Swapping Stars for Shamrocks: Moving to Dublin as an American

Picture this: July 4, 2023, and I’m at Dublin Airport with Maria, our pup Zeke, and six duffel bags. We’d left New York behind, ready for a fresh start by moving to Dublin as an American. But here’s the kicker—we had no place to live! With my Irish citizenship from my grandparents, I had an EU passport, so staying was easy. Maria, however, needed an Irish Residency Permit, a saga full of forms and tea-fueled patience.

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The Great Dublin Housing Hunt

Finding a Home While Relocating to Dublin from the U.S.

Ireland’s housing crunch hit us hard. The population’s booming, but homes aren’t keeping up. Add Zeke, our English bull terrier on the restricted breed list—needing a microchip, tag, and muzzle in public—and landlords vanished. I sent 200 inquiries and got four replies! By day 10, we found a gem overlooking the Liffey River at Usher’s Quay in the Liberties, Dublin 8. It’s near the Guinness Storehouse and Vicar Street, though the area has some grit. We signed a 14-month lease, thrilled to settle in.

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Paperwork Chaos: A Yank Settling in Dublin

Banking and Driving Hurdles

I strolled to Grafton Street to open an account at Allied Irish Bank, but I lacked a PPSN number or PSC card. Setting up life after moving to Dublin as an American took three months of paperwork loops—you need one document to get another, but you can’t start without the first! A kind government worker finally helped, and we got our bank account. Also, your U.S. driver’s license won’t work here—it’s a fresh start, a tale for another day. For more tips, check Pro Tips for Yanks—it’s a goldmine!

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Making Our Dublin Pad a Home

Shopping Spree for an American Moving to Ireland

Dublin apartments come furnished—beds, couches, and all—but the small stuff is on you. We hit Dunnes Stores on Henry Street, Ireland’s Target, for bedding, towels, and a chair for Zeke. Then, we stocked up at Lidl in the Liberties with coffee, eggs, crisps, and meat for Zeke. Want more on Dublin life? Dive into Adventures in Dublin for the best craic!

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Falling for the Liberties: A Yank Settling in Dublin

The Liberties has it all—Michelin-starred dining, live music, and Guinness nearby. It’s got an edge, but we loved it. West Cork might call later, but Dublin’s charm holds us now. For more, visit Dublin City Council

for local tips or Citizens Information for residency advice—perfect for any Yank settling in Dublin!