Ireland vs England

Affable

Has anyone lived in both countries and what are their views on Ireland vs England? People wise, attitudes, lifestyle, cities etc. Do you think Irish people will continue to be drawn to their bigger neighbour? Do they always lose the 'cream' of their population? Or are most Irish people you know pretty patriotic and into/committed to their country? I'm curious about stuff like this as I'm interested in Ireland and the prospect of living there.

electric69

USA ftw

NiSmO

This post has been deleted.

Mahatma coat

Australia is just so much better than either

sidneykidney

Holland tbh:D

Albian

I'm English but moved to Ireland because I think it's a much nicer place to live.
4 years on I have no regrets moving over here. I love the Irish people, I love the country and I intend to remain here as long as I am welcome.

Unfortunately Ireland is following England in all the ****ty ways. I've no doubt in 15 to 20 years time I'll be facing all the same **** here that I tried to get away from. Perhaps it's called progress.

If I had to be in anyway critical of the Irish as a people it would be that they do not exploit their potential enough.

I think we need better government here. One with more vision. I think we need much more investment and support for small business. The broadband situation is a tiny example of incompetence that will seriously effect Ireland's future. This beautiful country and it's great people have it in them to be market leaders in so many industries.

Living in the west, it's clear there is a Dublin/west divide. One size doesn't fit all and policy should be designed for Ireland not just Dublin folk.

As for my native England, she's in a sorry state and that is saddening.

Affable

Albian wrote: »

I'm English but moved to Ireland because I think it's a much nicer place to live.
4 years on I have no regrets moving over here. I love the Irish people, I love the country and I intend to remain here as long as I am welcome.

Unfortunately Ireland is following England in all the ****ty ways. I've no doubt in 15 to 20 years time I'll be facing all the same **** here that I tried to get away from. Perhaps it's called progress.

If I had to be in anyway critical of the Irish as a people it would be that they do not exploit their potential enough.

I think we need better government here. One with more vision. I think we need much more investment and support for small business. The broadband situation is a tiny example of incompetence that will seriously effect Ireland's future. This beautiful country and it's great people have it in them to be market leaders in so many industries.

Living in the west, it's clear there is a Dublin/west divide. One size doesn't fit all and policy should be designed for Ireland not just Dublin folk.

As for my native England, she's in a sorry state and that is saddening.

Interesting, could you elaborate? When you say they don't exploit their potential, you mean it's more laid back there? Also in which ****ty ways(sorry state) is Ireland following England? How does the Dublin/west divide manifest itself?

Thanks.

gcgirl

Albian wrote: »

I'm English but moved to Ireland because I think it's a much nicer place to live.
4 years on I have no regrets moving over here. I love the Irish people, I love the country and I intend to remain here as long as I am welcome.

Unfortunately Ireland is following England in all the ****ty ways. I've no doubt in 15 to 20 years time I'll be facing all the same **** here that I tried to get away from. Perhaps it's called progress.

If I had to be in anyway critical of the Irish as a people it would be that they do not exploit their potential enough.

I think we need better government here. One with more vision. I think we need much more investment and support for small business. The broadband situation is a tiny example of incompetence that will seriously effect Ireland's future. This beautiful country and it's great people have it in them to be market leaders in so many industries.

Living in the west, it's clear there is a Dublin/west divide. One size doesn't fit all and policy should be designed for Ireland not just Dublin folk.

As for my native England, she's in a sorry state and that is saddening.

Well said!!

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

sidneykidney wrote: »

Holland tbh:D

Anywhere in continental Europe for that matter.

Tusky

Ive always lived in Ireland. Im in my early 20s and Ive always loved the idea of moving abroad for a few years after college. I find the task of picking a country to be very daunting though. Canada or Holland would be near the top of my list Id say.

ThE_IVIAcIVIAIV

Tusky wrote: »

Ive always lived in Ireland. Im in my early 20s and Ive always loved the idea of moving abroad for a few years after college. I find the task of picking a country to be very daunting though. Canada or Holland would be near the top of my list Id say.

Holland is a tough place to move to, i've tried and failed. Canada is one of my next options.

