Ireland or Northern Ireland?

Question

My fiance and I are thinking about living and working in Ireland or Northern Ireland for a year but we've had conflicting advice. We were thinking either Belfast or Cork. We need somewhere with jobs and easy transportation, but we also want to be safe and not have to worry a lot. We would rather not be in a huge place like Dublin. If there are any reccomendations for smaller places that still have lots of resources that would be great.

Answer 1

hey id have to say cork as the north can be pretty unstable but then again its a lovly place and would have better transport etc. than cork

oh and just to set you straight cork is actually much bigger than dublin (its the biggest county in ireland)

Answer 2

Cork, 'cuz Belfast is as thick as Dublin, 'n Cork is niiiice this time of year!

Answer 3

You dont say where you are currently living, but if I had the choice of a working visa I would probably go with Cork.

I loved Belfast, and it really isnt as unsafe as you would think, but for me the difference would be where I could get as much time to live, and in my case it would be Belfast as I can get a 2 year visa as opposed to a 1 year visa down south.

I loved Ireland all over, so it wouldnt matter to me which end I was living in

Answer 4

I would recommend Galway as a place to work...its a lovely, buzzing city, with beautiful outskirts and plenty of transport.

if that doesnt suit, either cork or kerry...

Answer 5

I would definetly recommend Cork, it is a great city that has some beautiful areas surrounding it. It is not as hectic as Dublin but the transport system is second to none. It has had a lot of work done recently as it was the European Capital of Culture. The people are very friendly and your sure to have a great time!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Belfast is safer now since both the IRA and the UVF have disarmed but if u ask me the the ******* british should leave and leave Ireland to the Irish

Answer 7

I don't think I'd pick Northern Ireland - I think I'd still be a little on edge.

Dublin isn't huge - honestly - it's a fabulous place.  I lived on the south side (Dublin 2, 4 and 6) and had a blast.  Great transport, excellent pubs and restaurants, loads to do and genuinely a small town atmosphere.  If you really want to steer clear of it though, Cork is fine.  If you could do it, why not spend a month travelling around first, and then decide for yourselves?  Best of luck.

Answer 8

You probably can't go wrong with either place as far as being safe but I am not sure about the job situations there. But visiting both I felt safe in both places and I was a little leary before going to Belfast but after being there on four different occasions I always felt say and found the people very friendly and helpful....even one person went several miles out of her way to give us a ride back to where we were going after getting lost while out walking and that is one thing that happens when you are there in Ireland......you get lost but then you find things you were not looking for....so have fun.

Answer 9

Galway would be an idea. It's in the republic. It's a small city. There is also lots of smaller suburbs around there that you could go to. The room and board in Galway is also very cheap,

Answer 10

go too cork

Answer 11

Nicest city hands down is GALWAY!

Answer 12

Cork is easier to find a job in, a bit warmer, a bit nicer as a city, and a bit safer than Belfast. Depending on where you are from, it's probably easier to get a work permit (if needed) too. The 3 first links have a good selection of jobs to be found in Ireland, so you can have a look even before moving here.

If however, you are EU-but-not-Irish married to a non-EU citizen (or if you think of getting with your other half by then, or in Ireland), you will be way better off in Belfast. You would have to fight for over 6 months for a work permit for your non-EU part. (Just in case this would be applicable situation for you, see the last link). Maybe that is the only situation in which Belfast would be significantly better.