Have you moved to Ireland from the UK? What was your experience?

[EightMonthsScared]

Hey MN!

We've fallen madly in love with a house in Ireland but don't know anybody that has made the move.

Have you done it and how has it gone for you? Good and bad.

Couple of specific questions:

1. It says online we can live and work in Ireland with no problems but is this really the case? Would hate to buy the house and then find out that we can't live there all year around or that we can't work. Would love to know how things have gone for you.

2. My grandmother was Irish (like a lot of Brits I guess!) but I sound like the actual queen. Will I have issues? Are there any areas to avoid?

I'm very sensitive to everything Ireland has been through with the English so I don't mean to stir up arguments with this question. But obviously, I want to go somewhere where my family will be welcome/safe. And that might be everywhere, but I just don't know. Again, would welcome feedback from your first hand experiences.

Anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks all!

Cork is most removed geographically obviously from the north so you will find people are quite ignorant about northern policies and particularly indifferent about Irish/ British history. That's just my experience.

In my experience Cork people aren't indifferent about Irish/British history?
Cork proudly bears the title of the rebel county.

I don't think you'll have any trouble though, lots of English people about, and very welcome.

That is one of the silliest generalisations I’ve ever read on here, and makes absolutely zero sense. Do you actually think proximity to NI or to the UK drives engagement with British-Irish history?

Quite apart from anything else, Cork was one of the biggest strongholds of activity in 1919-21 and of anti-Treaty activity during the civil war. Those people were my generation’s grandparents.

https://www.ucc.ie/en/theirishrevolution/collections/mapping-the-irish-revolution/the-war-of-independence-in-cork-and-kerry/

Cork was also traditionally one of the biggest areas of British army recruitment. About half my numerous great-uncles were British army or navy in WWI. One died at Mons. One lost a leg at Gallipoli. He was still alive in my childhood. Why would Cork not be fully as aware, if not more, of Irish-British history, when it’s written into many people’s family past?

I'm not talking about historically I mean today, people just don't seem that bothered about NI or historical conflicts. I mean it in a positive way in how people view British, they aren't hung up on the past. That's just my personal experience in Cork.

Exactly this.

My mother was from Cork and her family were divided along these lines, she had relatives on her mother's side in the IRA (the old IRA of the 1920s) and relatives on her father's side in the British army.

Anyhow, OP you'll be fine, there are lots of English people here and lots of people with English relatives, friends, partners.

I would say it's a good idea to brush up on your history (if you haven't already) if you're planning on living here. Not essential but helpful I would say.

You didn't say 'not bothered' before, you said 'ignorant' and 'indifferent'. Not bothered is quite different.

You'll be fine OP, just DONT EVER call it "Southern Ireland".

this, and, never ever admit to voting in favour of Brexit and screwing things up royally for our cousins in Northern Ireland! Things were ticking along very nicely and now it feels like it could all go pear-shaped again.

Maybe don't ever refer to Great Britain as The Mainland either...
Not that we're touchy or anything😂

You could stay regardless as both part of the UK/ROI common travel area. However EU passport could be handy if ever want move to Spain for example