Moving to Ireland

"Expatriates moving to Ireland should be aware of the official language, which is English, with some Irish Gaelic also spoken in certain regions. It is important to be aware of the costs of living in Ireland which can be higher than in some other European countries, especially in major cities. Expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs before moving, as well as researching information about local laws and regulations. Additionally, expats should take into account the political and economic climate when making their plans to move to Ireland, in order to ensure a smooth transition. Generally speaking, expats moving to Ireland will find a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and should take advantage of the opportunity to explore the rich culture and stunning landscapes the country has to offer," said one expat in Ireland.

"Renters only have to give one months notice so potential homes won't come onto the market till they are ready (or nearly ready) to be leased. Find out what the different types of houses are like; terraced, semi detached etc. Think about your lifestyle, would you like to be near the beach, a park, the DART (Dublin's main transport system, your office, kids school etc.... Know that Dublin's traffic jams are are really bad and getting worse, a 15 minute journey on a sunday morning can take an hour and a half during the week!The bus system is hopeless, the Dart is more reliable. It's always worth investing time and money on a reconnaissance trip before moving," remarked one expat who made the move to Dublin.

"We came to Ireland on a pre-move visit to get a 'feel' for the different areas in and around Dublin. In the months previous to our move we scoured the homes for rent list on www.daft.ie which is THE website for real estate on which virtually all real estate agents and prive landlords advertise their properties. We eventually found our home via an estate agent," remarked one expat in Dublin, Ireland.

"Finding a place to live in Ireland can seem like a daunting task, but by taking a few steps and researching your options, you will be able to find the perfect home for you. The first step is to figure out what type of accommodation you need, as this will determine the range of options available to you. Once you have narrowed down the type of accommodation, it’s time to search. This can be done by using online resources such as Daft, Rent.ie and Property.ie. These websites allow you to search for rentals based on location and needs such as price, size, amenities, etc. If you are unable to find a suitable rental online, you may want to consider working with a real estate agent or exploring other rental options, such as flat-shares or house swaps. Be sure to also check for apartment or house viewings in newspapers and notice boards. Finally, visit the local rental area in person to get a good sense of the different options. With some patience and research, you can find the perfect place to call home in Ireland," said one expat in Ireland.

"Flat. Usual. Most homes are flats, or ugly row homes. Best homes are in the south, but very expensive," remarked one expat who made the move to Dublin.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Ireland is usually quite modern and spacious. The living spaces usually feature neutral decor, bright accents, and often have an open-plan design. Rooms vary in size, with comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms, and feature the latest appliances and technology. Expats will find a range of apartments and homes on offer in Ireland, all of which are designed to make life comfortable and easy," explained one expat living in Ireland.

"Far more expensive here. House cost about twice the price as in Boston. Food is about 30 to 40% more," explained one expat living in Dublin, Ireland.

"The cost of housing in Ireland can vary greatly depending on the location, but generally speaking, accommodation in Ireland is generally more expensive than in other European countries. One-bedroom apartments can cost around €1,200 per month in urban areas and €800 in rural areas, while three-bedroom apartments can cost from €1,700 to €2,000 per month in cities and €1,200 to €1,500 per month in rural areas. Prices for houses vary even more widely, with larger detached or semi-detached properties often exceeding €2,500 per month in the bigger cities, while smaller family homes can cost anywhere in-between €1,000 and €2,000 in rural areas," said one expat in Ireland.

"We currently rent and may buy once we become Irish Citizens. Our home is in an estate (group of similar homes) and talking to locals and agents got us in," said one expat who made the move to Tobercurry.

"Buying a home in Ireland can be an attractive option, particularly if you plan to stay in the country long-term. Purchasing a property allows you to build up your own equity, while renting usually means throwing money away each month with no returns. On the other hand, the cost of buying a home in Ireland is relatively high and can be difficult to finance. Additionally, buyers may be required to pay taxes and fees, such as registration fees, legal fees and stamp duty, when purchasing a property. Renting a home in Ireland is typically less expensive and may also give you more flexibility, allowing you to move to a different location without incurring additional costs. Furthermore, there are various incentives available for landlords, such as the rent-a-room scheme and tax reliefs. Ultimately, whether you choose to buy or rent a home in Ireland depends on your individual circumstances," explained one expat living in Ireland.

"Pack items that will keep you warm, such as sweaters, thick socks, scarves, and gloves, as Ireland's climate can be unpredictable. Comfortable rain gear, such as a raincoat and waterproof shoes, can also be handy, as the country can experience a fair amount of rain throughout the year. Don't forget your electrical adapters to ensure your US and Canadian appliances work in the Irish power outlets. Bring your passport, necessary visas, and immunization records with you just in case. If you are planning on working, also make sure to pack your work visas and all other necessary paperwork. A few souvenirs like local t-shirts, postcards, and mementos might help ease any homesickness, so don’t forget a few of those as well," said one expat in Ireland.

"More clothing. More Tech stuff. More everything, because everything is more expensive here," said one expat who made the move to Dublin.

