An Expat Talks about Living in Limerick, Ireland

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Limerick

How long have you lived there?

16 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Sports clubs are alwys good - it's a sports-mad city, following soccer and rugby as well as traditional Gaelic games. There's a good range of night classes, and many people use these as a social outlet and way to meet new people. Cultural life centres on the university and the Beltable theatre. Main social life revolves around the pub, but you may make your friends in other fora, then proceed to socialise with them there.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

Not bad. There is increasing diversity, with about 60 ethnic groups now represented in the city. There is still some intolerance or even outright racism, but the attitude is far better in Limerick than in Dublin, for example.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

The university is a big employer, and Dell havea large plant. Many people who work in the nearby Shannon industrial estate live in Limerick, as the facilities are far superior. Job listings in the Irish Times, or the local paper, the Limerick Leader are widely used.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Sports is a hugely important thing in the lives of many Limerick people. Work is an important part of life, but most people put family and friends first.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

browse the irish press for a while, to get a feel for the place. www.ireland.com and www.unison.ie are good sources. Also www.ul.ie is a good site to keep an eye on.