I knew surprisingly little about Ireland before taking the plunge and moving here! I knew there was a lot of interesting history and a rich tradition of music and literature, and that several of my favorite musicians (U2 and Van Morrison) were from here –but that’s about it! Once we knew we were moving, I tried to read guide books and info online, but I still very much feel like a novice. I’m glad I have lots more time to get acclimated and learn about the culture, history, etc.
Here is a list of the top 10 things that I’ve learned/have surprised me about Dublin since arriving (in no particular order):

1. The diversity: as you walk around the streets, you hear so many different languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Polish). The population is still fairly homogenous compared to some other places, but with more and more people from various countries and communities immigrating here, it’s becoming much more of a melting pot than it once was.

2. The cafe culture: there’s much more of a tendency for people to get their coffee in a real mug and sit for awhile in a cafe and drink while chatting or reading the paper. If you want something to “take away” it costs a little less, but it seems like people value the experience of sitting and leisurely drinking coffee instead of grabbing it to go.

3. Speaking of coffee, a lot fewer places here do iced drinks. As one barista said to me when I asked if they had ice, “no, this is Ireland, it’s only warm like 2 days a year so it wouldn’t be worth it.” On the plus side, though, you can get any kind of milk (soy, rice, almond, etc) for no extra cost, unlike at home.

4. The bikes: I’ve been surprised how many people ride bikes here, especially for commuting. There’s actually a bike rental program (they call programs “schemes”) where you can pick up a bike from a kiosk, use it for however long, and then return it to another one of the many kiosks around the city. It’s kind of like zip car for bikes.

5. Dressing up: it seems people dress up a little more, both for work and in general. A lot more men wear suits to work (Jeff will have to once he starts) and in general there seems to be a little nicer “dress code” out and about. You do see lots of women commuting to and from work in their sneakers though (changing into heels once they arrive). I’m trying to break out of my standard yoga pants “uniform” and look slightly more put together (not sure I’m succeeding though :))

6. Acceptance of children: it feels like things are very family friendly everywhere you go and people are so friendly to kids (smiling at them, talking to them, etc). A few restaurants we’ve gone out to that have seemed like places that wouldn’t welcome children (like sort of chic/trendy seeming places) have had kids menus, high chairs, and been super accepting of kids. Also, it seems there are kids everywhere here. The majority of families I’ve seen seem to have 3 kids — seems to kind of be the standard.

7. The pubs and the friendliness: these didn’t actually surprise me because I had heard over and over how many pubs there are and also how friendly and helpful all the people are, going out of their way to welcome you. I’m finding both to be true.

8. The history: yes, I knew there would be lots of history to explore here (Vikings, Middle Ages, etc), but I didn’t realize just how much and how old. There are lots of prehistoric things to see and ruins even older than the pyramids! Looking forward to touring around the country and exploring all of that.

9. The bridges: there are some really cool and interesting bridges crossing the river (Liffey) here in Dublin. A few pictures below. One of the newer ones from the last few years is in the shape of the Irish harp.

10. The Irish language: I didn’t realize that Irish (one of the forms of Gaelic…there’s also Scottish and Welsh variations of Gaelic) is the national language. All signs and spoken announcements (like on trains) have to be in both Irish and English. It’s been very interesting to experience hearing and seeing this language that’s totally new to me. (Below is a picture of Isaac with the bilingual sign welcoming people to our new town, Clontarf).

There are also some different words/phrases we are learning here. In addition to words they use in England (nappy for diaper, lift for elevator, boot for trunk), there are a few phrases that seem unique to Ireland:

-grand: used for good, great, fine. “That’s grand” instead of “that’s great”

-thanks a million or thanks a mil: used for thanks so much

-craic (crack): means a good fun time. Also the expression “what’s the craic?” means “what’s up?” or “what’s happening?”

-cheers: bye

-jab: what they call a shot (as in a vaccine)

-scheme: a program of some sort. The education scheme, health insurance scheme, bike rental scheme, etc

Well that’s a taste so far of some of the differences I’ve noticed so far. I’m sure there will be more to come! Thanks a mil for reading this blog. Cheers! 🙂