Possible move to Ireland

TheBrewMeister

Wasn't really sure what forum to put this in, as there was no "General Topics" forum. So, sorry if this is inappropriate...

I've been approached about a potential job offer in Ireland.

It's always been my dream to live there, maybe not forever, but I'd like to stay for a few years at least. I'm of Irish decent - not typical "American Irish" decent where everyone says "I'm like .25% irish" - I mean, I'm 100% Irish decent; family was from Castlebar, and this job would be about 30 mins from there. No one in my family has been back since the 80's and I was too young to go then, so this is an exciting opportunity for me.

So, I'm here trying to learn as much as I can about the Country, culture, etc before I come visit. This is a pretty big undertaking so I want to be as informed as possible.

The first bit of advice I got was to come here to Boards and read...

Any other advice for me?

Cheers!

DwightSchrute1

you should move here for the leprechaun hunting clubs.

TheBrewMeister

DwightSchrute1 wrote: »

you should move here for the leprechaun hunting clubs.

Thanks for your valuable input...

DwightSchrute1

Top of the morning to you laddie

TheBrewMeister

DwightSchrute1 wrote: »

Top of the morning to you laddie

Apparently, however I am -5 hours to you friend.

December2012

Maybe post in the Mayo forum.

The Aussie

-Grow thicker skin*

-Get used to poor service that costs a fortune

-Believe half of what your told, self promotion is a way of life.

-As a Immigrant you will be treated with disdain, while being told how "culturally aware" and welcoming they are.

I could go on, but I don't want to ruin your surprise for you....











*You will need it when dealing with the locals

Sprau

Maybe post in the Mayo forum.

TheBrewMeister

My skin's thick enough. Ive been told my sense of humor (aka immense sarcasm and love of "razzing" people) comes from my Irish roots.

If you're referring to my response to the original post, that was a smart assed response to a smart assed response..

The Aussie

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

If you're referring to my response to the original post, that was a smart assed response to a smart assed response..

No, just everyday life.

osarusan

Where are you coming from? What's the place like, and the weather? Are you married? Kids?

Just how different from your current life will it be when you are living in the middle of nowhere with it pi$$ing rain most of the time? How do the (possible) rest of your family feel?

Have you looked into house/apartment rental prices, health services, etc?

The 'thicker skin' comment probably refers to the many people who will view you as 'another yank here to look for his bloody roots'.

wilkie2006

Hey BrewMeister, this forum - After Hours - isn't usually the place for real advice about, well, anything. Sure, stick around for a bit of banter, but know that you'll probably be waiting a while for much more than that.

.red.

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

My skin's thick enough. Ive been told my sense of humor (aka immense sarcasm and love of "razzing" people) comes from my Irish roots.

If you're referring to my response to the original post, that was a smart assed response to a smart assed response..

You say you like razzing people, well thats what the others were doing. Maybe people in glass houses and all that.........
And please dont use the word razzing when you get here, the locals in castlebar wont like it.

TheBrewMeister

osarusan wrote: »

Where are you coming from? What's the place like, and the weather? Are you married? Kids?

Just how different from your current life will it be when you are living in the middle of nowhere with it pi$$ing rain most of the time? How do the (possible) rest of your family feel?

Have you looked into house/apartment rental prices, health services, etc?

The 'thicker skin' comment probably refers to the many people who will view you as 'another yank here to look for his bloody roots'.

Coming from Northeast Ohio - Pi$$es rain most of the year, until October, then it $hits snow for the next 4 months.

Yes, married with 2 young kids; the wife is more excited than I could ever express. (she tends to live in romance, not reality)

I've been looking at house/apartment prices, laws, politics, etc for the last week. This is just another step in my education.

It's a shame that the Irish feel that way about us "Yanks." Considering, for some of us, our families fled; starving and cold to some unknown land; losing their children and loved ones along the way only to get here, be conscripted into the army to fight alongside slaves against an "enemy" they knew nothing about, or a cause they knew nothing of. It's a shame you treat your "Yank" brothers and sisters with such disdain.

You should be proud, not annoyed that they survived, to carry on in new lands the pride of an island a half a world away. That they fly flags honoring a place that shat them out, murderously and without care.

