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An Expat Talks about Living in Tubbercurry, Ireland

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

Tubbercurry

How long have you lived there?

15 months

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

Tubbercurry is what we, in the USA, would call a smallish country town but it is packed with things to do and see. One of the outstanding features is the cultural activity surrounding the annual Drama Festival and competition. Very talented actors and writers from the entire country spend days here to rehearse and perform and the shows are delightful. Another is the week long South Sligo Summer School of Traditional Music camp (fest). where students of all ages from all over come to work with consummate professionals to improve their skills or to learn a new one. Included are performances at local pubs and community hall. Tubbercurry is also the home of the Annual August Old Fair Days that lasts five days when folks turn out in the thousands to experience real country atmosphere, crafts, foods, performances, and wonderful community spirit. Tubbercurry folk are some of the warmest, most welcoming to "outsiders" and before you realise it, you're one of the family.

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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.

Tubbercurry is a melting pot of diversity. There are a few residents from the USA, and some of the others we met are from Poland, UK, Africa, other European and Asian countries, and we are very proud that Tubbercurry accepts and welcomes all people, no matter their background, cultural and personal differences. We have restaurants and fast food places that cater to Irish, Mediterranean, Asian, Indian, Italian foods among others. Its not uncommon to find a mixed group of folks laughing over a cuppa in a local gathering place, restaurant, pub, petrol station or just standing on the street for The Craic (chat). A friend told us a ten minute walk to the local grocers can become a two hour adventure for you are sure to meet someone you know along the way. Economically, in our opinion, being on the western side of Ireland is far more economical than for example, Dublin, in the east. Cost of most everything in Tubbercurry, compared to the USA, is roughly 2/3s what it had cost us to live similarly in our prior home in Florida. We chose not to own a car (insurance costs are high but Ireland is addressing that) because bus transportation is lovely and for the over 66 - (and spouse) free (as is train travel).

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

Tubbercurry has a college and some smaller industries, shops, groceries, restaurants, library, health center and two major medical doctors, among other facilities so all our needs are cared for locally. A large part of Tubbercurry is devoted to livestock and farming. Although job opportunities may exist here, a person is only a bus ride away from larger towns and cities like Sligo to the north and Galway to the south. Tubbercurry has the advantage of being on the main bus route, N17, which runs north and south on the western side of the country. Depending on one's skills there are opportunities in IT work, medical fields, and others and it just takes some pre-planning to know if there is a niche for whatever skills one might possess and how distant from town those opportunities.

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

As in most communities throughout the world, priorities center on providing for family, religion, discussing global affairs and politics, and of course, sports. Tubbercurry has a GAA pitch and a lovely golf course. There is a newly revamped children's park and excellent walking areas with wonderful beauty.

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Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.

Tripiamo

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Tripiamo empowers expats & travelers with comprehensive online country-specific driving guides, enabling them to drive confidently abroad from day one. Prepare in advance, stay safe, and cut unnecessary hassle and expenses while moving abroad and exploring new destinations.

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

Before undertaking any overseas residency, PLAN AND RESEARCH IN ADVANCE! My husband and I had the good fortune to be able to retire in Ireland. I hold dual US-UK citizenship so the move and entrance to Ireland was relatively easy for us. In addition, having direct lineage to an Irish citizen (as writing this, that includes Irish parents or grandparents), makes entrance easier. One must be prepared to provide the documents required of Ireland, including background check, financial means, etc. We spent over a year researching all aspects of living here and obtaining Irish citizenship, which we are working on now due to my grandparents being Irish. The best thing to start is online research: Ireland (or wherever your plans are set) Residency Requirements for expats. Above all else, if coming here, join a group like this and make a friend in advance. It pays to know someone who has walked your path before you. And as they say here... Failte (Welcome)

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