Affable

ThE_IVIAcIVIAIV wrote: »

Holland is a tough place to move to, i've tried and failed. Canada is one of my next options.

How come you want to leave Ireland?

IanCurtis

The country you live in is only a small part of being happy. It's your frame of mind, your friends, your lifestyle and everything else that contributes.

A year in Oz is always gonna seem better than a career in rainy old Dublin/London etc, because you're effectively on holidays.

Live each day the best you can and don't concern yourself with what others think and you'll be fine.

Remember: you can run, but you can't hide. You can't run away from who you are

Be happy first, then travel

dSTAR

Affable wrote: »

Agreed to an extent, although moving can broaden the mind I'd say, and provide a welcome change. Oh, regards OZ, I'd never take it over Ireland or the UK. I'm not interested in hot weather, I prefer here culturally.

How is Ireland culturally superior to Australia?

dSTAR

For the sake of continuity you should left it. I don't really care either way. I have lived both in Dublin, London, Amsterdam, San Francisco and Melbourne. I happen to like certain things about each place. Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia and there is no shortage or cultural events here thats for sure.

Affable

dSTAR wrote: »

How is Ireland culturally superior to Australia?

Just my view OK. I've got family out in OZ and have visited. Interesting, but wouldn't care to live there.

dSTAR

Affable wrote: »

Just my view OK. I've got family out in OZ and have visited. Interesting, but wouldn't care to live there.

Thats cool. I know what you mean about hot weather. We just finished a really hot spell (40 degree days) and the prospect of a rainy old day in Dublin seemed rather enticing. I have contemplated moving back to Dublin but I love Melbourne too much and would really miss the place not to mention the fact that my young kids are here. If I was going to live anywhere in Europe I would probably choose Spain where my parents reside.

Affable

dSTAR wrote: »

Thats cool. I know what you mean about hot weather. We just finished a really hot spell (40 degree days) and the prospect of a rainy old day in Dublin seemed rather enticing. I have contemplated moving back to Dublin but I love Melbourne too much and would really miss the place not to mention the fact that my young kids are here. If I was going to live anywhere in Europe I would probably choose Spain where my parents reside.

Good. Wasn't trying to denigrate OZ or anything, sure it's a fine place once you know it. I'm just have a thing for Ireland and England really. How have you hopped continents so much? I always assumed it was pretty hard to do to that degree.

dSTAR

Friends in high places. My father used to work in the Swedish Embassy so was always rubbing shoulders with diplomats and what not. Once you know certain people you can pretty much get access all areas.

Incidentally Australia has its own breed of social problems although not to the degree as what you get in the British Isles. I see Ireland as being a part of the British Isles both geographically and culturally. When you are a true blue Australian its not easy to distinguish between poms and paddies the same way people from the British Isles can't easily distinguish between aussies and kiwis.

D.L.R.

dSTAR wrote: »

How is Ireland culturally superior to Australia?

It depends, are you talking about the 200 year-old white Australian culture, or the near destroyed native culture?

dSTAR

D.L.R. wrote: »

It depends, are you talking about the 200 year-old white Australian culture, or the near destroyed native culture?

As far as I am concerned white Australia has a black history. But hasn't race, class, privilege always been used to divide and conquer people? Old wine new bottles really ..

Affable

dSTAR wrote: »

Friends in high places. My father used to work in the Swedish Embassy so was always rubbing shoulders with diplomats and what not. Once you know certain people you can pretty much get access all areas.

Wow. That does surprise me.

Tar.Aldarion

The grass is always greener. Ireland is ok, don't get me wrong, but it's not too special. From my stays in England, the people and country were lovely. I don't really see why you want to live in Ireland, the only difference I could see was that here there are a lot of people that hate 'The English', idiots. I suppose you'll get that kind of stuff anywhere though.

Neamhshuntasach

dSTAR wrote: »

Incidentally Australia has its own breed of social problems although not to the degree as what you get in the British Isles. I see Ireland as being a part of the British Isles both geographically and culturally. When you are a true blue Australian its not easy to distinguish between poms and paddies the same way people from the British Isles can't easily distinguish between aussies and kiwis.

