Ireland is located in the North western segment of Europe in the Northern hemisphere. The climate is temperate and sees considerable damp and rain, in excess of 260 days per year for a large area of the country. During the last 30 years political and religious tensions have settled with many areas of previous civil unrest now becoming a popular tourist attraction. The country boomed in a rapid economic growth from 2004-2008, but since the 2008/9 economic global meltdown Ireland suffered heavily with over 50% of the eligible working population and their families leaving for overseas employment with little chance or wish to return.
The people are generally friendly and serious violence is quite rare save for a few localised areas in two of the major cities.
Ireland holds a magical wealth of history both in geography and in people, and there are many opportunities to experience the delights and flavours of this rich history in relative comfort and free movement all round this small island. Even though the US is ranked in the biggest players on the world stage 10 US presidents have a direct link to Irish ancestry.
The economy has progressed slowly but steadily from 2013 but with this progression an upsurge of high price hikes has accompanied this economic progress, reportedly circa 8%.
The currency is the Euro and linked to the European monetary system not the dollar, so during Europe’s rebuilding after the European recession it’s stable.
Finding yourself in Ireland your first introduction will be Dublin’s main airport having recently undergone a major expansion and rejuvenation. Modern facilities and very easy signage written in English are clear, with knowledgeable attendants to guide you to local busses, taxis or car hire, all within 2-3 minutes’ walk from arrivals.
If you or your partner has been appointed an employment position it may or may not come with accommodation. Accommodation is plentiful both in and near the main cities. Within the cities it there will be considerable rental possibilities but expect to pay twice the rent than that 3 miles from the city. Parking is difficult in the major city centres; however the train, trams and bus routes are well managed and modern.
As you may become a member of the Irish community the best way to fit in is to investigate the towns, go out and mingle, we don’t bite and many of us have relatives and family in the US, so enjoy your new world with us and all what Ireland can offer!
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Ireland has a vibrant and upsurge in investigating and discovering our past history. The many institutions that have been formed in a relatively short time have led the requests for outside help with some offering a basic remuneration. The organisations are diverse into the Irish culture and its effect on the global migration scene with many working with local and worldwide recognised institutions.
American Woman's Club Dublin
Founded in 1972, the AWCD has been part of the Irish Community for over 42 years. We have a large and diverse membership who share experiences, interests, and a commitment to be part of the community here in Ireland. We welcome you to find out more about the club and come along to an upcoming meeting or activity.
Website: www.awcd.net/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/American-Womens-Club-of-Dublin/595554430504032
EIL Intercultural Learning
EIL Intercultural Learning is an Irish "not for profit" organisation which provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, volunteer abroad, language training, travel awards, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion activities for about 2,000 people each year.
Website: www.eilireland.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EILInterculturalLearning
Newcomers Club – Ireland
The Newcomers Club Worldwide Directory was created to help you locate clubs and organizations-designed to give people new to an area the opportunity to meet and develop friendships with others who live in the same locality. Many of these groups have general meetings and interest groups which encourage members to learn about their new city, its culture, activities, lifestyle, and to develop friendships by sharing interests and hobbies with each other.
Website: www.newcomersclub.com/ie.html
Limerick International Women’s Organisation
We hope that we can help to make your stay in this region an enjoyable one. The IWO is a very active organisation made up of women from all over the world and brings together a large variety of diverse talents to ensure ongoing activities every week, if not every day.
Website: www.limerickiwo.com
Dublin Women's Philanthropic Club
A non-profit organizaiton, which has contributed to many Dublin and Columbus-area individuals and organizations for 30 years. This club would be suited to those of the American community whom are satisfied to live in Ireland but continue the upkeep of their American culture & customs.
Website: dublinwomensclub.com
International Schools
St. Andrew's College
St Andrew’s College rejoices in its increasingly international character and is keen to acknowledge the invaluable contribution which its overseas students make to the academic and cultural life of the school. Our international student population represents more than fifty countries worldwide, including the United States, Spain, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Brazil - to name but a few. The international composition of the school community fosters a warm welcome and a supportive atmosphere for new students, making it easier for them to adapt to life in their new surroundings.
Address: St. Andrew's College, Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock. Co. Dublin,
Telephone: +353 (1)288 2785
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.st-andrews.ie
Wesley College
One of Ireland’s premier schools, Wesley College was founded in 1845 on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. In 1969 it relocated to Ballinteer where it is situated close to the Dublin Mountains.
The College is a Methodist Foundation but welcomes students of all faiths. Wesley is a co-educational College accommodating boarding and day students in a vibrant school community.
Address: Ballinteer, Dublin 16
Telephone: +353 (1)2987066
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wesleycollege.ie
International School of Dublin
The International School of Dublin (ISD) offers an international primary education based on the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate to the international community in the Dublin region and to Irish families that believe they can benefit from this form of schooling. It operates as a non-denominational private school with English as the language of instruction.
Address: Barclay Court, Blackrock, County Dublin.
Telephone: + 353 (0)873291417
Website: www.internationalschooldublin.ie
Sutton Park School
Despite our size, we offer a large and diverse range of educational opportunities and facilities to our students. The result is academic achievements in State examinations which are over double the national average, with almost 100% going on to third level education in universities and colleges all over the world. Our accreditation as an International School by leading European and US bodies also gives us a broad international perspective that transcends narrow educational boundaries.
Address: St Fintan’s Road, Sutton, Dublin 13.
Telephone: +353 (1)8322940
Website: www.suttonparkschool.com
Rockbrook International
Rockbrook International has been running English language programmes for foreign students in Dublin since 1985. We place them in primary and secondary schools for periods of a term to an academic year or more. By being in class with Irish students, they rapidly learn the language. The school is based in the grounds of Rockbrook Park School, a secondary school for boys in Dublin. Our sister school, Rosemont, is close by.
Address: Rockbrook House, Edmondstown Road, Rockbrook, Rathfarnham. Dublin 16.
Telephone: ++353 (1)4936692
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rockbrookinternational.com
Local News in English
Evening Echo–Cork News – Cork’s Evening Newspaper
Website: www.eveningecho.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eveningecho
Irish Independent
Website: www.independent.ie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Independent.ie
The Irish Times
Website: www.irishtimes.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/irishtimes
RTé Ireland's National Television and Radio Broadcaster
Website: www.rte.ie
Country Information
Location: Europe
Capital City: Dublin
Other Important Cities: Belfast, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Knock
Currency: Euro €
Language: English, Gaelic
Calling Code: +353
Internet TLD: .ie
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Emergency Numbers: 999
Discover Ireland Online
Website: www.ireland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/discoverirelandgcc
Citizens of Ireland
Irish Abroad
Social networking for Irish people abroad and in Ireland. An online community with over 240,000 members worldwide. The site is for Irish expats, descendants and any person wishing to travel to Ireland. News and information, community and friendship.
For any foreign national they, and all in the ‘party – family’ should register with the relevant embassy for security reasons.
Website: www.irishabroad.com
Embassy Information
United Kingdom
Address: 29 Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone: +353 1-205-3700
Website: www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-dublin
Canada
7-8 Wilton terrace, Dublin 2.
Telephone: +353 1-234-4000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ireland-irlande/index.aspx
United States
Address: U.S. Embassy Dublin, 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge. Dublin 4. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-903-6255
Email: [email protected]
Website: dublin.usembassy.gov/
Argentina
Address: 15 Ailesbury Drive, Ballsbridge, Dublín 4.
Telephone: +353 1-269-1546
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eirla.mrecic.gov.ar/en
Austria
Address: 93, Ailesbury Road, 15, Ailesbury Court. Dublin 4. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-269-4577
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassy/dublin.html
Australia
Address: 7th Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Terrace, Dublin 2
Telephone: +353 1-664-5300
Website: www.ireland.embassy.gov.au/dubl/home.html
Belgium
Address: 1 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone: +353 1-631-5284/5285/5286/5283
Email: [email protected]
Website: diplomatie.belgium.be/ireland/
Czech Republic
Address: 57 Northumberland Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-668-1135
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mzv.cz/dublin
China
Address: 40 Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Telephone: +353-1-2691707, 2601119
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/ireland.htm
Denmark
Address: 7th floor, Block E, Iveagh Court, Harcourt Rd, Dublin 2.