"It is important to respect local customs when visiting Ireland. Avoid using offensive language or making degrading comments about any person, culture or faith. It is important to ask for permission before taking photographs of people or sites. Avoid speaking too loudly and using your mobile phone in public places as this could be seen as impolite. Respect local time as some shops and businesses may have different closing hours on religious holidays. When dining in a restaurant, remember to remove your hat before entering and to remain respectful and courteous throughout," said one expat in Ireland.

"I called and initiated a pollution investigation when I found out the development I was living in was polluting a stream at the edge of our development. They had a "temporary" sewage disposal plant with a expired operating permit and dumping partially treated sewage into this brook. That brook ran for a couple of miles through 2 dairy farms and milk cows drank out of it. It eventually ended up in a river where Salmon and trout live. What I did not know was most people in Ireland will not report illegal activity unless it effects their own bottom line. It goes back to the time when the British were in charge and if anyone reported anything, they could end up being penalized. BTW: It cost the owners 120,000 Euros to correct the problem. They knew about it, but were hoping to fill the place with renters before they fixed it. They were happy when I did not renew my lease. There were a few other problems I made them correct. Irish people, especially older ones tend not to complain," said one expat who made the move to Enniscorthy.

"Mispronouncing everything from Laois to Cloughjordan! It's Leash and Clockjordan," explained one expat living in North Tipperary, Ireland.

"I kept referring to my kids trousers as "pants" which would be normal in Canadian culture. My friend took me aside and told me I had to stop because "pants" here means underwear!!! Oh and once my son was asked to wear his boots to his gaelic football practice - I sent him in rubber boots not realizing they meant cleats! Fortunately my kids are very forgiving :)," said one in South County Dublin.

"I had a clash regarding directness. The people here are not too direct and don't say what they mean. I on the other side want to know how things work. I was getting gas, but there was no fuel coming out of the gaspump. I was talking to an Irish customer about it and she said she didn't know why it didn't work either. I tried another pump, on the other side, and that one also didn't work. The Irish customer had moved up to the first pump I tried out, and she did manage to get the gas running! I went inside and asked a woman in the store why the pump wasn't working. She said that it was pay first then get gas. I was surprised and pointed out to her that for the other woman it worked without pre-payment. The woman in the store was a bit shocked and she said that she had not seen me stand there, so she didn't push the button for the pump to start working. She said that she would press the button now and that I could get gas. It was only later that I realised that the woman in the store and the customer both had lied to me. The woman in the store did not want to admit that she make the pump work for the other customer because she knew her and that she refused to make the pump work for me, because she didn't know me and I had foreign license plates. I understand she didn't want me to get gas without payment, but instead of just saying so, she made up a story about how she did not see me. And the customer knew all along why the pump did not work for me. I also had an experience where a shop owner said to me: great weather, isn't it? I looked outside and it was grey and it almost started to rain. I said: well, I don't like it at all. I would have liked to have sunny weather, because I am showing some friends around today. I thought it was the most normal response, since I was stating the obvious and I felt like the shop owner had this answer coming. But still, she was shocked. Weird," explained one expat who made the move to Countryside.

"Ireland is an attractive destination for expats due to its friendly and welcoming people, vibrant culture, quality of life, excellent education system and economic stability. Many expats also come to Ireland to take advantage of the country's strong business prospects and high standard of living. Expats are also drawn to Ireland's stunning natural scenery, ranging from lush green mountains to craggy coastal cliffs, and its vibrant cities full of life and rich history. Ireland also offers expats generous tax incentives, such as the Special Assignee Relief Programme, making it a great place to settle and work," commented one expat living in Ireland.

"Private health insurance is absolutely essential. The private hospitals are OK provided it is not an emergency. There is no 24 hour A and E. If it were available I would insure also for a fly you back to Germany for accidents and emergencies. I was left on a trolley for 30 hours falling a fall with a broken collar bone and ribs. I am over 70 with a heart condition. Some third world countries have better medical services than Ireland," wrote one expat living in Galway.

"Healthcare services in Ireland are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is known as the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is funded by the government. It provides a range of services including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and long-term care. The quality of public healthcare in Ireland is generally good, with a wide range of services available. Foreign residents in Ireland have access to the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Ireland can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local GP and paying the relevant fees. They may also be eligible for a medical card, which entitles them to free healthcare services," commented one expat who moved to Ireland.

"Ireland has a comprehensive public health system that provides free healthcare to all citizens and legal residents. The public health system is funded by taxation and is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialist services. Primary care services are provided by general practitioners (GPs) and community health services, while hospital care is provided by public and private hospitals. Mental health services are provided by the HSE and private providers, and specialist services are provided by consultants in public and private hospitals. Ireland also has a number of private health insurance providers that offer additional coverage for medical services," remarked one expat in Ireland.

"My doctor recently made a house call to visit me when I was under the weather and unable to visit his office. Very happy with the costs and services," wrote one expat living in Ballyconnell.