You say it is not easy to distinguish between Irish and English people but yet use a term that Irish people can find offensive on a board that is made up primarily of Irish people? Ireland is certainly not part of British isles geographically or culturally. It is applied to us by external entities and the Irish government doesn't recognize it. Which is actually quite a surprise since their a bunch of west brit bastards anyways.



I was outside Ireland for 4 years at college and i noticed a huge change here. And not for the good. Irish people today do not possess the charm or patriotism of the 80's. We are basically england these days. The celtic tiger ruined the personalities of people. The Irish were much better when we were poor.

brousuka

Having been brought up in London as a kid, and movin back to Ireland as a 10yr old, it was very hard but that was Ireland in the early 70's, political troubles at their highest etc. There was no soccer, tv, general entertainment and I felt like a fish out of water. it's different now and it all depends on what you are looking for out of life. I visit London quite a lot and even though it has it's issues it's still one of the greatest cities in the world and there is always something to do and see. I suppose the one main thing that strikes me is (similar to any big city) that people don't give a sh%t about what you look like or what you think. Ireland is still vey parochial and people will stare at you and be nosey etc! this gets up my nose at times.

Denis Irwin

I'm 22 and I have lived in Ireland all my life but If was to up sticks to another country it would have to be Australia. Better weather and fantastic and better looking women.

mike65

Neamhshuntasach wrote: »

The Irish were much better when we were poor.

Yeah right tell that to the children of industrial schools and the women dragged through "the laundaries".

Mike.

Affable

Neamhshuntasach wrote: »

The celtic tiger ruined the personalities of people. The Irish were much better when we were poor.

I have an Irish friend who has said Ireland is becoming more matierialistic, individualistic, is that what you mean? I reckon that although this may have happened to a degree, there is, judging by Irish people I've come across, still a tangible difference between them and the English. I come from the South-East btw.

galwayrush

mike65 wrote: »

Yeah right tell that to the children of industrial schools and the women dragged through "the laundaries".

Mike.

Add TB and most young people having to leave the country just to make a living,sure they were the good old days.:rolleyes:

mike65

Ah but you could leave your door on the latch back then.

Mike.

Balmed Out

As a general rule I think the bigger the city the less friendly the people but i think Irelands fairly cool in that if u try its easy to mingle with strangers in pubs etc. I think most people here like and get on well with english people but there are differences. I reckon Irish people are a bit less private and tend to be a little bit more social then most.
I like living in a place where I can choose from 50 pubs within walking distance of each other, i can go surfing, hillwalking etc within a short drive and where to my mind people are v. friendly. I also love that everyone gets such a happy buzz when the sun comes out, its hilarious.
Cant stand when a city only has a limited choice of pubs etc within walking distance o eachother and u have to get cabs everywhere. Our cities actually have centres as opposed to soulless suburban mini centres.
As for the whole debate about where else to live id go for spain. Love the lifestyle but id miss our pub life. I cant stand oz although i didnt go to melbourne or perth both of which are meant to be cool. Always think Melbourne seems the best city in terms of the amount of events especially sports that it hosts. Oz culture pisses me off though, its very macho and a lot of people seem full of **** with serious "issues".

WindSock

Neamhshuntasach wrote: »

The Irish were much better when we were poor.

How can you say that and be working and making a living here? Ireland was a filthy pig ignorant priest infested kip in the past. We are much much better off now.

Affable

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

The grass is always greener. Ireland is ok, don't get me wrong, but it's not too special. From my stays in England, the people and country were lovely. I don't really see why you want to live in Ireland, the only difference I could see was that here there are a lot of people that hate 'The English', idiots. I suppose you'll get that kind of stuff anywhere though.

