21 Secrets About Living In Ireland To Know Before Moving

Are you considering living in Ireland? If so, you’ve stumbled upon the right place! With its picturesque scenery, bustling cities, and fascinating deep history, it’s easy to see why many Americans decide to escape to the Emerald Isle.

Before you pack your bags, you should know a few secrets about this beautiful part of the world. Below you’ll find 21 secrets from the cheery locals to the top-quality healthcare system.

Can’t wait to know more? Awesome! Just keep scrolling down for more information about your potential new home!

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1. The land of a hundred thousand welcomes

The first thing you should know about Ireland is how friendly the people are! Known as the “land of a hundred thousand welcomes,” you can expect a warm greeting on your arrival.

According to TripAdvisor, Ireland ranks the world’s second-best country for offering excellent hospitality and service. The low level of hate crime highlights this friendly atmosphere.

According to government figures, there were 368 instances of hate crime in Ireland during 2018, which is a massive 21 times lower than England and Wales.

2. Loads of opportunities to find work

With one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union, Ireland is a perfect option for those looking for a new job. The service sector offers the most jobs to those living in Ireland.

You can find many opportunities in several big industries, including the technology sector, where the need for IT workers is increasing. Additionally, thanks to the rising popularity in Ireland as a vacation spot, the tourism and hospitality industries are demanding both casual and skilled workers.

If you’re looking for skilled jobs, be prepared for some fierce competition. However, your chances of securing a job of this kind will increase with the relevant qualifications and experience. You’ll also find that jobs will be easier to find in major towns and cities like Cork, Galway, and Dublin.

Ireland also offers a better work-life balance than some other countries, thanks to its more extended holiday leave and shorter working hours.

3. They have prestigious universities

Ireland boasts a very international bunch of students, making it a perfect place to study abroad! This is partly thanks to its location and because it has close cultural and historical ties to European countries and the UK and US.

You’ll find prestigious universities in the capital, including Trinity College Dublin, making it an ideal option if you want a higher education. Because English is an official language in Ireland, it’s an easy place to live, work, and study for English speakers.

4. Ireland is very safe

Ireland is safe for newcomers and travelers, especially with stringent gun laws. With only around seven guns per 100 people, the government has a low rate of gun ownership compared to other countries.

This means that gun violence is almost non-existent, and the incidence of violent crimes is very low in Ireland, making it a safe country to call home.

5. Dublin is the most exciting place to be

If you’re looking for a place that offers excellent “craic” – that’s Irish for fun, Dublin is the place to be! You can expect to find pubs and bars packed with people and street performers. Dublin is also a very walkable city, offering vibrance and liveliness.

However, there’s more to the capital city than just this. Dublin is home to some of the largest tech multinationals. Nicknamed “silicon docks,” around 7,000 tech professionals work in the city. There are many work opportunities, but be careful of the eye-wateringly expensive rent costs!

6. They have stunning landscapes

With its stunning landscapes and structures, it would be a crime not to explore this beautiful corner of the world. Because it’s a relatively small country, it’s ideal for weekend vacations so that you won’t miss out on the many wonders of Ireland!

Why not walk along the stunning Cliffs of Moher, spend a few days strolling and driving through the scenic Dingle Peninsula, or relax and unwind in the Japanese Gardens in County Kildare.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could have a go at kissing the Blarney Stone but be warned; you will have to hang from the edge of Blarney Castle to reach it! A centuries-old tradition, kissing the Blarney Stone is said to give you the gift of great persuasiveness and eloquence.

7. Ireland’s healthcare system is excellent

Ireland offers free or reduced-cost healthcare to all residents. If you’ve been living in Ireland for at least a year, you’ll qualify for this scheme.

8. The Irish have a habit of turning up late

The Irish have a terrible habit of turning up late. The Urban Dictionary even has an entry for this called ‘Irish People Time.’ If you can’t keep track of time, you should apply for Irish citizenship. You will fit right in!

However, if you prefer to be punctual, you may spend a lot of time glancing at your watch, waiting for your friends to arrive.

9. The cost of living

In general, house prices are currently very high in Ireland especially against areas in the US and parts of Europe. This is especially true in large cities like Dublin and Cork.

Food and other home goods are also more expensive than you might expect.

10. Alcohol is ingrained in the culture

It may sound stereotypical, but pubs are primarily Irish culture. Irish pubs are ingrained in the culture, whether it’s just for a drink on the way home from work or getting together with your pals.

Few experiences can compare with sitting in a fire-heated Irish pub hearing tales of Celtic folklore!

