My thoughts so far on my return to Ireland.

Ireland has changed drastically.

There has been massive economic growth which most people have benefitted from.  Things are looking up, people are more affluent and there is a positive outlook.

Walking around Dublin, or indeed down in Kerry, the level of immigration is highly evident.  There are all types Non-Irish and this is a major change to 10 years ago.  It is not so long ago that I remember walking down town in Killorglin with a black friend and cars were stopping in the street to stare.  Thats not long ago at all.

Just this week there was a black guy having his pint at the bar and no-one batted an eyelid.  In fact, he was well up on GAA and even had a Kerry accent!

However, there are downsides to the current state of Ireland.  People are generally less friendly.  Time is precious.  They dont have time to waste on saying hello or having a brief chat.  Its all about making money now – time is money, money is time.

With the clampdown on drink driving the idea of just “slipping for the one” is gone and more and more people are drinking at home and at house parties.

The Irish as great socialisers is fading fast.

It is great to see the dedication to work and committment to success that most Irish people have.  That is why we have been successful.  Long may it continue.

As regards my own attitude to Ireland – I am still undecided.  I still havent found work yet so it is hard to gauge how well I will adapt.  As time goes by I start to feel that I will not settle properly here.

To be honest, most people have got on with their lives while I was away so things have moved on.  It means that I am starting from scratch again and it will take time.  However, I dont have the drive or wish to go out and feel that I am in limbo for now.

Property has played a significant part in our economic development over the last 10 years.  Over 25% of employment is in the construction sector and there is a huge number of businesses that rely directly on property.  House prices have increased dramatically too and this has meant that many Irish people have a lot of equity in their house.  The banks are more than willing to provide credit based on this equity and many people have decided to buy a second house.

Because most people believe that Irish prices have peaked they have started to look at international opportunities.  This is a very risky investment strategy and the key to success in this area is based on research.  You MUST visit before you buy.  Be very careful of advice received from Estate Agents.  THey have their own interests to look after.

I believe that Thailand can gain significantly from overseas investors – the Irish, English and Americans are looking for good overseas opportunities.  If the Thais can sort out the ownership issues then this will mean that a lot of money will flow into Thailand.

But back to life in Ireland.  Yes, it has changed.  People are more affluent, more confident but are they happy?  I am not sure yet.  Time will tell.

Friends and Family – for sure this is the big miss. Having people to chat things through and people that know you for life.

Roast dinners – Sunday roasts – homecooked. I suppose I should learn how to cook them myself!

Jokes and innuendos – Irish people have a great sense of humour and I like to think that I have too. But my humour is lost on non Irish people – they just dont get it. And when I try to crack a few jokes people just think I am mad!