So you’ve taken the plunge and moved to the Emerald Isle. What do you do now? What do you need to know about living here? Read on to get a few pointers about living in Ireland!
Weather
Well first of all, it rains a lot! On average in Ireland it rains around 150 days a year along the east and south-east coasts, while the west coast can see up to about 225 days a year. Temperature wise, December and January tend to be the coldest months of the year while July and August are the warmest. Overall Ireland has an average temperature of 10 degrees so a warm coat is almost always a good investment. Weather extremes such as storms are relatively rare when compared to other countries in Europe, but it’s always best to be prepared! |
Language
Both Irish and English are recognised as official languages of Ireland. However, since the late 19th century, English has been the predominant first language, being used by most people around the country for their every day business. Most college courses are also through English. If you would like to brush up on your English, some good language schools would be the Everest Language School based in Dublin, or the School of English Leixlip based in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Both offer English language classes for all levels, and the School of English Leixlip even offer free cultural outings!
Both Irish and English are recognised as official languages of Ireland. However, since the late 19th century, English has been the predominant first language, being used by most people around the country for their every day business. Most college courses are also through English. If you would like to brush up on your English, some good language schools would be the Everest Language School based in Dublin, or the School of English Leixlip based in Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Both offer English language classes for all levels, and the School of English Leixlip even offer free cultural outings!
Transport
Public transport in Ireland is limited to the major cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Cork. If you’re going to be relying on public transport, then a student Leap Card is a necessity. This is a convenient pre-paid transport card that can be used on most forms of public transport, including the Luas and Dublin Bus. The Leap Cards can also be used to borrow a Coca Cola Dublin Bike. They are €10 but offer discounts on the transport, as well as in certain shops and restaurants such as McDonald’s and Boots!
Public transport in Ireland is limited to the major cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Cork. If you’re going to be relying on public transport, then a student Leap Card is a necessity. This is a convenient pre-paid transport card that can be used on most forms of public transport, including the Luas and Dublin Bus. The Leap Cards can also be used to borrow a Coca Cola Dublin Bike. They are €10 but offer discounts on the transport, as well as in certain shops and restaurants such as McDonald’s and Boots!
Irish Humour
It is often said that the Irish have a wicked sense of humour, and are always up for a bit of "divilment" (which is essentially just being up to mischief). Despite being a small country, we've produced a number of renowned comedians (who are unfortunately often dubbed as British comedians, but we know the truth!). If you're interested in checking out some Irish humour, we recommend Dara Ó'Briain, Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop (Irish-American), Neil Delamere, Al Porter or Dylan Moran. There's also a number of Irish TV shows and films to give you a taste of Irish wit, such as Father Ted, Irish Gogglebox, Irish First Dates, Mrs. Brown's Boys, Moone Boy, The Snapper, The Commitments and In Bruges.
If you're interested in more Irish humour we recommend this cheeky Irish Things blog, featuring 100% Irish grass-fed content to keep you laughing as our daft country continues to exist somehow...!
If you're interested in more Irish humour we recommend this cheeky Irish Things blog, featuring 100% Irish grass-fed content to keep you laughing as our daft country continues to exist somehow...!