11. They also love tea

While you may initially think of the Brits when it comes to tea, you would be surprised at how much tea is loved in Ireland. There is a range of gorgeous teas in Ireland, from the ever-popular Barry’s tea to Assam tea (sometimes known as Irish Breakfast Tea!).

12. The Irish weather

The weather in Ireland is pretty balanced throughout the year, with no extreme winters or scorching summers. This means you can enjoy the entire year without worrying about expensive energy bills or high temperatures. On top of this, the Irish love to talk about the weather!

13. Halloween originated in Ireland

Not many people know this, but Halloween actually originated in Ireland! It dates back to an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, over 2000 years old. These festivities carry on to this day. Few places in the world celebrate Halloween, quite like the Emerald isle!

14. An extremely diverse nation

Although it is a small island nation, Ireland is a surprisingly diverse country with over 200 countries worldwide residents. This incredible diversity is reflected in food and events across Ireland, so you will quickly discover something new on this gorgeous island!

15. Eurovision is big in Ireland

Ireland was the first country in Europe to win the Eurovision song contest three times in a row, so it’s no wonder the Irish love Eurovision. They have won this culture-rich singing contest a whopping 7-times!

16. They have unusual customs

Celtic influence is still ripe throughout Ireland, even though it’s been over 1500 years since the Celts were a prominent culture. Ireland has many intriguing customs, from the Queen Puck fair, where a goat is spoiled like a queen for three days, to a fortune-telling sweet bread.

Whether you have a solid interest in Irish history or want to try something new, traditional Irish customs offer a one-of-a-kind experience!

17. Irish sport and culture

Ireland embraces rugby, football, and (increasingly) cricket when it comes to sport. Sport plays a massive role in Irish culture, making it an ideal place to live for anyone who loves a range of sports.

In terms of music, the Irish Top 50 doesn’t generally differ dramatically from the UK Top 40. If you love English music, you will feel right at home in Ireland!

18. LGBTQ+ citizens enjoy legal protection from discrimination

Since 1993 Ireland has been an incredibly welcoming country for any LGBTQ+ citizens. Many forms of discrimination regarding someone’s sexuality have been outlawed, with same-sex marriage becoming legal in 2015.

Although Ireland is slightly behind in LGBTQ+ rights, it has quickly adopted a range of progressive laws to protect its LGBTQ+ citizens!

19. Dynamite comes in small packages

Ireland may be small, but it is incredibly mighty. Even though it’s a small island nation, ask anyone in the world what the Irish accent sounds like or which flag in a list belongs to Ireland, and they will be able to answer.

Finding a relaxing place to live away from the hustle and bustle of heaving cities can be challenging. But Ireland offers a culture-rich but quaint escape from some of the larger countries in the world.

20. Don’t forget the damn good whiskey

If you haven’t tried Irish whiskey, then you are missing out. There must be some secret ingredient the Irish add to create their fantastic whiskey drinks. Sipping an Irish whiskey to wind down after a busy week is one of life’s greatest joys!

21. They have unique superstitions

Due to Ireland’s rich history and folklore, the island has a lot of unique superstitions. Did you know that when your nose begins to itch, that’s a sign that a fight is about to happen? Or gifting your friend something sharp can cut a relationship?

Learning about Irish folklore and history can be extremely interesting and is just another reason why it’s a beautiful place to live.

FAQs

Does it snow in Ireland?

Ireland doesn’t experience snowfall that much, and if it is going to snow, you can usually expect it to happen around January or February. It’ll only stay on the ground for a few days. The further north and inland you travel, the more likely you will see snow.

What language do they speak in Ireland?

Although Irish is the official language of Ireland, English is the most widely used language around the country, especially in Northern Ireland. If English is your first or second language, you’ll have no problem settling in there.

What is Ireland’s main religion?

Ireland is predominantly Roman Catholic. But these days, it’s an open society where many religions are respected and embraced as having essential roles in the country’s social development.

Other religious groups that can be found in Ireland include Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Church of England, Eastern Orthodox, and Methodist and Baptist Churches.

What do Irish guys call their girlfriends?

Irish men have a unique name for their sweethearts – Mot! The Irish slang word Mot originates from the Irish word “maith” meaning good. Caillín maith also means “good girl” and can also be a way of referring to a girlfriend.

Final Thoughts

Any US citizen who wishes to enter Ireland will need to apply for preclearance, but moving should be a breeze once this is done. Find an international moving company you can trust by using the tool found on our site!

We hope our handy guide has helped you learn more about moving to Ireland and the culture-rich rural areas you can find on this gorgeous emerald isle. And as the Irish say, may the road rise to meet you – good luck on your travels!