5 Things to Know Before Moving to Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country full of picturesque scenery, fiery nightlife and amazing people, but making the big move doesn’t come without its challenges. There are a number of things that you should be aware of before you pack up and book your flight – here are our top five things to know before moving to Ireland.
Ireland Has a Complicated History
Before you move to Ireland, you should do some research around its complicated history, as this shapes many of the current political and cultural norms that you’ll need to grow accustomed to. The May 1921 Government of Ireland act split the island in two, but difficulties between Catholics and Protestants dominated the political scene of the country throughout the rest of the twentieth century, with the Troubles of 1968-1998 seeing mass conflict on a huge scale. By bearing this complex history in mind, you can avoid accidentally offending the locals, and act compassionately towards those who might have strong opinions.
Another point to consider is the language of Ireland – most road signs will be written in both English and Irish (or Gaelic), but the traditional language is being used less frequently as time goes on. Therefore, while you should be fine to navigate the country without knowing Irish, you should still be prepared to see it in use as you travel from place to place.
You’ll Probably Need a Car
While the bigger cities are usually well-served with public transport links, to explore the true beauty of Ireland you’ll probably need a car. Most rural areas need to be reached by private transport, but the stunning landscapes are well worth the investment. If you’re moving from a big city abroad to a rural area in Northern Ireland, there are plenty of options for car finance NI, and you can find the best car finance NI quotes at compareni.com, so there’s no reason to put off the big move.
Healthcare Is Accessible
If you need to visit a doctor in Ireland, you’ll likely find it straightforward to book an appointment, and you might be pleasantly surprised to find out that many treatments are free at the point of use. This is because Ireland’s National Healthcare System is very similar to the NHS, and you’ll be treated by well-trained staff using modern equipment.
Ireland Can Be Pricey
Surprisingly, the cost of living in the Republic of Ireland is even higher than the UK, and depending on where you live, you might find yourself seriously feeling the pinch. Dublin takes the crown for the most expensive Irish city to live in, but even venturing further out to Limerick or Galway will still see you racking up the costs. Luckily, there are a number of ways you can save money while living in Ireland.
Be Prepared to Get a Round In!
Ireland is famous for its Guinness, so you might be unsurprised to learn that the country has a strong drinking culture. While you aren’t expected to drink if you don’t want to, if you are getting involved at a social event then you should be prepared to ‘get a round in,’ buying a drink for each of your friends, before they return the favour.
While adapting to the Irish way of life isn’t always easy, the incredible people you’ll meet and the beautiful landscapes are well worth the investment. Keep these top tips in mind and you’ll be living like a local in no time!
