Mairead, there are parts of healthcare that I both love and hate in Ireland. The fact I have had the same doctor at home since I WAs born (who both my mother and grandmother use) who knows me and my family history, its relatively cheap in comparison to the US. However, i am aware of overcrowding in hospitals, old buildings, staff shortages etc. There are good and bad parts to every country, i think we just need to figure out if the good parts are worth moving back for. You mentioned you were thinking about moving to the Ireland, Bay Area or Seattle to get ...

Hi all! I'll be arriving in Ireland next Tuesday(11/2) as a Stamp 0 "approvee". I can't WAit! I fly into Dublin via Aer Lingus and I'll be bringing my dog (blk lab). Due to the airline's pet travel requirements, I'm using an extra large dog kennel. It's huge (48"L x 32"W x 35"H) and is intended for dogs who weigh 90-120lbs. Mine is 55lbs. In any case, I doubt the kennel will fit into the rental car along with my luggage and dog for our trek to the west coast. Is there anyone in the group (or maybe you know of someone or an organization) who could use an XL k ...

... them by Cruise Ship but I than have to get them from England to Ireland. This part won't work for me. It's also a lot more money than flying as I have very big dogs and would need two crates on the ship. I have been told this by the Cruise people. Deborah - I feel your pain! I have gone through this process quite a few times, and each time is difficult knowing that there are things that could go wrong along the WAy. I absolutely hate handing my pet over to someone, and having no control over their safety for the length of the journey. Like I responded vi ...

... been in Colorado USA for the past three+ decades. We are both disturbed by the current political and cultural climate in the states. I have always had a deep desire to live by the sea (Colorado has many fine qualities-- but no sea!). We're looking at a possible move to Ireland as a WAy to address both these things.I'm particularly looking at a move to Northern Ireland in the Bangor/ Donaghadee Area. Why? My criteria for an "ideal locale" are #1) by the sea! ideally I can see it from my house. Or at least be within a minute or two WAlk. #2) a town that is s ...

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. 🙂

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!

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 ...

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 ...

@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