When most of us think about Moving to Ireland, we think of beautiful green hills. Striking it rich playing the Irish lotto at Lottoland, and friendly folks at neighbourhood pubs. But, people who live there know there is so much more.
There is a rich history and culture that is evident everywhere you look. Take Galway for example, where you can visit St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. You can walk where kings, princes, explorers (such as Columbus), and even victims of famine, and lepers have been sheltered. For 700 years, millions of worshippers have prayed in these rooms.
You will see the beauty of the sea, the majesty of the mountains, and hear the Irish native tongue as folks walk the streets. You will see this is not just an Irish tale, it is home to millions, and they will welcome you too.
To make your move to Ireland from the UK easier, we have put together this little to-do list. We believe you will find it helpful.
Photo credit: geralt
Job Hunting
Unless you are prepared to live for quite some time without employment, it is wise to do job searches before you move to Ireland. As in many parts of the world, the Pandemic has disrupted the economy. There are a lot of qualified people out of work or under-employed currently. Of course, you should look for work in your field of skill and education, but be open to expanding. Here are some tips:
- Update your resume
- Use your social media sites to network with people
- You may want to use different social media pages for networking to keep business and personal separate.
- Stay current on your Linkedin page
- Create or update a references page
- If you have (and you should have) a personal website, use it to show some of your work
- Projects you have managed
- The artwork you have created
- Students you have successfully taught
- Use Indeed or a “head-hunter” site to get you interviews.
NOTE: If you are contacted by a company asking you to send them a fee to process your resume and application in Ireland, this is a scam. No legitimate company will ask you to pay them to use your resume. They get a commission when a company hires someone they send to them.
Begin your home search
Housing in Ireland is available but you need to do your homework. If you have friends and family in the area, let them look around for you. Landlords ask for a notice when a tenant is going to move. This allows them to advertise the place for a new family. This also gives you a chance well in advance to look for your new home.
Ireland housing is more expensive than the neighboring UK. Again, take advantage of any friends or family who own or anyone who they know that may have a good deal for a friend.
Be aware of the train routes as you rent or buy. Being near a train that travels toward your destination is a wise move.
What can you expect to pay when you find a house?
Moving in you will be expected to pay a deposit which will equal one month’s rent. You will also need to pay your first month’s rent in advance. Some flats factor in the price of electricity and others put the purchase of electricity in your hands. This is something you will need to discuss at the time of the rental.
- Electricity or gas or both
- Water
- Waste
- Annual TV license (an Irish Government requirement if you have a TV)
- Parking (if you plan to purchase a car)
- Note: Internet, cell phone, cable TV are options.
SORT OUT TAX
One of two guarantees in life, don’t leave this until the last minute. There is some reading and work to be done so make sure you allow enough time for it all. Gov.UK has a useful page with links to the forms you need to complete. On the Irish side Citizens Information has a great section for Irish citizens who wish to move back that is worth consulting early in the process for information on things like tax, banking, and healthcare. If you are reading this as a UK citizen interested in moving to Ireland, Citizens Advice offers advice on moving to work in Ireland.
Clean up and Pack
First things first. If it is junk, clutter, or something you really don’t use, don’t pay someone to move it.
Tips for donations:
There are a lot of people in need right now due to the pandemic, closed schools, job-loss, and COVID. Please keep these things in mind when you are getting rid of items you are not going to move.
Food
Food that is nearing its expiration date needs to be eaten, If you are not going to get to it before you begin your move, donate it. Contact your local food bank. They will take any can or dry food that is not past the date. Some may have a freezer to take frozen foods prepared at a supermarket or butcher shop, but most do not.
You can take all food to a homeless shelter or a shelter for abused women and children. They will usually accept any type of food you offer.
Finally, take food to the minister of your church. He is usually aware of families in the congregation that need help with food.
Clothes
Warm clothes are always needed. Missions have clothes closets, as do churches, emergency shelters. Elementary schools often need extra jackets. If you have clothes that you no longer wear, please make a donation.
Money
Let your bank know about the move. Open a new bank account in Ireland. Once you have had security put into place, make sure you have enough money in the account. Also, take credit cards that are used everywhere and relax. You will be safe as long as you keep a close eye on things.
This should give you a good start. So keep to the plan and you will be living your dream before you know it. Your new life is waiting for you, so what are you waiting for?
Main image credit: hanks truck pictures