Personally, it's a huge opportunity for me to do something that I love to do, and to do it in another land. I know who my family is and where they were from. I know my roots. I do find it quite intriguing that, if I take the job, that I would have brought my family full circle. But other than that, this is an opportunity to travel and get out of this freezer.

TheBrewMeister

.red. wrote: »

You say you like razzing people, well thats what the others were doing. Maybe people in glass houses and all that.........
And please dont use the word razzing when you get here, the locals in castlebar wont like it.

hmmn. no "razzing?" how about "bustin yer ballz?" "slagging?"

DwightSchrute1

Sorry if i was being smart assed earlier.. my best advice would be if you do move over here, do not bid against the Bull McCabe for the widow's field

fonda

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

hmmn. no "razzing?" how about "bustin yer ballz?" "slagging?"

"Taking the piss" is more appropriate for Ireland.

Crooked Jack

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

Coming from Northeast Ohio - Pi$$es rain most of the year, until October, then it $hits snow for the next 4 months.

Yes, married with 2 young kids; the wife is more excited than I could ever express. (she tends to live in romance, not reality)

I've been looking at house/apartment prices, laws, politics, etc for the last week. This is just another step in my education.

It's a shame that the Irish feel that way about us "Yanks." Considering, for some of us, our families fled; starving and cold to some unknown land; losing their children and loved ones along the way only to get here, be conscripted into the army to fight alongside slaves against an "enemy" they knew nothing about, or a cause they knew nothing of. It's a shame you treat your "Yank" brothers and sisters with such disdain.

You should be proud, not annoyed that they survived, to carry on in new lands the pride of an island a half a world away. That they fly flags honoring a place that shat them out, murderously and without care.

Personally, it's a huge opportunity for me to do something that I love to do, and to do it in another land. I know who my family is and where they were from. I know my roots. I do find it quite intriguing that, if I take the job, that I would have brought my family full circle. But other than that, this is an opportunity to travel and get out of this freezer.

Ha! Great post man. come on over, you'll love it. and if you dont, well, like you said, your family managed to flee the place once before

TheBrewMeister

DwightSchrute1 wrote: »

Sorry if i was being smart assed earlier.. my best advice would be if you do move over here, do not bid against the Bull McCabe for the widow's field

Don't worry, I'm not coming to build electric plants or new roads... I make beer.

RichT

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

I make beer

What time do you want picking up from the airport?

anto9

In real life most Irish will lick your ass ,just because you are American ( and not English ) .Thats one thing that sickens me about my old Country of residence .The fawning attitude about anything and anyone American .

clairefontaine

anto9 wrote: »

In real life most Irish will lick your ass ,just because you are American ( and not English ) .Thats one thing that sickens me about my old Country of residence .The fawning attitude about anything and anyone American .

That's the notorious shake down.

TheBrewMeister

RichT wrote: »

What time do you want picking up from the airport?

I got a good laugh from that one!

Maybe I should've mentioned my craft in the OP. May have got a warmer reception

TheBrewMeister

anto9 wrote: »

In real life most Irish will lick your ass ,just because you are American ( and not English )

That's the other thing I was unsure about - the attitude towards the English.

Americans generally fawn over anyone with an Irish, Scottish, or English accent.

I, however, was brought up to "hate" the English. My grandfather and his talks... well, there were the English and the North - who "want to be English", he hated them more.... I obviously have no prejudices, I even have friends in the North, but I am interested in learning these things now. I hate being the "f'in new guy" that has to ask a million questions about things that are "common knowledge."

Legs.Eleven

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

Coming from Northeast Ohio - Pi$$es rain most of the year, until October, then it $hits snow for the next 4 months.

Yes, married with 2 young kids; the wife is more excited than I could ever express. (she tends to live in romance, not reality)

I've been looking at house/apartment prices, laws, politics, etc for the last week. This is just another step in my education.

It's a shame that the Irish feel that way about us "Yanks." Considering, for some of us, our families fled; starving and cold to some unknown land; losing their children and loved ones along the way only to get here, be conscripted into the army to fight alongside slaves against an "enemy" they knew nothing about, or a cause they knew nothing of. It's a shame you treat your "Yank" brothers and sisters with such disdain.

You should be proud, not annoyed that they survived, to carry on in new lands the pride of an island a half a world away. That they fly flags honoring a place that shat them out, murderously and without care.

