From charming villages...rolling green hills...dramatic coastline...and a drop of the black stuff...you can't beat the "craic" in Ireland. Whether tracing Irish roots, or as a place to visit or live, Ireland won't disappoint.
Fast Facts:
Population: 4,722,028 (July 2012 est.)
Capital City: Dublin
Language: English
Climate: Temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time
Time Zone: GMT
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Ireland Articles
Shear Sheep, Hunt Eggs, and Buy ArtPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, and where better to celebrate it than Dublin, Ireland, where, from March 14 to 18, the city revels in traditional music, fireworks, and a huge parade on the day itself. Sotheby’s Paris auction house will see 300 works from Mexico, Central and South America—including a Chupicuaro ceramic statue (estimated to be from 500 to 100 B.C.)—go under the hammer as part of the eagerly-awaited Barbier-Mueller Collection on March 22 and 23.
An Irish Pub “Lock In”Posted on February 25, 2013 by Eoin Bassett
In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day I have a tip to share… The pub is central to Irish social life. It’s waned a bit in importance (you won’t find every funeral and wedding there these days) but it’s still the one institution that makes a visit to the Emerald Isle unique. And to truly immerse yourself like a local find yourself a “lock in.”
An Irish Angler’s Tips to Fly Fishing in the Emerald IslePosted on February 25, 2013 by Eoin Bassett
Ireland is a fisherman’s dream. As your flight descends you see its glittering lakes, sometimes large, sometimes secret and small. Lazy rivers meander through green fields toward the wave-lashed coast. Countless spring-fed streams tumble and rush from high in the wild mountains.
Traveling in Ireland as a VIPPosted on January 29, 2013 by Terri Marshall
There was a time not long ago when I traveled as a regular tourist. By that I mean I would decide on a destination, buy a travel guide book and start to research hotels, tours and activities within my price range. Those days are gone. Today, I travel with VIP status. Take my last trip to Ireland. Instead of picking up a travel guide and calling around for hotel reservations, I sent a single e-mail to Ireland’s tourist board.
Properties from Just $85,000 in Ireland’s Magical “Kingdom”Posted on December 22, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
Known in Ireland as “the Kingdom,” County Kerry is spellbinding. A land of legends, lakes, and mountains, it comes with color-drenched little towns and craggy promontories that jut into the Atlantic. Fishing boats return at evening with catches of haddock, mackerel, monkfish, and scallops.
Buy a Piece of Ireland’s Magical “Kingdom” from $64,500Posted on November 26, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
I’m not lost. More like slightly astray. I don’t know how, but the main road from Tralee vanished a few miles back. The map shows I’m on the longer route to Listowel, a market town with a fascinating literary heritage and an annual Writers Festival. And it passes through some villages that weren’t on today’s travel plan.
The State of the Irish Property Market – Good News For UsPosted on November 21, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Ireland’s next fire sale auction takes place on December 4. More than half the lots going under the hammer (and two thirds of total reserve prices) are commercial units. The composition is different to previous auctions.
Lakeland Living in Ireland for Less than $150,000Posted on November 9, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
In Lakeland counties and villages along Ireland’s longest river—the Shannon—numerous properties are now selling for under $150,000. The starting figure for cottages with a small piece of land is down to the $67,000 level. With the euro tail-spinning, Ireland now looks temptingly affordable for buyers with dollars. A year ago, a 100,000 euro property would have cost $145,000. At today’s exchange rate, it’s $128,000.
Ireland’s New Property ResourcePosted on October 26, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
When you buy a property in Ireland you pay stamp duty (transfer tax). The property registry has collated details of every residential real estate transaction in Ireland from January 2010 to September 2012. You can search by address, county, town etc. The information about the properties is limited. As a standalone resource it doesn’t help much. But, using it in conjunction with other research it can be very useful.
Ireland’s Lakelands: Rural Retreats for Less than $150,000Posted on October 22, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
Some things don’t change. Friday night’s throb of bodhran drums in Cryan’s bar. The …
Homes for Less Than $150,000Posted on October 22, 2012 by International Living
Famous for its artisanal leather goods, the colonial town of Cotacachi (pictured) features open-air markets and small mom-and-pop stores. For other amenities Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is only two hours away by car or bus. Here you’ll find a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo, one of six in a secure building. There are great mountain views and at 8,000 feet, there is no heat or humidity. It’s cool in the evenings.
Chopin, Matchmaking, and Indian GodsPosted on September 27, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
The renowned Malaysia International Gourmet Festival in Kuala Lumpur runs the whole month of October. Expect a “Theatre of Cuisines” and a “Gourmet Village.” The wonderfully-named Madajazzcar, Madagascar’s leading jazz festival, takes place from October 3 to 15 with performances around the island.
