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
Learn more about Ireland and other European countries in our daily postcard e-letter.
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE report - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to a Changed Ireland
This special guide covers covers real estate, retirement and more in Europe and is yours free when you sign up for our IL postcards below.
Enter your email address below
Ireland Articles
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.
Uncovering the Magic of Ireland—For FreePosted on May 22, 2012 by Terri Marshall
People travel to Ireland for many reasons. Some go to unearth their heritage, to experience a glimpse of Irish history, to celebrate the spirit of the Irish people or simply to sample the spirits in the land of Jameson and Guinness. Not me. I went to Ireland to work. I’m a travel writer and my job is to bring the places I visit to life for everyone who reads my articles.
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.
News and Notes from Around the WorldPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
On the Cover This Month… Surrounded by picturesque farms, orchards and towering mountains, Vilcabamba …
Our Mid-Life Adventure in IrelandPosted on March 27, 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.
Find Bargains at Irish Property AuctionsPosted on March 23, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
Whether you’re looking for a country cottage for $150,000, a downtown pad for $130,000, or a place in small-town Ireland for $80,000…for the moment, these “fire sale” auctions are where to go. On the shores of Lough Sillan in County Cavan, there’s a four-bedroom pinewood lodge with an open-plan living area, a kitchen, sitting room, and bathroom.
Irish Property Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know…Posted on February 26, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
On March 1, real estate prices in Ireland will reach an all-time low. You could pick up an Irish country cottage for $9,750…a Dublin pied-a-terre for $46,500 or a beachfront hotel for $15,365 per room. You could buy at discounts of up to 90% off peak prices. You could buy with cash on cash yields of 22%.
Fire Sale on Irish Property – Get ReadyPosted on February 24, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Next Thursday (March 1) the sixth fire sale auction in Irish real estate will take place in the luxurious Shelbourne Hotel on Dublin’s Stephen’s Green. I expect prices will hit an all-time low. Finally, it’s truly “game on” for distressed sales in Ireland.
Look for Auction Bargains in Ireland this YearPosted on February 21, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
Among the sloping fields and rush-covered hills of Ireland’s “Drumlin Country” are thousands of lakes—big and small. In good weather, they glitter like jewels, and on wet days shine bog- black. You can see why the Celts thought of them as gateways to the underworld, although today you’re more likely to see a jet ski or fishing boat than a druid.
E-zine Extra: How to Search for Your Irish AncestorsPosted on February 21, 2012 by Robert Carry
It’s easier than you think to reveal your Irish roots. Your research begins with your family. Ask questions, collect stories, check out old photos, and search that attic chest or bottom drawer for any documents that might provide some clues.
Your Issue this Month – 5 Top StoriesPosted on February 2, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
Jessica has been on the road, exploring the best of Panama’s “close-in” havens. And in your February issue she reveals the places you’ll enjoy stunning natural beauty, yet have the modern amenities of Panama City on your doorstep… Farther north and closer to home, IL Mexico Editor, Glynna Prentice, discovers big discounts on beach-town properties in beautiful Baja California. Lisa Marie Mercer moved to the coastal town of Atlantida, Uruguay, to benefit her health, but she’s staying for the affordability and quality of life. In your issue this month she explains how much she saves on health care and what she likes most about her friendly, convenient new home.
Irish Castles, Mews and FolliesPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
If you like gadgets and bustle when you go on vacation, look shells, and tumbling-down structures—anything that hints at a quaint chapter of Irish history. Using traditional methods, local craftsmen faithfully restore each lighthouse, cottage, castle, or 19th-century school house. The rescued structures stand as solid as they were back when they were in full use 150 to 600 years ago.
Living with the Locals in Panama and IrelandPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
Being a firefighter was the best job in the world according to my husband Clyde, but after 26 years, it was time to retire. However, we were buried beneath a mortgage, car payments, gym membership, the high cost of health care, outrageous electric bills, and taxes, with no end in sight.
Dublin’s Secrets: An Insider’s Guide to the Top SpotsPosted on January 3, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
You haven’t come to Ireland if you don’t see a traditional music session, and there are plenty offered up for tourists in the Templebar quarter and beyond. But what no one knows is that just five minutes walk from there, behind the city’s famous Four Courts building, you’ll find the real thing.
- Easiest Places to Integrate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ireland 99/100 While small pockets of Irish people still speak the native Gaelic as …
Castles, Country Estates, and Commercial Units – the Fire Sale Continues…Posted on November 25, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
As I mentioned on Thursday, I’m starting to see some activity and more realistic pricing for bigger ticket sales in the Irish property market. I’m talking about apartment buildings, country estates, luxury resorts and commercial buildings.
Let’s walk through some examples.
- News and Notes from Around the World
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
News and notes from around the world.
Dublin’s Secrets: An Insider’s Guide to the Irish CapitalPosted on November 24, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
One of Europe’s 10 most visited cities, Dublin’s many museums, quirky tours (from literary …
Next Week’s Fire Sale Auction in IrelandPosted on November 24, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
In six days, Ireland’s fourth and largest fire sale auction takes place in the luxurious Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. In all, 112 lots will go under the hammer. I’ll be there.