Telephone: +353 1-475-6404
Email: [email protected]
Website: irland.um.dk
Egypt
Address: 12 Cyde Road – Ballsbridge. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-660-6566
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.gov.eg/Dublin_Emb
France
Address: 36 Ailesbury Road - Ballsbridge - Dublin 4. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-277-5000
Website: www.ambafrance-ie.org/-English -
Germany
Address: 31 Trimleston Avenue, Booterstown/Blackrock. Co. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-269-3011
Website: www.dublin.diplo.de/Vertretung/dublin/en/Startseite.html
Greece
Address: 1 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2.
Telephone: +353 1-676-7254
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.gr/missionsabroad/en/ireland-en
Iceland
Cavendish House, Smithfield. Dublin
Telephone: +353-1-8729299
Email: [email protected]
Website: iceland.visahq.com/embassy/ireland/
Italy
Address: 63-65, Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.
Telephone: +353 1-660-1744
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ambdublino.esteri.it/Ambasciata_Dublino
Japan
Address: Nutley Building, Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4.
Telephone: +353 1-202-8300
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Address: 160 Merrion Road, Dublin 4.
Telephone: +353 1-269-3444
Email: [email protected]
Website: ireland.nlembassy.org/
New Zealand
Address: PO Box 9999, Dublin 6
Telephone: +353 1-660-4233
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nzembassy.com/united-kingdom/about-the-high-commission/contact-us/honorary-consuls
Russia
Dubai Address: 184-186 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 14. Dublin
Telephone: +353 1-492-2048
Email: [email protected]
Limerick Address: 8 Ashbrook, Ennis Road, Limerick.
Telephone: +353 61 453 358
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ireland.mid.ru
Sweden
Address: 12, Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2.
Telephone: +353 1-265-0888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.swedenabroad.com/en-GB/Embassies
South Korea
Address: 15 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Dublin
Telephone: +353-1-660-8800 / 8053
Email: [email protected]
Website: irl.mofa.go.kr/english/eu/irl/main/index.jsp
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Holders of EU passports can land in and out of Ireland freely. To find out if you need an Irish visa whether as a tourist or for residency – click here>>
Various Visas are available including short stays to business and study. Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for more reference material about residency and visa options in Ireland.
· American citizens will need to apply for a visa when coming to Ireland in order to live. Without a work visa US citizens are allowed a 3 month stay and then they must apply for Residency registration and takes a minimum 3 months to process with no guarantee of entitlement.
Accommodation
Ireland is multi-cultural and standard of living is comparable to most European cities. Accommodation can found for modern to rural and everything in between! Living in the capital will cost considerably more than if you were to reside in a neighbouring city however if convenience is more your thing then Dublin is well connected has great transport and healthcare links.
Driving License
Drivers on Ireland’s roads drive on the left hand side of the road. Automatic cars are not common, n.b a US licence does not cover the driver for driving a manual gear shift vehicle therefore US drivers may need to take an Irish driving test in order to drive in Ireland.
If you have an EU/EEA member state driving licence you can hire a car and/or drive in Ireland as long as your licence is in date and valid. If you want to exchange your licence for an Irish equivalent you should do so within ten years of your current licence expiry date.
Some countries have an agreement with Ireland whereby you are able to exchange your licence for an Irish equivalent which you should do if you plan to become ‘normally resident’ in Ireland. Those countries include Australia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland – if you are from these countries you can drive on your licence whilst visiting and for up to 12months from the date of becoming a resident so long as it has not expired. The list of countries with special agreements include New Zealand & Taiwan however, with special exceptions.
If you hold a licence from a country not recommend you have the option of applying for an International Driving Permit (IDP) which will allow you to drive in Ireland for the duration of your visit or 12 months and then after that you will need to follow the procedure for taking an Irish driving test for an Irish Driving Licence.
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Ireland is comprehensive and in most cases all inclusive. It is mostly efficient and the standard of care is modern and clean. All residents in Ireland are entitled to free public health cover however there are restrictions based on your economic health which generally means the less you earn the lower level of healthcare coverage. There are just two categories of health cover and as a resident you would be entitled to one or the other.
Unfortunately there is a downside, Ireland’s healthcare budget is so great it’s one of the biggest if not the biggest expenditure of the government and whilst the country continues to make cut backs it inevitably affects the service. As it is free it, unfortunately it can and will mean lengthy waiting lists for medical attention, therefore many people chose to take private medical care to ensure the basics are covered and they can be seen to promptly – a fair price to pay for quick and efficient healthcare. Some useful information about health and medical care can be found here>>