The Fall of Europe? Maybe—Either Way, You WinPosted on September 27, 2012 by Chris Hunter
The euro may implode at any moment. The euro zone is deep in recession. The slow-motion debt crisis there trundles on. We still don’t know what will trigger a full-scale meltdown. All we know is that there’s now a good chance it will happen.
Dingle: The Most Beautiful Place on EarthPosted on September 14, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
Endings should be spectacular. And this one doesn’t disappoint. With the day signing off in a crimson sunset, I’ve driven to Slea Head on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula. National Geographic Traveler once called the Dingle Peninsula “the most beautiful place on earth.”
Irish Citizenship for Sale AgainPosted on September 10, 2012 by Robert Bauman
The Irish government is offering special residence visas to foreign individuals willing to invest in the country. This new program began on April 15, 2012, and if you make the investment, it can lead to full citizenship. Irish citizenship opens the door to full personal and commercial access to all 27 countries in the European Union.
65-Years-Old and a New Adventure in IrelandPosted on August 27, 2012 by Gary Hetzler
County Clare, on Ireland’s west coast, couldn’t be farther from Marilyn’s life in the suburbs of Los Angeles. “There’s no traffic, and none of the noise or the tensions of LA here,” she says. “It’s so quiet here that guests from LA who stay with me can’t sleep that first night because it’s too quiet! Then, when they go back, they can’t sleep because it’s too noisy.” Marilyn first came to Ireland in 1986.
Pudding, Oysters, and Moroccan SalsaPosted on August 24, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
Parades, dancing, and the election of a Sara Ñusta (Queen of Maize) mark the Fiesta del Yamor in Imbabura, Ecuador, the first week of September. Join in and offer thanks to the sun god for a bountiful harvest. Street traders take over the French city of Lille for the Grande Braderie on September 1 and 2.
Your EU Entry—Irish Citizenship for Sale AgainPosted on August 24, 2012 by Robert Bauman
The government of the Republic of Ireland is desperately trying to rebuild the country’s shattered national economy and bolster financial markets after one of the largest banking collapses in history. Perhaps as a mark of that official desperation—or of politicians’ universal urge to “do something” in a crisis—the Irish government is offering special residence visas to foreign individuals willing to invest in the country.
Securing an Irish Passport Through Your AncestorsPosted on August 24, 2012 by Robert Bauman
Many millions of Irish have emigrated to the U.S., beginning well before America’s Revolutionary War. In 1776, eight Irish-Americans signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and 22 U.S. presidents, from Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama (who knew?) were at least partly of Irish ancestry.
Europe in CrisisPosted on August 23, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Europe is in crisis. The weaker economies and PIIGS (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain), borrowed and spent more money than they could afford and now the debt well is running dry.
The euro hits new lows by the day and real estate values are tanking in Europe’s periphery—in Ireland and Spain in particular. This means opportunity for you—there are property deals to be found in these two countries. But, you need to know how to buy.
In the latest edition of your Quarterly Wealth Advisory, real estate expert Ronan McMahon explains what happened in Ireland and Spain…and details the best way to buy property now.
Getting Paid to Go Drinking in DublinPosted on August 21, 2012 by Terri Marshall
Pub life is the center of Irish culture. It’s a place to gather over a pint, listen to music and tell tales into the wee hours of the morning. Literary legends aside, Ireland has given us famed drinks like Guinness, Jameson and Baileys which can be found in any bar worthy of the name anywhere in the world. To experience the origins of some of the favorite Irish tipples, head to Dublin.
Big Deals on Big Buildings in IrelandPosted on August 3, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
As a RETA member, you will know about the crisis in Ireland and the distress in our real estate market. I’ve told you about the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), known as “the bad bank.”
Flowers, Wife-Carrying, and Asian FishingPosted on July 26, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
Any weekend from August 4 to September 16, head to the Parc Floral near the Château de Vincennes in Paris for the Festival Classique au Vert (Classical Festival on the Green). This year, performers will set the words of famous poets and authors to classical music. Bring a picnic and blanket: It’s a gorgeous park.
From Ventura County, California, to a New Adventure in IrelandPosted on July 26, 2012 by Gary Hetzler
From the first moment that Marilyn Cullen heard the strains of traditional Irish music in Ennis, County Clare, she knew she had found her retirement destination. “The music, the creativity, and the arts here are a magnet for expats from all over the world,” says the 65-year-old Californian.
Your Guide to Irish Visas, Residency and AncestryPosted on July 26, 2012 by Robert Bauman
From the first moment that Marilyn Cullen heard the strains of traditional Irish music in Ennis, County Clare, she knew she had found her retirement destination. “The music, the creativity, and the arts here are a magnet for expats from all over the world,” says the 65-year-old Californian.