Personally, it's a huge opportunity for me to do something that I love to do, and to do it in another land. I know who my family is and where they were from. I know my roots. I do find it quite intriguing that, if I take the job, that I would have brought my family full circle. But other than that, this is an opportunity to travel and get out of this freezer.

I've a lot of family in the States including immediate family - the ties with America are strong but what you have to understand is the Irish take the piss out of everyone and anything - no one is excluded (we don't solely pick on Americans). It's all in good humour most of the time and when people talk about a thicker skin, that's what they mean - being able to deal with the piss-taking and not taking it personally.

We might rip the piss out of you ferociously ("razz" you) but we like you really.


Are you sure you can get a job there (Ireland) right now?

ViveLaVie

fonda wrote: »

"Taking the piss" is more appropriate for Ireland.

Slagging is fine.

TheBrewMeister

Legs.Eleven wrote: »

Are you sure you can get a job there (Ireland) right now?

That's what they're telling me. I know the economy is tough now, just like the States, but my position - Brewmaster - is a "highly skilled position that cannot be readily filled within the State."

I was told they had to jump threw a bunch of hoops in order to "import" an American Brewer though.

gufnork

I suspect if you have a good job to come to then that's half the battle really. When I came over 6 years ago(from England) we came with no money, no job and relied on my wifes family to put us up until we got on our feet. I'd have killed back then to have your start here.

Take it from me, you've nothing to worry about.

ViveLaVie

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

That's the other thing I was unsure about - the attitude towards the English.

Americans generally fawn over anyone with an Irish, Scottish, or English accent.

I, however, was brought up to "hate" the English. My grandfather and his talks... well, there were the English and the North - who "want to be English", he hated them more.... I obviously have no prejudices, I even have friends in the North, but I am interested in learning these things now. I hate being the "f'in new guy" that has to ask a million questions about things that are "common knowledge."

Your grandfather is from a different time. Nobody really hates the English anymore, except extremists. There's a nice bit of rivalry though.

TheBrewMeister

ViveLaVie wrote: »

Your grandfather is from a different time. Nobody really hates the English anymore, except extremists. There's a nice bit of rivalry though.

I figured as much. He was born in the 20's, so there ya go.

Caonima

Castlebar is a kip. Move to Dublin instead. Much friendlier people. And my arse plays the banjo.

chrismon

Come over and enjoy your self.
Don't talk about your roots to people unless they ask, is generally the first thing an American tourist says to us when we meet them

Hope it all works out for you and keep us updated.

TheBrewMeister

chrismon wrote: »

...is generally the first thing an American tourist says to us when we meet them

Hope it all works out for you and keep us updated.

Thanks, and I could see how that would get old.

clairefontaine

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

Thanks, and I could see how that would get old.

It goes the other way too. Be prepared for the WHERE ARE YOU FROM interrogation. You could be there for 15 years and you'll still get it.

TheBrewMeister

clairefontaine wrote: »

It goes the other way too. Be prepared for the WHERE ARE YOU FROM interrogation. You could be there for 15 years and you'll still get it.

Guess I better learn how to sound Irish.

chrismon

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

Guess I better learn how to sound Irish.

Don't do that either.

clairefontaine

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

Guess I better learn how to sound Irish.

It's easier to pretend you're deaf.

uncle_sam_ie

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

I've been looking at house/apartment prices,

Choose where you live carefully because, unless you you're living in one of the major cities, internet access can be sketchy at best. I'm on 2Mb DSL and thats the best I can get. My neighbors down the road can't even get DSL.

I'm from California and been living here since 1996, best advice I can give is watch out for the cowboys, People or businesses that claim to know what they're doing but don't have a clue.

Mr. CooL ICE

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

I was told they had to jump threw a bunch of hoops in order to "import" an American Brewer though.

An american brewer? Don't go making any of that pisswater bud sh1te and you'll be fine

Canis Lupus

It's a big move to leave anywhere and move to 30 mins outside of Castlebar imo. It'd be easier for me to recommend if you didn't have a family.

rsole1

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

hmmn. no "razzing?" how about "bustin yer ballz?" "slagging?"

Go to britishexpats.com Republic of Ireland forum for advice.

wow sierra

People will consider you American - not Irish. Doesn't mean they won't like you.