Glad you enjoyed England. I have experienced anti-English bigotry living in Scotland. Doesn't need to be a problem if you see the good aspects of a place, tbh there are bigots everywhere as you say. I met quite a few Irish living in Edinburgh and some here in England and my impression is very good. I like the idea of living in a smaller, less overcrowded country.

utick

Balmed Out wrote: »

As a general rule I think the bigger the city the less friendly the people but i think Irelands fairly cool in that if u try its easy to mingle with strangers in pubs etc. I think most people here like and get on well with english people but there are differences. I reckon Irish people are a bit less private and tend to be a little bit more social then most.
I like living in a place where I can choose from 50 pubs within walking distance of each other, i can go surfing, hillwalking etc within a short drive and where to my mind people are v. friendly. I also love that everyone gets such a happy buzz when the sun comes out, its hilarious.
Cant stand when a city only has a limited choice of pubs etc within walking distance o eachother and u have to get cabs everywhere. Our cities actually have centres as opposed to soulless suburban mini centres.
As for the whole debate about where else to live id go for spain. Love the lifestyle but id miss our pub life. I cant stand oz although i didnt go to melbourne or perth both of which are meant to be cool. Always think Melbourne seems the best city in terms of the amount of events especially sports that it hosts. Oz culture pisses me off though, its very macho and a lot of people seem full of **** with serious "issues".

that last sentance you said about oz culture, the exact same thing could be said about the irish culture

Davidius

Only for the greater good of mankind would I ever move to another country. That is not likely to happen either.

I don't really see the appeal in moving to another country but I'm not the biggest fan of change. I would much prefer to stay where I have family and friends. It's really not that bad here.

Tuesday_Girl

ThE_IVIAcIVIAIV wrote: »

Holland is a tough place to move to, i've tried and failed. Canada is one of my next options.

What did you find difficult about settling in Holland, which part were you in?

I've lived in 3 European countries and I found Holland the easiest to adapt to, I just landed and settled in without any major problems and have never been homesick while here, something I did experience while in Germany and Spain. I have no plans at the moment to move back to Ireland but I think I will return one day. I miss the people most of all, their friendliness and unique sense of humour.

Balmed Out

utick wrote: »

that last sentance you said about oz culture, the exact same thing could be said about the irish culture

Dont agree at all with that. Ireland or at least the parts ive spent any bit of time in doesnt have much of a macho culture. Showboating and talking yourself up all the time isnt apperciated and goes down badly. Pinching girls asses and giving them a slap as they walk pass is frowned on and most dont do it.

Affable

Razzle wrote: »

I've lived in 3 European countries and I found Holland the easiest to adapt to, I just landed and settled in without any major problems and have never been homesick while here

You got by with minimal dutch? How so with work and all?

Affable

Razzle wrote: »

I miss the people most of all, their friendliness and unique sense of humour.

Thats some of what appeals to me about the prospect of living there.

SimpleSam06

Affable wrote: »

Do you think Irish people will continue to be drawn to their bigger neighbour?

Depends on how bad the economy gets over the next five years. They might be more likely to hit mainland Europe these days though.

Affable wrote: »

Do they always lose the 'cream' of their population?

What makes you think that the "cream" of Irish population emigrated to the UK? Honest question.

Affable

SimpleSam06 wrote: »

What makes you think that the "cream" of Irish population emigrated to the UK? Honest question.

I don't think or know that, that's why I asked, I was interested in Irish people's views on it. Maybe I phrased it wrongly.

Tar.Aldarion

SimpleSam06 wrote: »

What makes you think that the "cream" of Irish population emigrated to the UK? Honest question.

Depending on what trade you are in, better pay and facilities? I would certainly get paid better in some other countries etc.
Dunno how many trades this applies to.

SimpleSam06

Affable wrote: »

I don't think or know that, that's why I asked, I was interested in Irish people's views on it. Maybe I phrased it wrongly.