Fire Sales in Ireland – What’s on OfferPosted on July 4, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
As a member of our little group, you will know that I have been closely following the opportunities created by the collapse of Ireland’s property bubble. In particular I have followed fire sale auctions where we have been able to buy for as little as one-tenth of peak prices.
Tudor Feast, Irish Antiques and a Rio RunPosted on June 28, 2012 by John Joe Worrall
You may not often celebrate Independence Day outside the States, but July begins with some intriguing alternatives… Toulouse’s Tangopostale Festival, for instance, when the jewel of southwest France taps its feet to the rhythm of Argentine tango. It takes place July 2 to 8.
News & Notes from Around the WorldPosted on May 28, 2012 by International Living
On the Cover This Month… Loja is one of Ecuador’s finest colonial cities. Its …
Island Life PropertiesPosted on May 28, 2012 by International Living
In this edition of Property Picks, we take a look at some of the world’s most picturesque island real estate.
How Many Ways Can You Get Paid to Travel?Posted on May 23, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
St Tola goat’s cheese and organic leaves with a tomato, basil and vodka jelly…roast hake on a risotto of pearl barley with a truffle salsa. For a story about eating and drinking stops along Ireland’s river Shannon, the Purple Onion gastro-pub in Tarmonbarry is definitely worth including.
Discovering the Ireland of OldPosted on May 16, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
The West of Ireland, away from the bustle of Dublin, is a stunning part of the world. On my latest trip, I decided to use Killarney as my travel hub—it put me within reach of must-see locations like the Ring of Kerry, Ross Castle and The Gap of Dunlow. Killarney also comes with bags of small-town charm and friendly locals eager to make visitors feel at home.
Irish Property: Get 80% Off Peak Prices at AuctionPosted on April 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
The real estate market in Ireland is deeply distressed. That’s why the deals here are so exciting. You can buy a 1.5-acre lot in a picturesque County Clare village for just $13,000. Or a comfortable vacation home close to miles of sandy beaches, world-class golf, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline for $87,000.
Blooms, Tango and Horseback PatrolsPosted on April 25, 2012 by Darius Fisher
Europe’s buzzing boho center, Berlin, bursts into life this month with the Carnival of Cultures. Thousands of performers will take to the streets and stages of the German capital to entertain over a million revelers. The party starts May 25.
Earlier in the month, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) takes place all over Mexico, especially the U.S. border towns. The day commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Puebla, a city and state in the south, has the best parades in the country.
Live Like a Lord in Ireland—Huge Discounts on MansionsPosted on April 25, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
The air is thick and pungent and the ceiling black. This was the smokerie, where brown trout pulled from the lake were smoked. Nearby is an unfamiliar contraption used for plucking pheasants after a shoot. The stable next to that one is packed with 19th-century sash windows.
Latest Fire Sale in Ireland Now OnPosted on April 20, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Last Friday I told you about the results of Ireland’s most recent fire sale auction. The catalog for the next auction (May 3) has been released. This time there are fewer apartments in the bigger urban centers. The focus is on commercial units. Some have tenants with leases of varying terms. Others are vacant. Homes and building plots scattered around the country also go under the hammer. Some are far from the big urban centers and will likely sell for a song.
Hundreds of Reasons to Bring Your Camera When You Travel in IrelandPosted on April 19, 2012 by Ginger Sanders
An Irish breakfast is something to behold; and something to photograph. A lovely array of oatmeal, toast, eggs, black pudding, white pudding (not the sweet treat it sounds), Irish bacon (really more like a slab of ham), grilled tomatoes and tea—lots of tea.
Irish Real Estate: Who’s Buying, What it CostsPosted on April 13, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In this dispatch, I’ll report on the results of Ireland’s latest fire sale. I’ll also look at some non-auction listings located along the scenic Ring of Kerry for less than $100,000.
Getting Paid to Travel Around IrelandPosted on April 13, 2012 by Terri Marshall
It’s Wednesday night and I’m sitting in The Roaring Donkey—a neighborhood pub in Cobh, Ireland—Guinness in hand as I attempt to sing along with my new friends, the residents of this colorful town. I’m here because a local invited me to join him and his friends for an informal “jam session” of traditional Irish music.
Mid-Life Adventure in IrelandPosted on April 12, 2012 by Gary Hetzler
A typical day for us starts with the braying of our pet donkeys Molly and Malone. Getting up to feed them and our goats is never a chore. We left Massachusetts for Ireland to live in exactly this kind of quiet, rural oasis.
Ireland’s Fire Sale Property BargainsPosted on April 8, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
The Ring of Kerry in Ireland’s south west is the most scenic drive I know. It takes you through 111 miles of the County Kerry countryside. Along her peninsulas, calm bays, sandy beaches and wild roaring Atlantic shores. There are attractions and jaw-dropping lookout points along the way.
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