Ok, not 'properly' overseas, but dh wants to move to Ireland.

[MuffinMclay]

I have never even visited and we have no family or friends there. Dh has been offered job in Shannon and seems very keen. I need some convincing that we should upsticks and move as I know nothing at all about this part of the world. I'm pg with dc2 (very early stage) and have only just recovered from our last house move, 2 days after ds was born).

I'm Irish (but currently in Bangkok en route to Sydney for good). I would strongly advise you to visit first - I'm from Dublin and my family now live in either Dublin and Cork but my first reaction to Shannon would be, why? The phrase "arse end of nowhere" comes to mind! It's mainly known for it's airport and a lot of new businesses which set up there in response to Government initiatives to help job creation in a deprived area. On the plus side it's near to Galway which is fab, and Ireland in general is very child friendly with very good state education. People are friendly so you would probably make friends quickly, but personally it's not an area of Ireland I would ever consider living in. Good luck whatever you decide.

I agree Galway is fab. I was a student there for 2 years. I don't know much about Shannon but I have heard it ain't great. Galway may be commutable so check that out.

Is the job very attractive.

I would disagree about the education system. Too broad ( I did about 8 subjects)and too many compulsory subjects. Your children will have to study Irish and lots of jobs will be closed to them if they don't get a certain grade.

Example: My nephew is a truly gifted artist. He has won national competitions and to my eye at the age of 3 was drawing simply incredibly stuff. I appreciate it even more now having kids. Anyway he is not gifted at Irish language and as a result will not get a place in any Art course in Ireland. He went to a College in Northern Ireland and whilst normally they had a minimum entry requirements they are not interested in what grade he gets in his exams they were so impressed with his portfolio. The Irish system is far too rigid I think. It us great if you are an all rounder but otherwise crap I think.

I know Kerry it is shocking. Getting back to nephew he is expected to get A1 (I think it is called that - equivalent it A* here) in English, Art and Biology but because he is not interested and not good at French, Irish, Maths and what ever other subjects he is doing he has to go to Northern Ireland who value his skills more that the Irish system. As you know special needs provision for both ends of pectrum is poor.

That reminds me what is health care like now? My Dad died three years ago and my eperienc then was poor. His cancer went undiagnosed for best part of a year. My uncle and his family were NOT told he had cancer. Imagine that! My sister opted to have her babies in Northern Ireland.

Ok, it is Shannon because the job is based at the airport or close by (not 100% sure). Commuting isn't a problem. The job comes with a car (and we'd take our present cars if we went - still a big 'if' as far as I'm concerned). Dh is used to spending 2.5/3 hours a day commuting, so anything up to that is acceptable, so we don't have to live in Shannon or Limerick (person dh would be replacing lives in Ennis and said Limerick was 'affectionately' known as Stab City by locals - don't know how true that is).

It is a sideways move, IMO. A modest pay rise, but with no real long term promotion prospects. On the other hand, perhaps housing is cheaper than in the London/SE area?

I can't even think exactly what I want to know. I guess how the education and healthcare system compares to the UK. The idea of a rigid education system concerns me a little (dh and I were both hopeless at sciences). How easy is to buy or rent properties? I don't know where to start really, because he has just sprung this on me. Do supermarkets compare to the UK? Is religion very important (speaking as a committed non-church goer)?

Is it very different to the UK at all?

www.newtotown.ie/ Found this but haven't read it.

Supermarkets are crapper than crap.

Limerick is definitely stab city

Education system is great if you conform.

Just had a quick look. the forums are interesting and deffo give you something ot think about.

Know girl lives in dublin but has had her kids in N.Ireland and gets all their jabs ,dental treatment up in the north as u have to pay for everything.But then u don't pay rates in the south and ireland is great for kids.

The more I think about it, the more I really don't want to move. I love being where I am now - small Herts village - with the benefits of rural life but a short drive from Waitrose and the local town, an hour from London, good schools, SIL and her children half an hour away etc.

I can see benefits for dh - shorter hours, fewer weekends etc, but I'm not convinced it will suit him at all.

Ah yes I forgot the Communion and COnfirmation. It's a wonder they get anything else done. The Educate together is new to me. I guess that is a step in the right direction.