What is the advantage and disadvantage in living in Ireland?

Answer 1

The great disadvantages of living in Ireland are the following:

- People lie, steal and rob you of every penny you have. Whenever you make a deal, sign a contract, etc, make sure to doublecheck all those things you never expect to have to doublecheck in any civilized country, and make sure to put it on paper - or you will get screwed.

- It is a very expensive country to live in. You pay for everything - even if what you pay for is of highly mediocre standards by international comparison (although the Irish themselves think what they provide is absolutely superb!).

- It is an extraordinarily backwards country in terms of gender equity, gender and sexual discrimination, animal rights, child abuse, and so on and so forth. Whereas the rest of the world today reads 2011, Ireland fluctuates between 1950-1970.

- Nobody takes responsibility for things that go wrong. There is always (whatever level or sector in society concerned) an excuse for not having to do things properly or take responsibility.

- Banking and business system is utterly rigid, complex and out-dated. And, due to the inherent dishonesty of the Irish people (see above), every larger issue is highly solicitor-based (for fear of getting screwed in the deal, and fear of getting sued when screwing the other person). This adds time, money and frustration.

- internet is essentially non-existent (in comparison to rest of West). Try to find the opening hours of the store you plan to go to, seek information about street address, etc etc...

- Roads are of appallingly poor quality, as are public transport.

- People do not know how to use a bicycle. Nor do they know how to drive and how to park a car.

- The importance of nature as recreational areas for the population is not understood. Nor such trivia as 'throw waste in the bin'.

- The political system is grossly oversized, overpaid, and incompetent.

- People in general see nothing wrong with the massive luxury consumption of the Celtic Tiger era, a behaviour that goes on to this very day although the money ran out many a good year ago.

- and last but not least: Ireland is bancrupt, and noone seems to get it.

Advantages:

- If your child is ill, you will ususally get a rapid appointment to your medical clinic, and medical assistance [if you pay for it].

- There is a high focus on learning in primary schools.

- If you are a woman, and desperately look for a bald, bear-bellied macho "alpha-male" who likes to watch football with his mates at the pub wearing jogging pants and a soggy sports-Tshirt, you'll be in match-making heaven!

The first two of these items will probably decline drastically with the current and future cuts in public sector system. The third item is instead likely to rise.

In summary: Visiting Ireland as a tourist over a long weekend can be quite charming; beyond that, stay away.