• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This is Us...Living

Live Simply & Travel Slow

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Living Abroad
  • Astrogeography
  • Simple Living
  • Slow Travel
  • Contact

discover ireland

How we moved to Ireland

March 28, 2017 by Meg 28 Comments

how we moved to Ireland, and how you can too!

***Update: We have lived in Dublin for nearly a year now, and this is by far my most popular post – I thought it might be handy to link up some of my more recent posts that flesh out some of the key things you need to consider when moving to a new country, particularly Ireland. In each of the below sections, I have shared the link to the relevant post to help you find exactly what you might be looking for. As with anything on this blog, it is written purely from our point of view and from our own experiences. If you are looking to chat more about how you can move to Ireland, feel free to contact me, and if its technical info you need about your own situation, Citizen Information can also be a great resource.

I thought I would share how we moved countries, and what we thought about BEFORE we made the decision to move overseas. I tried my best to layout all the things you should consider if you are also looking to make the move. Firstly, I have to just say, this is what we did. There is not right or wrong way. Perhaps some of this won’t apply to you, but maybe it will give you some ideas and perhaps it will help you in some small way.

Here is a step by step account on how we moved countries:

  • Check your reasons – stand by them – you will get asked a million times.

We get this question a lot – How did you move countries? What made you choose Ireland? Why are you leaving us? We even had some people really shock us by saying the reasons we are moving must be because we were white and there is nothing left in South Africa for “us” – that was truly the worst. It breaks my heart that I have friends who think like this.

To answer this question for the million-th time: we did not move away because we have lost hope in South Africa. Quite the opposite. We love South Africa, but we also love to travel. So moving to a new country, wherever in the world we ended up, meant we could explore more and travel more. Simply put, we moved for the adventure – it was not to run or escape anything.

***Update: Read this post about the things no-one talks about when you move to a new country for a reality check, because let’s be real expat life ain’t all glam and roses.

  • Pick a country.

Truthfully, Ireland was on a list of about six other places. We drew up a list that would suit the skills that Rob has (he works in Tax). So we focused on countries where a lot of tax structuring happens (Rob’s lingo, not mine). Since I work in digital marketing, my job could be any where really – at a push, I could freelance online. Some of the countries on a our list were: Ireland, Canada, UK, some parts of Europe namely; Amsterdam, Switzerland & Luxemburg.

  • Find a job.

At our ages, and in our careers, we were not keen on taking a huge risk of going over and finding a job. We also were very flexible on where in the world we would live – so it meant we could throw the net wider in the job search. We made the decision that Rob would get the job first, and then depending on the rest of the criteria (Jack, cost of living, and the job market for me) we would make a final call on if that worked for us.

We updated our Linkedin profiles, and searched for international job opportunities. Truthfully, we had limited interest. What made it all possible in the end was when Rob put his CV out on a job portal specific to his job function (www.etaxjobs.com). He actually applied for a job in Luxemburg, and the recruiter job contacted him. They chatted about what jobs Rob was looking for, and that is when he was told about the job here in Dublin.

That was a big nudge for us to start looking more intensely at Dublin. We were super critical, and I have to say, thorough in our planning. We wanted to make sure our life would be the same or better if we moved. A big question to ask yourself is; what do you want and what do you want to avoid? Understand that everything comes with a compromise, things will always be different somewhere new. But know the things that you won’t bend on. It makes it easier to scrap ideas that don’t fit with what you want.

*Update: Rob had a job and a work permit before coming over here, and that truly made things a bit easier to handle because what we didn’t know was that it would take me over 8 months to find a job and then go through 9 weeks of work permit application processing. Yes, I am eligible for a spousal dependent work permit, and I work in marketing, but I don’t think either of us realised how hard it would be and how long it would take for me to find a job.

  • Visas and work permits.

A big thing to working in a foreign country is understanding what the visa restrictions are. Rob has a SA passport, and I have a Canadian one. Ireland has no visa restrictions for both our passports, meaning you can come into the country for 90 days. This really made things a lot more cost effective for us. We have had friends who needed to pay up to R50k to apply for visas just to enter the country.

Work permits are a whole separate hurdle you have to jump through. And trust me, they can be super complicated. Especially because we are non-EU nationals.  If you have an EU passport, I think coming into Ireland is relatively easy for you. But in our case, both Rob and I require work permits.

*Update: Read this post on getting a work permit and how to find a job in Ireland.

  • Your pets.

A no brainer for us was that Jack was moving with us. It didn’t matter what it would cost, we were not going to break up the family. It absolutely kills me when I hear people say they put their pets down to move, or they gave them over to SPCA. For us, Jack is a family member. He is like our baby.

