Americans in Ireland

IRISHLILY24 · 06-04-2002 10:34PM #1

Ok, since there are a lot of intelligent people on the boards, as I have found to be true, with the small exceptions every now and then, lol
What do you feel about Americans who are Irish moving to Ireland to live thier lives?

Now I would love to hear everyones different take on this, for reason that I am about to reveal, I have been asked many times on the board where I am from and if I am american....well your answer is yes.
I have been to Ireland, I am irish by right of my grandmother who emigrated here (from cavan)...and I decided to move to Ireland in november of 2001, I have been making the arrangements since then. (i also have some relatives in mayo that I havnt met yet)
Everything has been finalized and I depart in July, yes alone.

I have many reasons that I will share if anyone is interested, but I really want to know what you all think about it, not just me but other people who may have done it.

Say what you will, I am just curious and very anxious. I cant wait to finally go, home.

NeRb666 · 06-04-2002 11:04PM

Originally posted by IRISHLILY24
What do you, Irish in Ireland, feel about Americans who are Irish moving to Ireland to live thier lives?

Ted! I'm hugely confused!

IRISHLILY24 · 06-04-2002 11:09PM

HMMM,
ok next please.......
:rolleyes:

DrunkLeprachaun · 06-04-2002 11:24PM

As long as they aren't dumbasses, and don't act like retards(I'm not accusing anyone of anything), then they're okay by me.

Raskolnikov · 06-04-2002 11:28PM

I don't think anyone in Ireland minds Americans coming to Ireland to live as long as......

1. They aren't Christian Fundamentalist's who are trying to get away from social and moral degeneration in America etc

2. They don't try and pass off their beliefs on others

It also helps if you don't have that whining and shreekish accent that some Americans have

It's just that there is this American dude in my college and he is all the above rolled into one

IrishLily : I can't see why you would call Ireland 'home' if you grew up and lived most of you're live in the US. You must not be too happy if you are planning on uprooting you (and you're family?) all the way over to Ireland. I can't think that Ireland could be much different from America, maybe stuff is smaller here :P

Meh · 06-04-2002 11:28PM

So are you American or Irish?

mike65 · 06-04-2002 11:29PM

Iishlilly if your still in the USA then you're home now, here you will be a foreigner and you'll quickly realise that! The oh it'nt everything so green/quaint/quiet/ phase will pass in about the time it takes you to get out of the airport.

pisst neRb666- I doubt she gets Father Ted jokes!

Seriously you will be in a different culture dispite some appearances to the contrary (baseball caps/skateboarders/budwieser ads etc) so its best to
take the appraoch that the country you're going to is one that you have no knowledge of and so might expect anything.

As for the question (about time!) if an American wants to live here, well fine just make sure your visa is in order! And don't say things like "gee, your cars are really like, small" as someone will accuse the USA of killing the planet with its V8s' and never start a critque with "well back home...." as you will be killed in no time!

BTW I'm a blow-in so I know of which I speak.

Mike.

IRISHLILY24 · 06-04-2002 11:34PM

hmm, ok good comments there

I am moving alone, as I stated above.
I have spent time in Ireland already, so i know its where I want to spend the rest of my life.
I feel it is home because It will be soon, Its somewhere I have grown attached too, its a feeling deep down inside, I know that I will live, marry, raise a family, and die there.
You just Know, when its right, you just know.
Knowing that's where my roots are as well makes it feel more like home, I dont know, it's hard to explain something that you feel.
I am sure I will have many opputunites through my replies though...keep'm coming

oh, and sorry that the guy in your class is giving us a bad name, (i dont care for his type either

) I am not the stereo typical american that sticks out like a green thumb, I tend to blend with my surroundings

Terminator · 06-04-2002 11:35PM

Just got home from a bus journey from hell in which two drunk scumbags (a middle aged lady and her fella) were slagging all the black people on the bus calling them mars bars and other unmentionable stuff.

As they were getting off the lady punched one black fella and he slapped her on the arse (???) and her fella waded in but thank god it didn't go further. The rest of us on the bus were kinda hoping it would so we could lay into the scumbag.

Anyway to answer your question, please send more americans - they can't be any worse then some of our own.

:rolleyes:

Lemming · 06-04-2002 11:38PM

Originally posted by IRISHLILY24
What do you feel about Americans who are Irish moving to Ireland to live thier lives?

I have many reasons that I will share if anyone is interested, but I really want to know what you all think about it, not just me but other people who may have done it.

Say what you will, I am just curious and very anxious.

Well, you're of Irish decent, but you are american. Bar that, I have no problem with your wanting to living over here for a while at least. Whatever floats your boat. I've got several friends from Scotland living here (I myself am half-scot - my mother is from scotland and I do travel there several times a year). I see no problems with anyone coming from another country and wanting to live here. Just have your visa handy for the powers that be when they come looking

As for the reasons, sure .. fire away. I'm listening.

Meh · 06-04-2002 11:45PM

Originally posted by Lemming
Just have your visa handy for the powers that be when they come looking

Grandmother from cavan = Irish citizenship = no visa worries.

T.G Catter · 06-04-2002 11:49PM

Originally posted by IRISHLILY24

I have been asked many times on the board where I am from and if I am american....well your answer is yes.

.

explains a lot.....

Typedef · 06-04-2002 11:52PM

What do you feel about Americans who are Irish moving to Ireland to live thier lives?

I think it's a great idea for numerous reasons. For one, it's great that people who are decended from immigrants have a sense of where they came from and the fact that you want to move here is flattering. This country is generating more jobs then it has people to fill them and what we, this country really needs are literate workers to fill jobs that other countries will poach if Ireland doesn't fill them.

If I were you, i'd spend some time in Dublin, ok, so it's not exactly what the stereotype of Ireland traditionally is, but, it is where 25% of the island and some 33% of the state actually do live, so in my opinion Dublin is the place to be.

You will invariably get people who give you stick for being American, but in reality those people are rednecks and every single country on earth has it's own rednecks, the fact that Cork has as many rednecks as females is simply a statistical oddity

[troll ends]

The oh it'nt everything so green/quaint/quiet/ phase will pass in about the time it takes you to get out of the airport.

I would agree with the jist of this statement, Dublin is a vast sprawling concrete mass with an exodus of people getting somewhere really fast on the backs of the fallen around them, well ok, maybe not that bad, but is covers an area roughly the same size as Vancover, though, with a smaller population. Now you could live in the country or in Cork(with the Neanderthals laugh), but in my view to get a real sense of Irishness and Ireland stay away from the Green Irish Isle inc tourist nonesense and get a flat and a job in Dublin.

<paraphrased>
[Typedef rants on about how great Dublin is for quite some time, then accuses Americans and British of never shutting up about how great their countries are]

IRISHLILY24 · 06-04-2002 11:55PM

RASKOL,
I think I may know more about Ireland than you may think I know, and I know way too much about america...having lived here all my life. After much contemplation, I know that my decision is the best one...I will not miss anything about this place, except the baseball, but there is always satellite tv. My parents are the only other thing I will miss, but thats what visits are for anyway

btw, have u been to america, ever lived here? just curious why u seem to think its such a great place? not that its not, just wondering about your views

IRISHLILY24 · 06-04-2002 11:58PM

You seem to be a very sound guy, thanks for the advice and info.
I do plan on moving to Dublin to work and live, but eventually I'd like to move westcoast, I enjoyed everypart though.

chernobyl · 07-04-2002 12:12AM

Originally posted by IRISHLILY24
but there is always satellite tv.

There is but i doubt most installers in Ireland know where you can get FOX sports etc for free...legally too!

"Dublin is a vast sprawling concrete mass"

C'mon Typedef, its aint that bad and actually if you have been to magor cities then Dublin is pretty timid but Dublin is growing and quickly too:

I saw Duncans programme d'other nite.

Raskolnikov · 07-04-2002 12:14AM

Originally posted by IRISHLILY24
RASKOL,
I think I may know more about Ireland than you may think I know, and I know way too much about america...having lived here all my life. After much contemplation, I know that my decision is the best one...I will not miss anything about this place, except the baseball, but there is always satellite tv. My parents are the only other thing I will miss, but thats what visits are for anyway
btw, have u been to america, ever lived here? just curious why u seem to think its such a great place? not that its not, just wondering about your views

Hey, i never accused you of knowing nothing about Ireland but we have a lot of problems of which a great many you are probably unaware. Examples being the knackerish, track suit trash culture that is prevalent in certain parts of Ireland. The tremendous alcohol problem that Ireland has isn't a myth either, for the vast majority of Irish people going out means getting completly hammered at weekends.

Also i didn't say America was a 'great place; i was trying to get at the fact that where you come from is a place that is important. I haven't been to America so i can't comment on the place

Raskolnikov · 07-04-2002 12:21AM

Originally posted by Typedef

You will invariably get people who give you stick for being American, but in reality those people are rednecks and every single country on earth has it's own rednecks, the fact that Cork has as many rednecks as females is simply a statistical oddity
[troll ends]

Now you could live in the country or in Cork(with the Neanderthals laugh), but in my view to get a real sense of Irishness and Ireland stay away from the Green Irish Isle inc tourist nonesense and get a flat and a job in Dublin.

You have made quite a generalisation there which many will find offensive. Considering you are a moderator you should be condoning this kind of thing not inflaming it.

07-04-2002 12:34AM

Originally posted by RASKOLNIKOV

Examples being the knackerish, track suit trash culture that is prevalent in certain parts of Ireland.

Irishlily, this people are the equivalent of "white trash" or "trailor park trash". *shudder* Just so you're prepared

fi · 07-04-2002 12:58AM

Originally posted by RASKOLNIKOV

Hehehe i always do

may i add you ONLY won because it is 1am and im too tired to take you on

tomorrow is another day

Typedef · 07-04-2002 01:33AM

Originally posted by RASKOLNIKOV

You have made quite a generalisation there which many will find offensive. Considering you are a moderator you should be condoning this kind of thing not inflaming it.

Well thanks for the heads up, be sure I have taken your griveance on board and have given it it's due attention.

Besides another thing they have in Dublin is a product called humor... you can buy it in shops and sprinkel it lightly on boards you don't administer.... some call it having a life... I call it trolling... but whatever floats your boat.

Greenbean · 07-04-2002 03:08AM

Its good that you've been to Ireland at least and know what you're getting into. It also seems that you want to stay away from cities and hit the more rural end of things. This makes sense, I'm sure that in America you can get more than your fair share of built up cities and a pace of life which is too fast so you'd hardly want more of it by going to Dublin.

Still I reckon you need to be careful, because the rural areas of Ireland are by no means easy to settle into - its fine in visiting, as long as you aren't local and will be going after a few weeks - but once you're there to stay you will start to see local politics kick in. Lets just say some people never leave their own area all their lives, and thus what everyone else is doing is their business.

IRISHLILY24 · 07-04-2002 03:37AM

Originally posted by Bosco

Seriously though, do you think the internet is the right place to be announcing your plans to travel alone in a strange country?Don't you watch your own daytime talk shows? The internet is dangerous I tells ya! Oprah, Sally AND Ricky all agree. Just look at the crop of weirdos and nutjobs you've found already!!

thank you for your concern

I did say I was coming there alone, I didnt say i was living alone

I do have family there and I do have many many friends, I will be getting a room in a house with Other people, so I will be ok. I have spent enough time there to know what its going to be like, and I am already getting involved in the politics. I enjoy educating myself so I feel I should be up to speed on things with everyone else.
I am surprised though that people are saying things that would seem to dissuade someone from moving there, I may not have been born and raised there but that doesnt mean that I cant love it there and want to spend my life there, or anyone else for that matter.
There is some kind of poll that says something around 90% of people live no more than 2 miles from the place they were born, well, the other 10% lives there lives differently. I have have fallen into the other 10% in everything that I do, I am not your average bear

now, it seems that when I make replies some people (raskol) are taking them the wrong way, I dont type or think in a resentful or what have you manner, I appreciate everybodys replies, no matter what they may be, thats why I started the thread

so keep'm comin' I am grateful for the info.

IRISHLILY24 · 07-04-2002 03:39AM

I know!! how strange! did you have family that emigrated to america? check and see, if a sarah elizabeth o'reilly is related to you then we have another thing in common! lol

Raskolnikov · 07-04-2002 11:58AM

To sum it up, i don't think people here will mind that you are an American, most people here aren't that shallow. Just as long as you are of good character etc you will fit in fine

azezil · 07-04-2002 12:18PM

You are of course more than welcome IRISHLILY24 and I wish you a long, happy and prosperous life in your new home.

yankinlk · 07-04-2002 12:29PM

been there done that got the t-shirt.

Irisih-lily, if you are what you say you are (a blendable american) then you will do fine. i did. 7 years ago i came over to check out my rish roots and basically never went back.

keep it on the low down though will ya? i prefer that not too many "irish americans" (of which there seems to be about 10 million in this world) make a habit of this - as it might spoil the place.

good luck getting unplugged from the matrix...

The Corinthian · 07-04-2002 12:52PM

There is a tendency for Europeans to view Americans as culturally backward and (relatively) poorly educated. Another attitude towards Americans you’ll find is an underlying one of suspicion, in some cases even resentment, towards US foreign policy.

Another thing is that the Irish, having lived in a largely homogenous society for so long (after all who in their right mind would emigrate here

), are quite xenophobic and you’ll be classified as a foreigner for a long time.

Please be prepared for culture shock, attitudes and behaviours are different; you’ll be introduced to ironic humour (something Americans are, stereotypically, famed for not possessing) and radically different attitudes to relationships - Irish, indeed most Europeans, marry a lot later than Americans, for example, if at all.

Beyond that, expect a somewhat less consumerist society, more expensive food, more smokers (depending upon where in the US you’re from) and lots of bad teeth. And the beer is a lot better (but not as good as in Germany).

Anyhow that’s my five cent worth, one (non-American) immigrant to another.

Monkey · 07-04-2002 01:16PM

"Dublin is a vast sprawling concrete mass" Dublin is small, have you been to London or New York or any major city outside of Ireland?

mike65 · 07-04-2002 01:40PM

Originally posted by Greenbean

Still I reckon you need to be careful, because the rural areas of Ireland are by no means easy to settle into - its fine in visiting, as long as you aren't local and will be going after a few weeks - but once you're there to stay you will start to see local politics kick in. Lets just say some people never leave their own area all their lives, and thus what everyone else is doing is their business.

The League of Gentlemen lives on in Erins Isle!

I'd stay out of the countryside and live in a city that is not Dublin.

Mike.

Toulouse · 07-04-2002 01:52PM

I've met some cool Americans and I've met some American idiots but the one thing that never fails to annoy the **** out of me is the famous phrase 'Oh my god!! You like haaave that over here???

Americans in Ireland

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