There are so many differences and changes to which I needed to adapt upon moving here nearly seven years ago, but some of them still creep back into my thoughts and strike me with a momentary, "I never did figure out why that's the case." About those unique and haunting adjustments, I am writing an entire … Continue reading Adjustments as an American Expat or Immigrant in Ireland
Move to Cork
Welcome to Ireland: A Newcomer’s Survival Guide
It has been 74 months since I arrived at Cork Airport with five bags of my favorite possessions to make Ireland my new home. Though time has given me comfort and sense of feeling local, I still remember what it feels like to assimilate to a new life in a new city in a new country … Continue reading Welcome to Ireland: A Newcomer’s Survival Guide
What Gets Me Through the Week – Irish Packing List
When I packed to move to Ireland nearly four years ago, I got rid of all my Polo, Abercrombie, Hilfiger, and typically 'American' clothes and brought H&M stuff in the hope that I would fit in better. It intimidated me to be moving to Europe. Sure, it was Ireland and many pictured 40 shades of … Continue reading What Gets Me Through the Week – Irish Packing List
Craving American Food? You’ll Like This Post
We've all been there, craving a bowl of orange Kraft Mac & Cheese as an American immigrant across the pond. But unless you live near Harvey Nichols or Partridges, you thought you were out of luck. Well, I researched all the resources for American foods abroad and made a big delicious list with links. Oh … Continue reading Craving American Food? You’ll Like This Post
My Favorite Blogs About Life in Ireland
I am often asked as a blogger what blogs I read and often rattle off one or two that I can't live without, but thought it was high time I put together a list of those about life in Ireland to share with you. I also compiled a massive list of all the blogs I … Continue reading My Favorite Blogs About Life in Ireland
First Thing’s First: Next 3 things to do upon arriving to live in Ireland
So, you read my previous post in this series, First Thing's First: Top 3 things to do upon arriving to live in Ireland, and you have: 1) Registered with An Garda Síochána (Guardians of the Peace = Police). 2) Gotten a PPS number. 3) Opened a local bank account. Now what? Well, here are the next … Continue reading First Thing’s First: Next 3 things to do upon arriving to live in Ireland
Ask Evin – Where Should I Visit in Ireland and is it Hard to Drive on the Left?
Writing this blog has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people! Some are in the process of relocating to Ireland (or considering it), while others are just visiting. Most recently, Domina contacted me to ask for my advice about her upcoming trip to the Emerald Isle. Here is her note, followed by … Continue reading Ask Evin – Where Should I Visit in Ireland and is it Hard to Drive on the Left?
Deciding What to Pack When Relocating
How to decide what goes with you and what is sold or stored. That is one of the great challenges in relocation and moving. When I moved from California over two years ago, I created three criteria to consider for an item to stay in my life: 1) In good/working condition with no breakage in … Continue reading Deciding What to Pack When Relocating
First Thing’s First: Top 3 things to do upon arriving to live in Ireland
You've packed up your life in the U.S. and moved to the Emerald Isle for your new life. Perhaps you are an ex-pat working here, maybe you married an Irishman or lovely Irish woman, or your grandfather was an Irish citizen and you've just gained your own citizenship - whatever the reason here are my … Continue reading First Thing’s First: Top 3 things to do upon arriving to live in Ireland
How to Get a Provisional Driving Licence, aka Learner’s Permit, in Ireland
I remember when I got my learner’s permit at age 16 in the States. It was an exciting thing since where I lived you could take the written theory test at age 15 years and nine months then take the driving/road test when you were 16 years old. Now, many years later, I am going through the process again to be able to drive in Ireland. Though I possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, as a resident I need an Irish permit to drive here as there is no option to convert my American permit for an Irish one. If you’re from an EU/EEA country, that might be possible for you so pursue that using this form. “American citizens are permitted to drive with a U.S. driver's license for the duration of a visit to Ireland; i.e., as long as their status is that of tourist and not resident. Once you decide to become resident in Ireland, regardless of how long you have been in the country, you must apply for an Irish driver's license.” There are several steps in the process to earn an Irish driver’s permit and this doesn’t even consider the steps required to purchase/own a vehicle. Here are FAQs for your reference. Below, I’ve detailed the steps with details and links to make it simpler for you.