Tops tips for settling into life in Ireland

The Ireland Property Guide consider all the information you need to know to transition into life in Ireland quickly and easily.

Moving to another country is a huge life change. For this reason, it’s important to allow yourself a little time to get into the swing of things. To help you get used to Ireland and everything life here involves, here are our tips for settling in…

1 – Research, research, research

It’s important to conduct some research into life in Ireland, so that you know what to expect when you arrive. Absorb everything that you can get your hands on – local area information, the history of the country, culture and customs, places you’d like to visit, the work of Irish writers, and so on. The more you know, the more you’ll understand.

It’s important to conduct some research into life in Ireland, so that you know what to expect when you arrive.

2 – Accept unfamiliarity

Give yourself a break and accept that it’s going to take a little while to get in the swing of things. Try to relax and enjoy the experience, after all, you moved for a fresh start. Here’s your chance to enjoy all the adventure has to offer.

3 – Join in!

Whatever activity it is that floats your boat, go out and do it. This is a fantastic way to make friends, and to incorporate a little routine into your day.

4 – Be chatty

Now’s not the time to be shy! Introduce yourself to people, swing by your neighbour’s house to say hello, and make the most of the friendly nature of the Irish to meet as many people as possible. Seek out fellow expats, other parents, fans of the same sport – it’s these like-minded folk that often turn into friends.

Seek out fellow expats, other parents, fans of the same sport.

5 – Stay in touch

One of the best ways to avoid homesickness is to stay in touch with those you love and miss. Utilise free services like Skype and WhatsApp to keep up to date with what’s happening back home.

Introduce yourself to your neighbours.

Finding tradespeople

If you’re planning a renovation, or need help redecorating, it pays to seek them locally. Local tradespeople will have in-depth knowledge of the rules and regulations you must follow, plus employing them demonstrates a commitment to integrating into your new community. Ask around for recommendations from fellow expats, neighbours and so on, or keep an eye out in local papers, or on public noticeboards.

You should consider where and how you’ll bring in money from the very beginning of your buying journey.

Work and income

If you’re planning on working when you move to Ireland, you will need to factor where the best job opportunities are in to your property search, as most are congregated around the biggest towns and cities. If you plan on living more rurally, it’s possible to earn money online offering services such as copywriting, editing, or programming. As it’s so important to ensure that you can afford your new life in Ireland, you should consider where and how you’ll bring in money from the very beginning of your buying journey.

Connecting utilities

One of the first things you’ll need to do upon arrival in Ireland is get yourself connected to your utilities, including Internet, electricity, gas and water. Customers are free to choose who they’d like their supplier to be, so to get the best deals, and packages to suit you, you will need to do a little shopping around. For electricity and gas, you can expect to be billed every two months. When it comes to Internet and mobile phone services, we suggest asking around your local area to determine which providers offer the best service, especially if you’re located in a rural area where signal can be patchy.

Fortunately taking your pet to Ireland isn’t too tricky.

Taking your pets

Most expats would never dream of making the move without their furry friends in tow. Fortunately the process isn’t too tricky, you will just need to make sure that you have the required paperwork and that they are micro-chipped, and have the necessary vaccinations. As Ireland’s so close to the UK, it may prove more cost effective, and less traumatic for your animals, to drive to your new home. If you wish to fly, you may have to opt for a larger airline, as the budget airlines don’t usually transport pets.

To read more about how to settle in to the Irish way of life, download your free copy of the Ireland Buying Guide today.