°µÍø½ûÇø

Hi,
Parts of Dublin are very rough, like any other place.

Some schools have waiting lists, yes.
In relartion to working here, if you don't have citizenship read this

also the unemployment rate in Ireland is higher than in the US and rising.

The weather is extremely depressing, it's more expensive that you may realize, and American's aren't popular with the natives. It's no picnic here.

I moved from Atlanta to Ireland in 2007 and though I had visited a few times a year for 6 years...it was still a major change for me and my daughter (now 18). We first moved to a place about 1.5 hours from Dublin and finding work (any work) was not easy.  You will have better luck in Dublin..job wise..though it is not as easy as it was a few years ago.

House are smaller then you will be used to..but do we really need all that space?  The weather is glorious here in the spring and summer..long days and the added benefit of low humidity (nothing at all like Atlanta)AND a nice breeze The days start getting shorter now and honestly I dislike not the weather, but the darkness at 4:00 pm starting the end of November.

Can't help you with the schools in Dublin.  I had no problems finding schools..but again, we were living in the country.  Found a few sites that might be of help..

dublin.ie/disp_list.aspx?catid=57
schooldays.ie/primary-schools-in-ireland/primary-Dublin-8

Do I miss the quality of life I had in the states?  Not really. In the beginning I might have missed a few material type of things or some of the conveniences of having everything I could possible want or need.  Now I appreciate the little things so much more. 

Have you visited Dublin yet?

Hi,

We moved here from Chicago two months ago.  We have three kids 3, 6, 8.  We are living about 1 hr 30 min south of Dublin.  My husband is from Ireland and for him it was moving home.  I am starting all over.  My husband's family is from Dublin so we are there quite a bit.

We did not have a problem finding a school but we are in the country.  The school we are attending is much smaller than our old school in Chicago.  Our kids are finding it tough.  Our 3 yr old has had the easiest time.  She loves her playschool.

I think the suggestion from above about schooldays.ie is a good one. 

I have found the people very welcoming but they do wonder why we left Chicago.

The rain can be depressing and I am still struggling with it but our kids still play outside.  We have had an amazing summer and the long days are nice. I am originally from Texas and we were recently in Atlanta so I know the warm weather you are talking about.

I think Ireland has great cities and lots of culture. The museums in Dublin are great! 

I still think it is too early for me to give an opinion about our relocation but I am hopeful for us. 

Although it would be great if there was a J.Crew and a Chuckee Cheeses.

Andrea

If your husband has a job offer, my advice is to say YES.  It's an adventure!  Even if you end up going back home, living abroad is an experience most Americans never get the chance of.  It's worth it!

I am an °µÍø½ûÇø living in the county south of dublin. Dublin city is not the best place for raising a family. Houses are small and very expensive and the quality of life is going to be an adjustment for you. The surrounding country life is much nicer and houses much more spacious and less expensive. It depends if you are into green space and fresh air. I commute into dublin from wicklowtown and it takes about 1hr at the most but its the most scenic and awesome views and relaxing for me. I have moved out of dublin because of lack of space, traffic and expensive housing. It took me 5 yrs to adjust to the weather as I am from sunny south africa but I love the pace of life, the green space, long walks, close to the sea and fresh country air. I would not change it for anything. I can live with the weather now and as for the kids, they will eventually adjust. Schools and hospitals are your biggest challenges. I think you should just keep an open mind and don't expect things fast and furious and a lifestyle of similar quality otherwise you will be very disappointed. Think simple and expect less then you might find it easier. Otherwise, visit the country before you take that step.
all the best. sandra