Ireland Welcome

Personalized solutions for expatriates
Pensions, life insurance, economic disability, medical expenses, ..

Links partners

Free quote request
(moving, relocate, insurance, health, Visa, Aparthotel, Hotel, Housing; concierge, home management, sitting services, ..)

Relocation and Removals :
Free quote request

Moving Ireland Removals

City Ireland
Aparthotel Dublin Hotels

Expat1

Geographical situation
Economy & statistics
Agriculture
Industry

Expat2

Other sectors
Population
Languages
Religion
Weights, measures and voltages
Money
Main towns
Climate
Insects

Expat3

Working
Formalities
Entry formalities:
Health & medicine

Expat4

Connections with France
Time differences
Telecommunications
Airports
Car rental
Hotels & restaurants
Your suitcase
Information
Your car
Banks
Schools & schooling
Guides
Observations
Cost of Living

Accomodation

Usefull Addresses

City Ville Guide

Political Status
Ireland is a republic with a parliamentary regime. It is a pluralistic democracy with a president, the present one is Ms Mary McAleese, who was elected on 31st October 1997 for a seven year term of office.
The President is assisted by a Prime Minister, who holds executive power, the present Prime Minister is Berthie Ahern, elected on 1st June 1997. The Prime Minister is responsible towards Parliament. Parliament is made up of the Chamber of Representatives, the Dail, with 166 members elected by general election every five years, and the Senate, the Seanad, with 60 members, 11 of whom are nominated by the Prime Minister, 43 designated by socio-professional organizations and 6 who represent the universities.
Follow

Historical outline
Ireland was inhabited by the Celts from the 4th century BC.
The Gaels, well armed warriors, arrived later and dominated the country, dividing it up into small kingdoms which were then regrouped into bigger territories : Ulster, South Leinster, North Leinster, Connacht and Munster.
Ireland's golden age took place in the period during which it was under church influence but also under a cultural and artistic influence. This period came to an end with the Scandinavian invasions in the 7th and the 9th centuries.
Follow


Geographical situation
The centre of the country is a large plain edged with mountain chains. This plain in places is uneven, it is covered in lakes and drained by the Shannon River which is the longest river in the country.
To the west of the river is a chalk desert, the Burren, composed of caves and underground waterways.
Follow

Economy
The country is going through a period of enormous economic growth.
Over the last years the economic debt has been regressing, whereas it was still very high in 1995. In 2000 the economic growth rate was 11%, which is the highest rate recorded among the 19 western European countries. Ireland has the most dynamic economy in the zone. A part of the reason for this is that it is at last catching up with the rest of Europe, having been for years one of the poorest countries.
Follow

Agriculture
The main agricultural revenue in Ireland comes from livestock, 80% of the country is pasture land and 88% of the total agricultural production is stock breeding. Ireland produced 7,093,000 head of cattle and
5,624,000 sheep in 2000. It is the fifth biggest cattle producer per inhabitant in the world. This sector is suffering from the 'mad cow' crisis which has lowered the market value and is causing havoc throughout Europe.
Follow

Industry
Industry is concentrated on high tech sectors and focused on exportation.
Exports of goods and commodities represented 76% of the GDP in 1996 compared to 53% in 1986.
In March 2000 Ireland became the leading exporter in the world of computor software, beating the USA and Singapore.
Follow

Other sectors
Nearly 910 financial establishments have their offices in the old Dublin docks which have been transformed by the government into an off-shore zone. This financial pole is specialized in bank refunding. In the volume of capital invested, Dublin has already overtaken the Anglo-Norman islands, and in the sector of inter-bank loans, Luxemburg is now only in second place. Dublin has become a banking paradise for investors all over the world.
Follow

Climate
Ireland has a temperate climate, the winters are not very severe and the summers are cool.
February is the coldest month with temperatures going between 4° and 7°. The hottest months are July and August where it goes up to 25°. The most sun is usually in May in the north, the west and the centre of Ireland, in the other areas it is in June. There is a lot of rain during December and January, the least is in April. The climate changes a lot and is unpredictable.
Follow

Working in Ireland
Before you go :
Read as much as you can about the country (see our list of Guides).
You imperatively have to speak English if you want to find a job.
The University of Rennes II gives Irish Gaelic lessons by correspondence : Université de Rennes II,département celtique, 6 ave Gaston Berger, 35043 Rennes cedex.
Sean O'Conaill gives private Gaelic lessons in Paris, his address is Finnegan's Wake, 9 rue des Boulangers, 75005 Paris.
Follow

Formalities
You can stay three months in Ireland without completing any formalities.
If you stay longer than that or if you want to enrol on the Irish Labour Exchange, you have to register with the Dept of Justice. It is only a simple formality and you don't need to have a residence permit to do it.
Department of Justice, 72 St Stephen’s Green. Dublin 1.
Once you have done this you will receive a certificate which will be demanded by the labour exchange.
Follow

Formalities
To enter Ireland you need a valid passport or a National identity card which is less than 10 years old.
Minors must have parental authority if they are travelling alone.
If you are taking your car you have to have your car registration papers with you, the international green insurance card and a driving licence. The vehicle must have number plates on the front and on the back.
Follow

Health
No vaccinations are obligatory.
For any health problem, in Ireland as in any other country of the EEC you have to have an E111 form with you to get reimbursed for any medical charges you may have. You can get this form from your Social Security centre in France.
If you should have a road accident, dial 999 whatever region of Ireland you are in, particularly if anyone is injured. All accidents should be reported to the Irish Visiting Motorist Bureau, 3/4 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2, tel 01 6797233, fax 01 6798693.
Pets have to go into quarantine for six months if you want to bring them into the country. It is impossible to avoid this legislation.

Your suitcase
Take sporty comfortable clothes, with a big sweater (you can buy a beautiful Aran sweater there),and good walking shoes - don't forget your raincoat.
For business meetings you will need a suit and tie.
Here are some size equivalents if you are shopping in Ireland :
Follow

Driving in Ireland
In Ireland driving is on the left. The speed limit is 30 mph (50 km/h) in town and built up areas, and 60mph (100 kms/h) on main roads, 70 mph (110 km/h) on highways.
It is obligatory to wear a seat belt.
Follow

Observations
The economy is really booming, but the infrastructures have not managed to keep pace.
It is a nightmare driving through Dublin and public transport is not very efficient, there is no underground and buses don't keep to their timetables.
The bay in Dublin is one of the most polluted in Europe.
Follow