What makes you happy in your expat city in Ireland?

Ameerah Arjanee Contributor

Member since 11 July 2022

Ameerah ArjaneeContributor28 May 2025 08:00:29

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Hello, I am a content writer for 色花堂 Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what makes expats feel happy in the city where they live. We could love to get some testimonials from expats living in Irish cities (or Irish expats living in cities elsewhere around thr world). It can be about anything: the weather, the friendliness of people, the cost of living, how easy to use public transport is, how walkable the city is, how interesting the arts and culture scene is, the quality of the fresh fruits and vegetables, how multicultural it is, etc.

Lynegan10 Member

Member since 29 June 2021

Lynegan10Member28 May 2025 11:48:28

Finding Peace in Ireland: A Journey from South Africa

We moved to Ireland in 2017 and have called several places home鈥攆irst Ballybit near Carlow, then Leixlip, and finally, Dungarvan. One of the first things I noticed after settling in was how relaxed I felt. My son, who lives in the UK, had warned me: 鈥淵ou鈥檒l notice the difference when you go back to South Africa.鈥� He was right.

I returned to South Africa for the first time in 2019, and the contrast was stark. I didn鈥檛 feel safe. The tension in my body and soul tripled almost instantly. It made me realise just how much I had adjusted to the sense of calm that life in Ireland offers.

Living in Dungarvan gives us the freedom to walk along the Greenway, to cycle, to eat at restaurants with views of the bay. There鈥檚 a special joy in watching children of all ages walking to school, carefree and safe. Yes, Ireland has its challenges鈥攚hat country doesn鈥檛?鈥攂ut the general atmosphere is one of comfort, contentment, and peace.

It鈥檚 a beautiful country: green all year round, with stunning beaches perfect for relaxing, swimming, or picnicking. I also appreciate the practical aspects of living here: competition in electricity and gas prices, a great variety of supermarkets, and even the comfort of a taste of home. We found a wonderful South African shop in County Meath that sells boerewors and rusks, and a couple in Galway who offer koeksisters, coconut squares, and more. We鈥檙e truly spoilt for choice.

While I don鈥檛 work in Dungarvan itself and travel an hour each way, the commute is beautiful鈥攕ometimes awe-inspiring. I often imagine God sending out His art angels to paint the most picturesque scenes along my route.

We enjoy the Irish weather too鈥攊t鈥檚 certainly not as hot as South Africa, which suits me just fine. One learns quickly to adapt to its changeable nature. There鈥檚 always a raincoat in the car!