Having said that, do your checks on how easy it will be to get your pet over with you  – check all the facts before you make the final call. For us, we wanted a country that had no quarantine period. Jack sleeps in our bed, under the duvet, with his head resting on my pillow with me. He would not have done well in quarantine. and neither would we.

FYI: All the countries we looked at have no quarantine requirements.

***Update: Read this post on how to move your pet to Ireland. Also, read how a pet improves your life as an expat, because they really do.

  • Draft a budget (and expect to spend more).

Rob is pretty thorough when it comes to budgets. We did a lot of research online about what cost of living was going to be like in Ireland. We also had a few contacts who were over there already who were incredibly honest about what it cost them, and costs we could expect. A friend of Rob’s really broke it down, line by line for us (he works in Tax too, which explains a lot).

Be blunt, and ask questions. Ask as many as you can think of and be prepared to listen to everything. Some of it will apply to you, some of it may not. Some of it you will think won’t apply to you, and later you will learn it actually does. Figure out the big costs, like how much it will cost you to move over, monthly expenses in the new country, average salary you could be making. We even went so far as to build in what it would cost Rob to get his hair cut, getting my nails done (#priorities), and even looked at how much races were going to cost us. Everything had a line item, and we also catered for various circumstances; Plan A: Rob and I both have jobs, Plan B: I don’t have a job, Plan C: we have tenants in our house back home – every plan was accounted for.

Even with all of the planning and prep work we did, there were still hidden and unexpected costs. Plus, you are in a new country, and you want to explore. And you want to make friends, and do things. We have been very lucky in that my job back in SA set up a fixed contract where I continued to work for them while I moved over, that ends this Friday. Thankfully we have been able to save a lot. So, while we wait for confirmation on my Irish job statuses (I have recently been on quite a few interviews), we are OK financially. That was key for us – we did not want to get into any more debt moving over to a new country.

***Update: Read this post on the cost of living between Dublin and Johannesburg. Also I wrote a post about how to live on one salary – because life sometimes doesn’t work out how you planned. And if you are moving over with your pets, how to find a pet friendly rental in Dublin might come in handy too.

There you have it  that is how we moved countries! Have you ever moved countries? What is your one piece of valuable advice to someone looking to make the move?

Unlock the simple life,

~Meg~

p.s. If social media is your thing (snap! It’s my fave too!), you should totally follow me on Instagram.

p.p.s. I try post varied content once or twice a month, to be sure you don’t miss out on the new post you should sign up and get all the news straight in your inbox – Sign up now!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Irishlife Tagged With: discover dublin, discover ireland, ireland, irish travel, irishlife, life, travel, travel tips, travels

5 Tourist Things to do in Dublin

March 3, 2017 by Meg 5 Comments

5 things every tourist needs to do in Uublin. save this post for your next travel trip to Ireland.5 things every tourist needs to do in Uublin. save this post for your next travel trip to Ireland.

5 things every tourist should do in Dublin this weekend

Rob and I are not the conventional tourist types. In fact if it screams obvious, we generally avoid at all costs. But when your good friends decide to come through for a visit, you make a plan and you go full cheesy tourist with them. It was a great excuse to go and tick off the things you have to see when in Dublin, but it also made me realise that I can’t wait till they come and visit again – so that we can share the local flavour, the hidden insider tips and tricks, on places to go and see (that isn’t an overpriced, tourist fest!).

For the most part, I actually enjoyed our weekend trips, and in hindsight, although I sound super nonchalant about it – I would recommend going to these places if you are ever in Dublin. But I also do have some tips to share that will help you get the most for bang for your buck!

1. Guinness Storehouse:

This is an obvious Irish must see if you are ever in Dublin. The home of the black stuff, or if you go to the Storehouse you will learn, its actually ruby red.

Guinness storehouse story

Some tips to consider:

  • Entrance fee is €20.
  • Book your ticket online – saves you from having to wait in line to buy at the storehouse.
  • Weekday is different to weekends (for example; on the weekend we first went they had a promo where you could use your ticket to sample 3 beers; but during the week this was not available).
  • Know the facts about the voucher: you can use your voucher in a few places throughout the museum:
    1. As a tasting board of 3 beers (only available on weekends)
    2. Learn to pour your own pint
    3. At the 360 viewing bar on the top floor

*we used one voucher for the tasting board; and the other for a pint at the bar with a view; which meant we got the best of both worlds. The pouring your pint section is a fun idea, but we both knew how to do that already, and there is no view to drink your beloved pint afterwards.

