Living In Ireland

When moving to another country, it is always a good idea to investigate the everyday activities and services it has to offer.

Education/ Childcare

There are three distinct levels of education in Ireland:

• Primary, which can be national school, multidenominational school or Gael Scoil (Irish School).
• Secondary education is from 12 years old.
Education runs for 5 or 6 years: 3 years for the Junior Cycle and 2 years for the Senior Cycle.
• Higher education is awarded by Dublin City University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Higher Education and Training Awards Council, National University of Ireland, University of Dublin and University of Limerick.

More information on http://www.educationireland.ie

Or if you are interested in international schools you can consult:

• Lycée Français d'Irlande: www.lfi.ie
• The American College: www.amcd.ie/
• The St Kilian's German School: www.kilians.com/

If you are looking for a chidcare in you area, have a look on the list:

• http://www.childcareonline.ie
• http://www.babysitters.ie
• http://www.southdublinchildcare.ie
• http://www.minderfinders.ie

Health services

In Ireland basic healthcare is covered through the PAYE/PRSI system (this is a % of salary deducted at source on a weekly/monthly basis depending on how you are paid) People tend to opt for additional cover with Private Health Insurance.

There are three different types of hospitals in Ireland:

• Health Service Executive hospitals
• Voluntary public hospitals
• Private hospitals

Private insurance will provide a full range of services. You will find covers for sickness, specialists, pregnancy, children, care home, dentist, hospital, fitness…

Types of private Insurance:

• Multiple cover: Provides a cover for hospital fees, specialists, drugs, dental fees, opticians and pregnancy. They are the most expensive.
• Hospital and Specialists: It covers the bigger risks, where hospital care and/or specialist is required.

If you want more information about private insurance, have a look on :

• VHI (www.vhi.ie/ )
• BUPA (www.quinn-healthcare.com/) 
• VIVAS Health (http://www.vivashealth.ie)

Entertainment

Pubs and Restaurants:

• www.menupages.ie
• www.irelandpubguide.com
• www.10best.com

Museums, Theatres and Nightclubs:

• www.dublintourist.com 
• www.visitdublin.com  
• www.dublinks.co

Sports, Fitness Clubs:

• http://westwood.hosting365.ie
• http://www.dcu.ie
• www.jackieskellyfitness.com
• www.crunchfitness.ie     
• www.golf.ireland.ie

Shopping: (Normal closing times are 6pm except. Thursday @ 8pm)

• www.stephensgreen.com 
• www.dublinks.com
• www.dundrum.ie (Stores close 9pm Mon-Fri, 7pm Weekends)