About Ireland

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that, due to circumstances, we found ourselves in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

 

So, Ireland: a land of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone can find their home amidst picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage

 

Culture and Lifestyle

The culture, cuisine, and lifestyle in Ireland are unique and rich in traditions valued and preserved by the locals. The Irish are proud of their heritage and are happy to share it with visitors. Immersing yourself in this culture will enrich your experience and help you adapt faster and feel part of Irish society.

The Irish are known for their openness and hospitality. Often people are willing to start a conversation even with strangers in a pub or a public place, which makes it easier to make connections.

Traditional Irish music and dance are an integral part of the culture. Musicians often play the fiddle, flute, and banjo, creating an atmosphere, especially in pubs. Irish dance is also popular and includes famous dance shows like Riverdance.

Ireland is the birthplace of many great writers and poets, a land of celebrations and festivals.

Irish cuisine is based on simple and nutritious ingredients, often using local products.

Traditional dishes:

Irish Stew: A traditional stew made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots.

Soda Bread: Bread based on soda instead of yeast, often served with butter or soups.

Colcannon: Mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale, sometimes adding leeks and green onions.

Champ: Mashed potatoes with added green onions and butter, served as a side dish.

Scones and pastries: Homemade pastries, including scones, pies, and cookies, are popular in Ireland.

Beverages: Ireland is famous for its Guinness beer and Irish whiskey. Pubs are an important part of social life, and most Irish people consider them a place for meetings and communication.

Ireland ranks highly in various international indices reflecting its achievements in the economy, education, quality of life, and other areas.

The country consistently appears among those with the greatest economic freedom, attracting investors and contributing to business development; it ranks high in the ease of doing business indices due to favorable tax policies and support for entrepreneurship.

Ireland is among the countries with a high level of human development, which takes into account education, life expectancy, and population income; it demonstrates high scores in innovation, research, and development.

Ireland often ranks at the top in quality of life indices, which consider healthcare, education, and safety levels.

Ireland is recognized as one of the best travel destinations due to its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.

However, the country faces certain challenges in some areas.

Ireland experiences a shortage of affordable housing, leading to high property and rental prices. This is especially notable in major cities like Dublin, where housing costs significantly exceed average levels across Europe.

Despite improvements in recent years, Ireland's transport system, particularly in rural areas, remains less developed compared to other European countries. The limited number of railway routes and inadequate public transport development create mobility challenges.

While Ireland's healthcare system provides a high level of medical care, there are issues with the accessibility of some services, especially in remote regions.

These aspects require attention and effort from the government and society to improve the quality of life and sustainable development of the country.

Local Language

Although Irish is the official language, most Irish people use English in daily life. The Irish language is more actively used in the Gaeltacht regions, but in major cities and official institutions, communication is usually conducted in English. This limits opportunities for regular practice. The Irish language has unique sounds and phonetic rules that differ from most European languages. Sounds often do not correspond to the usual pronunciation of letters for speakers of other languages. Irish writing can seem complex due to the peculiarities of letter combinations. For example, letters may not be pronounced as expected based on English or other European languages. Unlike popular languages like French or Spanish, resources for learning the Irish language may be limited. The Irish language has three main dialects — Munster, Connacht, and Ulster — which differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. This can confuse learners and complicate language comprehension. Learning the Irish language can be challenging, but it is also an interesting and valuable experience that helps better understand Irish culture. Focusing on overcoming unique challenges and seeking practice opportunities will help you succeed in this process.