Living in Ireland

Things to do

If you're looking for postcard Ireland - the brooding coastal cliffs on the Atlantic, the lonely foreboding castles, breath-taking natural wonders and cosy town pubs - you won't be disappointed, they're all here. Historic Ireland is very much still present, and the awe and mysticism that surrounds this magical island are far from extinct in this digital age.

Places to eat

Like the English, the Irish aren't world renowned for their cuisine - but a growing food scene means there is plenty of choice for foodies. Hearty, home-cooked grub that keeps out the cold better than an Aran pullover is the traditional speciality. Stews, pies, soups and pasties make up the bulk of most pub menus but again, like the English, cakes and desserts come to the rescue. Only in Ireland, there will probably be Baileys involved.

Shopping

The best shopping in Ireland, like most places, is confined to the major cities and even then, Dublin and Cork are no London, Paris or New York. The high street brands that you see in London and other English cities will likely be making an appearance on those same high streets in cities across the Irish Sea and St. George's Channel. However, the nature of shopping, especially in Dublin's independent stores, is a unique experience due to the renowned friendliness of the Irish people. Shopkeepers are known to make you feel welcome, are open to opinions and as always, are extremely talkative, which is a far cry from what one can experience when trudging round Oxford Circus on a Saturday afternoon. Shopping in Ireland may not always offer the same choice as the UK's major cities, but in terms of the experience, is definitely an activity that one can merrily indulge in.

Getting around

There are two ways of getting to Ireland from mainland UK; by air or by sea. If you're planning on taking your car, you can take a ferry from Pembroke, on the Welsh coast, to Rosslare Harbour on the south west tip of Ireland. If you're looking to get directly to Dublin, you can take a ferry from Holyhead in Northern Wales. Passenger ferries go from Liverpool and Newport and flights go from a number of English airports to Cork, Dublin and Belfast.