Debbie O Halloran

There are so many things to consider as an expat when having a baby in Ireland. The unfamiliar surroundings of a new country, cultural differences, the language barrier, and being far away from your support network of family and close friends. This can all make having a baby seem all the more daunting and overwhelming. This article will help you get organised well in advance for the most important event in your life.

With over 200 nationalities now choosing to call it home, Ireland has emerged as a hugely attractive destination for expats, and for good reason. The Irish take pride in their inclusive culture, where people from diverse backgrounds, with different languages, sexualities, or religions, are encouraged to preserve their heritage and celebrate their identity, while also becoming an integral part of Irish society. So here's what you need to know if you're about to settle in Ireland.

If you're travelling to Ireland and you're not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland, or a country in the European Economic Area (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein), you need to apply for a visa to work, live, or study there. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your stay in Ireland. If you are travelling with children, you have to apply for a visa for your children too. This article explains the different types of visas that you can apply for to travel to Ireland.

The Irish school system can feel overwhelming for expat parents who are trying to understand the academic year, the curriculum, and the different types of schools you can choose from. This article breaks down everything you need to know, from pre-school and primary education to secondary education and the state exams in Ireland.

If you are thinking about moving to Dublin, you may have your own expectations and preconceptions based on what you have heard from other people or read online, but these expectations are not always going to be the reality. Cities can change in just a few years, and websites often don't get updated. Therefore, you need to have up-to-date information from people on the ground. This guide shows you what it is really like to live in Dublin.

Dublin is one of the most popular destinations for expats in Europe. The Irish capital has it all: vibrant culture, rich history, natural beauty, and of course, its warm and friendly people. However, excellent job opportunities, a booming multinational sector, and world-class third-level institutions have driven property demand in the city in recent years. This has, as a result, caused prices to skyrocket. With city centre locations commanding significantly high prices, many people can no longer afford to live in the city and have to look to the suburbs and commuter towns outside of the city. So here's what you need to know if you're considering property purchase in the Irish capital city.

Over a third of the population of Ireland lives in Dublin. Despite Ireland being a relatively small country in Europe, it is still one of the leading destinations for large multinational companies. This is largely down to their highly skilled and educated workforce, and their favourably low corporation tax rate. Today, about 36% of the total employment in Ireland is in Dublin, spanning a wide variety of sectors. Dublin is a thriving global hub in areas such as technology and financial services. The capital city's growing international population makes it a popular destination for expats, as there are lots of job opportunities up for grabs.

When it comes to moving to a new country, one of the first and most important factors to decide on is your accommodation. There are many different ways you can go about this. You want to be living in an area that suits your specific needs and desires. It can be an overwhelming process when you don't know a lot about a country and you are trying to decide where you want to live. This article gives some insight that can help you with this process in Ireland.

Whether you're searching for your soulmate, a casual fling, or a whirlwind romance, navigating the nuances of the dating scene in Ireland can be tricky. Whether you're swiping right on Tinder or scanning the local pub for your next date, Ireland's dating landscape comes with its own rules, its own quirks, and even its own special brand of Irish charm.

By being prepared for calling the emergency services in your new home country, you can get the help you need much more quickly, which can often make a big difference. Here's what you need to know about emergency services in England.

Cork, located along the southern coast of Ireland, is the biggest county in Ireland in terms of size, which is why a lot of locals like to refer to it as the real capital of Ireland. Cork provides a smaller city experience to Dublin, but with a cosmopolitan vibe and a thriving food and tech scene. The Port of Cork is Ireland's second busiest and home to the second largest natural harbour in the world.

Looking to open a bank account in Ireland? Navigating the banking landscape to find the best bank for you can be a challenge, particularly if you are new to the country. Banking in Ireland is changing, and digital-only banks are becoming more widely used along with traditional high street banks. So whether you're looking for personal banking services, a savings account, or a digital-only bank, Ireland has a variety of banks to choose from. And with the right documents and some preparation, the process of opening a bank account in Ireland can be a quick and hassle-free one.

Ireland's healthcare system is a mix of both public and private options, offering a range of services for patients. The public health system in Ireland often comes in for a hard time, however, due to long wait times, understaffing, and overcrowded facilities. Ireland's private healthcare sector, on the other hand, offers faster access to medical care, personalised services, and a wide range of specialist treatments. Understanding this two-tier system is essential for anyone living in or planning to move to Ireland. This article dives into the nuances of the Irish healthcare system.

Ireland is going through a sustained period of economic growth. As a result, unemployment levels in the country are near all-time lows. There are many multinational companies with their European bases in Ireland, which means that there are jobs in a variety of different sectors. The process of finding a job is pretty straightforward and will be similar to that in a lot of other countries. 

Cork, located along the southern coast, and just 2.5 hours from Dublin, is the biggest county in Ireland in terms of size, which is why a lot of locals like to refer to it as being the real capital of Ireland. It is the second biggest city in the country, and as a result, there is a strong economic performance in the region. Cork, often referred to as the “Rebel City”, is a thriving hub for local and international job seekers. With a reputation for being the beating heart of Europe's tech industry, there are many different career paths open to those who are looking for work from overseas.