... on visits without any problems, but am absolutely convinced I would have failed a test. When driving in Ireland I WAs able to avoid areas I thought would be more challenging for me, which I won't be able to do when taking instruction or being tested. And, as I look at areas in Ireland I would like to make home, I will continue to consider the possibility that I may not drive. I WAlk twelve miles a day, and the last time I drove it WAs because my partner could not WAlk the three blocks he needed to go.

... required I drive them a few miles back and forth. Besides that, I had to get to and from various activities, get groceries, etc. I had been driving a long time (many years), and knew I WAs not a danger to anyone on the road. I believe the whole point of having someone licensed in the car, is because of exactly that. Young drivers, who are learning their WAy, are not the safest (the stats are there to prove so). There WAs no practical WAy I could have a licensed driver with me at all times. I decided to chance it, and if I ever had the pleasure of being pul ...

Hi all - I'm new to the site, so I'm still learning to navigate all of the tools and resources and apologize in advance for any repetitive questions. I'm interested in moving from the U.S. (Minnesota) next fall and from what I've read, I can drive legally in Ireland with my Minnesota driver's license for up to 12 months. It looks like I'll be able to purchase a car and required insurance with my Minnesota driver's license and recommendation is to start the process to obtain an Irish driver's license as soon as possible as it may take up to 9-12 months to obtain. My question is and I haven't seen a response to it on this site, but once I start the process for an Irish license and obtain a Learner's permit, can I still drive alone? It looks like with a Learners Permit, you need to drive with a Irish licensed driver. Is this true? I'll be moving to Ireland alone and not sure how I can practice driving or use a vehicle if I need to have a licensed driver accompany me each time. Any thoughts or advice? Thank you!

Congrats, Linda! And thank you for the update. I enjoyed reading through your blog post. Your descriptions of what might cause a failed test are extremely useful.

... if you only have a Learner license. The entire process will cost nearly €1000 Passing the test WAs much, much harder than passing the test in California when I WAs a teen. In California, you basically need to know how to operate a car. In Ireland, to pass, you actually have to be a good driver. I had to get a public services card, but half-way through the year, someone sued, and maybe you don't need it. Regardless, everything WAs much smoother once I had it. All you need is a utility bill and your passport. Despite all that, getting the license ended up ...

We were just quoted for a 20ft container out of NJ to Ireland...Liffey Van Lines $5,150 (if you pack the container yourself, they drop the container and you have two hours to load, after that its $85 per hour for however long it takes to fill ) and $8600 for Full-service door to door move. Schumacher cargo logistics quoted $6395 for Full service door to door (they pack and load everything - both sides).

@kpmccahill Sure thing Kevin. This WAs a good while back, but I'm sure the same is still doable. I WAs a Full time employee for a company in the US at the time. They WAnted me to continue working after I moved back to Ireland, and do so remotely. They did not have an office in Ireland then, so had me go through a temp agency in the US. I can't remember which one now, but something like Kelly Services, Manpower, etc. That agency had offices in Ireland too. I WAs paid from the Irish office, who then billed their US counterpart to true everything up. I hope t ...

Welcome John and Paige. I submitted only a Full copy of my passport, and no request came for the actual passport. I received a letter yesterday from INIS confirming receipt of my packet. That said, Molly may share her experience with obtaining the actual stamp. For this I understand your passport will be required as this is where they will put the stamp. I intend to go to Limerick or Cork Garda Station should I be granted approval. Good luck!

Take it on the plane as baggage, pay the oversize/overweight charges. Is it a Full size concert harp? They do have maximum sizes, so you might research your particular carrier or give them a call. If you are within their pretty generous limits then it's just a $100-200 surcharge on your baggage, and I'd bet any shipping company would be a lot more than that.I travel with a bass player frequently so I've had experience with this. Sometimes you even get lucky and get a music enthusiast at the airline check-in desk that will give you a pass on the extra charges. So be nice to them 😉

... purchase coverage from a company like Cigna where coverage starts immediately. Cigna will sell me a policy. I don't need to be living in Ireland yet, in fact it will cover me everywhere in the world except the US. Which WAs good to hear if one plans to travel while living in Ireland. The quotes are good for 45 days, but since the certificate needs to be submitted with the Leave to Remain application, that means that the insurance needs to be purchased while WAiting for a decision on the Leave to Remain, which can take from 2 weeks to 90 days. We may enter ...