Clara--I had heard that rumor about no taxes, so it's true. Definitely an added incentive to make Ireland a full-time residence. You never know, we may meet up one day. :-)
Laura--Purchasing the home was a very smooth process thanks to my friends hooking me up with a solicitor right away. I would say the most difficult and frustrating part was wiring the money. We had to make 4 wire transfers and learned the hard way that the banks don't give you the going exchange rate, it's always higher, and we were never sure what it was going through at in euros the times we transferred it in dollars. Setting up electricity, home insurance, etc was a total breeze. And there is little property tax compared to the U.S. So it's the ideal location for a second home!
Thanks for all the well wishes on our new home in Ireland everyone! I'm still a bit overwhelmed by it all, but I can't imagine I'll have any regrets. There might be a memoir coming out of the whole adventure.
Peggy--Sometimes we are forced into change and it turns out being for the best. It sounds like you've found your perfect spot. :-)
Irene--Wow, that was quit the move. And I know exactly what you mean about encountering a place and thinking this is it. This is where I belong.
© 2003-2026