In any expat’s journey, the planning required to get to Ireland comes first. Once you get here, though, it’s easy to forget the next step: coming to terms with being here.
In Part 2 of my conversation with Tom Lennon, we focus on what happens after you arrive in Ireland and cover some of the practical realities for US Expats that no spreadsheet can fully prepare you for.
We talk through car insurance and the driving process (and why your US claims history matters more than you might expect), as well as Tom’s experience adjusting to the Irish healthcare system. We also touch on cost of living, where some of the biggest surprises tend to come.
Tom also mentions what happens once you’re comfortable after the move: introducing your new world to friends and family, and finally shipping the golf clubs over!
If you’re a US Expat, Tom’s story will give you everything you need to manage the planning and day-to-day adjustments that make all the difference to a successful move to Ireland.
Main Topics Discussed in this Episode:
- Car Insurance & Driving in Ireland: Why your US car insurance claims history impacts your insurance cost, and what to expect when getting on the road in Ireland.
- Adapting to the Irish Healthcare System: A firsthand comparison between the US and Irish systems, including how insurance works and what surprises expats most.
- The Real Cost of Living in Ireland: Looking beyond rent to understand where expats often save money, particularly on healthcare and transport.
- Settling In & Building a Life Locally: The importance of small, everyday wins, from understanding local systems to putting yourself out there and making connections.
- Planning vs Lived Experience: Why even the best-laid plans only go so far, and how using trusted resources alongside real-world insights helps smooth the transition.
Resources Tom Recommends for Expats:
- Citizens Information service: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/
- Expat Taxes: https://expattaxes.ie/
- Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project: https://diasporasupport.ie/
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If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we’d love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at info@expattaxes.ie or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you’re considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/book-a-consult/.
Chapters
- (00:00) Introduction
- (00:50) Driving in Ireland & First Impressions
- (01:50) Car Insurance Explained for US Expats
- (03:46) The Reality of Insurance Costs
- (04:33) Planning the Move & “Creating Wins”
- (05:45) Settling In & Understanding Daily Life
- (06:30) Navigating the Irish Healthcare System
- (07:44) Public vs Private Healthcare in Ireland
- (08:37) Cost of Living: Ireland vs the US
- (11:04) Transport, Lifestyle & Hidden Savings
- (13:10) Adjusting to Life & Cultural Differences
- (15:56) Advice for Expats Making the Move
- (17:46) Looking Ahead: Life in Ireland
