| Beth, an American expat, seems like she's living such a full life in Dublin, Ireland. Here, she shares many of the things she enjoys about living there: the friendly community, volunteer work that she does, the plethora of recreational options, and many more. She also gives some useful tips on meeting other people and finding a job in Ireland. |
 Beth Morrissey |
October 20 2006
-Where were you born?
Maryland, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
Dublin, Ireland
-Are you living alone or with your family?
With my husband
-How long have you been living in Ireland?
4.5 years
-What is your age?
26
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Ireland?
My husband is Irish, and though we met in the States he wanted to return home.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
As the spouse of an Irish citizen, I have been legally entitled to live and work in Ireland since moving to Dublin. I also acquired post-nuptial Irish citizenship which now means that I can live and work anywhere in the EU.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Private medical insurance is still not relatively wide-spread in Ireland, and there are only three main companies – VHI (Voluntary Health Insurance), BUPA Ireland and VIVAS Health. Most employers offer one scheme as a benefit, but the prices of private medical insurance are much lower than in the States. There is also a public health service that acts as a safety net in Ireland.
-How do you make your living in Ireland? Do you have any type of income generated?
I work part time as well as freelance writer. Finding a job in Ireland is not too hard at the moment since the economy is booming. Answering ads in the papers (The Independent on Thursdays and The Times on Fridays), as well as sending resumés to agencies and using social networks are all relatively easy ways to get jobs.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
English is the first language of almost all Irish citizens, except those in areas known as Gaeltachts where Irish (Gaelic) is the first language. Irish phrases do pepper local speech, so it’s important to get to know slang and traditional sayings, and the Irish always give you generous praise just for trying.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course there will be days where you miss family, friends and even favorite cereal brands, but staying active helps keep these thoughts at bay. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and become involved before or if you can’t work in Ireland, and the Community Exchange (www.activelink.ie) is a wonderful resource for finding events in which to participate and more consistent volunteering opportunities. I also like to go to movies (called films) at the Dublin cinemas, visit many of the (free!) national museums and art galleries, and take the DART down to Greystones to walk on the beach or up to Malahide to wander the marinas. Regular train services also make day trips to cities like Galway, Cork, Kilkenny and Waterford possible when desired.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
My husband and I enjoy traveling in Europe and low cost airlines like RyanAir and Aer Lingus make this possible a few times per year. We’re looking forward to a short break in the West of Ireland soon, and hopefully an international trip in the coming months.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Ireland is experiencing a surge in housing prices right now, so we’re not comfortable buying anything at the moment. Instead we rent an apartment downtown (considered city centre) and love the location. We’re within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton St. and O’Connell St., as well as along major bus and LUAS routes. Daft (www.daft.ie) is a great site for checking out rental prices in all areas of Dublin City, Co. Dublin and the rest of Ireland.
-What is the cost of living in Ireland?
The cost of living in Dublin is relatively high and housing prices and utilities are still on the rise.
-What do you think about the Irish people?
The Irish are a friendly community, but recent immigration from Eastern Europe and Africa have made them less welcoming than they have been. As an American, I’ve always been welcomed (most families have American relatives at this point) but I have witnessed racist and anti-immigrant sentiments. As with any big city, be prepared for widely different views.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Ireland?
Ireland is a wonderful nation with an interesting history and warm, generous citizens. At the moment the country seems to be figuring out how to combat a high cost of living and immigration hysteria, but I have confidence they will steer the right course!
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Ireland?
Using a relocation agent and joining American clubs, including the American Women’s Club Dublin (http://www.awcd.net/Welcome.html) will help you meet families that have settled in and are always ready and willing to help.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Ireland?
Visit me at Shenanigans.
