What is Ireland like? (middle-class, live, legal)

[LZKay1]

I'm wondering what kind of a country Ireland is? Do most people speak English? What are the women like? I happen to think the U.S. is going down the tubes and I won't bother staying probably. So... what's Ireland like?

[OMGosh Josh]

Heh... yeah. English is the most common language in Ireland, although there are still those who can speak Irish (Gaelic).

Other than that, I can't say firsthand, as I've never actually been there, but I've got lots of Irish friends, most of whom still live there, but a few that live here in the US with dual citizenship.

[clongirl]

Everyone speaks English(even the Irish speakers in rural parts can speak English). The women are just like women anywhere.

As for moving to Ireland, you can only move if you are an EU citizen, have a sponsored work visa or you are a student. Their economy is currently worse off than here in the US, (far more "down the tubes" than here), and my husband (who is over there right now) says that he hasn't seen a drop of sun in two weeks and it's been pissin' rain the entire time. Some years, you just don't get a summer at all! Other than that, what else do you want to know?

[Jaggy001]

I have enjoyed every visit to Ireland. The people are great! If you are attracted to redheads then you will love the women.

[Snort]

YouTube - David Gilmour with Spinal Tap "Big Bottom"

[Thomas R.]

Hmm I prefer rain to sunny days. Also technically speaking I could still count as a student. I occasionally dreamed of moving their someday, but now maybe I'll dream about it more serious.

[bale002]

Originally Posted by Thomas R.

Hmm I prefer rain to sunny days. Also technically speaking I could still count as a student. I occasionally dreamed of moving their someday, but now maybe I'll dream about it more serious.

Don't listen to naysayers who say things like "you can only move if ...".

Immigration laws and residency rules are complex, constantly changing, and often applied on the whims, even misperceptions, of the bureaucrat of the day. When there is a will, there is a way for every social circumstance and budget, though to be sure money always helps. Grease'em if necessary with no qualms.

But student is a good start too, and the fast-track is to marry a national.

Go for it!

[Sudcaro]

Ireland is a wonderful country, people are nice and friendly. I never actually lived there but I wouldn't mind!
Going there as a student could be a good start, I guess that's the best way to discover a country and see if you like it!

[clongirl]

Originally Posted by bale002

Don't listen to naysayers who say things like "you can only move if ...".

Immigration laws and residency rules are complex, constantly changing, and often applied on the whims, even misperceptions, of the bureaucrat of the day. When there is a will, there is a way for every social circumstance and budget, though to be sure money always helps. Grease'em if necessary with no qualms.

But student is a good start too, and the fast-track is to marry a national.

Go for it!

Just because someone gives sound information on the obtaining citizenship or residency does not make you a "naysayer". I lived there for several years with my Irish husband and children who are also citizens and I am still not qualified to get citizenship. I've been married for 15yrs.

Here's more information on it...Irish Citizenship - Becoming a Citizen of Ireland

and on obtaining residency...Gaining Legal Residency in Ireland

There's a wealth of information on this site about it and came in handy when we moved. We're obviously not talking to someone who owns a company, is retiring w/ wads of cash... so giving people the false hope and misinformation of just being able to move over by flashing a smile or flashing your wallet is not practical or truthful advice.

[Thomas R.]

It's really just a pipe dream. I'm disabled, middle-to-lower-middle-class, and have never left Middle-America. I'm also in my thirties now and likely too set in my ways. I missed my opportunity, which makes me sad in a way but I've had a mostly good life. Also I'd feel guilty as, being the young disabled one, my parents never really thought I'd ever be an ocean away and might miss me more. My little sister being in Japan is hard on them. (And I'd miss them, and my family, alot. I've grown sappier in some ways)

Still as a dream I like the idea of spending a few years in Ireland and then a few more than seeing if I want to stay. And I'm not really that old so if I could stay a few years, even if I could never be a citizen, it might be kind of neat. At least as a learning experience. It's probably never going to happen though.