Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland

Summary: The pros of living in Ireland include its beautiful scenery, friendly people, and vibrant culture. Ireland is also known for its excellent education system and its strong economy. Additionally, the country is known for its low crime rate and its high quality of life. The cons of living in Ireland include its high cost of living, especially in the larger cities. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable and the country is known for its frequent rain. Furthermore, the country is relatively small, so there are limited job opportunities and career paths.

What are the pros and cons of living in Ireland?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Ireland responded:

"When we explored our new home country, taking pictures of all we found so incredibly beautiful we realized the area where we finally settled was our most photogenic. When we explored going from rental property in our first residence to purchasing elsewhere we found a tremendously beautiful condominium on the river available and affordable. We have lived in our purchased place for almost two of the five years in country and have absolutely no dislikes. We can walk beautiful nature trails along the river, walk to all amenities the town offers such as restaurants, pubs, takeaway, grocers and pharmacies, banks, varied shops. Most days we watch dozens of species of wild birds flock to our feeders, our views include, deer, cattle, sheep and numerous heritage boats and sports craft going by. Every person we see has a smile and a wave and simple short walks to town often evolve into lengthy good conversations (the Craic)," said one expat in Ballyconnell.

"Outside of Clifden Galway, it was out in the country with mountains and seascapes, it was what I wanted quiet and nature. I would make a trip to Clifden once and week to do what was needed as far as groceries , or hardwares and would make a day of it which included visits to local restaurants and bars for entertainment. This was very satisfying and met my needs," remarked one expat in Galway.

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What do expats in Ireland appreciate most about the local culture?

"Irish people are friendly enough after they get to know you. Food was relatively cheap and higher quality in some cases than in US. I lived in a 54 individual house development for retired (65) or disabled people less than 65 could also qualify. I was one of the first ones to rent in there," remarked one expat in Enniscorthy.

"Living in the west of Ireland is very different than other areas. Still no traffic lights, street lights, one shop for milk, lottery, solid fuel and petrol. In general everyone is friendly, willing to help, folks call in for tea, bring soup if you're under the weather and life is just much slower, simpler, kinder," explained one expat living in West Clare.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Other women. Most of the women I have met here put men first in everything. It's very difficult to find women to do things with on weekends and evenings, because the women "mind the children" while the men go out to have fun. My suggestions that their husbands should take turns so the women can go out, too, are usually met with laughter. I also have trouble with the glorification of Americans and American products here, while in conversation American people, politics, and values are regularly insulted. I know people with American appliances in their homes who go to the US to buy clothes, who then complain about American consumerism and capitalism. I usually just change the subject," said a person living in Limerick.

"Nobody is in a hurry to do anything and they run on "Irish time" meaning it's normal and acceptable to be late. It has taken us a long time to get used to this. Repairs take forever as does processing paperwork. Don't even get me started on the challenges of getting a full Irish driving license!!," explained one expat living in South County Dublin.

Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland

What are the pros and cons of living in Ireland?

What do expats in Ireland appreciate most about the local culture?

What do expats find most challenging?

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