Well from my memories of the times when there was mass emigration from Ireland, most with the ability to do so went to the US, everyone else went to the UK. Whether or not having enough financial wherewithal to buy a plane ticket makes someone the cream or not is anyones guess.

df1985

im 22 and have lived in ireland all my life in a dublin suburb.ive been lucky to have travelled a fair bit for my age (ive loads more to do) but from what ive seen, ireland is the place ill choose to stay and rear a family.
yes other cities/countries have wow factors, like the weather in oz, the buzz of new york, etc etc. but what strikes me about them is that although there a millions of people around you, they can potentially be very lonely cities.
what i like about ireland is the sense of "community spirit." dont get me wrong, i know its vanishing fast and a lot will say its completely gone but i think there's still is a bit left.it certainly exists more in small towns and villages where life revolves around gaa clubs and pubs.i had friends over for a weekend from glasgow for 2 days and in that space of time they even noticed it.
i agree though the celtic tiger has really changed irish attitudes. we definately have a high opinion of ourselves these days-some call it pride, id call it partly arrogance.just look at the D4 phenomenon. were losing "the craic" that makes ireland special.a few more years we'll just be same as any other industrialised country in the western world.

(i found it hard to put into words what i mean but hope ya get it!!)

OPENROAD

Affable wrote: »

I have an Irish friend who has said Ireland is becoming more matierialistic, individualistic, is that what you mean? I reckon that although this may have happened to a degree, there is, judging by Irish people I've come across, still a tangible difference between them and the English. I come from the South-East btw.

My main experience is with London, and I have to say I find Londoners are more friendly than ourselves. Though to be honest the English and ourselves are almost identical in every aspect. As big cities go,London is still way ahead of Dublin when it comes to things like transport, shopping.

OPENROAD

SimpleSam06 wrote: »

Depends on how bad the economy gets over the next five years. They might be more likely to hit mainland Europe these days though.

Have to disagree with you here, majority will still head to the likes of the UK and US.

Tuesday_Girl

Affable wrote: »

You got by with minimal dutch? How so with work and all?

I started to learn Dutch as soon as I got here and was fluent within a year or so, that helped a lot. I was also lucky with work, I came here for a job and so I was in a full-time job immediately and as it's a large multinational there were loads of other in the same boat as me, having just moved to the Dam from Ireland, England, etc. In that sense it was easy to settle in and figure things out plus there was a great social scene with the gang from work.

I hadn't planned to stay this long but it's been 10 years now and I really enjoy life here. Nonetheless there are some aspects of Irish life that I miss a lot and with all my family being still there I'll head back sooner or later. At least that's the plan

robby^5

I lived in Canada for a while as a kid, really fond memories of the place, haven't been there on a holiday in a good few years but its a really nice place, love Toronto, i'd love to live there.

Charlie

I'm 21, have a law degree, and I am presently studying for my masters, but still I feel fooked. Dublin, and Ireland, has an impending doom feeling to it (maybe its the west in general) but the economy is on the way down, prices are still sky high, and jobs in my area are at saturation point. To top this all off, Dublin is becoming a really $hitty place to live in (government incompetency, PC bull$hit, yob rule, and gouging prices, seem to be prevailing themes of this fair city).

I have had the pleasure to travel for the last few summers to places such as Vancouver and New York. I would love to work and live in either, but then you have the whole green-card problem.

I have recently visited Newcastle (Toon fan) and was mightily impressed. I have always loved aspects of English culture (the whole anti-brit attitude this country has pisses me off) but on numerous visits to London, Manchester and Liverpool, I couldn't see myself living there, the cities just weren't appealing. However, Newcastle is brilliant. Really beautiful city, great transport, perfect size, you don't feel ripped of at every moment, and the most friendly city folk I have ever met. I would love to live and work there, and am presently looking into it.

Affable

charlie mchugh wrote: »

I'm 21, have a law degree, and I am presently studying for my masters, but still I feel fooked. Dublin, and Ireland, has an impending doom feeling to it (maybe its the west in general) but the economy is on the way down, prices are still sky high, and jobs in my area are at saturation point. To top this all off, Dublin is becoming a really $hitty place to live in (government incompetency, PC bull$hit, yob rule, and gouging prices, seem to be prevailing themes of this fair city).

When you say 'the west' you mean just western Europe or also America?

Charlie

Affable wrote: »

When you say 'the west' you mean just western Europe or also America?

I mean the western world, i.e developed economic countries. The credit crisis that is crippling America at the moment seems to be putting the squezze on all the big markets, which in turn is starting to affect graduate recruitment with many of the big legal and financial firms in these countries.