“Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.” George Bernard Shaw
Courtesy Tourism Ireland
Americans have a love affair with everything Irish. We love the green, rolling hills, the legend of the leprechaun, the idea of a pot of gold beneath a brilliant rainbow, the frothy black Guinness, the lyrical accent. And we have always had a close relationship with this nation.
To some, Ireland still exists as a misty land from fairy tales, where the grass is lush green and the people end each day with a pint of Guinness at their local pub. But those who actually move to Ireland can dig deeper and experience more than just the scenery, more than just the archaeology. As an expatriate, you will experience the generous nature of the people, feel the texture of silence wrap around you in the evenings, and encounter the dynamic spirit that comes from a historic heritage and a unique culture.
This book is a compilation of my experience moving to and living in Ireland. Below is a chapter outline.
WELCOME TO IRELAND
This section outlines the lay of the land in Ireland, including country divisions, accents, the Irish language, Irish symbolism, and the weather. You can read about the history of Ireland from ancient times, to the potato famine, to peace talks, right up until modern days. This book breaks down the running of the government and political offices in Ireland and address the social climate, Ireland’s views on immigration, and the current recession. There is also a section on planning your fact-finding trips, including how to prepare for your trip and sample itineraries.
Introduction
- Lay of the Land
- Social Climate
History, Government, and Economy
- History
- Government
- Economy
People and Culture
- Ethnicity and Class
- Immigration
- Customs and Etiquette
- Religion
- Gender Roles
- The Arts
- Planning Your Fact-Finding Trip
- Preparing to Leave
- Arriving in Ireland
- Practicalities
- Sample Itineraries
- Practicalities
DAILY LIFE
So you’ve done your homework, you’ve visited, and you’ve decided Ireland is the place for you. Now you’re ready for your dreams to come true. This section breaks down all the practical information you need for moving to and getting set up in Ireland, including information of determining Irish citizenship eligibility, visas and immigration, employment permits, how to maneuver around the education system, the cost of living in Ireland, and transportation information. It also gives you tips for writing a CV (curriculum vitae) instead of a resume, tax information, and opening a bank account.
Making the Move
- Visas and Immigration
- Employment Permits
- Retiring to Ireland
- Irish Citizenship
- Moving with Children
- Moving with Pets
- What to Bring
Housing Considerations
- The Irish Housing Market
- Renting or Buying
- Household Expenses
Language and Education
- The Irish Language
- Education
Health
- Insurance
- Children’s Health Care
- Pharmacies
- Preventative Measures and Diseases
- Environmental Factors
- Safety
Employment
- The Job Hunt
- Self-Employment
- US Working Holiday Authorization
- Labor Laws
Finance
- Cost of Living
- Banking
- Taxes
Communications
- Telephone Services
- Landlines
- Cell Phones
- Internet Service
- Post Offices and Couriers
- Media
Travel and Transportation
- By Air
- By Train
- By Bus
- By Car
- Public Transportation
PRIME LIVING LOCATIONS
One of the startling things you’ll notice about Ireland is the difference between urban and rural living. The population density of this diverse nation is hugely unbalanced, with a wide gap dividing rural and urban Ireland. This section details the differences between Ireland’s main cities, like Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick, and more rural towns and villages, like Knock, Kildare, and Blarney.Dublin,Cork, Galway, and Limerick are detailed in depth, with information about the city centers, as well as the corresponding counties, where to live, how to get around, and tips for expats. There is also an entire resources section, which gives contact information for various important businesses, such as embassies and consulates and moving companies. A glossary and Irish phrasebook is included to help you if you wish to learn Irish.
Overview
- Dublin
- Cork
- Galway
- Limerick
- Rural Ireland
Dublin
- The Lay of the Land
- Where to Live
- Getting around
Cork
- The Lay of the Land
- Where to Live
- Getting around
Galway
- The Lay of the Land
- Where to Live
- Getting around
Limerick
- The Lay of the Land
- Where to Live
- Getting around
Resources
- Embassies and Consulates
- Planning Your Fact-Finding Trip
- Making the Move
- Language and Education
- Employment
- Health
- Finance and Legal Matters
- Communications
- Travel and Transportation
- Prime Living Locations
- Public Holidays
- Clothing Conversion Chart
- Glossary
- Irish Phrasebook
- Suggested Reading