Guinness storehouse tour

Having been to the Storehouse twice in two weeks, I would say its worth a trip – but once is enough. I am sure we will have to go again when more friends or family visit, which is cool – as long as it is not soon.

2. Temple Bar Food Market:

temple bar food market

This is such a gem of a find, it is a small version of Neighbourgoods Market back home but has a heap of potential. Plus, you can get a cheap (yet super tasty) breakfast at a fraction of the cost of some of the restaurants around. I know Temple Bar district is where you go for a pint or ten; and party the night away. For me, it screams overpriced and a total jock fest – which is so not our vibe at all. But the food market is not so commercialized and I really had a great brekkie roll and the best coffee, so I will definitely be keen to make this a regular place we visit.

Tip: Although most places accept cards, bring cash if you want a breakfast roll!

3. Dublinia & Christ Church Cathedral

Dublinia is such a cool interactive museum, which tells the story of Dublin through the ages. Really fascinating, its a great place for adults or kids, and I really enjoyed it. Make sure you walk up to the tower and take a look at the view too! I found this place when I was walking (trying to get my fitbit steps up) and I especially love the architecture.

dublinia

You can also pop into the garden and surrounds to view Christ Church Cathedral, which is just over the road from Dublinia.

Entrance fee: Dublinia costs €9.50 for adults; €6 for kids under 12years; and €8.50 for students and pensioners.

4. The Brazen Head

Brazen Head Dublin

I wasn’t going to mention this, because I think every person and their mother has been to Brazen Head (atleast the one in Johannesburg). But then I realised that I have insider info. You see, the Brazen Head in Dublin, claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, so naturally the tourists flock to it. But I have been to Sean’s Bar in Athlone, which also claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland. So now, who is telling the truth? Both have a letter from Guinness world of records. the difference is done to the dates.

Sean pub Athlone

Brazen Head was established in 1198, whereas Sean’s Bar was built in 900A.D. Interestingly enough, Sean’s Bar has a piece of the original wall framed inside the pub, made with wattling sticks and mud. So you see, as a tourist coming to Ireland, you probably would be forgiven for thinking there was only one pub with this claim, but you are only truly a local if you can say you have been to both.

Either way, Brazen Head, is pretty rad. They have Irish music playing in the evenings, nice areas where you can drink and chat, and the food is not too bad.

Tip: Get there early if you want a table. But know that it is just a tourist trap for tourists, and most certainly, not the best pub we have been to since we have been here. There are plenty of pubs to go around in Dublin, so I suggest you try a few out!

5. Irish Whiskey Museum

irish whiskey museum

The Irish whiskey museum is the perfect place to start, if you are interest in learning about the history of Irish Whiskey making. The great thing about the Irish Whiskey Museum, is that you learn all about Irish Whiskey, but you also get to sample different Irish Whiskey brands, along with different types of Whiskey.

Tip: You could pay €26 for the blending experience (gets you 4 whiskeys and you can blend them into one 30ml bottle you can take home) but the best value for money is the premium tour for €19, (4 whiskeys, no little bottle).

Other Whiskey spots to try out:

  • The Jameson Distillery. Currently the one is Dublin is closed for renovations. But if you head to Cork, you could visit the Old Midleton Jameson Distillery.
  • Teeling Distillery. An independent Irish Whiskey Company in the heart of Dublin.

I have other little gems of things to do and see in Dublin, and as we go – I am sure this list will grow. So stay tuned for more travel must-sees and things to do in Dublin!

What would recommend is a must-see in Dublin for tourists?

~ Meg ~

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Travels Tagged With: discover dublin, discover ireland, dublin, irish travel, irishlife, travel tips, travels

Take a look at what a home in Dublin looks like

November 22, 2016 by Meg 8 Comments

Take a look at what a home in Dublin looks like - expat life - living abroad - living in Ireland

Take a look at what a home in Dublin looks like - expat life - living abroad - living in Ireland
Dia dhaoibh*, friends from a chilly Dublin, Ireland!

[* This is a gaelic term for hello to more than one person; the direct translation is ‘God be with you’]

It has been one week since I arrived and I am really feeling like I am home. I thought that once I got here it would feel like a bit of a holiday – not permanent, and just for fun. In true Rob and Meg fashion we have jumped in head first and we are loving every minute of it. Last week alone I walked over 67 540 steps; a total of 49,4KM. I am super chuffed I bought a fitbit. It drives everyone around me crazy because I sync and update them regularly but I love seeing how active I am and I am really hoping that once I start running again too, I can finally lose all this weight I have gained over the last few months. Yes, I am in fat mode. Yes, its because I got injured, and I got stressed and moving countries is hard work. But it kills me looking at pictures of how fat I have actually gotten. But I have a plan – watch this space.

