Any (American) expats in Ireland? Some questions... (life, country, place)

[arjo]

My fiancée and I are considering moving to Ireland—Dublin, specifically. She's a Veterinary Technician and is interested in attending a veterinary education program there to gain more equine and farm animal experience. We've always dreamed of living overseas; being that we're still young, we think it's the right time to give it a shot and go on a little adventure.

I've been doing some general, high-level research on a variety of topics, but I'm still looking for both general advice and answers to specific questions. I realize that I might be better off on a dedicated expat forum, so if you know of any good ones, feel free to point me to them.

1) What is finding work as an expat really like?
My occupation is listed on the Highly Skilled Eligible Occupations List. With a high enough salary I know I'd technically be eligible for a green card work permit, but I'm wondering what finding employment as an expat is really like. Any insights into this?

2) Is Dublin a dog-friendly city? How difficult would it be to find housing that allows pets?
We have a pitbull mix that we'd be bringing with us. According to the DSPCA, APBTs are allowed, but have a few additional ownership rules (muzzle, collar with owners' names, etc.); this is fine, but we were still wondering how dog-friendly Dublin is and if there's anything we should know.

Are there any cultural or political issues that would make life as expats difficult?
To clarify, I'm not assuming that all Irish people hate Americans, but I'm wondering if there's anything socially or culturally that would make our fitting-in difficult. I realize that we won't be right at home off the bat, but we do like to be responsible and be mindful of the local culture when we travel.

That's it for my questions (for now). I also welcome any and all other information or advice that you might have on this. Thanks for your time!

[Sickandtiredofthis]

I can't imagine there to be too many but you can perhaps ring up the Embassy in Dublin.

I think there is a big community down there.

[CBMD]

I'm the wrong way round for you Dublin born but living in the US.

I' can't speak to the employment because I'm no longer familiar with the details.

You can likely get answers to your dog and other issues by posting a question at the link. It's one of the better discussion forums.

The Property Pin • thepropertypin.com

As to fitting in, don't lose any sleep over it. If you encounter anti-Americanism, it's likely less of an Irish thing specifically, and more of a European Left, in particular anti-mperialist-left thing. The E-A-I-L is a degree or two lefter, to say the least, than the most progressive elements in the US.

Two areas I can think of that you should be aware of.

1:Many Irish, (wrongly in my view), are proud of the country's neutrality. Ireland was neutral against Germany in WWII. Conversations about NATO, should be avoided. Some believe there is a conspiracy afoot to suck Ireland in to NATOE.

2: Many Irish also believe that the Irish are the most moral, compassionate, and humane people ever to walk this earth, and there's something wrong with outsiders who don't love them.

And now the essential survival information. In the crowded pub, if you catch the bartenders eye, place one hand across your chest palm down and the other hand under your chin, palm down, and you'll immmediately be served a pint of Guinness without even opening your mouth.

[arjo]

Originally Posted by CBMD

I'm the wrong way round for you Dublin born but living in the US.

I' can't speak to the employment because I'm no longer familiar with the details.

You can likely get answers to your dog and other issues by posting a question at the link. It's one of the better discussion forums.

The Property Pin • thepropertypin.com

As to fitting in, don't lose any sleep over it. If you encounter anti-Americanism, it's likely less of an Irish thing specifically, and more of a European Left, in particular anti-mperialist-left thing. The E-A-I-L is a degree or two lefter, to say the least, than the most progressive elements in the US.

Two areas I can think of that you should be aware of.

1:Many Irish, (wrongly in my view), are proud of the country's neutrality. Ireland was neutral against Germany in WWII. Conversations about NATO, should be avoided. Some believe there is a conspiracy afoot to suck Ireland in to NATOE.

2: Many Irish also believe that the Irish are the most moral, compassionate, and humane people ever to walk this earth, and there's something wrong with outsiders who don't love them.

And now the essential survival information. In the crowded pub, if you catch the bartenders eye, place one hand across your chest palm down and the other hand under your chin, palm down, and you'll immmediately be served a pint of Guinness without even opening your mouth.

Excellent information! Thank you.