What is life like in Ireland?

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Orla C

Ireland is very much a different type of place to the US, culturally speaking. It's very common for your neighbours to talk to you, particularly if you live in a rural area. I go walking regularly where I live, and almost always stop for a minute to chat with one or more neighbours.

Yes, there is some racism, but not a whole lot, and it most definitely is not encouraged.

In practice, English is the main language of the country, and because of your age, you would be exempt from learning Irish - but I would recommend doing some Irish anyway, because it's part of the everyday culture in that the Irish language has very much affected the type of English spoken in Ireland, particularly in the Western half of the country. You would do all your classes through English, and you would be learning about European history as well as Irish and Irish/English history, as the two are very closely linked. Do be aware that the whole grading system is different, As are rare.

You live in a dry climate, right? You would need to get used to the weather here in Ireland, it's inclined to be wet, which is why there is so much vegetation ('forty shades of green'). However, in Ireland, you are never more than 80 miles from the sea, which is always nice! There are some lovely beaches here, but as they are on the Atlantic coast, they tend to be rather windy. Surfers like Irish beaches, it's a very popular location.

As an American, you might get a bit of stick at first, but that's only because you're an outsider and you'll become part of the class group in no time.

Addition: You are NOT obliged to learn Irish, nor are you obliged to attend Mass or any other church service if you are not that way inclined. Much has changed in the past 50 years.

Priscilla Duck

You won't need to learn Irish. If you start in school here after the age of 7, it is not compulsory to learn Irish. By the time you get here, you will be in secondary school. Provided you don't go to a specialist Gaelscoil, you will have little contact with the Irish language. If you come here before you are 15, you will have to take the following subjects: English, Maths, History, Geography, Science, Civic, Social & Political Education, Social, Personal & Health Education, at least one European language, and then optional subjects chosen from Art, Music, Business Studies, Construction Studies, and others depending on the facilities of the individual school. After 15 you can enter the Leaving Certificate cycle, which is a 2 year programme of on average 7 subjects (again with English & Maths being compulsory) leading to the equivalent of the High School Diploma/SATs in the US. You need this to go on to college/uni.

You are NOT expected to go to a Catholic Church. We have a multidenominational society and state-funded schools required by law to allow freedom of religion, even if they are traditionally Catholic schools. Some schools assume you are Catholic and include you in their rituals, but if you do not want to they cannot make you, nor can you get into trouble for not taking part.

American students don't seem to do too badly in schools here - you'll be seen as exotic and people will be interested in your experiences, as long as you aren't one of those moany arrogant students who thinks everything was better where you were before - you are perfectly entitled to think that and it may well be true, but keep it to yourself if you want to make friends. There is racism in every society, but as a native English speaker you have an automatic advantage. The sense of humour in Ireland involves a lot of teasing and taking the piss out of people - be prepared for that and make sure you have a stock-pile of smartassed comebacks prepared.

Sign up to bebo and you'll be able to check out/meet lots of Irish people your own age who can tell you more about it.
http://www.bebo.com

UndeadNinjaChild

.depend where abouts.i live in a tiny town called donegal and it sucks coz there's nothing to and there's no good shops.the scenery is pretty,i guess,I've just seen it my whole life.if your in a bigger town its cool,especially if you live in the country side near a big town or city.the weather sucks.rains all the time.surprise surprise its raining now.i guess it has to stay green somehow.yeah,people are friendly,mostly.it really depends on your personality.good things:we have our own language[even though its not spoken nationally]''dia duit.conas ata tu?ta me go hiontach ach ni maith liom an aimsir.ta se ag cur baisti'',schools get three months off at summer,st Patrick's day,that's reason enough to move to ireland,no town or city is more than 6 hours away,cool scenery,amazing sea.try and stay in arizona,it sounds way better.

AlwaysOnTheBSide

Not a lot of racism here! Not for Americans, anyway, I'd say you'll be grand, depending on what part of the country you go to. Just don't go over and be like, "Oh I'm Irish-American, my great-great-great ect was from here"...cause that annoys the Irish. Oh, yeah, the teachers teach in Irish in most schools. If your school has "gaelscoil" in the title, steer clear, it's a school for the Irish language.

Greenie

I know how you feel when i was in my teens my family moved from new jersey to ireland. yes everything is in english. it definitely is a experience i will never regret, i felt the same way as you when i moved there. it depends on where you live. if you move 2 some where like dublin there will be more. i moved to a rural area. they had a movie theater, granted it only showed 2 movies at a time. shopping was great, they have more of boutique shopping no malls. when you go over there get a bebo account, its like myspace. that way you can connect with your class mates. good luck =D

Dan G

I presume you'd be moving to the South of Ireland? If you're moving to Northern Ireland, which I suppose, is technically part of the UK, there are some differences. For example, there is different currency, a different government, a slightly different economic climate, a different education system. The weather though, is pretty much the same all over from Belfast to Dingle, it's pretty wet. There is the same amount of racism as in any country which is a shame, because it's marring the reputation of Ireland is being one of the friendliest nations. But it's something you'll have to make your own mind up about. I think because you're American you'd make friends easily, because most other kids would be fascinated by your accent, but it is by no means a negative thing.
If your mum does decide to move, I'm sure the pair of you won't regret it, unless you're moving here for the weather! Wherever you go, you'll receive a warm reception. Good Luck!

xxred.headxx

Stop worrying you'll be fine! My friend moved from Chicago 3 years ago and is doing fine!! Also cause you're 12 you'll probably be starting in secondary school so more than likely you won't be the only new person! Life here depends on what part of the country you move to the west is a good bit different to the east!! I live in a town in the west and that doesn't mean i speak fluent irish!! You won't have to learn irish cause you're too old!! Also the weather might be a big difference i don't think i need to explain!! And do join some social networking sites they might help!!!
Hope this helped!!!

Natasha

i know this doesnt answer you questions but im trying to get my mum to move to ireland and she just wont do it shell be realy close to saying yes and then shell say no and then yes i hate it ur realy lucky and when you move there if you do id aprcieate to here what its like
thanx natahsa:]

Lizzie R

its pretty much the same as wherever you're from I'd assume
we have schools, that all teach and speak in English, shops, markets, pubs
it all really depends on where you move to actually
different towns have different things
i think its pretty okay
then again, Ive never been anywhere else except England

harriton2

Probably the teachers don't teach in english.Look on a site. Keep begging. she might just start to crack and stay

alan m

They teach in english but expect you to learn gaelic and go to Catholic church. Its much colder and very much wetter than Arizona. I was in Phoenix last month. Big heat difference. Aside from these factors it might be ok. When aged 18 you can leave if you dont like it. I assume you mean southern Ireland. In Northern Ireland being British then its all British style not Irish. My niece from England lived there two years ago and hated the forced attendance at mass every day and compulsory Irish lessons. As some others point out its not really compulsory but think about it. You will be the only one in class not going . Thats pretty much compulsory I think.

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