I thought today I would share a few pictures of our new home, and what I love/don’t love about it.

For starters, this is our little house:

dublin house

We live on a small but busy street, within walking distance of two parks, and even the beach! We are also walking distance from the Lansdown stadium (where all the rugby happens); this also means we have some pretty great pubs close by (but that’s a given for any true Irish town).

We live in a suburb called Irishtown. It is right on all the main bus routes, so travelling into the city and out is pretty easy. Rob works in the city, he leaves for work at 8:20am (starts at 9am!) which means we get to get up early and walk Jack together, have breakfast together. I am the good wife who packs his bag for him and sends him on his way before I settle down to work myself.

Here is a pic of my little home office:

dublin home office

I work in the lounge/dining room area of our house. The house has two fireplaces: one in the lounge and one in our bedroom. It is an old house, like very old. Rob has termed it the rusty bucket. I like to think of it as a quaint elf cottage. It is not suited for tall people.

dublin lounge

Our house has the lounge area, kitchen and courtyard on the ground floor, then a staircase as you come into the front door that takes you up to the bathroom and two bedrooms.

dublin kitchen

The kitchen has a low ceiling, and its small. The appliances are very old – atleast 50 years old but they work, so we can’t complain.

dublin bathroomThe bathroom has a gas shower in the bathtub. Thankfully the water is always hot and the pressure is pretty good. But we have to bend our heads while showering, as the skylight and ceiling are pretty low (hence my thinking it’s better suited for elves).

The bedrooms are full of natural light, which is actually beautiful. Here is a pic of our bedroom (Jack’s fave place is on the bed with the sun coming in):

dublin bedroom

The house also comes with a lot of storage space and plenty of cupboards – this is unlike most places here, so we are pretty thankful for the extra space. Our bedroom is my fave place, it is so airy and light.

The house came with all the furniture, it is not the best stuff, but it has saved us a lot of money not having to buy anything just yet. It even came with cutlery and plates etc – so we have all the basics and can get by while we wait for our 3 boxes to arrive. I am told the boxes could be anytime in December… but I am not holding my breath. We decided against buying a TV. We are currently watched series off the computer, because the one thing I love about our house is the uncapped wifi – how we did life before high speed internet is beyond me.

Most people in Ireland don’t really have that homely vibe like people in SA. Here, you generally try to get out of the house and visit people at pubs or parks – not like in SA where you are always going over to a friend’s place for a braai. I think Rob and I will be the same in that the house is small, and we will go crazy if we don’t get out when we can.

Another great plus to having a small house is that this is less of it to clean! So you would think it wouldn’t take too long to clean – you would be wrong. We learnt quite quickly that our view on cleanliness is VERY different to here. I am not sure if it is how Rob and I were raised, but our mother’s would have heart failure at the thick layer of grime and dirt that has just built up all over this house over lack of cleaning. We got stuck in and literally cleaned the house all of Sunday, and I still feel as though its not clean enough. It will take a lot of days of deep cleaning to get it looking and feeling the way I want it to look. I feel like I may be classified as an extreme cleaner – but I would rather be called that then live in filth.

So that is our little Irish house, and the start of many great adventures to come.

What do you love about your house? Are you a neat freak or a secret slob at home?

Unlock the simple life,

~Meg~

p.s. If social media is your thing (snap! It’s my fave too!), you should totally follow me on Instagram.

p.p.s. I try post varied content once or twice a month, to be sure you don’t miss out on the new post you should sign up and get all the news straight in your inbox – Sign up now!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Irishlife Tagged With: discover dublin, discover ireland, dublin, ireland, irish travel, irishlife, journey, life, travelling, travels

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 6
  • Go to page 7
  • Go to page 8

Primary Sidebar

Join the monthly newsletter!

About Meg

new pic

Hey! My name is Meg. I blog about the life I share with my hubby, Rob; our furbaby, Jack and the newest family member, our daughter Riley. In 2016, we moved to a new country, cut down on clutter, and started focusing on unlocking a simple life, filled with travel and adventure. Read my story here

Connect with me on social

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Booking.com

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Archives

Footer

Follow Me on Social

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Sign up to the monthly newsletter!

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

Archives

Tags

Challenges discover dublin discover ireland dublin expat expat life Happiness ireland irishlife irish travel journey life living abroad simple life simple living travel travelling travels travel tips vacation ideas

Copyright © 2022 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress