Canadians in Ireland

[Jigglypuff]

I worked and lived in Dublin for over 6.5 years, and didn't meet a single Canadian either (unless they were visiting, that is; I mean residents).

Catalin, feel free to send me a private message if you want my views.

[Allyssa]

I know tons of Irish people here in Canada -- know a bunch of people in Ireland with family in Canada, but no Canadians in Ireland. I'll let you know when I come through to visit again!

Happy hunting for fellow Canucks!

Allyssa

[Jillian]

Hi there,

I'm thinking about moving to Ireland on a one year working visa for (hopefully)professional work experience. I have already done this in the UK but at the time just worke in bars/restaurants.

My question is, has anyone had experience in Ireland in getting professional jobs? ue to me obviously not being a permanent resident or citizen, would this pose a problem for me?

Also, when looking for apartments to rent, do landlords usually require a reference from your current employer?

Any help or info from anyone would be really appreciated!

[Meggers]

Hi there,

I am from Vancouver B.C. and am brand spanky new to Ireland. I have been here for about three weeks now and my fiance works full time, Monday to Friday. It's funny, back home I was over worked and a stressed student who never had even five minutes to myself. Now, I feel so isolated and lonely and BORED. We live in a small town out of Dublin and I have been to every corner of it. Has anyone else felt this way? What do you do? I have travelled a fair amount in my days but to sit and live in one spot is just different. Any suggestions or advice would be wonderful. And talking to any Canadians would be a huge comfort

[Jillian]

Hey there Meggers,

I can understand where you're coming from. I was in th UK for one year (went all by myself) and started off in a fancy hotel outside of Cardiff where the employer put all international staff in "staff accomodation". Total party.

Then I got tired of that and wanted to try out Scotland, so I moved to Edinburgh. I was all on my own there, knew no one in that city and found it much more difficult to meet people when you're not living/working/breathing with them.

There were two things I did:

1) Take a tour group to a destination you've always wanted to go to. I took a Haggis Tour to the Isle of Skye for three nights and I would never have imagined it, but that's where I made a lot of my international friends. A couple of them where living in Edinburgh so I now had a few people to go out with, also some in London so I took a trip a few weeks later down to London to party there, etc. A Contiki tour may be good for you too, depending on your age as it's strictly for young people (I think under 35?)

2) I got a part time job in a pub. I definitely made some friends with the young people working/drinking there and if nothing else, it kept me busy during the evenings which was when I got lonely.

BUT with that being said, you have to do what you can for yourself. You and your fianee should be taking as many trips as you can, every couple of weekends (RyanAir flights are ridiculously cheap, which I'm sure you've already discovere\ed) and Ireland is a beautiful place so you could certainly do a wonderful whirlwind tour there.

I find nobody can really anticipate how a place differs from Canada until you're actually there. The lifestyle is different, the people are different, EVERYTHING is different. I would try to embrace that if I were you as you may find when you eventually come back to Canada that there are some things here that certainly don't work as well as they did overseas. We are TOTALLY overworked, we live in terrible weather conditions, expensive cities, stressed out people in those cities, rude people and so on....so take advantage of the time you have to just chill - and TRAVEL!

I hope this helps!

[Katinthehat]

Hey Meggers, I just came across your post. i've been in Ireland for just over 3 month waiting for my EU passport to come through so I can actually start working and DOING something. I have spent the last 3 months bored and terribly lonely, I was a bar manager and constantly social in Toronto before moving so it was especially hard! my boyfriend is british and got a job right away so it's made it really hard.
I'm in Dublin now (thank god downtown) and its still very rare to come across canadians. I'm trying to meet new people by doing a language exchange (to learn spanish) and will be starting work soon (finally!). If you need someone to talk to, or hang out, message me! I've been in your position now for 3 months so i really know how it feels!
Kate

[Linz]

Hi Meggers and Katinthehat,

I just read/found this forum and I am also in the same boat. I am living in Dublin and find myself with nothing to do and knowing very few people. At the moment my fiance is a medical student here and I am trying to figure out how to get myself a visa and all that stuff. If ever either of you want to chat or meet I would always love to talk to fellow Canadian living over here.

As well, if anyone has any suggestions on ways to get a work permit or sponsorship I am looking for advice.

Thanks so much.

Lindsay

[lastminuteliggett]

Hi, I am originally from Vancouver but my family is from ireland. While visiting many relatives I met a local lad and we are getting married in Sept. 2008. I have been trying to keep busy but do find it lonely at times. It would be nice to meet other canadians abroad. I am living in the north but travel often to Dublin. Looking forward to hearing from any of you out there.