Probably will be how I manage it in the end. It WAs for my oldest child's upcoming bday and kids always WAnting something tangible and all lol. I WAs so confident I'd find an establishment with the giant WAll of gift cards that you see so often in the states. Going to look at bit more while out today. Hadn't yet looked at Dunnes or the mall, so maybe.

Hi Liam and friends, I'm hoping to be able to stay in Ireland for at least a month, possibly 6 months or more. I own my own company and work from home so I can bring my job with me. I WAs wondering if anyone knows what kind of visa I should apply for if I'm going to bring my own job and won't be looking for employment in Ireland. I've read if I stay for less than 3 months, I don't need to apply for a visa, but in case I WAnt to stay longer once I'm there, I thought it would be good to get a visa for at least a year before I come over. Not sure how that all ...

Thanks again, Liam! Great info, I have been to the English Market and loved it. My Grandfather came over from the Cullen/Millstreet Area back in the 1920s, so the Area suits me pretty well. 🙂

The driving test is done in an urban Area, no need to worry about being taken down single lane country roads! If you're driving in Dublin you'll obviously need to WAtch for the luas as it shares some roads with other vehicles. On some of these roads is can be quite easy to drive into an Area meant only for trams and get into trouble so look out for signs saying 'trams only'. Even if you have experience driving elsewhere, make sure to get driving lessons with an instructor that knows the Area you will be doing the test in. Many of the instructors will know w ...

... which is one of the most expensive places to live in terms of rent/property costs, taxes etc. Basically everything costs more. We think that by moving to Ireland costs there will be comparable if not cheaper when we take into account changes to income which are likely to occur. 2. We are both 29 years old and are thinking long term, namely children. We would like to live near family; so it boils down to Ireland or the bay Area. Honestly, as an irish person with LOTS of family (ahem 52 first cousins) family is a big deal. 3. Better work/life balance. In amer ...

... trying to get a kid into school for the first time age 4/5. There's a ridiculous WAiting list system that most schools have, whereby kids are registered at birth, and by the time they're school age, they may no longer even be living in the Area. Try the links on this page for info If you click through to individual schools, you'll see some have pretty good parent survey info, as well as some school inspection reports. The data might be a little old in some cases, but it's still useful. Meeting people locally is a good WAy to get looped in. Or there may ...

Thanks Liam and Susan. I will check out MyHome.ie as well. I do believe my youngest daughter(super excited to move, would leave tomorrow, lol) visits that site, but I'm not sure if she's using pets as a qualifier. I WAs initially concentrated on the Cork Area, but I got a bite with a company in Galway, so maybe I'll have better luck looking there. Susan, may I ask what Area you are moving to? I look forward to your update!

@xenophile thanks for the reply. I at least know I'm not alone here. If it's OK, I'll check in with you next spring and see how your move is going. From my research from afar, County Limerick and Limerick city will be my focus for looking for a place to live when I'm in Ireland this fall. But other than Dublin and probably Cork City (both too expensive), I'm not ruling any Area out. I'm hoping COVID stays more or less under control and the global economy doesn't fall apart. Big dreams, I know. Slan, more good luck to your family. --Robert

@countydonegalThank you, John. It must be exciting, selling your home and committing to the move. I take it you have received an affirmative on your application? My plan is to do as you have done, try some short-term rentals in Areas of interest and ultimately decide on some permanency somewhere. In your case, the Galway Area is a good choice to begin your adventure. Thanks for the clarification of various matters. I think I have a fairly good handle on matters now. Best of luck with your move. Please let me know how things go after you get there. Doug

@elliejorgan official line on that here unofficial... how would they know if you continued working for a short period of time? During COVID, I personally know of many people who have moved to the EU/US, and worked while on vacation. Don't people do this all the time even before COVID? e.g. you take a vacay to Mexico, and bring your laptop. I'm not advocating for breaking the rules, but seems like there's a bit of grey Area/leeway here. On the other hand, many have posted on this forum that they get a Stamp 4 within days of arrival. Best wishes with your move.