Living in Ireland for the past three years has been a transformative journey, filled with warmth, beauty, and valuable lessons. The first thing I noticed was that Irish (or Gaelic) was everywhere. My panic levels shot through the roof when I landed because the first thing I heard over the airport speakers wasn’t English—it was Irish. For a moment, I thought I’d accidentally booked a flight to a parallel universe! 

The Irish people are genuinely kind and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. Conversations with strangers turn into friendly chats, and a strong sense of community is everywhere, from busy Dublin to quiet villages.

The weather is famously unpredictable, but the rain brings out the lush, green landscapes that make Ireland so magical. Sunny days feel like a celebration, and cozy pubs with live music provide refuge during the frequent drizzles. As they say, "There’s nothing you can’t fix by going to the pub."

Adapting to Irish life comes with challenges—driving on these roads (it can be confusing) and decoding local accents, for example—but it’s worth it. The culture is rich with traditions like céilí dancing and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the Wild Atlantic Way and Cliffs of Moher offer breathtaking escapes into nature. Irish people LOVE their rugby, Gaelic (or GAA)  and when it comes to soccer, the fact that they have this love/hate relationship with English people goes aside. 

Ireland’s slower pace of life has taught me patience and to embrace the mantra, “It’ll be grand" or "Not a bother". This small island has left a big mark on my life, offering not just a home but a wealth of memories and lessons I’ll cherish forever.