As I predicted in earlier dispatches—prices are moving (slightly) down and yields up with each auction. More inventory is chasing a diminishing pool of buyers.
The Depth of the Collapse in the Hard-hit Irish Property MarketPosted on November 24, 2011 by Carol Barron
Ireland’s property price boom, which began in the 1990s, came to an end with the onset of the global downturn and real estate asking prices have been in free fall ever since.
Where to Look in the Year Ahead for the Best Property DealsPosted on November 9, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador. In a few moments, I leave for the north coast. This is Ecuador’s nicest stretch of coast. We have the opportunity to buy lots here with monthly payments of $500 or less. Because of the new highway we’ll reach the coast by 9.30 a.m. or so. In time for morning ceviche on the beach.
I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements in the coastal highway that runs south to Canoa since I last visited. I’ll send you my full report soon on the infrastructure developments and improvements at the Jama Campay project.
In fact, while the year is winding down…my travel schedule and deal pipeline is filling up. These are exciting times.
Retire to Ireland’s South CoastPosted on November 4, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
These days, though, any oncoming vehicle is more likely a modern SUV. But I am in Ireland, and it’s hard not to think in clichés. That’s because most of them are still, thankfully, true. Here the land is indeed green, the people friendly, the pubs cozy, the music lilting.
Irish Fire SalesPosted on October 27, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Today you can buy real estate in Ireland at discounts of up to 80% from peak prices. Here’s the “why” and the “how….”
Secrets of Ireland’s South CoastPosted on October 27, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
The hills are gentle, rolling, and impossibly green. In the fields, cows graze fetlock-deep in the lush grass, while clouds scud across the blue sky overhead. Leaving the modern motorway, you immediately plunge into a world of narrow, hedge-lined country lanes, primrose-colored houses, and gray stone manors. Now and again a curve in the road opens up vistas of blue sea. Down the road, round the bend and over the hillocks, lies sandy beach or rocky shore…
Seven Tips For Driving in IrelandPosted on October 21, 2011 by Darius Fisher
For your own, genuine Irish adventure, it’s best to get out into the countryside and explore. A rental car gives you the freedom to see Ireland on your schedule—if from the “wrong” side of the road.
Europe on Sale? Baloney!Posted on October 14, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
The economies of the PIIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Spain) are in disarray. Europe is in the throws of a banking crisis brought on by (among other things) exposure to Greek sovereign debt. Many of you have been asking if now is the time to jump in.
Fire Sale on Irish PropertyPosted on October 8, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Something big is happening in Ireland. There’s a way you could pick-up a two bedroom apartment overlooking this roaring Atlantic and in the middle of a charming town for as little as 42,000 euro ($56,000).
Your IL Magazine – 5 Must-Read Stories This MonthPosted on October 1, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
“First-World infrastructure, an honest culture, a beach-strewn coast, and a heartland of small cities and towns with cobblestone streets and historic stone homes… a place where gauchos still tend their herds on the rolling pampas, as they have for centuries…”
In this month’s issue of International Living Lee Harrison takes us on a tour of Uruguay, a 21st-century safe haven, a place where you can live beachside for $1,424 a month, and where expats are now arriving in record numbers… Find out what he’s learned living in the “Europe of South America” on page 18 of your issue.
Spend as Much Time as You Want in Your 2 Favorite CitiesPosted on September 27, 2011 by Marsha Swan
I’ve always loved to travel, so when I had to decide between the freedom of working for myself…and the stability of a full-time job, it was no contest—I quit. Since then, I get to travel more-or-less whenever I want. I’ve spent lots of time in Paris, France and am still based in one of my favorite cities: Dublin, Ireland. (Plus, I only work about 30 hours a week.)
How to Get an Irish PassportPosted on September 24, 2011 by Robert Bauman
“We are all Irish today.” That’s a ritual saying U.S. politicians repeat each St Patrick’s Day. They’re identifying with the nearly 40 million citizens of the United States, nearly 12% of the total, who trace their ancestry to Ireland.
Irish Castles, Land, and Ocean Views – Is It Time to Deal?Posted on September 22, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
As you know I have been watching Ireland closely for some time now. I have been studying….waiting on the sidelines for things to really get interesting. According to a survey of 50 markets published in Ireland’s Sunday Business Post this month, Ireland tops the table for the highest price falls this year. Our waiting and patience is being rewarded. The deals are getting better. I expect we’ll retain high flyer status in this regard. There will be further price falls.
More About Countries
- Nicaragua
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Ecuador
- Honduras
- France
- Italy
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Ireland
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- New Zealand
- Guatemala
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Brazil Visa and Residency Information
- Rolodex: Contacts in Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Croatia
- Costa Rica
- Uruguay
- Other Countries
- Panama
- Spain
- Australia
- Morocco
- Health Care in Brazil
- Taxes in Brazil
- Why Brazil?
- The U.S Virgin Islands
- Cost of living in Brazil
- The Economy in Brazil
- Brazil Real Estate
- Retire in Brazil
- Brazil Fact File
- Travel in Brazil
- Move to Brazil
- Brazil
