Arklow Bypass, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 17 km away
Greystones United Football Club
Soccer. Sports centre
Woodlands The Municipal District of Greystones
About 17 km away
Community and support groups
Newcastle Community Centre
Community centre
R761 The Municipal District of Greystones
About 10 km away
Charlesland Community Centre
Community centre
1 Charlesland Grove, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 F977
About 16 km away
The Lar Cullen Hall
Community centre
Laffin's Lane, The Municipal District of Arklow, Y14 WE22
About 22 km away
The Centre / Bridge Christian Community
Community centre
Wexford Road, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 22 km away
Barbers and hair specialists
Hot towel and traditional shaves
Authentic Turkish Barber
Hairdresser
Upper Main Street, The Municipal District of Arklow
About 22 km away
Barbers and salons
Pure Hair Design
Hairdresser
Main Street, The Municipal District of Arklow, Y14 E0K6
About 22 km away
The Grafton Barber
Hairdresser
Burnaby Mews, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 HD43
About 18 km away
Elite Hair & Beautl Salon
Hairdresser
Bellevue Road, The Municipal District of Greystones
About 18 km away
Cinemas and libraries
Greystones Library
Library, free to join, warm, and with wifi
Mill Road, The Municipal District of Greystones, A63 KN52
About 18 km away
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. We do not make places up: if the map has it wrong, fix it on openstreetmap.org and it comes through at the next refresh.
Saving money
What locals use to spend less
The shops and sites people here use for cheap clothes, second-hand furniture, a car, and the weekly shop. We are not paid to list any of them.
DoneDealIreland's biggest site for second-hand cars, vans, tools and furniture. Check a car's history before you pay.Adverts.ieSecond-hand everything, often for very little, with plenty given away free.Facebook MarketplaceFurniture, bikes and household things from people near you. Meet in public, and never pay before you see it.PenneysCheap everyday clothes, work basics and bedding.Aldi and LidlThe cheapest big supermarkets for the weekly shop.Mr PriceDiscount stores around the country for household bits, cleaning products, toiletries and snacks.DealzHousehold bits and snacks for a euro or two.Too Good To GoSurprise bags of food from cafes, bakeries and supermarkets at the end of the day, at a fraction of the price.Charity shopsClothes, coats and furniture, and the money goes to a good cause.Bonkers.ieCompare phone, broadband, energy and bank costs, free.
Getting around
Getting around from Wicklow
Transport for IrelandThe national journey planner, Leap card and the TFI Go app.Irish RailTrain times, tickets and the commuter routes.Bus ÉireannTown and intercity buses across the country.
Driving here on your licence
A licence from the EU or EEA can be used while it is valid and exchanged for an Irish one. A licence from a state Ireland has an exchange agreement with can be exchanged when you take up residence. From other countries you start with a learner permit and take the theory test, lessons and the driving test. Professional drivers may also need their Driver CPC.
Check your licence with the RSA Exchange it through the NDLS
Hiring a car
Each rental company sets its own rules on age, how long you have held your licence and which licences it accepts, and young drivers often pay more. Check those rules before you book, and bring your licence and passport to the desk.
Driving rules taken from the official pages linked above, checked October 2026. They change, so the official page is the one to rely on.
While you are here