I've been here for 27 years, and it took me at least 10 of those to start to get a handle on the following:

I'm now living in a very different country and culture. The Irish may speak English, but what they say might not be what I understood.

So my one piece of advice? Listen closely! And if you're not sure of the true meaning behind those words? Ask!

I've published a blog on my experiences living here, and adjusting to life in Ireland. Go to http://survivingireland.blogspot.com for more info.

Tom

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I was constantly asked how long was I on holidays (vacation) for in Ireland. After a number of times, that question really makes you realize that you are not home and are somewhere else for a good while – it just really brings it on board for you.

Coming from a huge city like Chicago that has so much of everything, I found it hard to adjust to the small amount of shops in Cork and their hours. People will be surprised that places open at 12 or 2 on Sundays (lucky them because when I moved here there wasn’t any shopping on Sundays at all except for Woodies). They will be in shock to see nothing is open on Christmas Day or New Years Day (I still can’t believe it). Also, there aren't as many branches of banks available due to cutbacks, which can make it annoying. Some of the Irish sayings have to be explained. And even then you have generational sayings (the teens talk differently than the rest).

It took me 18 years to get used to the education system here as it is so different from what I had in Chicago. For some people it will be better and for some it will be worse.

I don't know about people from other countries, but many people in the States have the image of the Irish people being very friendly and open. I won't say that they are not, BUT I would say that they are politely friendly and slow to open to outsiders. They are not people who will tell you their life story when you meet. In fact they will ask you all about yourself to determine what they make of you.

Regardless of what country you relocate to, it is always unsettling and a perpetual learning experience. But you will come away with a more balanced world-view as a result.

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