"Democrats good/Republicans bad" would be the simplistic view of US politics here - expect some slagging if you are Republican. A lot more sympathy for Palestine than Israel here too. (Gross generalisations I know but something you might not be aware of)

We have got over hating Brits years ago - but we still like singing Republican songs for fun (and beating them if possible in Sport).

You will still be able to find lots of Irish culture, music, Gaelic games etc and people speaking Irish here as their first language in Connemara which will be near you in Mayo and the Aran Islands are amazing. But you will also find that lots of Irish people have zero interest in Irish culture. A lot of social life revolves around pubs - I remember being on Holiday in Ohio and almost no pubs.

Lots of Government restrictions here - restricted smoking, parking laws, Health and Safety regulations etc

charlietheminxx

Yeah you need to move to a town, somewhere close to schools, shops etc. If it was just you, living out a bit would be fine but your children are going to need a chance to integrate and make friends.

Good luck with the move!

TommiesTank

anto9 wrote: »

In real life most Irish will lick your ass ,just because you are American ( and not English ) .Thats one thing that sickens me about my old Country of residence .The fawning attitude about anything and anyone American .

Main reason I'm pleased you are no longer around.

Rasheed

Will you be in Castlebar for the All Ireland?

OP you'll be sound as a bell. Come with an open mind, chat plenty and you'll get on grand with people. Castlebar is a nice bustling town without being too urbanised. You'll only be a stones throw away from magnificent scenery too. It'll take time to settle in, like any move really, but hopefully you and your family will love it. As some posters have already mentioned, posting in the Mayo forum would probably be a massive help. They will be able to help you with the more practical side of things, good schools etc!

Best of luck OP, I hope it all works out for you.

SuperGrover

TheBrewMeister wrote: »

It's a shame that the Irish feel that way about us "Yanks."

This collection of shut-ins is hardly representative of the attitude of the general populace.

Enjoy your trip and your stay. Sounds like an excellent adventure for the family and a change of scenery is always a good thing.

Also, if you need and help sampling beer...

hansfrei

Move to Kilarney OP. Google it for yourself there.

Crooked Jack

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

Choose where you live carefully because, unless you you're living in one of the major cities, internet access can be sketchy at best. I'm on 2Mb DSL and thats the best I can get. My neighbors down the road can't even get DSL.

I'm from California and been living here since 1996, best advice I can give is watch out for the cowboys, People or businesses that claim to know what they're doing but don't have a clue.

Fuck that's most of us. A nation of people just winging it.

JustAThought

hansfrei wrote: »

Move to Kilarney OP. Google it for yourself there.

I'd DEFINATELY try & take a 3 month lease before committing to anywhere -thou that might be hard. Castlebar is hardly a metropolis -does the " cinema" still open?

Half an hour outside castlebar has me reaching for my smelling salts -where is that -Louisberg?????

Can you not live in a proper town like Galway " city " & commute??? I say this in ALL seriousness. Seriously -look at this as an option.

Very excited for you - delighted your wife is so thrilled : ) tell her to make no strong comments & to join the ICA -she'll be in the thick of it then & get to know & meet everyone!!! How are the kids for GAA!!? If you don't let them join that and pick a sport that suites you might as well stay put!!! : )

Welcome! ( nearly!)

Look in the GALWAY forum.
Only cheerleaders for Mayo live in the Mayo forum -they're as bad as the Sligo lot .

-a Jackeen.

Crooked Jack

anto9 wrote: »

In real life most Irish will lick your ass ,just because you are American ( and not English ) .Thats one thing that sickens me about my old Country of residence .The fawning attitude about anything and anyone American .

One poster saying we hate all yanks.
One saying we lick their asses.

Truth is OP, people are just people and you will largely be judged on your own personality. And how generous you are with this beer you make.

Crooked Jack

JustAThought wrote: »

I'd DEFINATELY try & take a 3 month lease before committing to anywhere -thou that might be hard. Castle bar is hardly a metropolis -does the " cinema" still open?

Half an hour outside castle bar has me reaching for my smelling salts -where is that -Louisberg?????

Can you not live in a proper town like Galway " city " & commute??? I say this in ALL seriousness.

If it's city livin' you're after, get yourself a helicopter and commute from Dublin or Belfast.