Moving Across the World: From the USA to Ireland

Back in early September 2021, I packed up my belongings to start a new chapter in my life by moving to Co. Limerick, Ireland. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to do as a young adult trying to make a life for herself - being thousands of miles and a whole ocean away from my family, friends, and hometown - but it has also been one of the most rewarding choices that I will ever make.

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My Background, My Roots

I have strong Irish heritage in my family (hence my surname, McCoy). Growing up, I remember that there would always be an Irish blessing somewhere around the house. I used to always love listening to my mom's stories about her time over in Ireland - so some part of me has always wanted to go live or study in the country.

My dad used to teach me a few Irish phrases here and there when I was younger, and my grandma put me into Irish dancing lessons as a way to connect with my Irish roots. I never used to think much about my heritage becoming such a significant part of my life outside of my home later on.

First Impressions

When first coming to Ireland, I had to quickly adjust to the culture and the customs, as they are drastically different from the United States. However, i am fortunate to have already have some familiarity with it all.

One thing that I will never forget about Ireland is the general friendliness of the people. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by peoples' manners and overall kindness and willingness to help. Another thing that was unanticipated was the similarities in the Irish weather to the weather back home in Oregon - I will say that this made the transition from living in Oregon to living in Ireland all that much easier and smoother for me to adjust.

Photo by Katie McCoy, Titanic Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

Adjusting to the Big Move

As exhilarated as I was to be moving across the world to a different country, I was also just as equally anxious and terrified - I wasn't fully sure of what exactly to expect, and honestly never had expected something like this to become a reality. In fact, it never really settled in that I now have residency in Ireland until about a month and a half after I had moved over.

I was extremely nervous at first about meeting new people and making all new friends, living a new life, going into unfamiliar social, economic, education, and political systems - but slowly and surly I began to build myself up.

The fear of being completely by myself and so far away from my parents does consume me now and again, but it is in those moments where I become more grateful for modern technology - where I know that my loved ones are always one phone call away, and if needed, just one days plane ride away.

Life in Ireland

People love to ask me all of the time:

"Do you like America or Ireland better?" or "I will never understand how you love it so much here, I can't wait to get out of Ireland."

To which I say: There is no world where I could possibly choose between both countries; both countries each have their lists of pros and cons, but both countries are my home nonetheless. Ireland is and always has had a very special place in my heart, and the same as well for America.

By now, I have settled very nicely into the Irish culture and lifestyle. I will also never tire from the never-ending very comical questions I get simply due to the fact that I am from America.

I will say this to anyone who dare asks:

If you have even the slightest opportunity to move abroad, DO IT. If there is one thing that I can promise you, it would be this - You will never regret choosing to live in another country.

Among the numerous hardships, challenges, obstacles, and queries you may face, all of the positives and benefits outweigh all else in the end.

Photo by Katie McCoy, O' Brien's Tower, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland